With this copy of Donkey Kong Jr. no Sansuu Asobi, my Famicom 'Pulse Line' collection is now one step closer to being complete

A part of me has fretted (only slightly, I assure you) for some time that I'd never own a complete copy of Donkey Kong Jr. no Sansuu Asobi--a Famicom game that's better known to folks outside of Japan as Donkey Kong Jr. Math.

I know that probably sounds silly to a good number of you, especially considering we're talking about an educational title, but here's the thing: I really want to complete my collection of the 14 "Pulse Line" carts Nintendo released for its maiden console in 1983 and 1984. (Some of my previous purchases in this vein can be seen here and here. Oh, and here.)



Seems like an easy enough task, right? Actually, it would be pretty easy to accomplish if it weren't for one thing--complete copies of Donkey Kong Jr. no Sansuu Asobi (as well as Popai no Eigo Asobi, or Popeye's English) can be pretty darn pricey, especially on this side of the pond.

As a result of all of the above, I all but gave up on the idea of owning anything other than a loose cartridge of Donkey Kong Jr. no Sansuu Asobi some time ago.



That is, until the copy seen in the photos published throughout this post popped up on eBay a number of months ago. Although I can't remember what this particular auction's starting bid was, I have no such problems recalling its selling price: $30. Or was it $35? OK, so maybe my memory isn't the best in the world.

Regardless, I got it for a whole lot less than the $100 to $200 price tags I've regularly come across over the last few years.

Sure, the game's still only marginally fun--although I'd argue that it's more enjoyable than most let on--but as you can see here, that $30 or $35 nabbed me some really sweet Donkey Kong Jr.-branded box art as well as a rather nice cartridge and instruction manual.

See also: 'A few photos (and words) that hopefully showcase why I consider Yume Penguin Monogatari to be my second-favorite example of Famicom box art'