"Outrageous" Stranger Things season 5 NES blooper leaves retro game fans outraged, albeit mostly in jest

The nostalgic 1980s vibe of Stranger Things reached a highlight in season 5 with a glimpse into Derek Turnbow's (Jake Connelly) bedroom, a dazzling display of toys and games reminiscent of a classic Sears catalog. However, a notable error involving Capcom's iconic action title Ghosts 'n Goblins has caught the attention of retro gaming fans.

In episode three, Derek's room is filled with vintage items like Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots and a Hang-On arcade cabinet, plus a prominently placed Domino's pizza box. Derek is seen playing Ghosts 'n Goblins on NES, with the console controller clearly in his hands. The issue? The TV shows the original arcade version of the game, not the NES port, which has different graphics.

This discrepancy has already sparked discussions online, with multiple Reddit threads, tweets, and a Threads post highlighting the mix-up. Most reactions are lighthearted, reminiscent of the humorous "I hope someone got fired" tone popularized by The Simpsons.

While the vast majority of viewers likely won't notice the mistake, dedicated retro fans now have a fun piece of trivia to share with friends. Another minor annoyance is that Derek is playing with the NES cartridge cover fully open, which could easily let dust inside the game.

For more insights, check out our review of Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 or follow our guide to the release schedule to see when the next episodes will arrive.

Author: Sophia Brooks