Popeye bootleg cpo added
I recently picked up this NOS (new old stock) Popeye control panel overlay from Troy Smith (vidgameseller). The initial thought was that its a Willis piece, but after examining it, I’d say it’s a bootleg. Here’s why. The first thing that sticks out are the hand drilled perimeter holes used to mount the panel. You can tell they are hand drilled because of the gobs of melted plastic on the back of the panel. Second are the not-quite-round button and joystick holes which were also probably cut or punched by hand. Then there is the “punch” button hole, which still has the knockout piece firmly in place. I tried to move it, but it wouldn’t budge. The last reason is that it’s missing all of the familiar Willis Company text.
Willis may have made some “interesting” artwork back in the day, but they certainly had higher manufacturing standards than this. The Popeye cpo bootleg was probably made by a large scale operator looking to avoid the high priced Nintendo kits. It’s in great shape and a fantastic bit of cheesy, 80′s arcade art. I’m happy to add it to the archive.