The phrase refers to the acquisition of pre-release versions of the popular Nintendo 64 game, Super Mario 64. These versions often contain differences from the final retail release, including altered level designs, unused assets, and debug features. Individuals interested in game development history and modification often seek these versions.
Interest stems from the opportunity to examine the game’s evolution and to uncover content that was cut or changed during development. This provides insight into the creative process behind a landmark title and allows for the exploration of features not accessible in the final product. Examining these pre-release versions gives a historical perspective on software development.