Unfortunately, video games have once again been linked to the criminal underworld. In this case, a man in the United States was arrested on suspicion of robbing a store with the help of the NES Zapper, one of the most iconic peripherals in Nintendo's history.

MAN ROBS STORE WITH AN NES ZAPPER

According to official reports, David Joseph Dalesandro, a young man only 25 years old, entered a Kwik Stop chain store on York Street in Sharon, South Carolina, wearing a mask, a wig, and a hoodie. He then showed the fake gun to the store clerk and demanded the money. It is estimated that he stole $300 USD.

The incident took place on Tuesday, May 30th at 5:45 PM, according to the report. Fortunately, local authorities found the alleged perpetrator later on the street and arrested him at a Dollar General, a very popular retail chain in the United States. The Nintendo Entertainment System gun was hidden in his pants.

The NES Zapper peripheral debuted in Japan in 1984 and was compatible with classics like Duck Hunt and Wild Gunman. Due to the Toy Gun Federal Law that came into effect in 1988, Nintendo had to color the gun to prevent it from being mistaken for a real one. However, original versions can still be found and purchased in collectible stores and portals such as eBay.

In this case, David Joseph Dalesandro painted the NES Zapper black to commit the robbery, although it was still possible to see the orange trigger. However, it is understandable that the employee did not identify that small detail in the heat of the robbery. It is unknown what charges and possible sentence the suspect will face.