StarTropics for Switch missing hint code required to complete it

NES adventure game StarTropics has just been added to the growing library of NES games on Nintendo Switch as part of the complimentary offering for Switch Online users. Additions to the library only add to the value of the service, so as players we should be happy right? Well, Nintendo has seemingly dropped the ball a little bit with this one.

The original game needed a secret code to pass a certain level, which was accessed through the physical manual when games actually used to ship with them. Not only that, but the quirky puzzle solution required another step; that the player dipped the page in water to reveal the code.

Since its 1990 release, the game has seen previous digital releases. The Wii U had a virtual console version of the title and came with its own workaround, as Nintendo simply released a digital version of the water-soaked page to enable players to pass the level and continue with the game. No such mention has been posted for the Switch version, which could leave new and unaware players in a bit of a pickle, and render the game unbeatable.

You can find the code here on Reddit if you've found yourself stuck too.

Do you remember any other strange gaming secrets from yesteryear?