In a remarkable rescue operation, gaming enthusiasts have saved one of the last remaining Sony KX-45ED1 televisions - a massive 45-inch CRT behemoth from the 1980s - just days before its potential destruction in Osaka, Japan.
The rare TV, which originally sold for $40,000 in the late 1980s (equivalent to over $100,000 today), was discovered in the waiting room of Chikuma Soba, a noodle restaurant scheduled for demolition. Gaming enthusiast Shank Mods orchestrated the rescue after learning about the TV's existence through a seven-year-old Japanese blog post.
With time running out before the restaurant's closure, Shank Mods connected with local game developer Bebe Tinari, who confirmed the TV was not only present but still operational. After securing permission from the restaurant owner, the team faced their next challenge: moving the 440-pound television and its 171-pound custom stand from the building's second floor.
The logistics of transporting such a massive and delicate piece of equipment required specialized handling. Through Tinari's industry connections, they arranged international shipping for the oversized cargo. The entire operation, costing the equivalent of a used car, was funded by a video sponsor.
The KX-45ED1 holds particular significance for retro gaming enthusiasts. CRT televisions provide the most authentic, lag-free experience for pre-HD gaming consoles, but most units only reached 20-30 inches in size. At 45 inches, this model represents the pinnacle of CRT technology.
After its intercontinental journey, the TV now resides in Shank Mods' parents' garage, where it has been carefully recalibrated to restore its original picture quality. The successful preservation of this rare piece of technology marks a victory for gaming history enthusiasts worldwide.
Plans are being considered to make this unique piece of gaming history accessible to the public, potentially through a dedicated display space or touring exhibition.