We are a record label and distributor based in Chicago, IL.

  • Correspond in English

    For English communication, please contact our director jack@cartridgethunder.com

    Jack Pochop
    代表取締役/Director
    ミュージック セールス/Music Sales and Licensing

  • Correspond in Japanese

    For Japanese communication, please contact our project manager rema@cartridgethunder.com
    Rema Shimamura

We are a record label and distributor based in Chicago, IL. We produce and distribute officially licensed vinyl records and collectible media. In addition, we are authorized distributors of amazing releases from across the world.

Some of our favorite in-house releases have included our officially licensed SEGA soundtracks: Virtua Fighter and Comix Zone. During the production of Virtua Fighter, we had the pleasure of interviewing legendary game creator Yu Suzuki, who is also included in the liner notes for that release.

In November of 2024 and 2025, we worked with composer Soichi Terada and co-published the Ape Escape Originape Soundtracks in partnership with his label, Far East Recording.

With an extensive background in both the e-commerce and film world, we are uniquely positioned to support all of our in-house and external releases with professional design and media campaigns. In addition, we work with a talented network of designers, audio engineers, and illustrators to produce top-notch artwork and packaging for our licensed products.

We approach every project as professional fans, and bring the utmost level of passion and quality to our products and releases.

Where to Purchase Cartridge Thunder Products (Worldwide)

We have been fortunate to partner with distributors worldwide. You can buy most of our products in Europe, Japan, and Australia via the links below.

  • Disk Union (Japan)

    Follow this link to shop Cartridge Thunder products on Disk Union.

  • Black Screen Records (Europe)

    Follow this link to shop Cartridge Thunder products on Black Screen Records.

  • Pixel Crib (Australia)

    Follow this link to shop Cartridge Thunder products on Black Screen Records.

Releases from Our Label

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We bring the utmost level of passion and quality to our products and releases. We are interested in producing and offering quality releases from all over the world, to everyone.

*Soichi Terada performing at Disk Union ROCK in Shibuya, Tokyo, on June 29th, 2025. This event celebrated the release of the Ape Escape Originape Soundtracks 4XLP box set.

SHOP THE LATEST

In December 2025, Soichi Terada played WWW Shibuya to celebrate the release of our Ape Escape 3 box set (Cartridge Thunder released this box set in partnership with Mr. Terada's Far East Recording). The event was organized and captured by Photo by Miyu Terasawa @mieuxxx_ (Instagram).

SHOP APE ESCAPE 3

We worked with Sega of Japan to officially license Virtua Fighter, Virtua Fighter 2, and Virtua Fighter 3tb on vinyl. Each release features interviews with series creators.

SHOP VIRTUA FIGHTER

From time-to-time, we produce films based on our interests. This includes promotional material for our releases as well as separate projects unrelated to commercial endeavors.

CT on YouTube

Below are reviews from real Cartridge Thunder customers.