Who Is Shen Long? The 90s EGM Prank That Changed Street Fighter History

Shen Long EGM Hoax stands as the most legendary practical joke in the history of fighting games, originating from a simple misunderstanding that captivated millions of players worldwide. At 2Bluebox, we remember the days of standing in smoky arcades, whispering about secret characters and trying impossible button combinations to unlock the ultimate fighter on our favorite retro gaming consoles. We are here to separate fact from fiction and guide you through the real techniques that defined our childhoods.

This article delves deep into the Street Fighter 2 secrets that actually work, including the infamous guile handcuffs glitch—a coding error so severe it could freeze your opponent in frustration. We will explain how this glitch technically works via animation canceling and how it accidentally changed the genre forever. You will also discover how capcom translation errors accidentally birthed new lore and check the latest market data for Street Fighter 2 SNES price. Let us take a trip back to the golden era of 1991.

The iconic Street Fighter II intro — the coin-eater that ruled 90s arcades.

1. Shen Long: The "April Fool" Prank That Fooled the World 🤡

Do you remember where you were in April 1992? I do. I was standing in a dimly lit corner of a local convenience store, clutching a handful of coins and staring at the glowing CRT screen of a Street Fighter II cabinet. The air smelled of cheap pizza and desperation. Back then, we did not have the internet to fact-check rumors. We had schoolyard whispers and, more importantly, we had magazines. That is where the legend began.

The Shen Long EGM Hoax is the perfect example of how a community's passion can be manipulated by a clever prank. It all started with a victory quote from Ryu. When Ryu won a match, the text on the screen would read: You must defeat Sheng Long to stand a chance.

For us Western gamers, this was a revelation. Who was Sheng Long? Was he Ryu's master? Was he a hidden boss stronger than M. Bison? The speculation was wild. We spent countless hours discussing this mysterious figure.

The Reality: A Mistranslation

The reality, however, was much more mundane. It was one of the classic capcom translation errors of that era. The original Japanese text referred to Shoryuken (the Dragon Punch/Rising Dragon Fist), Ryu's signature move. The translator, likely working without context, interpreted the kanji for Rising Dragon literally as Sheng Long in pinyin. So, Ryu was simply telling his opponent they needed to master the Dragon Punch to beat him. But we did not know that.

The line that started it all: “You must defeat Sheng Long to stand a chance.”

The EGM Prank (April 1992)

Then came Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM). In their April 1992 issue, they decided to pull off the greatest April Fool's joke in gaming history. They published a detailed guide on how to unlock Shen Long, describing him as the master of Ryu and Ken.

The requirements they listed were absolutely sadistic:

1. Play as Ryu.
2. Win every single match with a Perfect (taking zero damage).
3. Reach the final boss, M. Bison.
4. The Impossible Step: You had to fight M. Bison to a draw for 10 consecutive rounds without either of you taking a single hit (running down the clock).

The infamous EGM April 1992 “Sheng Long” prank page — a legendary pre-internet troll.

If you managed this impossible feat, EGM claimed that Shen Long would jump onto the screen, throw M. Bison away, and fight you. The clock would stop at 99, and you would face a fighter with infinite speed and power.

I tried this. My friends tried this. Thousands of gamers believed it hook, line, and sinker. We burned through piles of coins (wasted tokens) trying to dodge M. Bison for ten rounds. It was grueling. The magazine even included a doctored screenshot showing Ryu facing off against this mysterious master.

The Legacy

This prank did something incredible. It proved that players were hungry for more secrets, more lore, and more hidden content. It forced Capcom to pay attention. The massive influence of this hoax is directly responsible for Capcom later introducing Akuma (Gouki) and Gouken into the storyline to satisfy fan expectations. The hoax became reality.

2. How did the Guile Handcuffs glitch change fighting game history? 👊

Now that we have covered the fake secrets, let us talk about a glitch that is 100% real, technically fascinating, and incredibly satisfying to pull off. The guile handcuffs glitch (also known in some regions as the Statue or Invisible Handcuffs) is a legendary trick specific to Street Fighter II: The World Warrior on Arcade and SNES.

This wasn't just a funny visual bug; it was a deep flaw in the game's code that eventually led to a revolution in how fighting games were made.

The Technical Mechanism: State Conflict & Animation Canceling

At its core, the Handcuffs glitch occurs due to a conflict in processing the character's state during an extreme form of animation canceling. The game engine tries to handle two contradictory actions at once.

When a player inputs a command, the game reads the input and triggers an animation (state). However, in The World Warrior, the developers did not implement strict enough checks (exceptions) for what happens when a special move and a throw are input on the exact same frame, or when one interrupts the startup frames of the other.

How to Execute the Handcuffs

Timing is critical. You are essentially trying to confuse the game engine into thinking you are throwing the opponent while performing a Flash Kick.

1. Select Guile: This works best in a player-vs-player match or against the CPU if you are quick.
2. Charge Down-Back: Hold the joystick or D-pad in the diagonal Down-Back position to charge for a Flash Kick (approx. 2 seconds).
3. The Input: While holding Down, quickly press Up to trigger the Flash Kick command.
4. The Critical Frame: At the exact same moment (within a specific frame window), press the Medium Punch and Heavy Punch (Strong and Fierce) buttons simultaneously.
5. The Result: If hit correctly, Guile will attempt the throwing animation. However, instead of the opponent flying across the screen, the game's physics logic breaks. The opponent will become glued to Guile, frozen in a stun state, standing right next to him as if handcuffed or turned into a statue.

Video: How to glitch Guile on Street Fighter 2 (Handcuffs). Source: Noob No Controle.

The Aftermath

Once the opponent is handcuffed, they completely lose control. They cannot block, move, or attack. Guile can batter them with attacks until they are K.O.'d. If you leave them there, the game might freeze or the timer will run out, leaving the opponent stuck in that state forever until you reset the machine.

Why This Glitch Matters: The Birth of "Combos"

This is the most important part of the story. The existence of glitches like the Handcuffs and other animation canceling oddities in Street Fighter II led to an accidental discovery.

The developers noticed that players were using these glitches to interrupt the recovery animation of one attack with the startup of another. For example, canceling a light punch into a heavy punch before the opponent could block. Originally, this was a bug. But when the developers saw how much depth and excitement this added to the gameplay, they decided to embrace it.

They polished this bug and officially named it the Combo system in Super Street Fighter II. So, every time you land a 20-hit combo in a modern game like Street Fighter 6 or Tekken, you owe a debt of gratitude to broken code like the guile handcuffs glitch.

3. Uncovering Street Fighter 2 Secrets and the Akuma Code 😈

While the guile handcuffs glitch was an accident, other Street Fighter 2 secrets were intentional, hidden deep within the code by developers who wanted to reward the most dedicated players. The most significant of these is the Akuma unlock code.

Akuma (Gouki) was Capcom's answer to the Shen Long rumors. After seeing the EGM hoax, they created Akuma for Super Street Fighter II Turbo. He was mysterious, dark, and incredibly powerful.

To face Akuma in the arcade mode of Super Turbo, you did not need a code, but you needed skill. You had to reach M. Bison without losing a single round (or match, depending on the revision) and within a certain time limit. If you did this, Akuma would appear, destroy M. Bison in seconds, and challenge you. This was the moment the Shen Long EGM Hoax spiritually came true.

Akuma’s sudden appearance — Street Fighter’s most mythic “secret boss” energy.

However, playing as Akuma required a code. In the arcade version of Super Street Fighter II Turbo, the steps were ritualistic:

1. Highlight Ryu for 3 seconds.
2. Highlight T. Hawk for 3 seconds.
3. Highlight Guile for 3 seconds.
4. Highlight Cammy for 3 seconds.
5. Highlight Ryu again for 3 seconds.
6. Press all three punch buttons and the Start button simultaneously.

If you did it right, Ryu's portrait would turn dark, and you would be playing as Akuma. He had an air fireball, a teleport, and damage output that was frankly unfair.

This code became a rite of passage. Memorizing it meant you were part of the inner circle. It is interesting to compare this to modern gaming, where characters are unlocked via credit card payments (DLC). In 1994, you paid with skill and memory.

4. Where can you find Arcade Machines Australia and current prices? 💰

Let us shift gears from gameplay to the physical world. As we sit here in November 2025, the nostalgia market is booming. I have spoken to many collectors at 2Bluebox, and the demand for authentic hardware has never been higher, especially in the ANZ region. If you are looking for arcade machines Australia, you are entering a competitive battlefield.

In Australia, the arcade culture was huge in the 90s. Timezone and local fish-and-chip shops were filled with cabinets. Today, finding an original Street Fighter II CE (Champion Edition) cabinet in Australia is a treasure hunt, often requiring you to browse a detailed list of arcade machines to verify the authenticity of what you are buying.

Where to look for Arcade Machines in Australia:

• Specialized Auctions: Companies like Lloyds Auctions occasionally feature retro tech.
• Facebook Marketplace & Gumtree: This is where you find the barn finds. Often, these machines need restoration.
• Dedicated Retro Groups: There are thriving communities in Melbourne and Sydney dedicated to restoring CRT cabinets, often serving as a hub for finding a retro arcade game console in good condition.

Street Fighter 2 SNES Price Guide (November 2025)

The home console market is equally fascinating. The Super Nintendo version of Street Fighter II is the best-selling game on the platform for a reason. There are millions of copies, but finding one in pristine condition is getting harder, especially if you are looking for a retro game console with built-in games list that includes this classic.

Below is a breakdown of the current market value (approximate AUD):

Note: Prices are estimates based on recent sales data in Australia as of late 2025.

5. What are the best ways to experience Street Fighter II in 2025? 🕹️

If this article has made you hungry to throw a Hadouken, you have options. You do not strictly need to spend hundreds on Street Fighter 2 SNES price. The market has evolved, and there are many types of game consoles available today that cater to different needs.

1. Modern Handhelds (Best for Portable Play)

If you prefer console portable gaming, there are fantastic modern handhelds available. We highly recommend checking out our guide on the best retro handheld for recommendations. Specifically, the R36S has become a community favorite for its ability to emulate arcade classics flawlessly. You can even check the comprehensive R36S games list to see if your favorite version of Street Fighter is supported.

Video: Street Fighter 2 on the R36S Retro Handheld Game Console. Source: VFP.

2. Plug-and-Play Solutions

For a more casual experience, you might consider a game stick that plugs directly into your HDMI port. The game stick pro is a popular choice for those wanting a simple plug and play solution. Before buying, read our honest gamestick pro review to see if it handles the input latency of fighting games well.

3. Dedicated Consoles & Emulation

If you want a device that does it all, finding the best retro game console that suits your budget and technical skills is key. Some users prefer a dedicated retro game console that mimics the look of the old machines but with HDMI output.

Whether you are using a retro gameboy style device or a dedicated TV game console setup for emulation, the options are endless. And if you are just starting your collection, remember that every game console game has its own unique feel and history.

6. Why are these glitches crucial for gaming history? 📼

You might wonder why we obsess over broken code and translation errors. In the modern era of gaming, if a game has a bug, it is patched within a week. If a translation is wrong, it is updated via the cloud. We have lost the permanence of errors.

The Shen Long EGM Hoax and the guile handcuffs glitch are artifacts. They are frozen in time on the silicon chips of the arcade boards and SNES cartridges. They represent a specific moment in technological history where perfection was impossible, and imagination filled the gaps.

At 2Bluebox, we believe that preserving these stories is just as important as preserving the hardware. When we talk about Street Fighter 2 secrets, we are talking about the culture of discovery.

Video: The mysterious story of the ILLEGAL Street Fighter II: Rainbow Edition. Source: Top Hat Gaming Man.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❔

Q1: Was Shen Long ever actually in Street Fighter II?
No. Shen Long was never a character in any version of Street Fighter II. The name was a mistranslation of Shoryuken. The character appearing in EGM (April 1992) was an April Fool's hoax. However, the character Gouken and Akuma were later created by Capcom based on these rumors.

Q2: How do I perform the Guile Handcuffs glitch?
You must play Street Fighter II: The World Warrior (Arcade/SNES). Charge Down-Back, then press Up + Strong Punch + Forward (Throw input) simultaneously. It requires precise frame timing to create the animation canceling conflict that freezes the opponent.

Q3: How do I unlock Akuma in Super Street Fighter II Turbo?
To play as Akuma: Highlight Ryu (3s), T. Hawk (3s), Guile (3s), Cammy (3s), Ryu (3s), then press Start + all 3 Punches. To fight him: Reach M. Bison without losing a round and under a specific time limit.

Q4: Why are arcade machines in Australia so expensive?
The cost is driven by scarcity, import costs, and high demand from collectors. Shipping heavy cabinets to Australia in the 90s was expensive, so fewer units exist compared to the US or Japan. Restoring them also requires specialized parts that are becoming rare.

Q5: What is the connection between the Handcuffs glitch and Combos?
The Handcuffs glitch works via animation canceling. Developers realized that players enjoyed canceling animations to link moves together. This bug inspired them to formalize the mechanic, creating the official Combo system in subsequent Street Fighter games.

8. Conclusion

The story of Street Fighter II is more than just a list of combos and tier lists. It is a tapestry woven from Capcom translation errors, community-driven myths like the Shen Long EGM Hoax, and technical oddities like the guile handcuffs glitch.

At 2Bluebox, we cherish these imperfections. They remind us of a time when games were mysterious and challenging. Whether you are hunting for arcade machines Australia, checking the Street Fighter 2 SNES price to see if your old collection is worth a fortune, or simply looking for a new game console to relive the past, the spirit of the fight remains the same.

We hope this guide helps you relive those glory days. Go dust off that SNES, charge down-back with Guile, and see if you still have the magic touch. And remember, you must defeat Sheng Long to stand a chance.

9. Further Reading & Resources 📚

To ensure the Trustworthiness and accuracy of the information provided in this article, we have sourced data from specific historical archives, direct technical documentation, and real-time market tracking. Below are the direct references used:

1. The Shen Long Hoax Origin (EGM Issue 33)

• Context: We referenced the specific prank instructions published in the "Tricks of the Trade" section, where the author "W.A. Stokins" claimed: "You must go nine rounds against M. Bison without being hit... Shen Long will appear."
• Source: Sheng Long Entry (History & EGM Scan) on Street Fighter Wiki (Fandom).
• Direct Link: Street Fighter Wiki: Sheng Long & The EGM Hoax

2. Translation Errors & Localization Analysis

• Context: The explanation regarding the confusion between "Shoryuken" and "Sheng Long" is derived from Clyde Mandelin's linguistic breakdown. He states: "The translator, likely working without much context... simply took the kanji for 'Rising Dragon' and used the Pinyin reading for them: Sheng Long."
• Source: Den of Greek
• Direct Link: Street Fighter: The Strange Legacy of Sheng Long

3. Guile Handcuffs Glitch Mechanics

• Context: The technical explanation of the "Handcuffs" (or Statue) glitch, specifically regarding the "Charge Down-Back + Strong + Forward" input causing an invalid throw state, is sourced from the community glitch database.
• Source: Street Fighter II: The World Warrior - Glitches Entry on Street Fighter Wiki (Fandom).
• Direct Link: Street Fighter Wiki: Handcuffs Glitch Mechanics

4. Market Data (SNES & Arcade Prices)

• Context: The price ranges for "Loose" ($45-$65 AUD) vs. "Complete in Box" copies of Street Fighter II on SNES were cross-referenced with historical sales data charts.
• Source: Street Fighter II Super Nintendo Prices historical chart on PriceCharting.
• Direct Link: PriceCharting: Street Fighter II (SNES) Market Value

5. Akuma Unlock Code Verification

• Context: The specific input sequence (Ryu 3s, T.Hawk 3s, Guile 3s, Cammy 3s, Ryu 3s + Start/PPP) is verified against the competitive database used by tournament players.
• Source: Street Fighter Fandom
• Direct Link: Akuma (ST) Unlock & Frame Data