The simplistic screen at the end of many of the
8-bit NES games, along with many other systems. The simple function of these screens were to signify that the player has
won the game, defeated a
vast evil, and overall kicked major butt.
The simple reasoning behind these screens never went further was thus, when one player beats Contra, there is no way to signify that you have won to friends but the screen. In the current era you can easily save the completed game on the memory card. A real nice use of the card but no great accomplishment because you can save EVERY five minutes.
When I defeated The Legend of Zelda for the NES the accomplishment was so great I snapped a picture of it, I believe I still have it somewhere. The fact was that the picture was my proof of the win; it was not marked on the save game. Yes I know the Zelda cart marked it but only for the first quest, not for the second quest. Many games had no save capabilities and those were normally harder games.
The whole purpose of doing the "screen where you have to press reset" was to allow the player, the gamer rather, to capture the great occasion how ever he chose. The most important way is to get a snap shot or videotape. I still remember the videotape of me playing Adventure of Link that was cool..
Perhaps when game manufactures become enlightened again the "screen where you have to press reset" will resurface along with unsaveable games, and sprite based graphics. Until that time we will have to remember out the old NES for this relic.