Old cartridges gathering dust might be worth more than expected. Certain classic games have become collector’s gold, driven by rarity, condition, and historical relevance. While many were once common, limited runs and forgotten editions have pushed prices up. So, let’s explore 20 video game titles that now command serious cash in resale and collector markets.
Stadium Events (NES)
In 2017, a sealed copy of “Stadium Events” sold privately for over $40,000. It was originally released by Bandai in 1987 through select Woolworths stores, but it was swiftly recalled and rebranded as “World Class Track Meet.” Today, loose copies fetch over $10,000, while sealed ones command far higher prices.
Nintendo World Championships 1990 (NES)
Created for a 29-city tournament, these cartridges were never sold commercially. Just 90 gray versions were given to finalists, while 26 gold ones were awarded as contest prizes. Their verified origins have driven prices sky-high, with some gold copies topping $100,000, confirmed by Heritage Auctions multiple times.
Tetris (Sega Genesis)
Sega’s “Tetris” was pulled after a legal clash with Nintendo over exclusive console rights. Production halted in 1989, and only a few copies survived. With fewer than a dozen cartridges confirmed, this unlicensed version remains among the rarest Genesis titles.
Rule Of Rose (PS2)
Controversy over violent and suggestive content led to bans and canceled releases in several countries, including Italy and the UK. Limited distribution followed. The psychological horror game has since gained cult status. Sealed North American copies peaked at around $1,200 in 2022, fueled by collectors and preservationists alike.
Cheetahmen II (NES)
Active Enterprises folded before this sequel’s official release. In the 1990s, warehouse finds revealed unsold copies, most of which were buggy and unplayable. Still, rarity drove prices upward. A 2012 Kickstarter funded a playable reprint, which reignited demand. Original cartridges now often sell for over $1,500 in resale markets.
EarthBound (SNES)
Initially released with scratch-and-sniff ads and a full-size box, “EarthBound” flopped in the 1990s. Its cult following grew through “Smash Bros.” and digital re-releases. After debuting on the Virtual Console in 2015, demand surged. Today, boxed copies consistently sell for over $1,000, particularly those with all original inserts.
Bonk’s Adventure (NES Version)
Complete copies have sold for over $2,000, largely due to scarcity. The NES version differs significantly in graphics and sound, and it deviates from its origins on the TurboGrafx-16. Its short production cycle and platform crossover added to its rarity. Hudson Soft’s unexpected NES port followed Bonk’s role as a TurboGrafx mascot.
Musha (Sega Genesis)
Compile’s “Musha” stood out for its fast-paced vertical shooting and heavy metal soundtrack. It saw a very limited release in the U.S., and manuals are especially hard to find. Collector interest has soared, with boxed U.S. versions reaching over $1,500 and Japanese editions trailing slightly behind in price.
Panzer Dragoon Saga (Sega Saturn)
In 2023, well-preserved sets sold for over $1,500, which sustained collector demand despite digital inaccessibility. Saturn emulators remain unreliable, and the game’s four-disc format is prone to damage. Released in 1998 during Saturn’s decline, “Panzer Dragoon Saga” saw fewer than 30,000 Western copies printed.
Fire Emblem: Path Of Radiance (GameCube)
Before “Fire Emblem” gained Western traction, this 2005 GameCube entry struggled due to a low install base. Interest spiked after later titles in the franchise were released. Today, boxed copies with manuals regularly fetch over $300. Its deep tactical gameplay and character-driven plot helped it earn cult-classic status post-launch.
Hagane: The Final Conflict (SNES)
Long believed to be a Blockbuster exclusive, “Hagane” never appeared in major retail ads. Nintendo Power mentioned it briefly, which fueled the mystery. While some doubt the rental-only origin, its scarcity is unquestioned. Today, sealed copies frequently sell for over $1,000, driven by a renewed appreciation for its fast-paced combat and visuals.
ClayFighter: Sculptor’s Cut (N64)
Complete copies now fetch over $1,400, especially if the Blockbuster sticker remains intact. Released exclusively through Blockbuster in 1998, this altered version of “ClayFighter 63⅓” included characters and animations unavailable elsewhere. The N64’s late-life timing limited production, which added to its modern rarity.
Mega Man V (Game Boy)
Unlike earlier handheld entries, “Mega Man V” featured entirely new robot masters, making it unique. Released during the Game Boy’s decline, few units were produced. U.S. copies are especially rare compared to Japanese editions. Complete-in-box sets now hover around $800, with sealed ones demanding far more.
Shantae (Game Boy Color)
Complete copies now sell for up to $2,000 on collector markets. Its late release and cult following fueled value. Developed by WayForward and published by Capcom, it had a small print run. Shantae launched in 2002 after the Game Boy Advance had overtaken store shelves.
Suikoden II (PlayStation)
Konami’s limited U.S. print run made it scarce from the start. Released in 1999 and overshadowed by Final Fantasy VIII, Suikoden II received little marketing. In recent years, its reputation as a top-tier RPG has soared. Sealed copies now exceed $1,500, while loose discs stay around $250.
The Flintstones: Surprise At Dinosaur Peak (NES)
Released near the NES’s commercial end, this title was a rental-only release through Blockbuster. Today, complete copies sell for between $1,200 and $1,800, especially when accompanied by original packaging. Most players never owned a copy, and few were preserved. Once collectors confirmed its exclusive path, prices jumped.
Hyper Fighting Championship Edition (Sega Genesis)
Its unofficial status and accurate arcade emulation made it highly desirable. Complete copies have fetched over $3,000 from dedicated fighting game collectors. Released as a rare unlicensed version in the early 1990s, this “Street Fighter II” port had limited distribution through mail-order and niche importers.
Snow Bros. (NES)
“Snow Bros.” was developed by Toaplan and ported to the NES late in the console’s life. Its limited U.S. release and high-quality arcade-style gameplay created strong aftermarket demand. Boxed sets in good condition now sell for $1,500 or more among fans of rare platform titles.
Spud’s Adventure (Game Boy)
Its scarcity and Atlus branding have made it a top Game Boy collectible. Complete copies can exceed $2,000, especially those with intact manuals and original packaging. Published by Atlus in 1991, “Spud’s Adventure” was part of a quirky RPG series that saw limited release.
