Video game collecting has surged recently, with specific titles commanding staggering prices at auctions. This phenomenon showcases the nostalgia, rarity, and cultural impact driving their value. Here’s a comprehensive look at the most valuable video games ever sold, symbolizing iconic moments in gaming history.
Super Mario Bros
Price: $2 Million
Luigi’s famous brother is the king of all in terms of sales and popularity. This franchise has spawned various iterations across all forms of media, be it TV, Film, or even comics. So, when a copy turned up at an auction, a collector was willing to fork seven figures.
Super Mario 64 (Sealed, N64)
Price: $1.56 million
Super Mario 64 broke records in 2021 when a sealed copy sold for an incredible $1.56 million. The game was the first adventure 3D platformer and is responsible for most of the mechanics we take for granted. Its historical significance and pristine condition made it one of the most valuable collectibles ever.
Tetris
Price: $1 Million
Still on the topic of creators and their amenities making the list, the original copy of Tetris, signed by the creator Alexey Pajitnov himself, made the seven-figure mark at an auction. This piece is so rare that no one has gotten a whiff of any other signed copy, further increasing its value.
The Legend of Zelda (NES, Sealed)
Price: $870,000
An early production, sealed copy of The Legend of Zelda for the NES was sold at auction for $870,000. As a juggernaut in the gaming industry, Nintendo has had some of the best mascots and games over the years. The Legend of Zelda is arguably one of the most recognizable IPs, thus justifying the mad rates.
John Madden Football (Genesis)
Price: $480,000
A copy of the original John Madden Football for the Sega Genesis fetched 480k. The game is one of 14 and is said to come from Madden’s personal collection. There are possibly more copies in the vault that might sell for more down the line.
Nintendo Play Station Super NES CD-ROM Prototype
Price: $360,000
Even consoles are not exempt from this madness. Before Sony was the sole seller of the PlayStation, they had a unique prototype collaboration with Nintendo that didn’t quite catch on. Several decades later, an avid gamer couldn’t wait to get his hands on this historical artifact.
Sonic the Hedgehog(Sealed, Japanese Early Edition)
Price: $360,000
Another Sega member making the list is our favorite blue-haired hedgehog, who minted a good $360,000. Recently, the Sonic mayhem might have gone down, but back in the day, the Sega mascot was a force to be reckoned with. The video games were hotcakes, so getting your hands on a sealed copy is no joke.
Super Mario World
Price: $360,000
At this point, we are inclined to believe Super Mario is the only game we should be looking out for. It’s astounding how many copies of this game have hit the six-figure mark. Surprisingly, some copies are iterations of a similar edition. Gamers, here’s Super Mario World with a price tag of $360,000
Super Mario Bros 2
Price: $324,000
The original Japanese edition of Super Mario Bros 2 went on sale, and the owner got a cool 324K from its sale. This copy is quite rare, considering it didn’t make it to the US, where the developers figured the game might have been too advanced for the market.
Mike Tyson’s Punch Out
Price: $312,000
An auction made waves when it sold a mint copy of this game for a staggering $312K. Its value is primarily due to novelty and nostalgia, as this game has inspired many memes and speed runs. People are still on the lookout for another copy lest they land a hefty payday.
Super Mario Bros. (Test Launch Version)
Price: $140,000
This version of Super Mario Bros. was released during a test launch for the NES. It set a record as one of the most expensive video games ever sold, and it fetched over $100,000. The game still had its sticker seal and hadn’t been used. It was in mint condition, a rarity in the video game world.
Nintendo World Championship Gold Cartridge
Price: $77,000
Considered a holy grail among video game collectors, the Nintendo World Championship Gold Cartridge was awarded to winners of the 1990 competition. Only 26 of these exclusive cartridges exist, and their extreme rarity has seen them sell exorbitantly, making them highly sought-after collectibles.
Stadium Events (NES)
Price: $41,300
Released in limited quantities, Stadium Events is revered for its scarcity, especially in complete condition. A mint, in-box version of this rare NES game sold for an impressive $41,300, and this underscores its value among collectors. Its rarity and nostalgia make it one of the most coveted NES titles ever.
Final Fantasy VII (First Print, PS1)
Price: $40 million (production cost)
Let’s take a slight detour from auctions and appreciate this legendary title. Final Fantasy VII is one of the most expensive games ever made, with a budget of $40 million. Its massive cultural impact and innovation in the role-playing genre make it an iconic title in gaming history.
Extra terrestrials
Price: $10000
Extra Terrestrials is a rare Atari 2600 game released in 1984. It was developed by Skill Screen Games and released minimally, making it nearly unknown until 2011. Its rarity and historical significance as one of the last games for the Atari 2600 contributes to its high collectible value.
