Video game collecting has become a popular hobby among gamers in recent years. As the video game industry continues to grow, more and more people are taking an interest in collecting rare and hard-to-find games.
There are many different reasons why people collect video games. For some, it is a way to relive their childhood memories and reconnec with the games they loved growing up. For others, it is a way to own a piece of gaming history, with some of the oldest and most sought-after games fetching high prices on the collector’s market.
One of the biggest challenges for video game collectors is finding the games they are looking for. Many older games are no longer in production, and can be difficult to find in good condition. This is where the internet comes in handy, with online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon making it easier than ever to track down hard-to-find titles.
Another challenge for collectors is the cost of acquiring games. Some of the rarest and most sought-after games can be incredibly expensive, with prices reaching into the thousands of dollars for a single title. However, there are also many affordable options for collectors on a budget, with many older games still available for a fraction of the cost of newer releases.
In addition to the physical copies of games, many collectors also look for related memorabilia such as limited edition posters, artwork, and figurines. These items can add a personal touch to a collection and provide a deeper connection to the games themselves.
The most expensive video game collectible is a rare and highly sought-after item called the “Stadium Events” cartridge for the
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). In 2017, one of these cartridges was sold at auction for a record-breaking $41,977.
The “Stadium Events” cartridge was released in 1987, but was quickly recalled by Nintendo after they decided to rebrand their Family Fun Fitness mat as the Power Pad. As a result, very few copies of the game were sold, making it one of the rarest and most valuable video game collectibles in existence.
In addition to the “Stadium Events” cartridge, there are several other video game collectibles that are worth a significant amount of money. Some of the most valuable include the “Red Sea Crossing” prototype cartridge for the Atari 2600, which sold for $33,433 in 2020, and a sealed copy of the original “Super Mario Bros.” game for the NES, which sold for $30,000 in 2021.
Large price tags seen for vintage video games
“Stadium Events” for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES): $41,977
“Red Sea Crossing” prototype for the Atari 2600: $33,433
Sealed copy of “Super Mario Bros.” for the NES: $30,000
“Super Mario Bros. 3” for the NES: $15,000
“Super Mario Bros.” for the Famicom: $14,000
“Little Samson” for the NES: $10,000
“Super Mario Bros.” prototype for the NES: $10,000
“Goonies II” for the NES: $9,000
“Kid Icarus” for the NES: $8,500
“Blades of Steel” for the NES: $7,500
Overall, video game collecting is a rewarding hobby that allows enthusiasts to own a piece of gaming history. Whether you’re looking to relive your childhood memories or simply own some of the rarest games in existence, there is something for everyone in the world of video game collecting.