The world of video games is vast and ever-expanding, with new titles being released every day. But for some gamers, the thrill of the game isn’t just about the gameplay itself – it’s also about the collection. For these dedicated collectors, the rarest and most expensive video games are the ultimate prize.
- Super Mario Bros. ($2 million)
In July 2021, a sealed copy of Super Mario Bros., the 1985 game that helped launch the Nintendo Entertainment System and revolutionized the platformer genre, sold for a staggering $2 million at Rally. The game was graded a 9.6 A+ by Wata Games, a video game grading company, making it one of the finest copies in existence.
- Heritage Auctions Prototype NES Aladdin ($50,400)
In 2022, Heritage Auctions sold a prototype of the never-released NES version of Aladdin for $50,400. The game was developed by Virgin Games in 1993 but was scrapped due to licensing issues. This prototype is one of only a handful known to exist, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item.
- Black Rock Shooter Prototype PS3 Game ($11,000)
In 2021, a prototype of the unreleased Black Rock Shooter game for PlayStation 3 sold for $11,000. The game was based on the popular Japanese media franchise of the same name and was in development by Grin Studios before being canceled in 2011. This prototype is believed to be the only one in existence.
- Nintendo PlayStation ($300,000)
In 2019, a prototype of the Nintendo PlayStation, a console that was almost released as a joint venture between Nintendo and Sony, sold for $300,000. The console was in development in the early 1990s but was ultimately scrapped due to creative differences between the two companies. This prototype is one of only a few known to exist.
- Super Mario 64 ($1.56 million)
In July 2021, a sealed copy of Super Mario 64, the 1996 game that launched the Nintendo 64 and introduced 3D platforming to the world, sold for $1.56 million at Heritage Auctions. The game was graded a 9.8 A++ by Wata Games, making it one of the finest copies in existence.
- The Legend of Zelda (NES) ($870,000)
In June 2019, a sealed copy of The Legend of Zelda, the 1986 game that launched the iconic franchise, sold for $870,000 at Heritage Auctions. The game was graded a 9.4 A+ by Wata Games, making it one of the finest copies in existence.
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- Stagecoach (Atari 2600) ($1.5 million)
In 2021, a sealed copy of Stagecoach, a rare and obscure Atari 2600 game that was only released in prototype form, sold for $1.5 million. The game was developed by Activision in 1983 but was never officially released due to concerns about its violent content. This sealed prototype is one of only a handful known to exist.
- Air Raid (Atari 2600) ($37,100)
In 2021, a sealed copy of Air Raid, a 1982 Atari 2600 game that was only released in a limited number of copies, sold for $37,100. The game was developed by Activision and is considered one of the rarest Atari 2600 games. This sealed copy is one of only a handful known to exist.
- Nintendo World Championships 1990 Gold Cartridge ($183,800)
In 2014, a Nintendo World Championships 1990 Gold Cartridge sold for $183
- Resident Evil ($100,150)
The original Resident Evil, released in 1996, is a landmark title in the horror genre. A sealed copy with a Wata rating of 9.6 A+ sold for $100,150 at Heritage Auctions in 2022.
These are just a few of the many valuable video games out there. With the growing popularity of retro gaming, it’s likely that we’ll see even more record-breaking sales in the future. So, if you have an old game collection stashed away in your attic, it might be worth dusting it off and seeing if you have any hidden treasures!