Go back in time 30 or 40 years, think about your video game experience, and ask yourself this question: Did you ever consider that your favorite games could one day be worth millions of dollars?
Like most, your answer is probably no. You weren't thinking about the future value of your video games. Instead, your focus was solely on having fun — and there's nothing wrong with that.
However, a recent study reveals that many vintage video games hold quite a bit of value.
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The most valuable vintage video games
A recent study by Cribbage reveals that a sealed copy of ‘Super Mario 64 – Wata 9.8 A++’ holds the record for the most expensive vintage video game ever sold, fetching $1.56 million at auction. The study analyzed over 32,000 Heritage Auctions listings to identify the highest-selling video games and memorabilia.
Produced in 1996 for the Nintendo 64, this iconic Super Mario 64 title saw fierce competition among 16 bidders over three days before finally being awarded to a U.S. buyer. Given its release year and platform, this copy is likely one of the first ever sold.
In the game, Mario ventures to Princess Peach’s castle to free her and her servants from the clutches of Bowser. The player must collect at least 70 out of 120 stars from various worlds accessible through paintings within the castle to defeat Bowser and rescue the Princess.
Following closely in second place is a 1987 copy of ‘The Legend of Zelda – Wata 9.0 A,’ which sold for $870,000 in 2021. The early production certificate suggests it’s also one of the first copies ever made. It briefly held the record for 48 hours before being surpassed by Super Mario 64.
In third place, a 1985 copy of ‘Super Mario Bros. – Wata 9.6’ garnered $720,000 in a 2022 auction. Originally released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), the game has sold 40 million copies and significantly contributed to Mario’s enduring popularity.
Rounding out the top five are another 1987 copy of ‘The Legend of Zelda’ at $705,000 and a second 1985 copy of ‘Super Mario Bros.’ at $660,000, both sold in 2021.
Here's the remaining list:
Super Mario Bros. – Wata 9.4 A Sealed [Hangtab, 2 Code, Mid-Production], NES Nintendo 1985, USA
- Date Sold: Oct 29, 2021
- Sale Price: $492,000
John Madden Football – Wata 9.2 A+ Sealed [Cardboard Box], Genesis Electronic Arts 1990, USA
- Date Sold: Jan 28, 2022
- Sale Price: $480,000
The Legend of Zelda – Wata 9.6 A+ Sealed [Rev-A, Round SOQ, Mid-Production], NES Nintendo 1987, USA
- Date Sold: Aug 5, 2022
- Sale Price: $384,000
Nintendo Play Station Super NES CD-ROM Prototype – Sony and Nintendo c. 1992
- Date Sold: Mar 6, 2020
- Sale Price: $360,000
Sonic the Hedgehog – Wata 9.8 A+ Sealed [Made in Japan, Early Production], Genesis Sega 1991, USA
- Date Sold: Apr 22, 2022
- Sale Price: $360,000
Super Mario World – Wata 9.4 A+ Sealed [Made in Japan], SNES Nintendo 1991, USA
- Date Sold: Jul 9, 2021
- Sale Price: $360,000
Super Mario Bros. 2 – Wata 9.8 A+ Sealed [Rev-A, Round SOQ, First Production], NES Nintendo 1988, USA
- Date Sold: Oct 29, 2021
- Sale Price: $324,000
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