Yahoo Finance 9 Vintage Video Games in Your House That Could Be Worth a Fortune
It used to be that back in the day, video games were seen as “just for kids.” It didn’t matter what the console happened to be or if the game was played solely on a computer — video games had the reputation for being technological toys that children played with.
However, the compiled nostalgia built up over time has only added to the value of certain games, with expensive and rare video games being sold for record prices to the now-grown gamers who can now afford them with their adult budgets. While most of the top-selling games involved a duo of plumbing brothers known as Mario and Luigi or a medieval hero called Zelda, they are not the only vintage games that are racking up big bucks.
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“Vintage video games are valuable because of their rarity, historical significance and nostalgia effect,” said Lucas Wyland, founder of Steambase. “The game’s condition is critical, with the CIB (complete in box) versions classified as more valuable. However, the prices can vary depending on the condition and the current market demand.”
Here’s a look at which games fetch the highest prices in today’s market.
9. EarthBound (SNES)
Estimated Starting Value: $200-$1,500
Console: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
“EarthBound, a cult-classic RPG, has seen a surge in popularity over the years. Complete-in-box copies, especially those with the unique scratch-and-sniff stickers still intact, can command high prices in the collector’s market,” said Mohammed Mukhtar, a tech historian with PocketAI.
Mukhtar says that this video game’s quirky charm and limited availability make it a sought-after gem for retro gaming aficionados.
8. The Legend of Zelda (Gold Cartridge)
Estimated Starting Value: $500-$1,000
Console: Nintendo Entertainment System
Mukhtar said that while the starting price might waver a few hundred dollars depending on the seller, the original gold cartridge edition of The Legend of Zelda for NES “holds significant allure for collectors.”
“Its iconic status and the timeless appeal of the classic game contribute to its high desirability among enthusiasts seeking a nostalgic piece of gaming history,” he added.
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7. Mega Man V (GameBoy)
Estimated Starting Value: $1,000
Console: Game Boy
The Game Boy changed the game for gamers who wanted to take their fun with them. And almost no other virtual character is more beloved or cherished as Mega Man. That’s because Mega Man provided hours of entertainment while on the road, in a plane or outside, all thanks to the new mobile, handheld device known as Game Boy.
“The ’90s kids would remember Mega Man V on the Game Boy because it was one of their favorites,” said Wyland. “You can find this game in your attic if you search for it. It is worth a fortune today in the market, with reports stating that a complete boxed version of the 1994 title can fetch at least $1,000.”
6. ET the Extra-Terrestrial
Estimated Starting Value: $1,535
Console: Atari 2600
When the beloved film “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” was released in 1982, it was an instant classic. The video game, released the same year, was not. In fact, it’s often lauded as one of the worst games of all time. But if you can find a copy, it’s value is out of this world.
“Its notoriety, coupled with the urban legend surrounding the alleged mass burial of unsold copies in a landfill, adds a unique appeal for collectors seeking this infamous piece of gaming history,” Mukhtar explained.
5. Red Sea Crossing
Estimated Starting Value: $10,000
Console: Atari 2600
When it comes to the one game you want to make sure to triple-check isn’t stuck in your parents’ old Atari, it’s definitely going to be Red Sea Crossing.
“The game challenges players crossing the Red Sea as Moses while dodging obstacles. It appealed to a niche Christian gamer market, with roughly 100 copies made,” Wyland said. “Only two copies are known to [still] exist, making this vintage game a rarity in the market. Statistics show that one of the copies fetched an impressive $10,000 in an auction. This game was discovered in 2007 at a local garage sale.”
4. 1990 Nintendo World Championship (Gold Edition)
Estimated Starting Value: $15,000
Console: Nintendo Entertainment System
The original Nintendo, an 8-bit third-generation home video game console, will always hold a special place in gamers’ hearts. And one of the games that stands above the rest for this console is 1990 Nintendo World Championship (Gold Edition).
“This unique game was never sold to the public but was instead awarded as a prize to the winners and runners-up of Nintendo’s Power Contest in 1990,” Wyland said. “This game is a collector’s item because only 26 versions were created. The game’s rarity is such that even a secondhand version can easily fetch $15,000 or more.”
3. Nintendo Campus Challenge
Estimated Starting Value: $20,100
Console: Nintendo Entertainment System
If you have never heard of, let alone played Nintendo Campus Challenge, do not fret. You are not alone, since most gamers originally thought all copies of this video game were lost to time.
“This game was initially developed for Nintendo’s campus gaming challenges,” Wyland said. “Many people thought that all the game copies had been destroyed until one version was discovered in a former Nintendo employee’s garage. The game was sold for $14,000 in 2006 and resold for $20,100 shortly after.”
2. Air Raid
Estimated Starting Value: $30,000
Console: Atari 2600
Air Raid is an ultra-rare Atari 2600 release for any gamer who knows their history about the legacy of gaming, especially in the realm of Atari.
“Only 14 copies of this game are known to exist, with fewer of those being CIB (complete in box). Air Raid had minimal distribution by its company, Men-A-Vision. Air Raid is a simple shoot-’em-up game with a unique cartridge design. Reports say that the first discovered example of this game was sold for over $30,000 in 2010.”
1. Gamma Attack
Estimated Starting Value: $50,000
Console: Atari 2600
“Gamma Attack stands as the rarest video game globally, commanding an astounding $500,000 valuation,” Mukhtar said.
“Its uniqueness lies in being a one-of-a-kind creation by Gammation Products, and it is believed that less than 20 copies of Gamma Attack were originally sold, making it one of the rarest Atari 2600 games ever released,” he added.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 9 Vintage Video Games in Your House That Could Be Worth a Fortune
