Rare retro video games and consoles are fetching astonishing prices at auctions
London: Retro gaming is a fun trip down memory lane for many. But did you know that those old games and consoles could be worth a fortune? Seriously, some folks might be sitting on thousands, or even millions, just gathering dust.
As time goes on, certain games and consoles have become super popular, while others have turned into collector’s items. GameTop recently shared a list of the most valuable retro games and consoles, and the prices are jaw-dropping.
Let’s kick things off with the classic Super Mario Bros. Released in 1985, this game has become legendary. Mint condition copies have sold for a staggering $2 million (£1.64 million). Can you believe that?
And it doesn’t stop there. Other Mario titles like Super Mario 64 and Super Mario World can also fetch hundreds of thousands. The original Tetris, which became a hit in 1989, has sold for up to $1 million (£820,000) at auctions. It’s wild!
Now, when it comes to consoles, the most valuable item is actually a failed prototype. Back in the early ’90s, Nintendo and Sony teamed up to create a Nintendo PlayStation hybrid. Only 200 prototypes were made, and the whereabouts of 199 of them are a mystery.
One of these prototypes was thought to be lost forever until it popped up at an estate sale in 2015. It sold for over $300,000 (£245,000) in 2020 after a heated bidding war. Oculus co-founder Palmer Luckey was the lucky buyer, and he even vented on X about the other bidders.
Another rare find is the 2009 Nintendo Wii Supreme, which is decked out in 22-karat gold and diamonds, valued at over $400,000 (£327,000). And let’s not forget the Atari Cosmos from the ’80s, which is now a collectible worth around $25,903 (£21,215).
Handheld devices are also raking in the cash. Game Boys and various Nintendo DS models are highly sought after. One unique item is the McDonald’s Nintendo DS, made for employees in the mid-2000s. It’s not your typical gaming device, but collectors are paying up to $3,200 (£2,620) for it.
Other valuable DS models include the Pokemon World Championship Nintendo DSi XL and the Advance Wars Nintendo DS, fetching around $2,500 (£2,047) and $800 (£655) respectively. Game Boys are also hot, with the Famitsu 500 Game Boy valued at about £575 (£470) and the Mother 3 Edition Game Boy Micro going for $800 (£655).
