Most Valuable Video Games: 15 Rare Games Worth Serious Money

Why Old Video Games Are Worth So Much

The retro video game market has exploded in recent years, driven by nostalgia, a maturing collector base with disposable income, and the emergence of professional game grading by services like Wata Games and VGA. A sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. sold for $2 million in 2021, making it one of the most expensive collectibles ever sold. But you do not need a million-dollar game to profit — thousands of games from the 1980s through 2000s are worth $50 to $10,000 depending on condition and completeness.

The key value factors are: sealed vs. complete-in-box vs. loose, condition and grading, rarity, and platform. NES, SNES, and N64 games tend to be the most valuable, followed by Sega Genesis, PlayStation, and Game Boy.

The 15 Most Valuable Video Games

1. Super Mario Bros. (NES, 1985) — Sealed: $100,000 to $2,000,000

The game that saved the video game industry. Early production sealed copies with the sticker seal (not shrink wrap) are the most valuable. A Wata 9.8 A++ sealed copy sold for $2,000,000 in 2021. Even loose cartridges are worth $10 to $30, while complete-in-box copies bring $200 to $2,000 depending on condition.

2. The Legend of Zelda (NES, 1987) — Sealed: $50,000 to $870,000

Early production sealed copies with the NES TM designation (rather than the later revision) are extraordinarily valuable. A Wata 9.0 A sealed copy sold for $870,000. The gold cartridge is iconic but common loose — worth $15 to $40. Complete-in-box: $200 to $3,000.

3. Super Mario 64 (N64, 1996) — Sealed: $50,000 to $1,560,000

A Wata 9.8 A++ sealed copy sold for $1,560,000 in 2021, the second highest price ever for a video game. This was the launch title for the Nintendo 64 and a landmark in 3D gaming. Loose cartridges are worth $20 to $40. Complete-in-box: $100 to $800.

4. Pokemon Red/Blue (Game Boy, 1998) — Sealed: $5,000 to $84,000

The games that launched the global Pokemon phenomenon. Sealed copies in the original cellophane with the Esrb rating are highly sought after. A sealed Wata 9.4 A+ Pokemon Red sold for $84,000. Loose cartridges: $20 to $40. Complete-in-box: $200 to $1,500.

5. Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! (NES, 1987) — Sealed: $10,000 to $100,000

The boxing classic featuring Mike Tyson. Later versions were re-released as “Punch-Out!!” without Tyson’s name after his license expired, making the original Tyson version more desirable. Sealed copies with oval seal or round seal bring $10,000 to $100,000. Loose: $15 to $30.

6. EarthBound (SNES, 1995) — Sealed: $15,000 to $50,000

This cult-classic RPG had poor initial sales but developed a devoted following. The original big-box release included a strategy guide, and sealed copies are rare. Loose cartridges sell for $200 to $400. Complete-in-box with guide: $800 to $3,000.

7. Chrono Trigger (SNES, 1995) — $100 to $3,000

Widely considered one of the greatest RPGs ever made. Loose cartridges sell for $100 to $200. Complete-in-box with map and manual: $500 to $1,500. Sealed copies can bring $3,000 to $8,000. The DS re-release is also collectible at $40 to $80 complete.

8. Stadium Events (NES, 1987) — $10,000 to $750,000

One of the rarest NES games ever produced. Only about 200 cartridges were manufactured before the game was recalled and rebranded as World Class Track Meet. A complete-in-box copy sold for $750,000 in 2021. Even loose cartridges bring $10,000 to $30,000.

9. Conker’s Bad Fur Day (N64, 2001) — $80 to $2,500

This mature-rated N64 game had a limited production run near the end of the console’s life. Loose cartridges sell for $80 to $120. Complete-in-box: $300 to $800. Sealed copies bring $1,500 to $2,500.

10. Panzer Dragoon Saga (Sega Saturn, 1998) — $500 to $3,000

One of the rarest Sega Saturn games, with an estimated 20,000 copies produced for the US market. This 4-disc RPG is considered the Saturn’s masterpiece. Complete-in-box: $800 to $1,500. Sealed: $2,000 to $3,000.

11. Final Fantasy VII (PS1, 1997) — $30 to $2,000

The game that brought RPGs to the mainstream. Black label complete copies sell for $50 to $100. The misprint variant with no “i” in the FFVII logo is worth $100 to $300. Sealed black label copies bring $1,000 to $2,000.

12. GoldenEye 007 (N64, 1997) — $20 to $1,000

The iconic FPS that defined multiplayer gaming. Loose cartridges are common at $20 to $30. Complete-in-box with players guide: $100 to $300. Sealed copies: $500 to $1,000. The not-for-resale variant is worth more.

13. Hagane: The Final Conflict (SNES, 1994) — $300 to $5,000

This action platformer was only available through Blockbuster Video rental stores, making it extremely rare. Loose cartridges sell for $300 to $600. Complete-in-box copies are nearly non-existent and can bring $3,000 to $5,000.

14. Little Samson (NES, 1992) — $700 to $3,000

Released at the end of the NES lifecycle with minimal production, this platformer is one of the most sought-after NES games. Loose: $700 to $1,200. Complete-in-box: $2,000 to $3,000.

15. Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver (DS, 2010) — $100 to $500

The big box versions that included the Pokéwalker accessory are particularly valuable sealed. Loose cartridges: $80 to $120. Complete-in-box with Pokéwalker: $200 to $350. Sealed: $400 to $500. Prices have risen steadily as Pokémon collectors expand into game cartridges.

How to Evaluate Your Game Collection

• Condition is everything. Sealed games are worth 5x to 100x more than loose cartridges. Complete-in-box (with manual, inserts, and original box) is worth 2x to 10x loose.
• Check the variant. First prints, different label colors, misprint covers, and regional variants all affect value.
• Look for black label vs. Greatest Hits. Original black label PlayStation games are worth significantly more than the green Greatest Hits re-releases.
• Grade matters for sealed games. Professional grading from Wata or VGA can increase value, but the $20+ grading fee is only worth it for games valued at $100 or more.
• Do not open sealed games. If you find a sealed game, keep it sealed. The value difference between sealed and opened can be enormous.

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