Video games as we know them today have gone a long way since William Higinbotham, their founding father, released a pioneer interactive video system in 1958. Ever since game controls and graphics have recorded a spectacular makeover. Nonetheless, to some people’s surprise, the most expensive video games continue to be tied to old-school consoles like the Atari 2600. Despite their old age, these games have very steep price tags. This can be explained through several things. Keep reading to find out what these reasons are and which are the most expensive video games in history.
Why Are Some Video Games Worth a Small Fortune?
Many retro game enthusiasts know certain video games can carry a significant price tag. For collectors, the factors contributing to a game’s high value are clear.
Firstly, some of these games fall into the category of rare limited editions, with only a handful of copies available worldwide. Additionally, they often hold historical significance, whether due to record-breaking player engagement or sales figures, earning them a place in gaming history.
What sets these games apart is their profound influence on the gaming industry. Whether through innovative features, unique mechanics, compelling storylines, memorable characters, or other defining elements, these games have left an indelible mark, similar to the impact of well-known titles at no deposit casinos online. For instance, consider IGT’s Megabucks, which debuted in 1986 as the world’s first wide-area jackpot machine with a progressive feature, or the Lion’s Share slot machine at the MGM Grand, renowned as the most-played slot among a staggering 1,900 options, attracting players every few seconds, day after day.
These sought-after games often possess unique qualities that distinguish them from contemporary titles. Lastly, they maintain their value when their original packaging is pristine. Collectible games with any combination of these outstanding attributes can command exceptionally high prices in the collector’s market and at auctions.
The Most Expensive Video Games in History
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, video games went on an ascending curb and never looked back. The year 2021 was particularly profitable for collectors.
Two Super Mario 64 Variants Sold for Millions
Our list starts with Super Mario 64 – WATA 9.8 A++ Sealed, N64 Nintendo 1996, USA. The iconic game was sold during a Heritage auction in the summer of 2021 for a whopping $1,560,000. The following month of the same year, Rally, a fractional platform, announced it would be selling its 1985 NES Super Mario Bros. The action ended at $2,000,000. The Hang Tab, NES-GP, Code, Wata 9.8/A+ version of Mario’s first 3D adventure has no competitors, as there are no other copies graded higher.
Besides the undeniable cultural significance of these collectibles, both collectibles have an undeniable importance for the history of video games in itself, explaining the massive prices they were auctioned off for. While these particular copies of Super Mario Bros. are both expensive and rare, most copies are usually easy to find and sold at reasonable prices.
The Legend of Zelda – the Industry’s Grail
Next in line is The Legend of Zelda – WATA 9.0 A Sealed [No Rev-A, Round SOQ, Early Production] for NES Nintendo 1987 USA, sold for $870,000 in July of the same year. The copy is a variant that has seen four other 4 WATA-graded examples. The game is considered the “grail” in the industry thanks to the unique mix of cultural importance, rarity, and potential to be a timely collection centerpiece, hailing from Japan, the powerhouse nation in video games.
Sonic the Hedgehog – a Gem Worth Owning
This A-sealed copy of Sonic the Hedgehog with a WATA score of 9.4, while significantly lower than other WATA-scaled video games, was sold for $420,000 via the Golden Auctions platform. However, the original game is pretty hard to come by, making this score an important feature. Plus, if you know a thing or two about the lengthy drama tied to Sega and Super Nintendo in the 90s and that Sega’s mascot has been and will continue to be Sonic, you should understand what makes this game such a gem for any collector.
John Madden Football Created with the Iconic Figure Himself
John Madden Football – WATA 9.2 A+ Sealed [Cardboard Box] by Genesis Electronic Arts 1990 USA reached its new owner in exchange for $480,000 in January 2022. What makes the game so special? The fact that John Madden, the incredibly popular NFL coach, and broadcaster, offered his expertise to the game. Madden’s amazing deviation to create a game with highly realistic and accurate details led to a four-year development period. Madden even argued with EA developers on matters like how the game should be 11-on-11, commenting that he would not put his name on it if it was not “real”. In his vision, the game would have served as a tool to educate players on football, and his unflinching faithfulness to the process eventually led to the release of the “IT” video game with a football theme.
Final Thoughts
From cultural icons like Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog to the rare variants and historically significant titles, these games not only represent the evolution of the gaming industry but also serve as cherished artifacts connecting generations of enthusiasts.
