The short answer is yes, retro video games and consoles from the 1970s to 1990s are likely to continue increasing in collector value over time. Key factors like nostalgia, scarcity, and generational spending power will drive prices higher for vintage games in good condition.
As someone who grew up playing the classics, I totally get why retro gaming feels so special. Those pixelated adventures you experienced as a kid leave an indelible mark. Now as an adult, re-living those moments takes you back. But recapturing that nostalgia has a price, as iconic retro games become harder to find.
Let‘s delve into the forces making retro games valuable, which old systems and cartridges command the highest prices, and where this thriving collectors market may go in the future.
There are several key factors driving up prices on vintage video game systems, cartridges, and discs:
Prime Age for Nostalgia
Many 80s and 90s kids who grew up playing classic Nintendo, Sega, Atari, and PlayStation games now have incomes to relive those fond memories. Their prime nostalgia years match peak earning power.
- 82% of millennials say nostalgia plays a role in what they buy according to Eventbrite research. They represent a huge base of retro gaming demand.
Dwindling Supply Over Time
These classic consoles and game cartridges have limited supply:
- Only 2-5 million Sega Genesis consoles were estimated to be sold in North America according to Sega.
- Just 40 million Super Nintendo (SNES) consoles were sold worldwide before being discontinued according to Nintendo.
With a finite and diminishing supply decades later, rising collector demand drives prices up. Scarcity spurs value.
Iconic Game Design and IP
While modern titles feature stunning graphics, many retro games are considered all-time classics due to innovative design:
- Super Mario Bros. defined the side scrolling platformer genre and used progressive level design to ease players in.
- Sonic the Hedgehog focused heavily on speed and simplicity allowing players to blast through levels.
- The Legend of Zelda pioneered adventure elements like expansive worlds to explore.
These iconic characters, IP, and game design still influence modern titles today. Their lasting impact also boosts collector appeal.
Let‘s examine how console prices have grown for the Sega Genesis, which competed with the Super Nintendo system between 1988-1994.
Sega Genesis Console Values
| Console Condition | Current Market Value |
|---|---|
| Loose/Untested | $50-$75 |
| Loose/Working | $75-$100 |
| Complete in Box | $150-$300 |
| Sealed | $400+ |
Loose Genesis consoles in unknown condition run about $50-75. Getting one with controllers and cables tested and working normally costs $75-100.
Complete systems with all attachments, packaging, and documentation in the original box can fetch $150-300+ depending on condition.
Sealed, brand-new systems in pristine condition are very rare. They can sell for over $400, sometimes much higher for special limited editions.
Overall, working Genesis consoles are fairly affordable for collectors. But complete boxed systems or sealed units come at a premium.
Top 10 Genesis Games by Value
Here are 10 of the most valuable Genesis games based on market sales:
| Game | Used Loose Price |
|---|---|
| Stadium Events | $15,000+ |
| Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 | $300+ |
| MUSHA | $250+ |
| Contra Hard Corps | $200+ |
| Castlevania Bloodlines | $150+ |
| sharks! | $90+ |
| The Punisher | $70+ |
| Splatterhouse 2 | $60+ |
| Mercs | $60+ |
| Gley Lancer | $60+ |
Most popular Genesis titles like Sonic or Mortal Kombat sell for under $40 used. But truly rare games like Stadium Events can fetch astronomical prices.
Beyond the Genesis, the most coveted retro games based on recent sales include:
| System | Game | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| NES | Stadium Events | $72,000 sealed |
| NES | Nintendo World Championships | $100,000 loose |
| NES | Super Mario Bros. | $660,000 sealed |
| SNES | Super Mario RPG | $170,000 sealed |
| SNES | Chrono Trigger | $160,000 sealed |
| N64 | Super Mario 64 | $180,000 sealed |
| N64 | Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time | $156,000 sealed |
As you can see, iconic NES, SNES and N64 games sealed with packaging in pristine condition can sell for astronomical sums. While common loose cartridges are affordable, the rarest sealed copies attract huge bids from die-hard collectors and investors.
So should you expect retro game values to keep increasing? There are good reasons for continued growth, but some potential headwinds exist as well.
Factors That Could Boost Values
- Maturing millennial and Gen X collectors – As generations with disposable income who grew up playing these games age over the next 10-30 years, demand could surge.
- Limited re-releases – Iconic retro IP and code isn‘t always easy to port to new consoles, limiting supply.
- Hardware deterioration – Cartridge batteries die over time. Discs degrade. Working supply declines.
- New collectors/investors – Speculation around high prices draws in fresh money. More demand juices prices.
Potential Downsides to Growth
- High prices – As prices spike, more casual collectors get priced out, limiting the buyer pool.
- Advances in preservation – New technologies like flash carts and emulation boost availability of playable classics.
- Economic trends – Downturns reducing discretionary income could hurt demand for expensive games.
So while upside exists, especially for the rarest games, there are risk factors that could hinder continued massive growth. Market timing and game rarity will be key.
If you want to start collecting, here are some of the top outlets I recommend checking for deals:
- eBay – Largest selection, global buyers – but condition varies so inspect closely.
- DK Oldies – Reliable online shop with inexpensive common games.
- Local Game Stores – Ask locally about any retro game specialists to check condition and prices.
- Thrift & Garage Sales – You can uncover hidden finds for great prices but takes time.
- Convention Vendors – Big retro gaming conventions bring lots of inventory in one place to browse.
- Facebook Marketplace – Meet local sellers to inspect games and negotiate.
- GameGavel Auctions – Specialized auction house focused on rare collectible games.
I‘d search broadly, prioritize condition when buying, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Patience pays off.
When selling more valuable retro games, aim for specialty auctions like GameGavel or Heritage Auctions to get top dollar from serious collectors.
As someone who‘s been hooked on classic gaming since the 1980s, it warms my heart to see retro making a comeback. The games I grew up with are now considered collectible classics. While market ups and downs inevitably happen, the passion for vintage gaming continues to grow.
Key takeaways:
- Iconic retro consoles and games are steadily increasing in collector value each year.
- Nostalgia for 80s/90s kids combined with limited supply drives prices up.
- Complete boxed and sealed games in great shape fetch huge premiums.
- Market volatility is likely, but the most coveted retro games should retain value.
- For affordability, loose common cartridges are still within reach.
The retro gaming scene offers opportunities for profit-minded collectors, while also letting former kids recapture the magic. So whether you just want to relive childhood or hunt for valuable sealed copies, strap on that Nintendo Power Glove and enjoy this blast back to the past. The classics never get old.
