Rare video game cartridges often fetch prices in the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars when sold as physical copies. Physical media of computer games have already suffered the fate of gramophone records: collectors are hunting for rare copies and are ready to pay fabulous sums for them. And the cost of unique goods is only increasing: something that would cost a five-figure sum today can turn a collector into a millionaire in another 10-20-50 years. You can Melbet app download if you like sports betting. This bookmaker has a large selection of events, which is updated every day and consists of several dozen sports.
Here is a striking example: in the USA, a man bought a Castlevania cartridge for $90 thousand
A brand-new, first-run NES copy of Konami’s original Castlevania recently sold for an impressive $90,100 on eBay, as reported by GamesRadar. The game, discovered at a Texas estate sale, started with a listing price of $37,000 before skyrocketing in value. Two bidders, Frank “Grailmonster” Giaramita and Tom “minus_worlds” Curtin, engaged in a spirited battle for the coveted game.
Giaramita, an avid collector of rare items, acknowledged the significance of the sale on Instagram, noting that it set a record for the highest price paid for an uncertified, or “raw,” game. Despite his involvement in the auction, he expressed admiration for the eventual winner, suggesting the game could potentially be valued at up to $250,000.
Curtin, who ultimately secured the sealed copy of Castlevania, shared his joy on Instagram, revealing that obtaining the game fulfilled a 23-year quest. He reminisced about the sentimental value of the game, recalling it as the first one his mother ever purchased for him. Grateful for the support of fellow collectors, Curtin expressed appreciation for the historic significance of the acquisition.
As physical copies of vintage games become increasingly scarce in the digital age, the sale serves as a reminder of their enduring appeal and the dedication of collectors to preserve gaming history. While some may find the prices extravagant, the passion of collectors ensures these artifacts continue to be cherished for generations to come.
And this is not the first rare purchase on Tom Curtin’s account. Earlier, he acquired the only known copy of the game Socks the Cat for NES and, with the help of Kickstarter and the Second Dimension studio, is trying to bring it to release. By the way, Curtin had a lot of competitors! There were 130 bids on eBay for this copy of Castlevania. Therefore, there were still many connoisseurs of rarities who had enough money in their pockets to replenish their collection.
Private transactions cannot be tracked, but based on public records, here are some of the most valuable video games
Super Mario 64 (N64, 1996): Sold for $1.56 million in July 2021, setting a record for the highest price ever paid for a video game at auction.
The Legend of Zelda (NES, 1987): A sealed copy fetched $870,000 in July 2021.
Super Mario 64 (N64, 1996): Another sealed copy of this game sold for $799,500 in September 2021.
Super Mario Bros. (NES, 1985): A version from a mid-production run achieved $720,000 in November 2022.
The Legend of Zelda (NES, 1987): This game sold for $705,000 in October 2021.
Super Mario Bros. (NES, 1985): An early production hang-tab sealed version sold for $660,000 in September 2021.
Super Mario Bros. (NES, 1985): Another sealed copy sold for $660,000 in April 2021.
Super Mario Bros. (NES, 1985): This version fetched $492,000 in October 2021.
John Madden Football (Genesis, 1990): Sold for $480,000 in January 2022.
Sonic the Hedgehog (SEGA Genesis, 1991): A sealed copy sold for $420,000 in September 2021.
