Will Game Boy Go Up in Value?

If you‘ve held on to your old Game Boy from childhood, you may be wondering if now is the time to dust it off and cash in. As retro gaming continues to grow in popularity among collectors, many iconic hardware and games from Nintendo‘s revolutionary handheld system are already valuable collector‘s items and investment assets.

In this in-depth guide, we‘ll explore all the factors that determine the current and future value of vintage Game Boys and games. You may be surprised just how much certain Game Boys and games are worth today – and why prices are likely to keep rising steadily into the future.

At a Glance

• Original Game Boys and certain games can sell for well over $1,000 if in pristine condition

• Nostalgia, rarity, and condition determine values

• Iconic Nintendo games like Pokemon and Zelda hold value best

• Game Boy Advance models are starting to appreciate as collectibles

• Prices for mint, complete Game Boys and games will keep rising as supply shrinks

What Determines Value?

When predicting whether your old Game Boy gear will gain value, there are four key factors at play:

1. Rarity

Limited edition consoles or games, especially still sealed, are much harder to find and therefore more sought after and expensive. For example, the extremely rare gold Zelda edition Game Boy Advance SP sells for over $1,000 now.

2. Condition

Collectors want items to be as close to brand new as possible. A complete in box Game Boy with pristine packaging and manual in "mint" shape brings a far higher price than a loose used console.

3. Nostalgia/Cultural Impact

The most iconic and beloved games with historical significance like Tetris and Pokemon Red & Blue hold their value the best. Being remembered fondly by millions boosts resale prices.

4. Brand Association

Official Nintendo games and consoles retain value more than third party releases. Mario, Zelda, Metroid and Pokémon are prime examples.

Now let‘s take a closer look at how these factors have affected the value of various Game Boy models and games over the years.

Game Boy Models – Then and Now

The original Game Boy released in 1989 is the retro console that started a revolution in handheld gaming. It sold over 118 million units worldwide, making it one of the most successful consumer electronics devices ever. Here‘s a comparison of original MSRP prices versus current value:

As you can see, even adjusted for inflation original prices were quite modest but have risen sharply based on nostalgia and collectibility. A sealed copy of 1988‘s Tetris for Game Boy sold for an astonishing $15,000 in a recent auction – a 30X return on the original $30 price tag!

Early Game Boy Advance models like the SP are already appreciating as well thanks to retro appeal and being discontinued. Complete, pristine condition examples are worth the most.

The rarest and most valuable Game Boy ever is the 35th Anniversary Pokemon edition Game Boy Micro. This ultra rare limited release can easily fetch over $1,000.

Why Do Game Boy Games Hold Value?

Beyond just hardware, certain Game Boy and Color games have become "holy grail" collectibles, sometimes selling for thousands of dollars if still factory sealed. Let‘s look at some of the most sought after titles:

• Tetris: An absolute classic and packed in with early Game Boys, it sold over 35 million copies on the handheld. Sealed copies have sold over $4,000. Even used cartridges bring $100+.

• Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow: The games that launched a franchise phenomenon in the late ‘90s. Sealed copies have sold for $15,000+ and carts can easily fetch $100.

• Zelda: Oracle of Ages/Seasons: Two legendary Zelda adventures for Game Boy Color that remain fan favorites. Each can sell for $300+ complete.

• Metroid II: The beloved sequel to the NES classic. Complete copies run $150+ due to popularity of the franchise.

• Warioland II: An icon from Nintendo‘s valuable catalog of games, worth $200+ boxed and complete.

Beyond the top tier, most popular Nintendo franchises and 1st party games hold some value, while more common games sell for under $50. But every now and then, a hidden gem rises and becomes valuable before people realize, like Gargoyle‘s Quest for Game Boy now worth over $400 sealed!

Why Game Boy Collecting Will Increase

There‘s good reason to think Game Boys and games will only rise further in the coming years:

• Increasing Rarity Over Time: As these items age and break down, working units and complete games in great shape become harder to find. New supply diminishes while demand rises.

• Strong Nostalgia Factor: Millions have fond memories of these classic games and consoles. They bring back the past and there are only a finite number left.

• Collector Interest Growing: As prices increase, more enthusiasts and investors enter this market looking to buy undervalued items before they rise further.

• Museum Pieces: Iconic consoles like the Game Boy deserve preservation for gaming history. Collectors are willing to pay today for items that represent important pop culture.

• Emulation Has Limits: While you can play ROMs on modern devices, serious collectors want authentic hardware and cartridges. This helps prop up values.

New products don‘t have the history and emotional connection. These factors make me bullish on vintage Nintendo Game Boys and games increasing in price for the foreseeable future.

Should You Sell Your Game Boys & Games Today?

Hopefully this guide has helped showcase the hidden value lurking in your old Game Boy gear. But how can savvy owners maximize returns? Here are my tips:

• Evaluate Condition Honestly: Complete, pristine condition items bring the highest prices. Be realistic about an item‘s true condition.

• Highlight Rarity: If you have a limited edition or low production relic, make sure to promote this. Rarity means higher prices.

• Patience Pays Off: Don‘t rush to sell items at the first low offer. Be patient for an enthusiastic collector willing to pay fair market value.

• Local Cash Saves Hassles: Avoiding shipping and marketplace fees by selling locally for cash is convenient if possible.

• Don‘t Open Sealed Games: If you happen to have any factory sealed games, leaving them unopened will guarantee the highest value. Opened copies bring a fraction of the price.

• Get Age Verification: If selling a rare item, have an expert assess the item and verify it‘s from the correct era with evidence. This increases buyer confidence.

The Game Boy was revolutionary over 30 years ago and remains an iconic piece of gaming history that should continue increasing in value. Keep your eyes open for that ultra rare piece buried in your attic, and with some patience, you may be able to cash in on nostalgia!