Will Old Video Games Be Worth Something?

The short answer is – yes, absolutely. As time passes, retro video games, especially rare ones in good condition, are continuing to rise substantially in value due to their cultural popularity, nostalgia factor, and increasing scarcity.

While most common games may only sell for a few dollars, the most sought-after retro titles can be worth hundreds, thousands, or even six figures if you have mint condition copies sealed in the original packaging. This guide will walk you through the key factors that determine old video game values and provide expert tips on reselling your own collection one day for top dollar.

Why Old Video Games Are Increasing in Value

Like fine wine or antique furniture, iconic video games that hold a special place in pop culture history become more treasured as they age. Here are the key forces driving up prices:

Rarity – For the most part, video games were considered simple children‘s toys in the 80s and 90s, so few cared to preserve mint condition copies. As unused games become more scarce each year, prices skyrocket for those still in pristine shape, especially limited editions.

Nostalgia – The 80s and 90s produced some of the most revolutionary, genre-defining video games ever made. Millennials have strong sentimental childhood memories tied to these classics. As they enter their prime spending years, nostalgia fuels demand and prices.

Collector Culture – Retro gaming has emerged as a major collectible hobby, with rare games achieving a status akin to vintage comics or baseball cards. Investors and enthusiasts are willing to pay premiums for prestigious showcase pieces.

Pop Culture Significance – Games like Super Mario Bros., Pokemon, and Zelda are deeply embedded in the cultural zeitgeist. Their iconic characters are globally recognized. This broad appeal greatly enhances their value as historical artifacts.

Factors That Determine an Old Game‘s Worth

While the general upward price trajectory seems guaranteed for retro gaming as a whole, supply, demand, and significance vary drastically from title to title. Here are the key factors that determine what a specific vintage game can sell for today:

1. System – In general, games made for older home consoles like NES, SNES, N64, and Genesis achieve the highest values. The older the system, the rarer surviving games tend to be.

2. Franchise – Flagship titles from legendary franchises like Mario, Zelda, Mega Man, and Final Fantasy sell for far higher amounts than less popular series.

3. Condition – Complete, pristine condition copies in their original packaging withinstructions can sell for as much as 10x more than loose cartridges alone.

4. Rarity – Low print run games, limited editions, unreleased titles, and odd regional variations are all hotly sought after by collectors.

5. Reviews – The critical reception and lasting impact of a game determines demand. All-time classics sell for more.

For example, a rare, sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. for the original NES recently sold at auction for an astonishing $660,000. By contrast, a common cartridge of Madden NFL 96 for the Sega Genesis might only fetch $1-2.

Highest Value Retro Video Games

Let‘s look at some of the top record sales for the most valuable video games ever auctioned:

As you can see, the top prices are dominated by iconic Nintendo titles from the 80s and 90s in immaculate condition. These are the games every kid grew up with, driving massive nostalgia-fueled demand among collectors today.

Will Prices Keep Rising?

For the foreseeable future, its expected that truly rare, high demand retro games will continue appreciating substantially in value:

• As surviving sealed copies dwindle each year, prices will keep rising. There are likely less than 100 pristine copies left of games like Mario 64 or Zelda.

• Major record auction sales act as ceilings, raising the perceived value and price ceiling for the entire collecting scene.

• Nostalgia should continue driving demand as millennials enter peak spending years and share classics with their kids.

• Vintage gaming has emerged as a prestigious, competitive collecting hobby akin to baseball cards. More investors are viewing iconic games as alternative assets.

However, not all old games become valuable. Common titles with low demand like basic sports games have stagnant low values. But for legendary games that defined pop culture, the sky‘s the limit.

Expert Tips for Reselling Your Old Games

If you have a stash of childhood video games collecting dust, here are some expert pointers for maximizing your profits:

• Carefully research sold prices for your exact games and editions using PriceCharting.com or recent eBay listings. Values can differ wildly.

• Individually sell valuable and rare games. Don‘t bundle them or sell large lots. You leave money on the table.

• Sealed, mint condition games should be professionally graded. This verifies authenticity and condition for buyers.

• For ultra-rare items, consider auctioning through Heritage Auctions which handles all the major gaming record sales.

• Loose discs and cartridges still sell, but complete copies with instructions and box art fetch far higher prices.

• Take high resolution photos and write detailed descriptions of condition and content for online listings.

• Pack games very carefully when shipping. Video game grading companies like Wata Games even double box and overwrap them.

With some savvy research and strategic selling, your old nostalgic Nintendo and Sega games could be worth far more than you‘d ever imagine. The demand from collectors and investors is only continuing to grow. Now is the time to dust off and cash in on your vintage gaming treasures before they become even more scarce and valuable!