20 Video Games Still in Attics That Sell High
Video games from the 1980s and early 1990s, particularly cartridge-based games for systems like the Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Genesis, have become serious collectibles with graded copies commanding premium prices. Game value depends on the system, the title’s rarity, the condition of the box and cartridge, whether the manual and inserts are present, and the game’s popularity in collecting circles.
A single sealed or complete-in-box game from the early 1980s can bring hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
The Legend of Zelda Gold Cartridge
The original Legend of Zelda with its distinctive gold cartridge for the Nintendo Entertainment System remains one of the most iconic video games. A complete-in-box copy with manual and inserts in excellent condition brings $200 to $500, while cartridge-only examples bring $40 to $100.
The iconic status and the distinctive gold color drive strong collector demand.
Super Mario Bros. Original Release 1985
The original Super Mario Brothers for the NES, the game that revitalized the home video game industry, commands strong prices for complete examples. A mint-condition complete-in-box copy with all materials brings $400 to $800, while very good examples bring $200 to $400.
The game’s cultural significance ensures consistent demand.
Metroid Original Cartridge Complete Box
The original Metroid for the NES with its complete box, manual, and certificate of authenticity, remains highly sought by Nintendo collectors. A complete-in-box example in excellent condition brings $300 to $600, while very good examples bring $150 to $300.
The game’s iconic status and relative scarcity support pricing.
Super Mario Bros. 2 Complete Box Set
Super Mario Bros. 2 with original box and materials in excellent condition commands substantial prices among NES collectors. A mint-condition complete box brings $300 to $600, while very good examples bring $150 to $300.
The game’s unique position in the Mario canon increases collector interest.
Final Fantasy Original NES Complete
The original Final Fantasy for the NES with complete box, manual, and materials in excellent condition remains highly collected. A mint-condition complete box brings $250 to $500, while very good examples bring $125 to $250.
The role-playing game pioneer status drives consistent demand.
Earthbound SNES Complete in Box
Earthbound for the Super Nintendo with original box, manual, and all inserts in excellent condition commands premium collector prices. A mint complete-in-box example brings $1,500 to $3,000, while very good examples bring $800 to $1,500.
The game’s cult status and relative rarity ensure exceptional value.
Chrono Trigger SNES Complete Box
Chrono Trigger for the Super Nintendo with complete box, manual, and materials in excellent condition attracts serious SNES collectors. A mint-condition complete box brings $600 to $1,200, while very good examples bring $300 to $600.
The game’s critical acclaim and Square connection drive strong demand.
Secret of Mana Complete with Box
Secret of Mana for the Super Nintendo with original box and all materials in excellent condition remains highly sought. A mint-condition complete box brings $400 to $800, while very good examples bring $200 to $400.
The action role-playing game status and the developer reputation increase value.
Mega Man Series Original Games
Original Mega Man games for the NES, particularly the first release, in complete-in-box condition with excellent preservation bring strong prices. A mint-condition complete Mega Man 1 box brings $300 to $600, while later numbered sequels bring $200 to $400 each.
The series’ iconic status ensures consistent collector demand.
Kirby’s Dream Land Original Game Boy
Kirby’s Dream Land for the original Game Boy with complete box and manual in excellent condition attracts handheld game collectors. A mint-condition complete box brings $150 to $300, while very good examples bring $75 to $150.
The game’s charm and the Game Boy’s portable appeal drive demand.
Pokemon Red and Blue Original Game Boy
Pokemon Red and Blue for the Game Boy with original boxes in mint condition command significant prices given the franchise’s popularity. A complete-in-box mint example brings $200 to $400, while very good examples bring $100 to $200.
The Pokemon phenomenon and nostalgic gaming drive strong collector interest.
Duck Hunt Nintendo Entertainment System
Duck Hunt with the original light gun, box, and materials in excellent condition attracts both game collectors and technology historians. A complete set in mint condition brings $150 to $300, while very good examples bring $75 to $150.
The iconic periphery and the game’s role in NES history increase value.
Donkey Kong Original Arcade Game Cartridge
The original Donkey Kong cartridge for the NES or other platforms in complete-in-box condition brings substantial prices. A mint-condition complete box brings $250 to $500, while very good examples bring $125 to $250.
The arcade game’s iconic status drives collector demand.
Pac-Man Atari 2600 Complete Version
The complete Pac-Man for Atari 2600 with box and manual in excellent condition attracts early video game console collectors. A mint-condition complete box brings $100 to $200, while very good examples bring $50 to $100.
The arcade classic’s home console adaptation status drives demand.
Asteroids Atari 2600 Complete
Asteroids for the Atari 2600 with original box and materials in excellent condition attracts early game collectors. A mint-condition complete box brings $80 to $160, while very good examples bring $40 to $80.
The arcade-to-console adaptation and the classic game status increase value.
Space Invaders Atari 2600 Complete
Space Invaders for the Atari 2600, the game that established home console gaming, in complete-in-box condition brings strong prices. A mint complete box brings $100 to $200, while very good examples bring $50 to $100.
The historical significance and the iconic game status ensure demand.
Adventure Atari 2600 Complete Game
Adventure for the Atari 2600 in complete-in-box condition with manual and materials in excellent condition attracts collectors. A mint complete box brings $200 to $400, while very good examples bring $100 to $200.
The historical significance as the first action-adventure game drives demand.
Sonic the Hedgehog Sega Genesis Complete
Sonic the Hedgehog for the Sega Genesis with original box, manual, and materials in excellent condition attracts Sega collectors. A mint-condition complete box brings $150 to $300, while very good examples bring $75 to $150.
The iconic character and Sega Genesis flagship game status drive demand.
Altered Beast Sega Genesis Complete
Altered Beast for the Sega Genesis with complete box in excellent condition attracts both Sega and arcade fans. A mint complete box brings $100 to $200, while very good examples bring $50 to $100.
The arcade conversion and the Genesis launch title status increase appeal.
Shining Force Complete Sega Genesis
Shining Force for the Sega Genesis with original box and materials in excellent condition attracts strategy RPG collectors. A mint complete box brings $200 to $400, while very good examples bring $100 to $200.
The role-playing game status and the Sega pedigree drive demand.
When Cartridges Became Collectible
Vintage video games represent the dawn of interactive entertainment, with early titles becoming as rare and valuable as first-edition books. A sealed or mint-condition complete game from the 1980s or early 1990s becomes a historical artifact capturing a transformative moment in entertainment technology.
The finest collectible games combine scarcity, popularity in gaming circles, and pristine condition. A game that was produced in limited quantities or released late in a console’s lifecycle can appreciate dramatically as fewer complete examples survive.
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