In the ever-evolving realm of video games, some titles stand out not only for their immersive gameplay but also for their extravagant price tags. These games are rare collectibles that have transcended the virtual world, becoming sought-after treasures for avid gamers and collectors alike. Join us as we unveil the five most expensive video games in the world.
1. Stadium Events – NES (Nintendo Entertainment System)
Claiming the top spot is “Stadium Events,” a game released for the NES in 1987. Developed by Bandai, the game involved running and jumping in various athletic events. Due to its limited release and a subsequent recall by Nintendo, only a handful of copies made it into circulation. In 2010, a sealed copy of Stadium Events was sold at auction for a jaw-dropping $41,300, making it the most expensive video game to date. Its scarcity and historical significance as one of the earliest NES games contribute to its astronomical value, Read More: mexpensive.com
2. Air Raid – Atari 2600
Ranking second on our list is “Air Raid” for the Atari 2600, a shoot-’em-up game released in 1982. What makes this game special is its unique cartridge design featuring a distinct T-handle. With very few copies ever surfacing in the gaming community, Air Raid has become one of the holy grails of video game collectors. In 2012, a pristine copy of Air Raid fetched an astonishing $33,433 in an online auction, making it an unparalleled rarity in the gaming world.
3. Nintendo World Championships (Gold Edition) – NES (Nintendo Entertainment System)
The Nintendo World Championships is a legendary event in gaming history, and in 1990, a special cartridge was created for the competition. This cartridge, adorned with a shiny gold color, became one of the rarest NES games ever produced. Only 26 copies were distributed to the finalists of the competition, adding to its scarcity. In 2014, one of these cartridges was sold at auction for an astounding $100,088, securing its place as one of the most expensive video games ever.
4. Gamma Attack – Atari 2600
Another Atari 2600 game finds its way onto our list with “Gamma Attack.” Developed by Gammation and released in 1983, this space-themed shooter is exceedingly rare, with only a few known copies in existence. The game’s scarcity, coupled with its impressive gameplay, has made it a highly sought-after collectible. In 2008, a copy of Gamma Attack was sold for $20,000, cementing its status as one of the most expensive Atari 2600 games ever sold.
5. Super Mario Bros. – NES (Nintendo Entertainment System)
Yes, it’s true – the iconic “Super Mario Bros.” for the NES finds its way onto our list due to a rare and unique version. In 1985, Nintendo held a gaming competition called the “Nintendo PowerFest ’94” in the United States. The competition used special cartridges that combined Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 2, and Super Mario Bros. 3 into one game. Only a few of these cartridges were ever produced, and in 2019, one of them was auctioned for an astonishing $20,000, making it the most expensive version of Super Mario Bros. ever sold.
These five video games have transcended the realm of entertainment to become treasured artifacts for gamers and collectors alike. Their rarity, historical significance, and the allure of owning a piece of gaming history have driven prices to astronomical heights. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, these rare and expensive titles will remain coveted gems for generations of gaming enthusiasts to come.