Whether it is due to nostalgia, or simply because it is something they are simply interested in, collectors have been increasingly buying up vintage toys and collectables – and that includes video games. Stores likes Muzeum that buy gold and other collectables can attest first-hand to the crazy amount that people are willing to spend on these rare vintage items.
But not just any old dusty game will be worth a decent amount of money. Like any collectible, factors like rarity and condition need to be considered (like whether or not it’s still in its original packaging).
Take, for instance, these four rare video games that you can find listed for insanely high prices. If you have any of these lying around, it may be time to check out how much they could be worth.
1. Conker’s Bad Fur Day for the N64
Released in 2001, Conker’s Bad Fur Day is considered one of the best games ever released for the N64 and holds a special place in the hearts of a number of adults who played it when they were a kid. A boxed version of the game can go for 100 plus dollars, and a VGA-rated version (meaning that it’s a game that was authenticated by the Video Game Authority) can go for 900 dollars and up.
2. Luigi’s Mansion for the GameCube
This popular game was the star of the GameCube with over two million units sold, earning itself a “Player’s Choice” edition that was released in large quantities. Subsequently, the original “black label” version that was verified by the VGA is now worth quite a lot to those who treasure it and want a copy of their own. Prices for an original version still in its packaging can be listed for 800 dollars or more.
3. Tetris for Sega Genesis/Mega Drive
While Tetris in itself is not a rare game, the cartridge version for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive only had ten copies created because of legal issues with Nintendo who had exclusive rights to it. Due to its rarity, this version of Tetris has become incredibly valuable, with a signed copy (by game developer Alexey Pajitnov, no less) selling at auction for one million dollars.
4. The King of Fighters 2000 for the Neo Geo
The King of Fighters franchise has seen a lot of success in Japan but not so much in other countries. In 2000, The King of Fighters 2000 was released by the struggling developer SNK onto the Neo Geo and arcades exclusively in Japan, which would be its final release before its bankruptcy. Though it was packaged with a NA release of The King of Fighters 2001 for the PlayStation 2, the original version for the Neo Geo is worth quite a lot to collectors, and can go for $300 (and that’s just a pre-owned version).
These are just a handful of examples of rare video games that can potentially be worth a lot. If you have any old video games lying around in your home, then make sure to dust them off and take a gander – you may just find yourself a hidden gem.
Nicola Holder 
Nina Smith