Do old games have any value?
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Yes, old games can definitely have value, especially if they are rare, in good condition, or part of a popular gaming franchise. The value of old games varies greatly depending on factors such as rarity, demand, condition, and whether they are part of a collector's market. Here's a breakdown of what determines the value of old video games:
Factors That Affect the Value of Old Games:
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Rarity
- Limited Edition Games: Games that were produced in limited quantities (e.g., special editions, promotional items, or regional exclusives) tend to be much more valuable.
- Out-of-Print Games: Games that are no longer being manufactured and have limited availability often increase in value due to scarcity.
- Unreleased Games: Some prototype or unreleased games (like those that never made it to market) can be extremely valuable.
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Condition
- Loose vs. Complete: A complete game (one that includes the case, manual, and inserts) will almost always be worth more than a loose cartridge or disc.
- Box Condition: Games with the original packaging (box and manual) in good condition are much more valuable than those without it. Games with damaged boxes or scratched discs will have a lower value.
- Physical Condition: The condition of the actual game media is essential. Scratches, dirt, or fading can drastically reduce the value, especially for older games like cartridges and CDs.
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Demand
- Popular Franchises: Games from iconic franchises like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, and Pokémon typically retain high value, especially if they are rare titles from earlier generations.
- Nostalgia: Older games often have sentimental value for collectors who grew up with them. This nostalgia can drive demand, especially for games that have become cult classics.
- Collectors’ Market: There is a strong market for retro games and video game memorabilia, particularly for systems like the NES, SNES, Genesis, N64, PlayStation 1, and others.
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Special Editions and Variants
- Special Editions: Some games were released in special editions with unique packaging, in-game bonuses, or additional collectibles that can increase their value.
- Variant Versions: Certain variant cover arts, regional versions, or games with misprints can be highly sought after by collectors.
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Age
- As time passes, older games—especially those from the 80s and 90s—tend to become more valuable due to their nostalgic appeal and the fact that they become harder to find.
- Games from early home consoles like the Atari 2600, NES, and Super Nintendo can fetch significant prices if they are in good condition.
Examples of Valuable Old Games
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Super Mario Bros. (NES)
- One of the most iconic and valuable games. If you have an original cartridge in good condition (especially if it’s in the original box with a manual), it can fetch hundreds of dollars.
- Value: $30 - $400, depending on condition and packaging.
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The Legend of Zelda (NES)
- The original The Legend of Zelda is a sought-after game, especially if it's complete with the gold cartridge and packaging.
- Value: $50 - $400, depending on the version and condition.
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Pokémon Red/Blue (Game Boy)
- Original Pokémon games from the Game Boy are incredibly valuable to collectors, especially if they are still sealed in their original packaging.
- Value: $50 - $200 for used copies, and upwards of $1,000 for sealed copies.
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EarthBound (SNES)
- EarthBound is known as one of the rarest and most sought-after SNES games. It was released in small quantities, and its quirky charm has made it a collector's favorite.
- Value: $200 - $1,000 for a complete in-box version.
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Chrono Trigger (SNES)
- Another iconic RPG, Chrono Trigger is highly valued by retro game collectors due to its nostalgic value, quality, and rarity.
- Value: $100 - $400 for a complete copy.
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The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64)
- Widely considered one of the best games of all time, its complete version (with box and manual) is a popular collector's item.
- Value: $50 - $150 (for a boxed, complete version).
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Sealed Games
- Factory-sealed games can often fetch the highest prices. A sealed copy of Super Mario 64, Zelda: Ocarina of Time, or Final Fantasy VII can command hundreds or even thousands of dollars in auctions.
- Sealed Value: Sealed copies of popular games like Super Mario Bros. or The Legend of Zelda can sell for thousands of dollars at auction.
How to Determine the Value of Your Old Games
To find out how much your old Nintendo games are worth, you can use various tools and resources:
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PriceCharting: A great tool for checking the current market value of games.
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eBay: Check completed listings on eBay to see how much games are actually selling for (not just listed prices).
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Game Value Now: Another resource that tracks the value of video games.
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Reddit: Subreddits like r/GameSale and r/gameswap are great for seeing how much others are paying for retro games.
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Collector's Guides: Websites like Retro Gaming Price Guides or NintendoAge (now part of AtariAge) provide price ranges for older games.
Where to Sell Your Old Games
If you’re ready to sell your old Nintendo games, here are some places you can consider:
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eBay: Auction or fixed-price listings for broad exposure.
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Amazon: Amazon allows you to sell used games through their marketplace.
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Facebook Marketplace: Local selling to avoid shipping.
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GameStop: Trade-in or sell to stores like GameStop for instant credit or cash.
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Decluttr: Sell your games quickly with free shipping.
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Specialized Retro Game Shops: Websites like GameStop, Game Over Videogames, and Retro Game Store specialize in retro gaming and often buy old games.
Conclusion
Yes, old games can have significant value, especially if they are rare, in good condition, and from well-known franchises. Whether you're a collector or looking to sell, understanding the factors that influence game prices will help you determine the value of your games and get the best return on your collection. Check online price guides, eBay listings, and local retro gaming stores to help you assess how much your games might be worth.
