What is the rarest video game?

The title of the rarest video game can be subjective, as it depends on factors like rarity, condition, market demand, and whether the game was produced in limited quantities. However, there are a few notable examples of video games that are considered incredibly rare, with some fetching extremely high prices on the secondary market.

Here are a few of the rarest video games in history:

1. "Stadium Events" (NES) – Estimated Value: $41,000+

"Stadium Events" for the NES is widely regarded as one of the rarest and most expensive video games in the world. This game was originally produced by Bandai in 1987 for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It was released as part of a fitness game set and was quickly pulled from the shelves after Nintendo acquired the rights to the game and released a version under the title "World Class Track Meet."

Only a small number of the original Stadium Events cartridges made it into the hands of consumers, making it incredibly rare today. In 2021, a copy of this game in mint condition sold for a staggering $41,300, setting a record for an NES game.

2. "The Legend of Zelda" (NES, Gold Cart, Sealed) – Estimated Value: $20,000+

The gold cartridge version of "The Legend of Zelda" (1987) is another rare gem in the world of retro gaming. While the game was widely released, sealed copies of the gold cartridge are incredibly rare, particularly in pristine condition. In 2021, a sealed copy of this game was sold at auction for $870,000, making it one of the highest-priced games in history.

3. "Nintendo World Championships 1990" (NES) – Estimated Value: $100,000+

The Nintendo World Championships 1990 cartridge was created for a special gaming competition that took place in the United States in 1990. The cartridges were produced in extremely limited quantities, with only around 26 gold cartridges and 116 grey cartridges distributed to the competition winners and staff members. These cartridges are considered some of the rarest and most valuable in the world.

The gold version can fetch prices in the range of $100,000 or more, depending on its condition, and the grey version is also highly sought after.

4. "Tetris" (Game Boy, Prototype, 1990) – Estimated Value: $200,000+

The prototype of "Tetris" for the Game Boy (1990) is considered one of the most rare and valuable game prototypes in existence. Before it became the iconic handheld game we know today, Tetris was a prototype title that was originally handed out in small quantities to test markets. One of these prototype cartridges was found in a drawer in 2021 and sold at auction for an astonishing $200,000.

5. "Air Raid" (Atari 2600) – Estimated Value: $33,000+

"Air Raid" is a 1982 Atari 2600 game that was produced in extremely limited quantities by an unknown company. The game’s unique feature is its rare blue-colored cartridge, and it was never officially sold in stores. As a result, finding an original copy in good condition is nearly impossible. In 2010, a copy of "Air Raid" in near mint condition sold for $33,000, making it one of the most expensive Atari 2600 games ever.

6. "Gamma Attack" (Atari 2600) – Estimated Value: $50,000+

Similar to "Air Raid," "Gamma Attack" is a highly sought-after Atari 2600 game, released in very limited quantities by the Phantom Games company in the early 1980s. The game was produced in such limited numbers that only a handful of original cartridges are believed to still exist. As a result, it is now considered one of the rarest Atari 2600 games. In some cases, copies of "Gamma Attack" have sold for upwards of $50,000.

7. "Super Mario Bros. 3" (NES, Prototype) – Estimated Value: $30,000+

A prototype version of "Super Mario Bros. 3" (released for the NES in 1988) has become a holy grail for collectors. In 2020, an early prototype copy of the game, sealed in mint condition, was sold at auction for over $30,000. The prototype was a beta version of the game, with differences from the final release, making it a unique collector's item for fans of the franchise.

8. "The Black Box Games" (NES, Sealed) – Estimated Value: $50,000+

The "Black Box" series of NES games refers to a collection of titles released early in the NES's life cycle. Sealed copies of these original "Black Box" games (like "Super Mario Bros.," "Duck Hunt," and "Excitebike") in pristine condition can fetch huge sums at auction, especially if they are in factory-sealed condition. Depending on the game and condition, these can sell for as much as $50,000.

Why Are These Games So Rare?

There are several reasons why these games are considered incredibly rare:

• Limited Production: Many of these games were either released in extremely limited quantities or were never officially released in the first place.
• Uncommon Formats: Some of these games were produced in special formats (such as unique cartridges, prototypes, or gold-plated versions) that were only produced for a small set of players, making them more valuable today.
• Historical Significance: Many of these games are significant due to their importance in gaming history (e.g., "Super Mario Bros." or "Tetris"), or because they have a unique place in the evolution of the gaming industry.
• Condition and Sealing: Games that are still in their original sealed packaging or are in mint condition can command significantly higher prices than those that have been opened or used.

Final Thoughts:

The world of rare video games is filled with obscure titles and valuable prototypes that can fetch incredible amounts of money. Collectors are constantly on the hunt for these gems, making the video game market an exciting and ever-evolving space. If you're looking to dive deeper into rare games, websites like PriceCharting, Game Value Now, and online auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Goldin Auctions are great places to stay updated on the latest trends and sales.