Retro game collecting isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s also a world of hidden treasures, rare finds, and incredibly valuable games. Over the years, some titles have become so rare that they sell for tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. But why do some games become so valuable?
Several factors contribute to a game’s rarity: low production numbers, special event releases, manufacturing errors, or limited availability. Some of the most expensive retro games today were never meant to be sold to the public, while others simply had such limited distribution that few copies survived. For collectors, owning one of these games is like holding a piece of gaming history.
Let’s explore the top five rarest and most valuable retro games ever released, uncovering their history and why they became so expensive.
#5 – Stadium Events (NES) – $35,000+
Stadium Events is one of the most famous rare NES games, and its story is a collector’s dream (or nightmare, if you missed out on buying one cheaply years ago).
Released in 1987 by Bandai, Stadium Events was meant to be part of a series of fitness games using the Family Fun Fitness mat, a forerunner of modern motion-based gaming like the Wii Fit. However, soon after its release, Nintendo purchased the rights to the game, rebranded it as World Class Track Meet, and recalled unsold copies of Stadium Events.
Because of this, Stadium Events had an extremely limited production run. It’s estimated that only 200 copies were ever sold, and far fewer remain today in complete condition. A factory-sealed copy once sold for over $35,000, making it one of the most sought-after NES games.
#4 – Air Raid (Atari 2600) – $40,000+
Atari 2600 collectors know that Air Raid is one of the rarest games ever produced for the system. Released by a small company called Men-A-Vision, it was the only game the company ever made, adding to its mystique.
The game itself is a simple space shooter with little to set it apart from other Atari 2600 titles. However, what makes it unique is its distinctive light blue cartridge with a T-shaped handle, unlike any other Atari game.
Because Men-A-Vision was a completely unknown publisher, very few copies of Air Raid were ever sold. In fact, for years, collectors weren’t even sure the game had been officially released. In 2010, a complete copy with the original box sold for $31,600, and later, another copy sold for over $40,000.
#3 – Nintendo World Championships 1990 (NES) – $100,000+
The Nintendo World Championships 1990 (NWC) is legendary among retro game collectors. Created exclusively for the Nintendo World Championships, a nationwide tournament held in the United States in 1990, these cartridges were never sold to the public.
The game itself is a time-based competition cartridge featuring Super Mario Bros., Rad Racer, and Tetris, with a built-in timer that ended the game after a few minutes. There were two versions of the cartridge:
- Gray cartridges (90 copies) – Given to finalists of the event.
- Gold cartridges (26 copies) – Given away as prizes in a Nintendo Power contest.
The gold cartridges are even rarer than the gray ones, making them some of the most expensive NES games ever sold. A gold NWC 1990 cartridge sold for over $100,000, and even the gray version regularly sells for tens of thousands of dollars.
#2 – Atlantis II (Atari 2600) – $150,000+ (Estimated)
Atlantis II is one of those mystery games that hardly anyone has ever seen, making it an Atari 2600 holy grail. It was never officially sold in stores and was only produced for a single tournament event in the early 1980s.
The game itself is a modified version of Atlantis, but with faster enemy movement and a scoring system designed for competitive play. Copies of Atlantis II were sent only to high-scoring players in an Atari-sponsored competition, and very few have ever surfaced.
Because of its extreme rarity, an authentic copy of Atlantis II is estimated to be worth at least $150,000, though few have ever gone up for sale publicly.
#1 – Super Mario Bros. (Sealed, NES) – $2,000,000+
Super Mario Bros. is one of the most common NES games in existence, with millions of copies sold worldwide. However, in 2021, a factory-sealed, early production copy of Super Mario Bros. sold for a record-breaking $2 million, making it the most expensive video game ever sold.
Why did this copy sell for so much? The reason lies in sealed game collecting and graded video games. Some collectors specialize in finding factory-sealed copies of classic games, having them professionally graded by companies like WATA, and selling them at auction.
This particular copy of Super Mario Bros. was from an early production run, still in its original shrink wrap, and graded a 9.8 A+ by WATA, meaning it was in almost perfect condition. It was also part of the hype around high-end retro game collecting, where investors began treating rare games like fine art.
While most copies of Super Mario Bros. are worth less than $50, finding one completely sealed from the 1980s with no damage is almost impossible—hence the $2 million price tag.
The Thrill of Rare Game Collecting
These rare and valuable games are more than just expensive collectibles—they represent pieces of gaming history, unique stories, and the evolution of the gaming industry. While most gamers may never own one of these ultra-rare titles, their existence fuels the passion of collectors around the world.
Whether you’re hunting for hidden gems at flea markets, bidding in online auctions, or just curious about the most valuable games, the world of retro game collecting is full of surprises. Who knows? You might have a valuable game sitting in your collection without even realizing it.
Do you own any rare retro games? What’s the most valuable game in your collection? Drop a comment below and let’s talk about gaming treasures!