Are retro games worth money?

Nowadays more so than ever, old video games are worth money, with some dedicated fans paying unbelievable sums of money for sealed copies of retro titles. In 2021, it's entirely possible to find video games worth more money than a Rolex watch, a new car, or even a house.

Will retro games increase in value?

Due to the rarity factor, childhood memories, and many other above-discussed reasons, we can expect an increase in the value of these classic games. Will retro games increase in value? Yes, and here are 4 good reasons why retro games are expensive & how their price will increase in the future.

Is there a market for retro gaming?

And even though those vintage game systems and cartridges are long gone from store shelves to make way for more advanced tech, the beloved games are still in high demand. In some cases, they can sell for thousands of dollars for collectors and retro gamers.

What is the most expensive retro game?

The only non-Mario game on this list, and for a brief moment in 2021, the most valuable game in existence, comes in the form of a copy of the original The Legend of Zelda game, which kicked off the legendary fantasy franchise with its release on the NES in 1987.

Are retro games a good investment?

Video game collectibles gain value from scarcity and desirability. NES cartridges are one of the most valuable retro gaming investments. A hermetically sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. for NES could go for upwards of $30,000.

Top 10 Most Valuable Video Games You Might Already Own

Where should I sell retro games?

What makes old games valuable?

Many factors dictate the value of a video game, from the number of units produced and the region the game was released in, to whether the cartridge comes in its original box with all the manuals intact. The "holy grails" are unopened, shrink-wrapped early editions of iconic titles.

Why are retro game prices so high?

The number of old game cartridges and discs out there will never increase. That produces a natural scarcity that, in many cases, drives up prices over a long enough period of time. Furthermore, physical media has a tendency to degrade. For instance, the screens of Game Boys fade and blur over time.

Why are retro games so popular now?

But modern games just aren't quite the same, and probably never will be. Why is retro gaming so popular? Because it offers a unique, nostalgic, comforting, simple, and most importantly, joyous experience that's tough to replicate.

Are retro games still popular?

Retrogaming has become big business in recent years, with old games being ported to newer consoles, classic devices getting a re-release and social settings bringing back features of the classic arcades of old.

Is a retro arcade profitable?

Opening an arcade is indeed profitable - in fact, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)'s 2020 Benchmark Series found that arcades and video games are the most common main activities offered by FECs.

How old does a game have to be to be considered retro?

Titles with an original release date over 15 years ago qualify as retro.

Do pawn shops sell retro games?

One way to build up your video game collection is by purchasing games or consoles at pawnshops. Pawnshops offer a number of games, consoles, and accessories for current and retro devices.

What qualifies as a retro game?

Usually, retrogaming is based upon systems that are outmoded or discontinued, although ported retrogaming allows games to be played on modern hardware via ports or compilations. It is typically for nostalgia, preservation, or authenticity.

Are retro games making a comeback?

Terraria, Starbound, and Stardew Valley are all modern games that have been designed to look retro by using pixel graphics. These games have over 20,000 people playing per day and that underlines how retro games are making a comeback.

Why is retro making a comeback?

Retro and vintage are making a big comeback in decor, furniture, and design. It makes sense, given people spend more time in their homes and want to feel comfortable and relaxed in their surroundings. Plus, any time you pay homage to the past, it creates a nostalgia that's hard to replace.

Why do retro games look better on old tvs?

Since that old yellowed Super Nintendo is pumping out fewer pixels than the TV is used to projecting, the modern LCD TV has to expand the image several times over so it's not a tiny little dot on the screen. This is called upscaling, which in the case of retro games leads to blurriness.

Why do people like retro?

The higher-quality materials and craftsmanship of vintage goods may be another reason that people seek them out. In the time before mass-produced fast fashion, and when people and families had less disposable income, clothing, furnishings, and other accessories were crafted to last years and even decades.

How long will retro consoles last?

The systems were only designed to last 10-20 years. 80% would still be fine after 20 years. There is a geometric curve so 40 years would be close to 20%. You can't properly test them without removing them, and if you're removing them you may as well replace them.

When did retro games get so expensive?

They've always been expensive because demand far exceeded supply, and that was boosted by COVID, stimulus checks, new collectors, not mint edition auctions.

Why are retro games so difficult?

Players often lost a life when their character got hit once, meaning that players couldn't afford to make a single mistake. This was accepted as being “normal” back in the day, and it greatly increased the difficulty of many games as players could lose hours of progress due to one mistake.

What old video games are worth the most?

Super Mario 64 (Nintendo) for NES 1996: up to $1.5 million (£1m) Two days later, an unopened copy of Super Mario 64 beat the record for the sale of a video game at auction, selling for $1.5 million (£1m) on 11 July.

Can you sell old games?

You can make cash from your old video games by selling them online, at a local store, or to an individual in your area.

Are Atari games worth money?

Most of them are quite valuable, while a couple are desired simply because of their place in gaming history. Updated on October 8, 2022, By Jason Wojnar: There have been talks in recent months about certain classic games selling for exorbitant prices.