Hidden Treasures: The Top 10 Most Expensive Retro Games Lurking in Your Attic

Are you sitting on a gold mine? Your attic might just be a treasure trove of retro gaming riches. As Rite Aid delves into the world of vintage video game collectibles, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten most expensive retro games. These elusive cartridges, if in mint condition and especially if they’re still sealed, could fetch staggering sums from passionate collectors. Let’s unlock the attic and discover what could be the rare gems of the gaming world.

1. “Nintendo World Championships” (NES)

Valued at: $10,000 – $100,000

A holy grail for collectors, the “Nintendo World Championships” cartridge was created for a 1990 gaming competition. With only 116 official copies known to exist, it’s a rare find that any collector would be ecstatic to add to their collection.

2. “Stadium Events” (NES)

Valued at: $2,600 – $41,300

Widely considered one of the rarest NES games, “Stadium Events” was recalled shortly after its release, making it highly sought after. A factory-sealed copy was sold for over $41,000 in 2017, making it one of the most coveted cartridges out there.

3. “Air Raid” (Atari 2600)

Valued at: $3,000 – $33,400

This blue cartridge with a T-shaped handle is the only game released by Men-A-Vision. With less than 20 copies known to exist, it’s one of the rarest Atari 2600 games, and owning one can be quite the windfall.

4. “1990 Nintendo World Championships: Gold Edition” (NES)

Valued at: $18,000 – $26,600

Even rarer than its gray counterpart, the Gold Edition was sent to winners of a Nintendo Power magazine contest. There are 26 known copies, and finding this in your attic could pay off a hefty chunk of your mortgage.

5. “Birthday Mania” (Atari 2600)

Valued at: Unknown, potentially upwards of $15,000

“Birthday Mania” was personalized for each buyer, making it incredibly rare. It’s so scarce that it’s hard to put a price on it, but if you have one, it’s potentially worth an incredible amount.

6. “Red Sea Crossing” (Atari 2600)

Valued at: $10,000 – $13,800

An obscure title that was sold mainly through religious bookstores and came with a coloring book. Only two copies are known to exist, making it an exceptional find.

7. “Gamma-Attack” (Atari 2600)

Valued at: $8,000 – $50,000

Possibly the rarest Atari 2600 game, “Gamma-Attack” was the only game released by Gammation. With only one confirmed copy known to exist, it’s a collector’s dream.

8. “The Legend of Zelda” Test Cartridge (NES)

Valued at: $5,000 – $20,000

These gray cartridges were used as test copies for repairmen and were never meant for public sale. Their rarity and the popularity of the Zelda franchise make them incredibly valuable.

9. “Atlantis II” (Atari 2600)

Valued at: $5,000 – $6,000

“Atlantis II” isn’t much different from its original version, “Atlantis,” but it was used for a high-score competition and features faster gameplay. It’s a rare competition variant that serious collectors covet.

10. “Super Mario Bros.” (NES)

Valued at: $2,000 – $114,000 (for a sealed copy)

While “Super Mario Bros.” is not rare, a sealed copy in mint condition sold at auction for an eye-watering $114,000 in July 2020. It’s worth checking your collection for any unopened relics.

Conclusion

Before you consider a yard sale or donating your old video game collection, it’s worth taking a second look. One of these rare cartridges could be hiding in your attic, waiting to transform into a small fortune. The true value of your retro games can vary greatly based on condition, packaging, and whether it’s been opened. If you think you have any of these titles, consider having them appraised by a professional. In the world of retro game collecting, you never know when you might strike gold.

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