Could This Ultra-Rare Super Mario Bros NES Cart Breach $1 Million?

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A rare copy of the original Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is currently up for auction, giving one dedicated gamer the chance to own a piece of history. Retro gaming has become incredibly popular lately, with prices for old consoles and games reaching surprisingly high levels. Nintendo games, in particular, are highly sought after, both because they’re hard to find in good condition and because Nintendo has become a beloved and iconic brand – think Mario, Link, and Pokémon – compared to some of its competitors.

Plus, professional grading has significantly boosted the investment potential of collectibles that were once just new and interesting. Graded items can sell for a lot of money – even with some wear and tear – depending on what they are. That’s why an original copy of Super Mario Bros. is expected to be worth a substantial amount.

Why Is This Copy of Super Mario Bros. So Expensive?

A copy of the classic video game Super Mario Bros., graded 9.6 A++, recently sold for a record-breaking bid of $637,500 at a Heritage Auctions event. With the buyer’s premium included, the total price reached $796,875, and the auction is still ongoing for almost another week.

This game has sold for incredibly high prices before, like in 2021 when a perfect, unopened copy sold for $2 million. What causes rare games to become so valuable?

Generally, a game’s price depends on two main factors: how rare it is and its condition. People aren’t purchasing these games to actually play them, regardless of how great the NES games are.

This game is incredibly rare because it’s from the second production run in 1986 and features a very early “gloss sticker seal.” According to the seller, no copies from the very first production run are known to exist still sealed, making this the earliest confirmed sealed copy of this popular game.

This is a rare item – one of just three known to be in such good condition. It’s also an early edition, before the manufacturer started shrink-wrapping copies.

The price a game fetches at auction depends on several things, but its condition is key. Experts check if the game is still factory sealed – meaning it hasn’t been opened since it was made – and carefully examine the box. Unlike the sturdier boxes used for console games in the 90s, older NES and Atari games came in thin cardboard with some inner support to protect the game cartridge. Because of this, a 40-year-old box that’s still in excellent condition can significantly increase its value.

The True Shareholders of Retro Games

However, there is a third element.

The prices of classic games, especially those for Nintendo consoles, are rising quickly, and this is now largely fueled by investors. While collectors still contribute to higher prices with their desire for rare games – and sometimes with the idea of selling them later – the trend has expanded beyond hobbyists. Now, companies are also investing in retro games as collectibles.

Rally, a platform for collecting, purchased an original copy of Super Mario Bros. for $140,000 in 2021 after getting approval from its members. Their website shows the game cartridge, along with a variety of other collectibles available to invest in as shares. While they currently offer a limited number of video games, Rally has a wide selection of trading cards, comics, and even NFTs.

As a movie buff who also loves games, I’m telling you, retro gaming collectibles have exploded. They’re officially on the same level as comic books and trading cards in terms of collectibility, and honestly, that trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon. It’s a whole new world for collectors like me!

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2026-06-08 07:10