In the world of vintage video games, nostalgia and rarity often equal value. Some of these games are worth a small fortune today, with collectors paying top dollar to add them to their collections. Whether you’re an avid collector, a casual gamer, or just someone who stumbled across an old box of games in your attic, you might be sitting on a goldmine. Here are 12 vintage video games that could be worth a fortune.
1. Stadium Events (NES)
Stadium Events for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is considered one of the rarest video games of all time. Released in 1987, it was quickly pulled from shelves due to Nintendo buying the rights and rebranding it as “World Class Track Meet”. Because of its limited release, a complete copy of Stadium Events can fetch up to $35,000 at auction.
2. Air Raid (Atari 2600)
This obscure game for the Atari 2600 is known for its unique, blue T-handle cartridge. Air Raid is the only game produced by Men-A-Vision and it’s believed that only 13 copies exist today. Its rarity has driven its estimated value up to a staggering $33,000.
3. Nintendo World Championships (NES)
Nintendo World Championships was a special NES cartridge made for a video game competition in the 90s. Two versions exist – grey and gold, the latter being rarer. If you happen to find a gold cartridge in your collection, you could be looking at around $26,000.
4. Birthday Mania (Atari 2600)
This unique Atari 2600 game was designed to celebrate the player’s birthday with a personalized message. Birthday Mania was sold by mail-order only, making it one of the rarest Atari games. It’s estimated to be worth around $25,000, especially if it comes with the personalization instructions.
5. Gamma Attack (Atari 2600)
Gamma Attack is another ultra-rare Atari 2600 game, with only one known copy in existence. This game, developed by Gammation, features a UFO attacking tanks. Due to its extreme rarity, it’s estimated to be worth upwards of $20,000.
6. 1990 Nintendo Campus Challenge (NES)
This NES cartridge was created for a college competition tour, with participants playing customized versions of Super Mario 3, PinBot, and Dr.Mario. Only one original copy is known to exist today, making the 1990 Nintendo Campus Challenge cartridge a potential $20,000 find.
7. Red Sea Crossing (Atari 2600)
Red Sea Crossing is an Atari 2600 game that was marketed to Christian households in 1983. The game, which features Moses crossing the Red Sea, is extremely rare, with only two known copies. Its estimated value is around $14,000.
8. Kizuna Encounter (Neo Geo)
Kizuna Encounter was a 1996 fighting game for the Neo Geo console. The European version is incredibly rare, with only 5 known copies. If you have this version of the game, you could be looking at around $13,500.
9. King of Fighters 2000 (Neo Geo)
Another sought-after Neo Geo game is the English version of King of Fighters 2000. This game is estimated to be worth upwards of $10,000 due to its limited release outside of Japan.
10. Atlantis II (Atari 2600)
Atlantis II is an enhanced version of the original Atlantis game for the Atari 2600. It was only given to the top players in a competition, making it highly sought-after by collectors. It can fetch up to $7,000 at auction.
11. Nintendo Powerfest ‘94
Nintendo Powerfest ‘94 was a competition cartridge containing shortened versions of Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels, Super Mario Kart, and Ken Griffey Jr. Baseball. Only two copies are known to exist, making it a valuable find with an estimated worth of $10,300.
12. Death Race (NES)
Death Race is a controversial NES game due to its violent content. It had a limited release in 1988 and is considered one of the rarest NES games. If you have a copy, it could be worth up to $1,500.
