Are Old Handheld Games Worth Money and How Much?
Handheld games have been a staple of gaming culture for decades, from the classic Game Boy to the modern Nintendo Switch. As technology advances, many of these old handheld games have become collectibles, with some fetching impressive prices. But are they really worth the money? Let’s dive into the world of old handheld games and explore their value.
Market Demand
The value of old handheld games is largely determined by market demand. Some games, like the original Pok茅mon Red and Blue, are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and significance in gaming history. On the other hand, games that were released in large quantities or are not particularly memorable may not be worth much.
One way to gauge market demand is to look at auction websites like eBay or online marketplaces like Etsy. For example, a mint condition Game Boy Advance SP with the original Pok茅mon Ruby and Sapphire games can sell for upwards of $100, while a common Game Boy Color game might only fetch a few dollars.
Condition
The condition of an old handheld game is crucial in determining its value. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for games that are in excellent condition, with no scratches, dents, or discoloration. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Casing: The outer casing should be free of cracks, dents, and discoloration.
- Screen: The screen should be free of scratches, cracks, and dead pixels.
- Buttons: All buttons should be responsive and in good working condition.
- Cartridges: Cartridges should be free of scratches, and the game should boot up without any issues.
Condition can significantly impact the value of a game. A mint condition game can be worth 10-20 times more than a game in poor condition.
Rarity
Rarity is another important factor in determining the value of old handheld games. Some games were produced in limited quantities, making them highly sought after by collectors. Here are a few examples:
Game | Console | Release Year | Rarity |
---|---|---|---|
Super Famicom Satellaview | Super Famicom | 1996 | Extremely Rare |
Game Boy Micro | Game Boy Micro | 2005 | Rare |
Game Boy Advance SP | Game Boy Advance SP | 2003 | Common |
As you can see, the rarity of a game can vary greatly. Some games, like the Super Famicom Satellaview, are worth thousands of dollars, while others, like the Game Boy Advance SP, are more common and may only be worth a few hundred dollars.
Game Value
The value of a game can also be influenced by its popularity and the quality of the game itself. Some games, like the original Super Mario Bros., are iconic and have a timeless appeal, making them highly valuable. Other games, like the less memorable titles from the early days of gaming, may not be worth much.
Here’s a table comparing the value of some iconic and non-iconic games:
Game | Console | Release Year | Value (Mint Condition) |
---|---|---|---|
Super Mario Bros. | Nintendo Entertainment System | 1985 | $100 – $200 |
Super Mario Land | Game Boy | 1989 | $20 – $50 |
Dragon’s Lair |