Photo: Thirdman

How much was the Mario 64 sold for?

$1.56 million One anonymous bidder decided on $1.56 million, according to Heritage Auctions in Dallas. The record-breaking sale surprised even the auction house's video games specialist, Valarie McLeckie. "I was ... a bit blindsided, I have to say," McLeckie tells NPR.

npr.org - Super Mario 64's Record-Breaking Sale Stuns Industry Experts - NPR

Why is it still impossible to get a PS5 2022?

A global chip shortage impacting electronic manufacturers since 2020 and very high demand for the PS5 have again made the gaming console one of the...

Last updated Mar 26, 2018

What are the main dangers to survivors?

Dangers to Survivors Heat Stroke, Sun Stroke, Exposure to Cold and Hypothermia. In warm or tropical climates, excessive exposure to the sun and...

Last updated Aug 9, 2022

Promotion

Mamma Mia! Super Mario 64 Is The First Video Game To Sell For More Than $1 Million

Enlarge this image toggle caption Heritage Auctions Heritage Auctions

You don't have to be much of a gamer to recognize Mario: the quick-moving Italian plumber in a red hat and coveralls. But how much is he worth to you? One anonymous bidder decided on $1.56 million, according to Heritage Auctions in Dallas. The record-breaking sale surprised even the auction house's video games specialist, Valarie McLeckie. "I was ... a bit blindsided, I have to say," McLeckie tells NPR. Part of the reason this was such a high-value sale is the pure nostalgia of Mario, says McLeckie. The 1996 Nintendo game was the first time players could guide Mario down pipes and defeat his nemesis, Bowser, in 3D. She says for some gamers, it was the first time they played any game in 3D. Plus, people simply love Mario. "Mario has become such a cornerstone in our collective global culture," McLeckie says. "He's basically the Mickey Mouse of video games." But the clincher is the condition of the copy's packaging. It's also why you probably don't have a million-dollar copy of Super Mario 64 lying around in the attic. "Essentially, the box and the seal have to be in perfect condition. It has to look as pristine as the day it came off the assembly line," McLeckie says. "And this essentially has no notable imperfections."

It broke a record that had just been set

The organization that deemed it a pristine copy is the same one that rates the condition of old comic books, and they've only recently started using the same rating system for video games. Chris Kohler is an expert on video game history and says these new ratings are a factor in why video games are fetching so much at auctions. "That led to an influx into the game collecting world of new collectors with different ideas about what types of games are desirable and what types of games should cost a lot of money — and big pockets to back that up," Kohler tells NPR. Sunday's $1.56 million record broke the previous record: a 1987 Legend of Zelda game that sold for $870,000 just two days prior. These newer video game collectors have become more interested in pristine copies of classic, nostalgic games. Kohler says "old school collectors" are more interested in rarer, quirky games. Like McLeckie, he was taken aback by the $1.56 million winning bid for Super Mario 64. And it's not the first time in recent years he's been shocked by the price of a video game. But it's a gamble trying to predict how much these games are going to sell for, Kohler says.

"It's like trying to catch a falling knife," he says.

What food never expires?

13 Foods That Will Never Expire Honey. Honey may crystallize over time, but it won't actually expire or become unusable. ... Sugar. Both white and...

Last updated Jul 7, 2020

What can you not do in war?

Torture and other forms of cruel, degrading or ill treatment are expressly prohibited. The lives, rights and dignity of detainees should be...

Last updated Oct 11, 2018

Promotion

How much was a Game Boy in the 80s?

In the U.S., it retailed for just $89.99, making it a big hit there too. In its fourteen-year lifespan, 118,69 million Game Boys (including all iterations) were sold worldwide.

one37pm.com - How Much Is An Original GameBoy Worth? - ONE37pm

enGadget

In 2020, it’s tough to find many sellers who have the original Game Boy on offer. However, there were, of course, other iterations of it that followed, like the Game Boy Pocket and the Game Boy Light. Not to mention the successors, the Game Boy Color and the Game Boy Advance. The Pocket, as the name suggests, was smaller and lighter, requiring fewer batteries. The Light, while the name might suggest a difference in weight, actually featured a backlight so that you could use it in dim settings. It was also exclusive to Japan. How do they stack up in terms of monetary value?

The general version of the Game Boy Pocket doesn’t stand out in pricing from the standard, original Nintendo console. But a quick search for the Game Boy Light gives you a range of about $140-$200. There is the special, limited edition Tezuka Osamu World Shop version that one seller asks $310 for. Going for the same higher price tag is the special Astro Boy edition. The Game Boy Pocket does boast one limited edition variant worth an incredible amount of money today due to its rarity. The Nintendo Power 100 Gold Game Boy Pocket was released to celebrate Nintendo Power magazine’s 100th issue. Not only is it gold, but it features the Nintendo Power logo below the screen. The only one you can find on eBay at the time of writing is pre-owned, and the seller is asking for a whopping $1,799. This makes it easily one of the most expensive Game Boys of all time. You can view it here. All in all, trying to relive your childhood or even to experience something you’ve heard a lot about but are too young to have lived through won’t set you back too much, thankfully.

What age should a kid get an Xbox?

What age is appropriate for a console? For most younger kids, tablet/smartphone games are just fine. It's difficult for younger kids to work the...

Last updated Dec 15, 2019

Can a knife be sharpened forever?

Over time, honing your knife won't be enough to get it to make efficient cuts. Too many of the burr's microscopic teeth have broken away. It's time...

Last updated Jun 30, 2022

Promotion

Why solar batteries are not worth it?

In most cases, solar batteries can't power everything in your home. The important things will stay on, like your lights and your fridge, but you'll...

Last updated Oct 17, 2021

Promotion

What is extreme decluttering?

Extreme decluttering is when people get rid of huge amounts of things in the decluttering process. This isn't when people end up with a bag or two...

Last updated Jul 17, 2019