The Rarest Nintendo Games (& How Much They’re Worth)

Key Takeaways

• Uncommon Nintendo video games should not have to be standard to be treasured. Some, like promotional video games and Now not For Resale cartridges, fetch prime costs averaging $3,000-$10,000.
• Earthbound
  for the SNES,
  Barbie Groom & Glam Doggies
  for 3DS, and
  GoldenEye 007
  are uncommon video games with reasonable costs starting from $1420 to $2860.
• Video games like
  Donkey Kong Jr. Math, Pokemon Field,
  and
  Mega Guy
  (5 Screw Model) have distinctive functionalities, using their costs to over $2,000 in step with sport.

Nintendo has been within the online game trade for over 40 years, that means there is been numerous time for some video games to develop into extraordinarily uncommon and treasured. Those video games should not have to be just right, standard, and even completed, to be treasured within the eyes of creditors. As different Nintendo consoles input vintage territory, the checklist of shockingly priced video games grows longer.

Many uncommon Nintendo video games had been both promotional video games, unlicensed video games, or unique to leases. Probably the most most costly video games don’t seem to be even technically video games. There are some video games launched for the overall marketplace, like Mega Guy 5 & 6, that command a prime worth, however they’re nonetheless manner down the checklist with regards to general price and rarity.

Up to date on November tenth, 2024, via Blaise Santi: As time is going on, more than a few video games are deemed treasured or beneficial to creditors, however not anything may also contact a few of the rarest Nintendo video games of all time. Whether or not it is a cartridge that used to be by no means intended to get into the fingers of normal players, or a sport that possibly took too lengthy to earn the acclaim it deserved upon unencumber, there are lots of uncommon Nintendo video games from the corporate’s historical library, together with from more moderen consoles just like the GameCube or Nintendo 3DS. Take a look at those further uncommon Nintendo video games that lately fetch a prime worth in on-line markets, and stay up to the moment with simply how pricey creditors lately believe them.

35 Earthbound

This Influential RPG Is Arduous To Come By means of – Moderate Worth: $1,420

It will appear unexpected to more recent Nintendo enthusiasts simply how uncommon the unique iteration of Earthbound is for the SNES, however the sport’s acclaim used to be relatively behind schedule. It is simple to search out variations of it to play thru Nintendo Transfer On-line, however as for the true cartridge, it most often sells for masses of bucks, or even nearer to $1,500 for all the field.

Even Mom 3, the Earthbound sequel that is by no means observed a Western unencumber, normally sells for far inexpensive than the localized model of its predecessor. Even years after its unencumber, Earthbound stays probably the most easiest and most precious Nintendo IPs of all time.

34 Barbie Groom & Glam Doggies

Barbie Fetches A Beautiful Penny – Moderate Worth: $2,860

If there are any head-scratchers in this checklist, it is Barbie Groom and Glam Doggies. At the floor, there is not anything in particular particular about this sport, during which gamers get to pick out a pooch and get them in a position for attractiveness competitions. Despite the fact that it used to be initially launched for the DS and Wii in 2010, the 3DS model from 2013 continuously sells for relatively some huge cash.

Many theorize the explanation why Barbie Groom and Glam Doggies is especially uncommon is that, in North The usa, it handiest noticed a large unencumber in Canada, so exact bodily copies of the sport are arduous to return via. That being stated, even essentially the most diehard creditors agree that this sport isn’t just right sufficient to be valued this extremely, regardless of the recognition of the Barbie determine.

33 GoldenEye 007 (Now not For Resale)

An Iconic Shooter’s Uncommon Cartridges – Moderate Worth: $1,013

GoldenEye 007 is without doubt one of the maximum iconic shooter video games of all time, initially launched in 1997 for the Nintendo 64. It is observed numerous ports and re-releases since then, however some enthusiasts of the OG sport is also enticed via the uncommon “Now not For Resale” model, which sells for over $1,000 on on-line markets.

Rather then the potential for encountering beta content material that’s not within the ultimate unencumber, there is no longer a lot worth to this uncommon cartridge except for finishing a “Now not For Resale” assortment. Alternatively, making an allowance for it is a must-have for the Nintendo 64, even informal online game enthusiasts may well be starstruck via this restricted version model of Goldeneye.

32 Donkey Kong Jr. Math

Nintendo’s Foray Into Edutainment – Moderate Worth: $2,893

Nintendo’s ventures into instructional video games have not at all times been a success, principally on account of video games like Donkey Kong Jr. Math. An offshoot of the long-lasting unfashionable identify for the NES, Donkey Kong Jr. Math makes use of an identical mechanics to the unique Donkey Kong Jr., albeit requiring gamers to resolve simple arithmetic issues via hiking against numbers or arithmetic symbols.

Regardless of promoting in cartridge shape for over $2,000, Donkey Kong Jr. Math has made a number of appearances on Digital Console, and as of 2024, it has made its debut at the Nintendo Transfer On-line provider. Nonetheless, even so far as instructional video games pass, this used to be an enormous misfire from Nintendo, however one that is nonetheless valued via creditors however.

31 Pokemon Field

A NYC-Unique With A Particular Serve as – Moderate Worth: $2,075

To start with look, the extraordinarily uncommon Pokemon Field turns out like a easy Pokemon garage simulator, however it is a lot more than that. The GameCube identify used to be bought in restricted amounts at Nintendo Global in New York Town, and used to be additionally bought in a package with the GameCube itself in Europe.

Whilst the primary commercial for this sport is its capability as a garage device for Pokemon from GameBoy video games like Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, and LeafGreen, it additionally incorporated an emulator for Ruby & Sapphire, making it probably the most few tactics to play a mainline Pokemon sport on consoles just like the GameCube or Nintendo Wii earlier than Pokemon Sword & Protect, which holds numerous worth for some enthusiasts on its own.

30 Mega Guy (5 Screw Model)

The Blue Bomber’s First Sport – Moderate Worth: $34,114

The unique Mega Guy used to be slightly overpassed when it first gave the impression on retailer cabinets. That is partially because of its infamously horrible field artwork. One more reason used to be that anybody who performed the sport used to be fast to show the prime degree of issue to others. A sequel wasn’t even deliberate, and it handiest won one due to the staff of builders who finished it of their spare time.

The primary batch of NES video games had been held along with 5 screws. This used to be changed with a cartridge that changed two of the screws with plastic clamps. The unique 5 screw Mega Guy instructions an even worth at the trendy antique online game marketplace.

29 Donkey Kong 64 (Grey Cartridge)

The Grey Cartridge Model Is The One You Need – Moderate Worth: $1,625

The overwhelming majority of people that personal Donkey Kong 64, for the Nintendo 64, personal the model with a yellow cartridge. There have been a couple of promotional copies that had a grey cartridge. Those variations even have “Now not For Resale” imprinted on the label, and the ESRB score is RP (score pending) somewhat than E (everybody).

Those grey variations of Donkey Kong 64 are extraordinarily uncommon, therefore the a great deal higher worth as opposed to the yellow cart. The legit worth of this sport hovered round $400 till October 2022, when it ballooned to round $1,500.

28 Energy Blade 2

Lost sight of To Puffed up – Moderate Worth: $3,199

Now not many players spotted Energy Blade 2 again within the day. The cause of that is easy: it used to be launched for the NES a yr after the discharge of the Tremendous Nintendo console. Players had already moved on from the NES and had been taking part in video games at the Sega Genesis, SNES, and Turbografx-16.

Energy Blade 2 is s side-scrolling motion platformer, and a just right one at that. The thrill issue of the sport and the sport’s rarity have each contributed to a gentle building up in worth during the last decade. Alternatively, it wasn’t till round mid-2021 that the fee started spiking to its present $1,000 worth.

27 The Legend Of Zelda, Majora’s Masks (Holographic Label)

It is Price The Worth For Its Artwork Design – Moderate Worth: $1,250

The unusual one out in a limiteless kinfolk of video games, Majora’s Masks at all times loved a cult following however used to be by no means a fan favourite. It is the handiest sport in all the franchise that is an immediate sequel to the only earlier than it in a chain that is recognized for a wonky, non-linear timeline. Critics raved in regards to the sport’s graphics and the compelling tale even though enthusiasts had been unsure.

The sport has stood the check of time and is lately taking part in a resurgence. New and sealed copies are going for greater than one thousand bucks and the fee is all of a sudden going up, particularly for any particular or creditors editions which can be uncommon and tough to search out. The instance given this is the only with the holographic label, which is lately on best with regards to rarity and price.

26 Myriad 6-In-1

Six Moderate Video games In One Dear Cartridge – Moderate Worth: $1,489

That is an unlicensed compilation cartridge for the NES. This sport used to be initially titled Caltron 6-in-1, but if Caltron went into chapter 11 their closing inventory used to be bought via Myriad Inc. and resold because the Myriad 6-in-1. The 6 video games at the cart are clones of standard video games – like Area Harrier and Buster Bros.

The Caltron model is uncommon, however the Myriad model used to be restricted to 888 copies. Each and every replica used to be numbered, and for many who had a replica with matching serial numbers (for the cart, directions, and field) the price considerably higher. A duplicate of the Myriad 6-in-1 usually sells for roughly $1,200.00, however a complete-in-box replica is going for roughly $3,500.00.

25 Hagane: The Ultimate Warfare

A Treasured Hidden Gem – Moderate Worth: $2,663

A sport that is lately taking part in a resurgence due to the nostalgia issue, Hagane: The Ultimate Warfare is a vintage side-scroller that mimics different favorites like Ninja Gaiden. Like such a lot of different video games that had been launched at the SNES platform within the mid-Nineties, it arrived too past due to make an have an effect on earlier than the N64 arrived and sucked all of the air out of the gaming room.

Circulate used to be restricted; few copies are nonetheless to be had for creditors. Outdated-school platformers are using a development at this time as it’s, and this sport is quite uncommon, which provides much more to its worth. New and sealed copies are promoting for roughly $7500, with costs for free and used copies additionally trending upwards.

24 Legend Of Zelda: Oracle Of Ages & Seasons – Restricted Version

Each Variations Of The Sport In One Field – Moderate Worth: $2,860

Those had been video games for the Gameboy Colour, and no longer many of us appear to bear in mind them when discussing Zelda video games. Those two video games featured gameplay and a graphical taste similar to the unique Legend of Zelda identify. The sport accommodates the converting of the seasons into the gameplay; with some spaces handiest available right through a undeniable season.

There have been handiest 500 copies of the Restricted Version launched, which incorporated each video games in addition to promotional pieces – like a blouse and a real, running boomerang. The associated fee is lately round $1,200.00, however a complete-in-box replica can fetch about $2,200.00.

23 M.A.C.S.: Multipurpose Arcade Struggle Simulator

A Coaching Simulator Price 1000’s – Moderate Worth: $3,553

Those cartridges are exceptionally uncommon since they had been made in particular for pro goal audiences and coaching follow. The sport got here as an entire package deal that incorporated all the Tremendous Nintendo Leisure Device, a free model of the sport, and a coaching rifle.

Most effective free variations are lately to be had, as the sport used to be by no means meant for resale or retail show, and those are going for a pleasant chew of alternate at simply over $2,500. If an entire package deal had been ever to develop into to be had, or an unsealed one, the fee could be exponentially extra, as they most definitely do not even exist.

22 Extertainment Mountain Motorbike Rally/Velocity Racer Combo

Two Video games For One Prime Worth – Moderate Worth: $2,552

Velocity Racer is already a cherished sport and probably the most extra well-known early Nintendo titles. This Tremendous NES cartridge combines two standard racing video games and numerous enthusiasts search out the ROM simply to enjoy the video games if they may be able to’t to find the cartridge.

With a price ticket of greater than $11,000 for a brand new, sealed replica, it isn’t a marvel that the price of this sport is out of achieve for many. Entire used copies promote for over $5,000 or even free copies are priced at $2500. Nostalgia worth mixed with the rarity of the sport has stored the fee quite secure.

21 Peek-A-Boo Poker

An Unlicensed Sport With Grownup Topics – Moderate Worth: $3,000

That is a kind of video games that simply cannot be made anymore, which is without doubt one of the causes that it is treasured. Peek-A-Boo Poker is not only a card sport for the unique NES. The participant’s fighters are all girls, they usually spend lots of the sport flirting in more than a few states of undress. Entire copies price $1600, and free copies for $1200, which is so much for the cartridge by itself.

Different causes for the prime worth come with that it used to be an unlicensed sport, and it contained some raunchy content material that Nintendo would have rejected out of hand on account of its “family-friendly” philosophy. It is a dicey funding for the reason that worth has a tendency to differ, but when creditors stay their eyes in the marketplace, the resale worth is worthwhile.

20 Aero Warring parties

An Moderate Shmup With An Above Moderate Worth – Moderate Worth: $2,950

Aero Warring parties is a sport that used to be poorly won again within the day. This sport used to be an arcade port of a vertically scrolling shoot ’em. The SNES model suffered from in depth slow-down; which is the only factor one does not need in a SHMUP.

This sport additionally went beneath the radar because of it being launched in a while after the discharge of the SNES. Many players had been nonetheless pleased with their NES, and by the point they upgraded to the SNES, this sport used to be not on retailer cabinets. This is without doubt one of the more uncomplicated video games in this checklist to search out, however it’s going to price about up to 3 new PS5s.

19 Cheetahmen 2

Unfinished, Unlicensed, And Extremely Uncommon – Moderate Worth: $5,421

The unique Cheetahmen sport gave the impression at the Motion 52 cartridge for the NES. Motion 52 may be a quite uncommon sport and used to be made notorious via The Indignant Video Sport Nerd (AVGN) on YouTube. Cheetahmen 2 is a damaged sport that used to be obviously unfinished. The outer cartridge case is only a re-purposed Motion 52 cartridge with a easy gold label. The one reason why the sport went public in any respect used to be when a field of them used to be present in a warehouse.

There have been lower than 2,000 of those produced, making them uncommon to search out regardless of the place creditors glance on the net. Those in most cases promote for roughly $2,000.00. There are numerous copy Cheetahmen 2 cartridges in the market, so the ones having a look to shop for one want to make sure that it’s authentic.

18 Wonderful Tater

Perhaps The Maximum Treasured Formally Authorized Gameboy Sport – Moderate Worth: $4,916

Wonderful Tater handiest gave the impression at the radar as a collector’s merchandise in 2017, and after it used to be came upon, the fee went as much as $1,700 and has handiest risen ever since (for a complete-in-box replica). Even free copes are price about $500. A part of the explanation why is that it is a Gameboy cartridge. Video games for that iconic transportable console are ones that creditors are at all times considering discovering; it has a smaller library, and the inexpensive costs don’t seem to be too prohibitive for accumulating all of the video games within the library.

The sport itself is composed of puzzles and includes a captivating team of vegetable characters, particularly the primary persona, who occurs to be a potato. This sport is a laugh to play and in addition a really perfect funding, for the reason that worth helps to keep emerging. There’s some other sport on this collection referred to as Spud’s Journey. It’s price up to Wonderful Tater (for a free cart).

17 The Flintstones: Wonder At Dinosaur Height

A Blockbuster Video Apartment Unique – Moderate Worth: $4,999

Creditors are continuously after this sport partially on account of its distinctive historical past. Its worth is prime because of the truth that this cartridge is relatively uncommon, however the tale as to why has been misplaced to the ages. Rumors speculate that it used to be by no means to be had in retail in North The usa, and may just handiest be got as a part of a promotional handle Blockbuster video, therefore the reasonably small collection of them.

Different variations of the tale point out a restricted, past due unencumber and a deficient advertising marketing campaign. Both manner, this cartridge could be very tough to search out and due to this fact priced at greater than $3500 for a complete-in-box replica.

16 Duck Stories – Gold Cartridge Version

Duck Stories In A Gold Cartridge – Moderate Worth: $1,225

The unique Duck Stories is itself a sport that instructions a quite prime worth however isn’t in particular uncommon. When Capcom remade this vintage sport in 2013 they made up our minds to unencumber an overly restricted package that features a practical gold replica of the unique NES cartridge at the side of any other promotional pieces – like a actually cool lunch field.

There have been handiest 150 of those kits produced, so the possibility of discovering one could be very slender. If creditors do to find one, the typical worth is $1,600.00.