Forgotten Retro Games in Your Attic? Experts Reveal Titles Now Worth a Fortune
Your Dusty Retro Games Could Be Worth Thousands – Here’s What to Look For
That box of old video games in your attic might be a hidden goldmine. Experts at Currys recently analyzed retro game resale data and found that certain titles—if kept in pristine condition—can fetch thousands of pounds.
The Key Factor: Complete in Box (CIB)
The most valuable games aren’t just the cartridges or discs—they’re the ones kept “complete in box” (CIB). This means retaining the original packaging, manuals, inserts, and any extras. “Most gamers threw away the boxes, but those who kept them could earn thousands today,” explains Currys.
Top 10 Most Valuable PAL-Region Games
- The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask [Adventure Set] (Nintendo 64)
- Value: £3,715.01
- Why it’s rare: Special editions with extra packaging, like this Nintendo 64 classic, soar in value.
This Zelda Adventure Set’s extras make it a collector’s dream.
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Snowboard Challenge (NES)
- Value: £2,935.80
- A lesser-known NES title, but its scarcity drives demand.
- Mega Man X3 (Super Nintendo)
- Value: £2,465.32
- Rare and beloved, this SNES gem is highly sought-after.
Mega Man X3’s limited release boosts its resale price.
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Zelda Oracle of Ages & Seasons Limited Edition (GameBoy Color)
- Value: £2,259.44
- Bundling two games in one package adds to its rarity.
- Darxide (Mega Drive 32X)
- Value: £2,245.68
- A niche title for Sega’s short-lived 32X add-on.
Other notable entries include Grand Theft Auto Complete Collection (PS2) at £2,234.07 and Dark Souls III Prestige Edition (PS4) at £1,975. Games like Snowboard Kids 2 (N64) and Family Fun Fitness Stadium Events (NES) also make the list, proving even quirky titles can gain value.
NTSC Games: The Real Jackpot
While PAL games (used in Europe/Australia) are valuable, NTSC versions (North America/Japan) dominate the high end. The 1990s shooter Metal Slug (Neo Geo AES) tops the chart at £47,005 for a CIB copy. “It was a luxury item with limited production,” says Currys. “Finding one intact is incredibly rare.”
Expert Advice: Collect What You Love
Roy Raferty, a specialist at Stanley Gibbons, warns against chasing games purely for profit. “Collect what you enjoy playing. Value increases naturally over time,” he says. “If you’re not passionate, you might miss cues—like re-releases killing a game’s resale value. Stick to playing and preserving what you love.”
Bottom Line
Before tossing old games, check if they’re CIB. Classics like Zelda or Mega Man could fund a vacation—or even a car. But remember: preservation is key. That crumpled manual or weathered box might be your ticket to a surprise windfall.
Snowboard Challenge’s value surprises many—keep those NES boxes!
The Zelda Oracle dual pack’s limited edition status adds to its worth.
Final Tip: Dig through your attic, but don’t wipe off the dust yet—pristine condition matters!
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