A copy of Super Mario Bros. still sealed in its original box and with the factory sticker has just sold for 3 million dollars at a Heritage Auctions auction. This figure crushes the previous record of 2 million dollars, also achieved by a copy of the same game in 2021.
The vintage video game collectibles market continues to grow wildly. What makes this unit so special is that it belongs to the second print run of 1985 and was sealed with a shiny sticker instead of the typical shrink wrap, a method that was discontinued shortly after. According to the organizers, this is the oldest known sealed copy to date.
Additionally, it received a rating of 9.6 A++ from Professional Sports Authenticator, which adds value and confidence for the most discerning buyers. This combination of rarity, impeccable condition, and historical pedigree made it a unique piece.
The retro video game boom
The price of vintage video games has been rising steadily in recent years. Just in July 2020, the same auction house set a record with another copy of Super Mario Bros. for 114,000 dollars. Today that amount seems like an absolute bargain.
The frenzy is not new. Shortly before the current record, a version of Super Mario 64 had reached 1.56 million dollars in another auction that generated quite a controversy. Collectors are willing to pay fortunes for pieces that represent the history of the industry.
