A sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. has become the most expensive video game ever sold, fetching an unprecedented $3 million at auction.
The sale was confirmed by Heritage Auctions, which announced that a Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) 9.6 A++ graded copy of Nintendo’s iconic 1985 platformer surpassed the previous video game auction record of $2 million, set in 2021. The new benchmark also far exceeds the $1.56 million paid for a sealed copy of Super Mario 64 that same year.
What makes this particular copy so valuable is its rarity and condition. According to Heritage Auctions, it is the earliest confirmed sealed example from the second production run of Super Mario Bros., identifiable by a distinctive gloss sticker used on copies released in early 1986.
The cartridge’s history adds to its appeal. The game was reportedly discovered only months ago inside an unopened NES Control Deck console bundle, meaning it had remained untouched for nearly 40 years.
‘It is only appropriate that the most significant video game in the world should bring the most impressive result in the history of the hobby,’ said Evan Masingill, Heritage Auctions’ consignment director for video games. He noted that the cartridge’s recent discovery and pristine condition made the result even more remarkable.
Heritage Auctions described the item as the ‘holy grail’ of video game collecting. Beyond its near-perfect PSA rating, the cartridge is considered the best-preserved of only three known sealed copies from the same production run. The other two examples carry lower collector grades, further increasing the rarity of the record-breaking sale.
The auction also included the unopened launch-edition NES Control Deck console that originally housed the cartridge, although the console itself represents only a small portion of the item’s overall value.
The sale highlights the continued growth of the collectibles market, where rare gaming memorabilia increasingly command prices once reserved for fine art and historic comic books. Recent years have seen collectors spend tens of thousands of dollars on sealed copies of modern games, while rare comic books have sold for as much as $9 million.
Related articles:
At a time when public debate is increasingly polarized and superficial, Hungarian Conservative remains committed to depth, intellectual honesty, and independent conservative thought.
Producing high-quality journalism requires resources. Your contribution helps us expand our coverage, reach new audiences, and keep our content accessible.
Please consider supporting our mission.
