Look Sports Media – The impending launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 has gamers clearing shelf space, but a new report reveals they might be sitting on a goldmine. A recent Currys analysis, based on PriceCharting data, unveiled a list of the most valuable unsealed retro PAL video games, some fetching thousands of pounds. The report, published on looksports.media, highlights a market ripe with unexpected riches.
Leading the pack is a copy of Streets of Rage for the Sega Mega Drive, valued at almost £40,000 based on recent sales. While sealed, graded copies consistently command the highest prices, even used cartridges or those with original boxes can yield impressive returns. The report meticulously details the escalating value of retro games across various platforms, including the Nintendo 64, PlayStation 2, Game Boy, and NES.
Future Collectibles: Smart Investments?
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The report also looks ahead, identifying potential future collectibles. Roy Raftery, a trading card and video game specialist collaborating with Currys, highlighted Super Mario 3D All-Stars for the Nintendo Switch as a title with significant growth potential. Despite its initial £65 price tag, Raftery notes its limited-time release and the enduring popularity of the Switch console as key factors driving its secondary market value. He further emphasizes the upcoming 40th anniversary of Mario in 2025 as a catalyst for increased collector interest and potential price hikes.
The Nostalgia Factor Fuels the Boom
The retro gaming market is experiencing explosive growth, fueled by nostalgia and limited supply. Currys’ data reveals a staggering 128% value increase for Xbox games between 2020 and 2025, with Sega Saturn (104%) and GameCube (91%) titles closely trailing. Raftery attributes this surge to the powerful emotional connection gamers have with the games of their youth. He observes that late-20-somethings are predominantly seeking games from their childhoods, such as Xbox or PlayStation 2 titles, rather than earlier consoles. This trend underscores the potent role of nostalgia in shaping the retro gaming market’s trajectory.
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