The Game Boy was of course a powerful and loved portable gaming machine, that revolutionized gaming on the go. Many Game Boy titles have mushroomed in value decades after their release on the collector’s market. Playing with nostalgic treasures and valuable investments, these rare gems are called. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at a couple of Game Boy titles that are the rarest and are worth good money.
1. The Game Boy Collectors’ Market
Why Is Game Boy Game So Valuable?
By that I mean, Game Boy titles are worth something simply because they’re limited edition productions, are available in regional versions, or are legendary in gaming history. Some of these games were not found on the Game Boy during its lifecycle, so they’re a little harder to track down.
Condition Matters
In reality collectors are looking for a mint condition cartridge, original box, and manual. For the people who actually do buy games with intact packaging these games are still pretty expensive.
2. Here are some Rare Game Boy Titles to have on your radar
Spud’s Adventure
Spud’s Adventure is a quirky RPG game about a potato hero, one of the rarest, and most expensive, Game Boy games. Limited production and a distinctive storyline help make this title a hot button item among collectors.
Amazing Tater
Amazing Tater, a challenging puzzle game by Atlus, is another rare game, being another one. High value is helped by how scarce it is and how many of Atlus’s games follow such a cult following. If you do decide to go down this path of complete-in-box gaming PC then expect a premium to pay for it.
Mega Man V
Despite being so iconic, the Mega Man series has a few titles that feel like the odd ones out, including the Game Boy exclusive Mega Man V. It’s a marvel of featuring unique bosses and gameplay and it’s a must have for fans. This game can even be sold for hundreds of dollars depending on its full copy.
Trip World
Innovative mechanics, charming visuals, this one is adorable platformer. Trip World had such a limited release, especially in North America, that it was a rare find. Rather, it’s in demand among collectors who will pay well over $1,000 to own a complete copy.
3. Promotional Games and Regional Exclusives
Shantae
Shantae is a platformer released at the tail end of the Game Boy Color’s life, and became a cult classic. Intrinsic to this being highly valued as a title is how few were printed and its critical acclaim, with the prices going into the thousands for complete copies.
Nintendo Power Exclusives
Certain Game Boy games were only obtainable through the gamers subscribing to Nintendo Power magazine. Rare being exclusive, these are also things collectors will carry at any cost; for example Donkey Kong Land III (Japan only).
Special Editions
Games specially made for promotional things such as demo cartridges and limited edition releases are also highly wanted. They are also rare, and usually command a high price as a result.
4. What Drives the Prices Up?
Limited Availability
Given time, typically games with small production runs, or games that are released in limited regions, start to become harder to find.
Nostalgia Factor
As players get older, they often look to recapture their childhoods with some rare titles and so there is demand for those titles.
Condition and Completeness
With a loose cartridge still pulling in some cash, complete in box copies with internal manuals and inserts add significantly to a games’ value.
Influence of Online Auctions
The proliferation of platforms such as eBay, but also specialty stores where collectors can bid against each other creates demand for the rare games and pushes prices higher and higher.
5. Tips for Aspiring Collectors
Research Before Buying
Buy a game only after you understand its rarity and cost. Be sure that you’re not paying too much for the rifle.
Inspect the Condition
Search for autheticating marks like original labels, etc. Be careful with reproduction cartridges which look so similar to the original.
Store Your Games Properly
Storing games in a cool dry place, in a dark place other than direct sunlight should be sufficient to protect your collection. Protective cases for valuable titles will be considered an investment.
Conclusion
Unpackaging rare Game Boy titles is a fun, nostalgic, historical and hunt for hidden treasures for the game collectors. It’s where you can find iconic titles like Mega Man V all the way to rare, rare gems like Spud’s Adventure. If you’re a seasoned collector or starting out, the Game Boy market has a wealth of gaming’s past to discover and its legacy to invest in.