Old-School Video Games Worth Money Today

If you’ve got a dusty box of old video game cartridges in your attic, you might be sitting on actual cash. The retro gaming market has exploded over the past decade, with collectors willing to pay serious money for games from the 1980s and 1990s.

Rarity, condition, and nostalgia all factor into what these games command, but the bottom line is clear—some old games are worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Whether you’re looking to sell what you have or just curious about the value of your childhood collection, knowing which games matter most is worth your time.

Here are 14 old-school games that have genuine value in today’s market.

The Legend of Zelda (NES, gold cartridge)

The original Legend of Zelda is valuable on its own, but the gold cartridge from the 1987 release is especially sought after. Mint copies sell for $400 to $800, while well-played versions still fetch $100 to $300.

Its distinctive gold color makes it more collectible than later black cartridges, so if you have one in decent shape, it’s worth checking its current market value.

Castlevania (NES)

This challenging vampire-slaying game has aged remarkably well. Loose cartridges fetch $100 to $200, and complete boxes can reach $400 or more.

Fewer copies circulated compared to mainstream titles, and its reputation as a classic only grows stronger with time.

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Mega Man 2 (NES)

KHARKOV, UKRAINE – NOVEMBER 12, 2020: Dendy video game controller on table with Megaman 2 game on big display
— Photo by Mehaniq

The second Mega Man game is widely regarded as the best of the original series. Loose copies sell for $120 to $250, while complete versions reach $500 or higher.

Fan demand is high, and condition plays a big role in value.

Earthbound (SNES)

A cult classic RPG, Earthbound commands attention despite modest sales at launch. Loose cartridges go for $200 to $400, while complete boxes with manuals can hit $1,500 or more.

Its devoted fan base ensures strong demand decades later.

Chrono Trigger (SNES)

Often called one of the greatest RPGs ever, Chrono Trigger maintains high collector interest. Loose cartridges sell for $150 to $300, and boxed versions reach $600 to $1,000. Complete copies with all original inserts are particularly valuable.

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Final Fantasy III (SNES)

The second Final Fantasy released in North America holds steady value with RPG enthusiasts. Loose cartridges sell for $200 to $350, and boxed versions fetch $500 to $900.

Its higher original price and limited initial distribution make it rarer than many other SNES titles.

Donkey Kong Country (SNES)

This beautifully animated platformer was a system seller for the SNES. Loose cartridges sell for $40 to $80, while complete versions with box and manual push to $200 or more. Its quality and nostalgia make it a solid entry point for new collectors.

Super Metroid (SNES)

A pinnacle of exploration-style gameplay, Super Metroid is highly collectible. Loose copies go for $100 to $200, and boxed versions reach $400 to $700.

Complete copies are rarer, which drives up their value even further.

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Street Fighter II (SNES)

This iconic arcade-to-home port sold millions, but not all versions are equal. Loose cartridges go for $40 to $80, while boxed editions reach $150 to $300.

Regional variations and conditions play a big role in pricing.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Sega Genesis)

The blue hedgehog’s second adventure still has value. Loose cartridges fetch $30 to $60, and complete versions sell for $100 to $200.

While not as rare as some NES games, Sonic 2 remains in demand.

ToeJam & Earl (Sega Genesis)

This quirky adventure game developed a cult following. Loose copies sell for $60 to $120, while boxed versions go for $200 or more.

Its limited mainstream exposure makes copies scarcer and more sought after.

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Contra (NES)

Famous for its difficulty, Contra remains a collector favorite. Loose cartridges sell for $80 to $150, while boxed editions reach $300 or more.

Limited production compared to Mario adds to its value.

Super Mario Bros. (NES, black cartridge)

The game that helped save the video game industry still has value. Loose black cartridges sell for $40 to $80, and complete versions with box and manual fetch $200 to $400.

The original gray-box release is rarer and even more collectible.

Kirby Super Star (SNES)

This colorful collection is a fan favorite. Loose cartridges go for $50 to $100, while boxed versions hit $150 to $300.

Its approachable price makes it an accessible collectible, and its enduring charm keeps demand steady.

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Yesterday’s entertainment is today’s treasure

The retro gaming market isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Collectors, investors, and nostalgic players continue to drive demand for authentic cartridges from gaming’s golden age.

If you’ve got any of these titles stashed away, it’s worth checking the current selling prices online to see what you might have. Even if your collection doesn’t include these specific high-value games, there’s a good chance something in your collection has worth—you just need to know where to look.