Hunting for Treasure? Prepare to Pay a King’s Ransom for These Pricey DS Games
Are you a hardcore Nintendo DS collector? If so, you might have all the Pokémon games and some rare RPGs too. But have you explored the really expensive games? These titles can cost more than your rent. Let’s dive into this treasure trove of pricey gems.
Expensive DS Games: Rarity is the Name of the Game
What drives a DS game’s value? Rarity, plain and simple. Some titles are as elusive as a unicorn playing Tetris. Limited supply raises prices. Think of these games as digital gold, but in cartridge form. They hold real value in the gaming world.
Veggy World: The Holy Grail of DS Collecting
First, we have Veggy World, which costs around $388. Yes, a game about vegetables. This game is rarer than a polite online gamer. Finding a complete copy is nearly impossible. It might not be Mario or Zelda, but in the collector’s world, Veggy World has elite status.
The $200 Club: Commando, Blue Dragon, and Sideswiped
Veggy World isn’t alone in the expensive club. Here are a few more wallet-busters:
- Commando: Steel Disaster ($201): Prepare for steel, and disaster… to your finances if you seek a pristine copy.
- Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow ($205): This title might awaken more than shadows when you see what it costs.
- Sideswiped ($240): Getting ‘sideswiped’ by this price is inevitable.
Nearing $300 and Beyond: Powerbike, Solatorobo, and Shepherd’s Crossing 2
There’s more! The expensive price train rolls on:
- Powerbike ($293): This isn’t just a bike ride; it’s a financial marathon.
- Solatorobo: Red The Hunter ($319): A real treasure hunter needs this one.
- Shepherd’s Crossing 2 ($344): You may need to shepherd your finances to obtain this title.
Beyond Gameplay: The X-Factors in Game Value
Value doesn’t come from gameplay alone. Several quirky elements can turn a basic cartridge into a coveted piece of gaming history.
Collectibility and Notoriety: Infamy Can Be Expensive
Action 52? This game is famous, but not for good reasons. It’s infamous for having many ‘less-than-stellar’ titles. However, collectors seek it out. Why? Notoriety and rarity. Originally priced at $199 (around $459 now), it shows that bad games can carry value.
Label Errors: When Mistakes Pay Off
Typos in games can annoy you, but they can also be a goldmine. Titles like F1 Pole Position with labeling mistakes are sought after. It’s like finding a misprinted stamp; you could be sitting on a fortune or, at least, an impressive collection.
Venturing Beyond DS: Expensive Games Across the Board
The price tag game isn’t just for DS titles. Let’s glance at some others that are pricier than a weekend trip:
Gamma Attack (Atari 2600): The King of Expensive
The most expensive game? That title belongs to Gamma Attack for Atari 2600. This game is so rare, it’s almost mythical. Created by Robert L. Esken Jr., its limited release makes it a holy grail for collectors. Finding one? Pretty much a miracle.
Pokemon Red (Japanese, New): Pristine Pokemon Power
Think Pokémon games are common? Think again. A new, Japanese copy of Pokemon Red sold for a shocking $45,000. Not just any copy; it was verified as brand new, unopened, never played. It’s like discovering a golden dinosaur egg that hatches into a Pikachu.
Sukeban Shachou Rena (Wii): The Mysterious Million-Dollar Wii Game
Heard of Sukeban Shachou Rena for the Wii? It’s likely the rarest Wii game. It flopped so badly that it didn’t sell 100 copies the first week. Now, it’s nearly invisible online and may cost you a mind-blowing $1,399. Quite the turnaround!
Rhythm Heaven Fever: Why Does Rhythm Cost So Much?
Rhythm Heaven Fever might not reach Gamma Attack levels, but still has a high price tag. Why? Unique gameplay, niche appeal, limited production, collectible status, and acclaim create a perfect storm. It’s a rhythm game that resonates with both collectors and their wallets.
Development Costs: The Real Money Pit
While discussing prices, let’s shift to development costs. The budgets for some games may shock you.
Star Citizen: The Game That Eats Money for Breakfast
Star Citizen is well-known for its ambition and scope, but also for its budget. It’s often cited as having the most expensive gaming budget in history. Building such a massive game truly costs a fortune.
Genshin Impact: A Billion-Dollar Baby?
Genshin Impact cost over $900 million to develop. That’s serious money! Whether accurate or not, creating a global phenomenon like this requires major financial resources.
Cyberpunk 2077 and Monopoly GO!: Big Budgets, Big Games
Other games with hefty development costs include Cyberpunk 2077, with a budget around $441.9 million, and Monopoly GO!, which cost less than $500 million. These figures highlight the expense behind creating high-quality games.
The Ultimate Price Tag: Super Mario Bros. Sets a World Record
Now, let’s talk about the title for the most expensive game ever bought. Prepare yourself.
Super Mario Bros. (NES, Sealed): Two Million Dollars for a Plumber
In August 2021, a sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. for NES sold for a record $2 million. Yes, $2 million for a game featuring a jumping plumber. This wasn’t just any copy; it was sealed in original packaging, a true unicorn in vintage gaming. An anonymous collector paid that astounding sum, proving nostalgia and rarity can yield massive prices.
This showcases the wild world of pricey games. It is filled with rare finds, astonishing price tags, and the joy of nostalgia. Whether you’re a deep-pocketed collector or simply curious, understanding these game’s value offers a glimpse into gaming’s quirky history. Now, I’ll check my attic for hidden Atari cartridges. You never know what you might find!
