Over time, the value of vintage video game collections has significantly increased due to the scarcity of older games and the growing complexity of the economy. For enthusiasts who aspire to amass top-tier games for classic systems such as SNES, Genesis, or PlayStation, the challenge becomes increasingly steep. This reality might lead some to contemplate niche collecting, focusing on consoles that didn’t quite make it.
When supply is scarce, demand can be low enough to maintain affordable prices. Bargain hunters might stumble upon some undervalued treasures if they look carefully. However, some of these games have seen an increase in value over time. For avid spenders, dedicated collectors, or those intrigued by rarities, here are the scarcest, most costly console games that failed to gain popularity among consumers.
All prices are taken from PriceCharting.com.
10. BattleSphere (Atari Jaguar)
Sometimes the Math Worked Out for Atari’s Maligned Console
| Loose | $799 |
|---|---|
| Complete in Box | $830 |
| New | $1,660 |
In their final attempt to surpass rivals, Atari unveiled the mighty Atari Jaguar, a 64-bit powerhouse. However, the console’s intricate design proved challenging for developers to create high-quality games for it. Yet, determination prevailed, as 4Play successfully developed the remarkable game titled BattleSphere.
The game title presented a space shooter with an online mode, featuring first-person perspective, which was quite innovative for its era. Unfortunately, it didn’t release until 1996, after the console had already been discontinued. Jaguar owners were left waiting until 2000 to find it on store shelves. However, their patience paid off as the game became valuable; today’s owners can sell it for up to $800, and even more if it remains unopened and new.
9. Civilization (Nokia N-Gage)
Launch Nukes With This Classic Strategy Game
| Loose | $201.25 |
|---|---|
| Complete in Box | $850 |
| New | $1,054.52 |
In the early 2000s, Nokia dominated the mobile phone market. As mobile gaming started gaining popularity, they believed they could also succeed in the handheld console market. This led to the creation of the Nokia N-Gage. Players controlled games using a phone-like keypad, made calls by speaking into its side, and needed to unscrew the back and remove the battery simply to switch game cartridges.
To put it another way, it was an ideal match to enjoy the game Civilization on! This strategy simulation was actually the final game officially launched for the device. The game’s slower pace synced well with the N-Gage’s controls and portrait screen compared to games like Sonic N, or Sonic Advance, which have faster paces. You can play the original PC version free in web browsers, but a full copy of the N-Gage port will set you back around $850.
8. Zelda’s Adventure (Philips CD-I)
Not What All True Warriors Strive For
| Loose | $487.53 |
|---|---|
| Complete in Box | $1,137.97 |
| New | $2,276 |
Nintendo opted out of partnering with Sony to develop a CD add-on for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Instead, they chose to strike a deal with their European competitor, Philips. However, this partnership didn’t prove successful. Consequentially, Sony entered the console market with the PlayStation, while Philips obtained rights to use some of Nintendo’s most popular franchises for their new console.
Although the animated Legend of Zelda games are more commonly known, it’s the live-action Zelda’s Adventure that’s just as elusive, much like finding chicken teeth. Its live-action FMVs, digitized graphics, and unique interpretation of top-down gameplay didn’t quite capture the quirky allure of Zelda: Wand of Gamelon’s cutscenes. Finding a physical copy is necessary since emulating CD-I games is challenging and incomplete at this point in time.
7. The Next Tetris (Nuon)
Puzzle Games At a Premium on a DVD Player
| Loose | $553.21 |
|---|---|
| Complete in Box | $1,217.06 |
| New | $2,489.45 |
One reason the PlayStation 2 became popular was due to its dual functionality as an affordable and capable DVD player. Many purchasers simply sought a device for playing their films and television shows without incurring significant costs. Similar to the Nuon, it served primarily as a DVD player that could handle a limited number of games.
Even though it wasn’t perfect, this adaptation of the classic PS1 and Dreamcast game boasted a distinct title, “The Next Tetris.” This rendition combined the traditional block-stacking gameplay with an innovative ‘Next Tetris’ mode that allowed specific blocks to divide, filling any empty spaces. Although it may not be the greatest version of the game out there, it holds the record for being the most expensive Nuon game, priced at a whopping $1,217 when complete.
6. Bounty Bob Strikes Back! (Atari 5200)
A Classic Home Game on a Not-So-Classic Console
| Loose | $710 |
|---|---|
| Complete in Box | $1,450 |
| New | $1,061.39 |
As a gamer, I can say that Atari was synonymous with home gaming, largely due to the phenomenal success of the Atari 2600. Eager to maintain this momentum, they released the Atari 5200, boasting improved graphics and an innovative analog controller for smoother movement. However, the unfortunate truth was that this console had a tendency to malfunction if it received even the slightest provocation. Adding to its woes were other factors like a market crash, which ultimately led to the demise of the Atari 5200 just two years into its release cycle.
If players can successfully set everything up, they could enjoy playing “Bounty Bob Strike Back!”, which is a sequel to the game that resembles Donkey Kong and is called Miner 2049er. It provides more platforming entertainment across 25 levels. However, considering its cost, many players might find it wiser to explore its versions on other platforms instead, such as Atari 8-bit computers or Commodore 64 systems.
5. Spider-Man: Web of Fire (Sega 32X)
Ordinary Brawler Goes for Extraordinary Prices
| Loose | $460.86 |
|---|---|
| Complete in Box | $1,459.99 |
| New | $2,920 |
In the game “The Revenge of Shinobi”, Sega added a character resembling Spider-Man. Marvel was so taken by this that they granted Sega the rights to use the iconic superhero, known as the friendly neighborhood Spiderman. However, once the license expired, Sega and Marvel didn’t collaborate for over two decades.
Prior to its expiration, Sega tasked the team responsible for creating Vectorman to develop Spider-Man: Web of Fire exclusively for the Sega 32X. This was a typical side-scrolling adventure game in which Spiderman endeavored to save New York from Hydra’s forces, with occasional support from Daredevil. Despite its unassuming nature during gameplay, its price has since become anything but modest.
4. Jack Bros (Virtual Boy)
Goes for a Hee-Whole Lot of Money
| Loose | $745.69 |
|---|---|
| Complete in Box | $1,999.96 |
| New | $4,000 |
Although the Switch 2’s cost and the Wii U’s letdown may be remembered, both systems are more thriving now compared to the Virtual Boy. The Virtual Boy’s headache-triggering 3D effects and harsh visuals continue to label it as Nintendo’s most significant hardware blunder. However, it holds a significant position in gaming history, especially for enthusiasts of a specific RPG series.
Enthusiasts of the Shin Megami Tensei series, including Persona, are probably familiar with the game known as “Jack Bros”, which was the initial SMT title released globally. In this game, players chose among three characters – Frost, Lantern, or Skelton – and guided them back to the fairy realm by navigating through labyrinths in search of keys.
3. Keio Flying Squadron (Sega CD)
Kooky Shmup Goes for Sky-High Prices
| Loose | $999.99 |
|---|---|
| Complete in Box | $2,527.66 |
| New | $3,299.99 |
Despite the Sega CD not being a commercial success, it offers a good selection of cult favorite games. However, these aren’t the Full Motion Video (FMV) games that were heavily promoted. Instead, they are primarily 2D games that make use of its technology in unique ways, such as incorporating animated cutscenes and high-quality CD audio.
Essentially, Keio Flying Squadron is similar to the game known as Parodius, offering a more detailed storyline. In this game, players aid the rabbit girl Rami in her mission to destroy aliens in a Japan of the 1860s that seems anachronistic. This game was unintentionally distributed for free through Sega Pro CD‘s demo disc. Nowadays, it might be simpler for buyers to purchase a $1,000 original copy of the game than to hunt down a CD from an old British magazine.
2. DinoPark Tycoon (3DO)
It’d Take a Loan to Afford This Title
| Loose | $474.96 |
|---|---|
| Complete in Box | $4,294.77 |
| New | $8,590 |
It’s fortunate that Jurassic Park met expectations, or else the success of Manley & Associates’ DinoPark Tycoon could have been jeopardized. Players took an in-game loan of $5,000 to establish their own dinosaur park with the aim of repaying it. If they manage to do so, they can sell the park, receive an award, and potentially surpass Dr. Hammond’s accomplishments from the movies.
The game was initially released for both MS-DOS and macOS platforms, and it was also adapted for the innovative yet faulty 3DO console. Unfortunately, physical copies of the game are quite expensive, but fortunately, all three versions are now considered abandonware and can be played free of charge on websites like MyAbandonware.com.
1. Don Quixote: A Dream in Seven Crystals (LaserActive)
An Expensive Title for an Expensive Console
| Loose | $2,045 |
|---|---|
| Complete in Box | $4,500 |
| New | $9,000 |
In essence, the LaserActive was considered the epitome of technology for tech enthusiasts of the 1990s. It functioned as a multi-purpose device, capable of playing LaserDisc movies, audio CDs, karaoke discs, and even video games. Furthermore, it could be upgraded to support Genesis and TurboGrafx-16 games. However, the steep price tag of $970 (equivalent to approximately $2,146 today) made it a luxury item for many, as most users found themselves strapped for funds after purchasing the console alone. Thus, a standard Genesis might have been a more practical choice for those with limited resources.
Back then, I was drawn to a gem among games, priced significantly lower than its costliest counterpart – “Don Quixote: A Dream in Seven Crystals”. This dungeon-crawling RPG seamlessly blended the timeless charm of Don Quixote with the gameplay mechanics reminiscent of Wizardry, and added captivating anime cutscenes that were quite a sight for the eyes, even though the animation wasn’t always top-notch.
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2025-04-25 01:36