How Much is Your Vintage Video Game Console Worth?
Video game consoles have come a long way since the 1970s. Today’s consoles boast incredible graphics, immersive gameplay, and a wide range of features that appeal to gamers of all ages.
But for many gamers, the nostalgia of vintage video game consoles is hard to beat. From the Atari 2600 to the Nintendo Entertainment System, vintage consoles evoke memories of simpler times and the excitement of playing classic games.
If you’re looking to get into retro gaming, you may wonder how much it will cost to buy a vintage console. The price of vintage video game consoles can vary depending on the console’s rarity, condition, and popularity. For example, a working Atari 2600 can range from $25 to $125, while a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in good condition can cost anywhere from $75 to $150.
However, if you’re willing to put in some effort and search for a good deal, you may be able to find a vintage console for a more affordable price. Below is a price guide for various vintage video game consoles.
*Note although there are some older consoles their rarity makes them very hard to find and thus hard to price.
Atari 2600
The Atari 2600, also known as the Atari Video Computer System (VCS), was one of the first successful home video game consoles. It was released in 1977 and quickly became a hit, selling millions of units over the next few years. The console featured simple graphics and sound, but its library of games was extensive and included many classic titles such as Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and Pitfall!
Over the years, Atari released several variations of the 2600 console, each with minor changes to its design and features. The original 2600 had a woodgrain finish and used six switches to control power, game selection, and difficulty. Later models, such as the 2600A and 2600Jr, had a more modern look and used a simpler switch design.
There were also several limited edition consoles, such as the Darth Vader edition and the Sears Video Arcade, which featured unique designs and branding. Despite its age, the Atari 2600 remains a beloved console among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors.
Console Only (No Hookups, No Controllers): $15 – $40
Console With All Hookups and 1 Controller: $25 – $125
Console Complete in Box: $75 – $300
Remember the value of the console will vary depending on how much is included with the console and the condition of the console. With the Atari 2600, the rarer consoles like the six switch version are worth more and the Jr version is worth less.
Click here to check prices on Atari 2600 game consoles on eBay
Atari 5200
The Atari 5200 is a second-generation home video game console that was released by Atari in 1982 as a successor to the popular Atari 2600. The 5200 was designed to compete with other consoles of the time, such as the Intellivision and ColecoVision, by offering more advanced graphics and sound capabilities.
One unique feature of the Atari 5200 was its innovative controller, which featured a joystick and a numeric keypad that could be used for gameplay and navigation. The controller also had a pause button, which allowed players to pause and resume gameplay at any time.
Despite its promising features, the Atari 5200 was plagued by several technical issues that hindered its success in the market. The console was notorious for its poor reliability and compatibility issues with older Atari 2600 games. Additionally, the 5200’s lack of third-party support and high price point contributed to its decline in popularity.
Today, the Atari 5200 is considered a collector’s item among retro gaming enthusiasts, and its unique controller and design continue to fascinate gamers and collectors alike.
Console Only (No Hookups, No Controllers): $50 – $80
Console With All Hookups and 1 Controller: $85 – $150
Console Complete in Box: $175 – $500
Remember the value of the console will vary depending on how much is included with the console and the condition of the console. Also, consider if any games are included that could help bolster the price when trying to sell the Atari 5200.
Click here to check prices on Atari 5200 consoles on eBay
Magnavox Odyssey 2
The Magnavox Odyssey 2, also known as the Philips Videopac G7000 in Europe, was a second-generation home video game console that was released by Magnavox in 1978. The console was designed to be a direct competitor to the Atari 2600 and the Intellivision.
One unique feature of the Magnavox Odyssey 2 was its built-in keyboard, which allowed players to type in commands and play educational games. The console also had a speech synthesis module that could produce voice and sound effects, making it one of the first consoles to offer voice output.
Another interesting feature of the Magnavox Odyssey 2 was its ability to display characters and graphics in multiple colors, which was impossible on other consoles of the time. The console also had a variety of accessories, such as a light gun, a joystick, and a computer expansion module, which expanded its capabilities beyond gaming.
Despite its innovative features, the Magnavox Odyssey 2 struggled to compete with the more popular Atari 2600 and Intellivision consoles. However, it still has a dedicated fan base among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors, who appreciate its unique design and features.
Console Only (No Hookups, No Controllers): $60 – $90
Console With All Hookups and 1 Controller: $80 – $110
Console Complete in Box: $80 – $130
Remember the value of the console will vary depending on how much is included with the console and the condition of the console. Surprisingly having the box doesn’t increase the value much of the Magnavox Odyssey 2.
Click here to price out a Magnavox Odyssey 2 at eBay
Colecovision
The ColecoVision is a second-generation home video game console that was released by Coleco in 1982. The console was designed to compete with other consoles of the time, such as the Atari 2600 and the Intellivision, by offering more advanced graphics and sound capabilities.
One unique feature of the ColecoVision was its expansion module interface, which allowed for add-on modules to be plugged into the console to expand its capabilities. It was also the first home video game console to offer a voice synthesis chip, which allowed users to hear voice samples from games.
Some of the most popular expansion modules included the Atari 2600 adapter, which allowed users to play Atari 2600 games on the ColecoVision, and the steering wheel controller, which was used for racing games.
Another interesting feature of the ColecoVision was its library of games, which included popular arcade titles such as Donkey Kong, Zaxxon, and Frogger. The console’s graphics and sound capabilities made these games more faithful to their arcade counterparts than other consoles of the time.
Despite its popularity, the ColecoVision faced stiff competition from other consoles and was eventually discontinued in 1985. However, it still has a dedicated fan base among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors, who appreciate its unique design and library of games.
Console Only (No Hookups, No Controllers): $60 – $90
Console With All Hookups and 1 Controller: $80 – $110
Console Complete in Box: $50 – $175
Remember the value of the console will vary depending on how much is included with the console and the condition of the console.
Click here to check prices on a Colecovision console on eBay
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is a third-generation home video game console that was released by Nintendo in October 1985. The console was a huge success, revitalizing the video game industry and introducing many gamers to classic franchises such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid.
One unique feature of the NES was its innovative “front-loading” design, which used a unique cartridge system that made it easy for users to insert and remove games. The console also featured a distinctive “NES Zapper” light gun that was used for games like Duck Hunt.
Another interesting feature of the NES was its use of the 10NES security chip, which prevented unauthorized games from being played on the console. This technology helped to prevent piracy and ensure that only licensed games could be played on the system.
The NES also had a large library of games, with over 700 titles released in North America alone. This included classic franchises such as Mega Man, Castlevania, and Final Fantasy, as well as many original titles created by third-party developers.
Despite being over 35 years old, the NES remains a beloved console among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors. Its innovative design, library of games, and cultural impact have made it one of the most important and influential video game consoles of all time.
Console Only (No Hookups, No Controllers): $40- $70
Console With All Hookups and 1 Controller: $75 – $110
Console Complete in Box: $100 – $275
Remember the value of the console will vary depending on how much is included with the console and the condition of the console. Also the complete in box sold listings vary because some have all the original materials and inserts while others don’t.
Click here to check Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) consoles on eBay