Are Super Nintendo Games worth money?
Nintendo, a name synonymous with gaming excellence, has left an indelible mark on the world of interactive entertainment. From its humble beginnings as a manufacturer of playing cards in 1889 to its groundbreaking foray into video games in the 1970s, Nintendo has emerged as a pioneering force that has shaped the gaming landscape we know today.
In 1990, the gaming industry was wowed again with the release of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES or Super Nintendo). This iconic console not only revolutionized gaming once again but also firmly established Nintendo as a frontrunner in the realm of video games. Fast forward a few years, and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) took over as the mainstream console with only the Sega Genesis to compete with.
Nintendo’s journey has been marked by a string of successful consoles, including the Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, and the modern-day Switch. These platforms have not only delivered hours of immersive gameplay but have also fueled the rise of cherished franchises like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Pokémon, captivating the hearts of millions with their enduring charm.
We’ll explore whether Super Nintendo games are worth the money and what factors affect their value. Whether you’re a collector, a gamer, or just curious about the world of retro video games, this article will provide valuable insights into the world of Super Nintendo game collecting.
How much were Super Nintendo games in the 90s?
One interesting fact about SNES games is their pricing over the years. When the SNES was first released, games typically cost between $49.99 to $79.99. Despite the high price tag, Super Nintendo games were incredibly popular and continue to be sought-after by collectors and gamers alike.
Here is a post on Reddit detailing an old ad showing SNES prices from 1993
How much is an original Super Nintendo worth?
An original Super Nintendo console with all the original cords and controllers could be worth up to $100. Their value varies depending on the condition and if you have two controllers or not.
But if you find an SNES in good working condition with lots of accessories and the original box and paperwork you could have a $350 console on your hands.
What are some factors that affect a Super Nintendo’s worth?
The main factor in determining the worth of an original Super Nintendo (SNES) is the condition followed closely by how well the console works.
What kind of condition is the case?
The original Super Nintendo console case was built to last. But being plastic they do get chips and dings that can affect the value. Also many were known to get discolored. The closer to the original color the higher the value of the console.
Does it come with the original cords?
If either the video cable or power adapter is not original that can cause the value of the Super Nintendo to decrease.
Does it work well?
One of the biggest issues with a Super Nintendo is the reset and power switches not working. They had a tendency to get stuck or break.
Also, there is a fuse that can regularly go out but with a little soldering can be easily fixed.
If most cleaned SNES games work the first time you put them in, then the console is worth more. But if you have to continually take the cartridge and reload to get it to work or games simply don’t work at all then the value of the Super Nintendo decreases.
Are the original SNES games worth money?
Many of the original SNES games are not worth more than $10 apiece. There were so many produced and the way they were built it was hard to find one that didn’t work. So any that were originally made are still floating around somewhere.
Unlike the NES there weren’t any true rare Super Nintendo games but there are some very desirable and hard to find games.
*All pricing is based on average value from PriceCharting.com as of 8/7/2023
SNES games that are worth over $300:
- Harvest Moon
- Metal Warriors
- Wild Guns
- EarthBound
- Bronkie the Bronchiasaurus
Popular SNES games that sell for over $200:
- Mega Man X3
- Sonic Blast Man 2
- Mega Man 7
- Castlevania Dracula X
- Chrono Trigger
Popular SNES games that sell for over $100:
- Ninja Gaiden Trilogy
- Captain Commando
- Street Fighter II (30th Anniversary Edition)
- Kirby’s Dream Land 3
- Pocky & Rocky
- Final Fight 3
- Mega Man X2
- Super Mario RPG
SNES franchises to look for that still have value:
- Super Mario Bros.
- Final Fantasy
- Legend of Zelda
- Street Fighter
- Mega Man
- Metroid
What are some factors that affect a Super Nintendo game’s worth?
The first factor that can affect the worth of a Super Nintendo game is “Does it work?”. The cartridges were built to last and you will find very few that don’t work. Most of the time when they don’t work the cartridge just needs a good cleaning.
The next factor in value is the condition of the cartridge. Depending on how “clean” the cartridge is can really help or hurt the value of the game. Here are some points to consider regarding how clean an SNES cartridge is.
Does the SNES cartridge have any writing on it?
For some crazy reason, people would use a permanent marker to write their names on their cartridges. With a lot of work you might be able to get this off but leaving it on there can really devalue a game.
If you attempt to remove it beware that some techniques can ruin a label if you get something on the label of the SNES cartridge.
Does the NES cartridge have any stickers on it?
Back when game rentals were a big thing every rental place had stickers with their name and maybe a scan code on each cartridge. While stickers are not usually a bad thing, sometimes they would put security stickers that would leave a mark or residue if removed. These things were almost impossible to remove and you still find games with these stickers on them.
Is the label damaged or missing?
A complete label that is in good shape will price much better than a game with a ripped or torn label. While some people just want to play the game, most collectors will want an intact flawless label if possible.
Does the game come with a manual and an original box?
Most people discarded their original Super Nintendo game boxes. Finding an original manual and box can mean double or triple the value of your game. The better the condition of the box and manual the more value your Super Nintendo game is worth.
Super Nintendo games can be worth a lot of money. But buyer beware as some are only worth a few bucks (mostly sports titles). Depending on the rarity, condition, and demand SNES cartridge prices can vary.
Make sure and do your research before buying. Check recently sold listings on eBay or Mercari or go to PriceCharting.com and search for the games there to find recent valuations.
Whether you are a hobbyist looking to fill your collection or a wanting to start reselling video games make sure you pay extra attention to the details and don’t overpay.
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