An NES Mario Classic Just Became the Most Expensive Game Ever Sold

June 16, 2026 - 15:13

A sealed copy of a beloved Nintendo Entertainment System Mario game has just become the most expensive video game ever sold, smashing previous auction records. The title in question is a factory-sealed version of "Super Mario Bros.," the landmark 1985 platformer that launched a global phenomenon. The sale, conducted through a private transaction, reached a staggering sum that far exceeds the previous high for a single video game cartridge.

While exact details of the buyer and seller remain private, the record-breaking price underscores the explosive growth of the retro gaming market. Collectors have long prized early NES titles, but a sealed, high-grade copy of "Super Mario Bros." holds a special status. This particular cartridge was graded by a third-party authentication service, confirming its near-perfect condition and original shrink-wrap. The game's cultural significance, combined with its rarity in such pristine state, drove the final price into the millions.

This sale eclipses the previous record held by another NES classic, "Super Mario Bros. 3," which sold for a then-unheard-of amount just a few years ago. The trend shows no signs of slowing, as investors and nostalgic gamers alike compete for the few surviving mint-condition copies of gaming's most iconic titles. For now, this unassuming gray cartridge sits as the undisputed king of the video game collecting world.