An original copy of Super Mario Bros. from Nintendo in 1986 can be yours – if you have at least $ 320,000 left.
Heritage Auctions is bidding on the still sealed copy of the game, which is expected to break the record for the highest amount paid for a single video game at the auction house.
Over 40 million copies of Super Mario Bros. have been sold around the world, making it one of the most popular video games of all time. So, what makes this copy so special? Surprisingly, it is still contained in the original plastic packaging and its condition was assessed at almost perfect 9.6 out of 10.
“This particular copy was produced in late 1986, which means it was one of the first copies produced with retractable plastic, instead of an adhesive seal, and a perforated cardboard clip,” said Valarie McLeckie, director of video games Heritage Auctions, in a demonstration.
“As the production window for this and other copies was so short, finding another copy of that same production under similar conditions would be as difficult as looking for a single drop of water in an ocean. Never say never, but there is a good chance that it cannot be done, ”she added.
The high bid is currently $ 310,000, and you will need to bid at least $ 320,000 to enter the race. The auction, which includes other coveted retro games, runs until April 4.
Ironically, the game only cost $ 25 in 1985, when it was first released in the United States. How that particular copy has survived for so long without being opened is still unclear. We contacted Heritage Auctions for comment, and we will update the story if we hear back.
Recommended by our editors
The current game sales record holder at Heritage Auctions is an original copy of Super Mario Bros. 3, which raised $ 156,000 last November. It was also a closed copy that was apparently languishing in someone’s closet.
Last year, a Super Mario Bros. game. separate and unsealed was also auctioned, but for only $ 114,000. That particular copy had a slightly lower quality rating of 9.4 out of 10 and was manufactured during a different production run.