Retro game prices is a subject discussed by many collectors and that is mainly because they just keep going up. Some will comment that this trend is mad, but in my opinion that’s really not the case and what we are seeing in retro game prices is following trends seen in other collectibles markets. So, why are old retro video games so expensive?
Why Are Old Retro Video Games So Expensive – 5 Reasons
The debate on why retro video games are so expensive might not seem too simple but it is my belief that there are 5 main reasons to consider. When looking at the upward price trend of retro games in general I think the following 5 points have a lot to do with prices going up.
1. The Classic Retro Systems Are Only Getting Older
The classic systems are getting older and harder to come by. As more people look to buy them it makes it harder for everyone (especially if you are starting out) and that affects prices.
Along with this what were classed as newer systems (such as the PS2 and GameCube) have become retro and the pattern continues. This point very much flows into my next point, so let’s continue.
2. There are Only a Finite Amount of Retro Video Games
There is only a finite number of original retro games out there for collectors to buy. When you then consider the number that are complete in box (CIB), or even classed as mint that only means one thing – spending more cash.
As more people have come into the retro gaming space over the years it means demand has increased whilst the supply has remained the same, or even less as more people build their game collections. This drives up retro game prices and makes them more expensive as the years pass.
3. For Some Expensive Retro Games are an Investment
A slightly growing trend is collectors seeing a retro game collection as an investment. There are also people out there buying retro games purely to hold them and speculate on their value going up over time.
This isn’t beneficial for more traditional collectors like myself but it is a reality in the current market. This has especially been the case in North America with sealed and graded games for the Nintendo Entertainment System. This is another factor that drives up prices that didn’t really exist a few years ago and even some resellers are buying games to hold for a while before selling years later for a higher profit margin.
Speculating on retro games prices is very much a real thing.
4. Nostalgia Pushes Up Prices of Retro Video Games
Nostalgia and mainstream media attention pushes up prices. In recent years we have seen Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog movies released as well as very popular plug n play mini consoles from both Nintendo and Sega.
This and along with the ever increasing number of retro gaming YouTubers covering a wide variety of retro games from the past is getting more eyes looking at the hobby in general. This creates more interest and demand for retro games which in turn makes prices go up.
Nostalgia is big business nowadays with many famous IP’s from the 80’s and 90’s being remarketed to the general public and as more people look back at things they had growing up it will only increase prices.
5. Over Pricing Old Retro Video Games is Real – Don’t Overpay
There are so many sellers of all different types over pricing retro games. This is especially the case on eBay. By doing this many other people are doing the same when selling retro games rather than looking at completed and sold prices.
Video game stores can also be guilty of doing this as well sometimes in hope of finding that one buyer willing to pay a premium what may be perceived to be a rare or hard to find game.
From my experience if you think you are overpaying then you probably are. You will be surprised how many time certain ‘rare’ games will appear on places like eBay so don’t over pay as somewhere there is always a deal to be done.
More About Collecting Retro Video Games
Before we dive into this topic on the cost of retro games you might also enjoy the following posts.
- Is Retro Game Collecting Worth It?
- How To Get Started With Retro Game Collecting
- How I Started Retro Game Collecting
- Why Are Retro Games So Popular?
- The Highs and Lows of Retro Game Collecting
- Retro Game Collecting Burn Out
- What is considered retro gaming?
Will Retro Game Prices Ever Drop – My Opinion
My opinion is that retro games prices will continue to rise as time goes on. Older systems and retro games will get more expensive to buy. Many for years have speculated a price crash, but I can’t see it happening in my opinion.
I think the trend for retro video game prices will follow a pattern similar to Vintage Star Wars toys. Prices have steadily increased over the years where older pieces hold a premium price and newer easier to find pieces will increase in prices but appear more affordable than those deemed harder to find.
The core customer base will remain for retro video games with prices increasing over time although the rate of growth may drop from time to time.
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