14 Video Game Cartridges With Rare Labels That Collectors Love

Video game cartridges were once the standard way to enjoy your favorite games, offering a tangible connection to gaming’s past. Collectors particularly prize cartridges with rare and distinctive labels. These labels often represent limited runs or special releases, making them highly collectible. For some, owning one is more than just a hobby-it’s a passion. If you’re curious about these hidden gems, keep reading to discover what makes them so special.

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Nintendo World Championships 1990 Cartridge

Released in 1990 by Nintendo of America, this rare cartridge was used in a competition that toured various cities across the U.S. The label features a prominent Nintendo World Championships logo and is notable for its limited distribution. This game includes a unique set of timed challenges based on popular NES titles such as Super Mario Bros., Rad Racer, and Tetris. Because it was never sold to the public, its scarcity has made it one of the most valuable video game cartridges on the market. A sealed version can fetch anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 depending on condition and grading.

Collectors prize this item not only for its rarity but also for its historical significance in the world of competitive gaming. The cartridge is often regarded as a holy grail among video game collectors. Many people protect it in sealed cases to preserve its original label.

Stadium Events Original North American Release

Produced by Bandai in 1987, Stadium Events is a highly sought-after cartridge due to its brief release before Nintendo took over the rights and rebranded it as World Class Track Meet. The label features the original Stadium Events branding, making it a unique piece for collectors. The game uses the Power Pad accessory to engage players in various athletic challenges, including running, long jumping, and hurdling. It is one of the rarest titles for the NES, with complete copies now valued between $4,000 and $8,000.

Due to its limited production, many copies were pulled off shelves and destroyed, leaving only a small number in circulation. It is highly collectible, and its unique status makes it a centerpiece for those interested in early video game accessories. The rarity of this cartridge also means it’s often passed down from one collector to another at private auctions.

EarthBound NES Test Market Version

Released in 1994, EarthBound was a limited release test market version by Nintendo, initially available in only two regions- New York and Seattle. The game’s label is distinctive, featuring the colorful, quirky artwork that became synonymous with the franchise. EarthBound itself is a cult classic RPG that breaks the norms of fantasy RPGs, opting for a modern-day setting with humor and unique gameplay. A sealed copy of this test market version can be sold for anywhere between $10,000 and $18,000, with prices continuing to rise.

Collectors are particularly drawn to the test market version because it represents a pivotal moment in gaming history, where EarthBound was originally ignored by the wider market, only to gain immense popularity years later. As a testament to its legacy, EarthBound is considered by many to be one of the most valuable RPGs ever produced for the NES.

Nintendo Campus Challenge 1991 Cartridge

Produced by Nintendo for a special event held at college campuses in 1991, this cartridge is extremely rare and highly collectible. The label features the event’s official logo, making it instantly recognizable to those familiar with the history of Nintendo’s competitive gaming scene. The game itself is a combination of Super Mario Bros., Rad Racer, and Tetris, and was used as a timed competition to test players’ skills. With fewer than 100 known copies in existence, the current market value for a sealed copy is between $8,000 and $12,000.

As one of Nintendo’s earliest promotional items, this cartridge holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. The scarcity of these event cartridges makes them a cornerstone in the early history of gaming competitions. The cartridge’s rarity also means that it is often kept in protective cases to preserve both the label and the game’s significance. It remains a rare piece of video game history, with demand steadily increasing over time.

Little Samson NES

Released by Taito in 1992, Little Samson is a challenging platformer that has become one of the rarest and most sought-after titles in the NES collection world. The label’s detailed artwork showcases the titular character, a small warrior who embarks on a journey to defeat monsters and save his kingdom. The game itself is lauded for its smooth gameplay, vibrant graphics, and well-designed levels. Due to its limited print run, sealed copies of Little Samson now fetch between $2,000 and $6,000, depending on condition.

Despite its relatively low popularity during its original release, Little Samson has become a cult classic. The rarity of the title is reflected in its ongoing demand among collectors. The game’s long-term appeal lies in its nostalgic value for fans of early platformers and its unique status in NES history.

Air Raid Blue Cartridge

Air Raid, released by Men-A-Vision in 1982, is one of the rarest video games on the market, particularly due to its unique blue cartridge shell. The label is also quite distinctive, showing a very simple but bold graphic of a plane, making it easily recognizable. The game itself is a simple shooter where players control a plane and must fend off enemy aircraft. The rarity of this cartridge, due to its short run, has driven its value into the $3,000 to $6,000 range.

The blue cartridge, which was part of a very limited production run, is the primary reason collectors seek this game out. Copies with a well-preserved label are especially rare, with many of the original labels fading or peeling over time. Its status as a holy grail of the early gaming era ensures that it continues to be highly coveted by collectors.

Mega Man 2 Black Box

In 1989, Capcom released Mega Man 2 for the NES, and a unique black box variant was sold in limited quantities. This version of the label features a darker design and has become a highly coveted item among collectors. Mega Man 2 is considered one of the best in the series, with its refined gameplay, memorable music, and challenging bosses. Sealed black box variants are now valued at $2,500 to $4,000.

Collectors seek this version because of its rarity, as most copies of the game were sold with the standard box design. The black box variant, often found in excellent condition, holds a particular appeal for those who wish to add a rare edition to their NES collection. The game’s iconic status also means it continues to hold significant historical value in the gaming community.

Ninja Gaiden II NES

Released by Tecmo in 1990, Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos is a classic action platformer known for its cinematic cutscenes and intense difficulty. The label features a fierce ninja protagonist against an action-packed background. Sealed copies of the game are now valued at around $2,000 to $4,000, particularly if the label is in excellent condition.

Collectors often seek out this title for its challenging gameplay and unique place in the Ninja Gaiden series. The game’s mix of platform action and story-driven cutscenes set it apart from other NES titles. Sealed versions with vibrant, well-maintained labels continue to be a prized commodity.

Final Fantasy Sealed NES

Released in 1990 by Nintendo and Enix, Final Fantasy was one of the first RPGs to reach the NES and began one of the most famous gaming franchises. The label features a striking image of the game’s title and characters. Due to its initial limited release in North America, sealed copies of Final Fantasy are now valued between $2,500 and $6,000.

This cartridge is one of the cornerstones of the RPG genre, introducing players to turn-based combat and an epic fantasy world. Sealed versions of the game, especially those with pristine labels, are coveted by collectors for their historical significance. A fully intact and well-preserved copy continues to rise in value as Final Fantasy remains a fan-favorite series.

Castlevania III NES

Castlevania III-Dracula’s Curse, released by Konami in 1990, is the third installment of the Castlevania series and features memorable gameplay with branching paths and multiple characters. The label is a haunting image of the game’s protagonist, Trevor Belmont, facing off against monsters. Sealed versions of this game are valued between $2,000 and $5,000 due to the game’s popularity and its limited sealed copies.

As a favorite among Castlevania fans, this game stands out for its difficulty and expansive world. Collectors who seek a piece of the Castlevania legacy often pay top dollar for a sealed copy with a perfect label. The game’s enduring appeal in the retro gaming community helps sustain its high market value.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III NES

Released by Konami in 1992, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III-The Manhattan Project featured the popular characters in a side-scrolling action game. The label artwork includes the iconic turtles in action poses, which has made it a nostalgic favorite. Sealed copies of this game can reach prices from $1,500 to $3,000, especially if the label remains intact.

The rarity of sealed copies, combined with the game’s strong fan following, makes it highly collectible. The game’s value has grown over time as both an NES title and a TMNT memorabilia item.

Dragon Warrior NES

Dragon Warrior, released in 1986 by Enix and Nintendo, is one of the first RPGs released in North America and is highly valued by collectors. The label showcases the game’s title and features the iconic dragon symbol. Sealed copies of Dragon Warrior are now valued around $1,200 to $3,000 due to the game’s historical importance.

The game introduced players to turn-based battles and character leveling, concepts that became staples of RPGs. As one of the first entries in the Dragon Quest series, the game’s influence is still felt in modern RPGs. Collectors prize this game for its rarity, and the condition of the label greatly influences its value.

Gremlins 2 NES

Released by Sunsoft in 1990, Gremlins 2-The New Batch is a licensed video game based on the popular movie franchise. The game’s label features the mischievous Gremlins in a fun, colorful design. Sealed versions of the cartridge are valued between $1,000 and $2,500 due to the game’s scarcity and its association with the film.

Collectors enjoy the unique blend of action, puzzle-solving, and humor, as well as the distinct Gremlins theme. While the gameplay is not as well remembered as some other classics, the rarity of the sealed cartridge makes it an item of interest for fans of both the film and video game history.

Ninja Gaiden Trilogy SNES

Released in 1995 for the Super Nintendo, Ninja Gaiden Trilogy was a compilation of the first three Ninja Gaiden games. The cartridge’s label is memorable for its dynamic ninja artwork, and the trilogy brings the action-packed gameplay to the SNES. Sealed copies of this collection can be valued anywhere between $1,500 and $3,000.

This release is treasured by collectors because it combines the earlier Ninja Gaiden titles in one package. It remains a key piece for those interested in the evolution of the Ninja Gaiden series. The game’s availability in a sealed state is rare, making it a prized item for those who wish to preserve the trilogy as a piece of gaming history.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.