With the Nintendo Switch 2 launch on the horizon, gamers are making room for new titles, but new research reveals they may be overlooking a treasure trove of valuable retro video games.
Currys has produced a list of the most valuable retro games, including titles for the Nintendo 64, PlayStation 2, Game Boy and NES.
Topping the list is a graded copy of Streets of Rage for the Sega Mega Drive, valued at nearly £40,000 based on recent sales.
While sealed and graded games command the highest prices, even used loose cartridges or those complete with their original boxes can fetch significant sums.
Currys has analysed retro video game resale data on PriceCharting, to produce a list of the most valuable non-sealed PAL games.
The 20 most valuable unsealed retro video games
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Zelda: Majora’s Mask [Adventure Set] (Nintendo 64, Complete in-Box) – £3,715.01
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Snowboard Challenge (NES, Complete in-Box) – £2,935.80
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Mega Man X3 (Super Nintendo, Complete in-Box) – £2,465.32
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Zelda: Oracle of Ages & Seasons Limited Edition (GameBoy Color, Complete in-Box) – £2,259.44
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Darxide (Mega Drive 32X, Complete in-Box) – £2,245.68
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Grand Theft Auto Complete Collection (PlayStation 2, Complete in-Box) – £2,234.07
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Mr. Gimmick (NES, Complete in-Box) – £2,071.92
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Duck Hunt [Game of Variant] (NES, Complete in-Box) – £1,988.67
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Dark Souls III [Prestige Edition] (PlayStation 4, Complete in-Box) – £1,975.00
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Starcraft 64 (Nintendo 64, Complete in-Box) – £1,728.88
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Grand Theft Auto Complete Collection (PlayStation 2, Loose) – £1,718.52
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Dark Souls III [Prestige Edition] (PlayStation 4, Loose) – £1,717.39
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Snowboard Kids 2 (Nintendo 64, Complete in-Box) – £1,715.19
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GameBoy Advance SP [Pokemon Sapphire Super Pak] (GameBoy Advance, Complete in-Box) – £1,700.91
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Beethoven (GameBoy, Complete in-Box) – £1,675.47
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Stack-Up (NES, Complete in-Box) – £1,632.36
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Super Metroid and Zelda: A Link to the Past Double Pack (Super Nintendo, Complete in-Box) – £1,578.61
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Hammerin’ Harry (GameBoy, Complete in-Box) – £1,488.32
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Family Fun Fitness Stadium Events (NES, Complete in-Box) – £1,457.31
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Pokemon Ruby Version [Limited Edition Super Pak] (GameBoy Advance, Complete in-Box) – £1,393.30
Future Collectibles To Watch
For those without these retro gems, Super Mario 3D All-Stars for the Nintendo Switch is a title tipped for future value.
Roy Raftery, a trading card and video game specialist working with Currys, said: “While not cheap at £65, Super Mario 3D All-Stars for the Nintendo Switch is an interesting choice.
“It’s a game that collects three iconic Mario titles – so it’s already off to a good start – but was on a timed release by Nintendo, meaning after a certain point they stopped making or selling copies. The only way to pick this title up now is via the second-hand market, and the Switch is a system gamers love collecting for.”
He added: “2025 is the 40th anniversary of Mario and this allowed auction houses and businesses to promote the brand and push it in front of collectors. It’s very much a case of out of sight out of mind for some franchises or titles; the more it’s in the public eye, the more natural attention it commands.”
Why are games becoming so valuable?
The retro game market is booming, driven by nostalgia and limited supply. Currys’ data shows Xbox games have seen the highest value increase, soaring 128% from £2.96 in 2020 to £6.76 in 2025. Sega Saturn (104%) and GameCube (91%) titles follow closely, reflecting growing demand for early 2000s consoles.
Raftery explained: “What I’ve categorically noticed over the years is how nostalgia and core memories factor hugely into someone’s collecting habits. When I meet people in their late 20’s, they want to buy Xbox or PlayStation 2 games they had as a kid or played with their older brother – not go back and collect Sega Mega Drive or PS1 games.”
