As anticipation builds for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, many UK gamers might be clearing out old collections, unaware they could be sitting on a small fortune.
New research conducted by gaming and tech retailer Currys has revealed that certain PAL-region retro video games now command exceptionally high prices, with some titles valued in the thousands, even tens of thousands, of pounds.
The analysis, which reviewed resale data on PriceCharting, highlights a burgeoning market for classic games. Remarkably, even unsealed and used cartridges or complete-in-box editions are fetching significant sums, suggesting a potential treasure trove hidden in attics and cupboards nationwide.
Topping the list for sheer value is a graded copy of Streets of Rage for the Sega Mega Drive, which, based on recent sales, is estimated to be worth nearly £40,000. While sealed and professionally graded games typically achieve the highest valuations, the study emphasises that even more common “loose” cartridges or games with their original boxes are highly sought after.
For instance, a complete in-box edition of The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask [Adventure Set] for the Nintendo 64 is now valued at up to £3,715.01. Other notable titles include Snowboard Challenge for the NES, which can sell for around £2,935.80 when complete in its box, and Mega Man X3 for the Super Nintendo, fetching approximately £2,465.32 in similar condition.
The research identified a top 20 list of valuable non-sealed PAL video games, which includes:
- Zelda: Majora’s Mask [Adventure Set] (Nintendo 64, Complete in-Box): £3,715.01
- Snowboard Challenge (NES, Complete in-Box): £2,935.80
- Mega Man X3 (Super Nintendo, Complete in-Box): £2,465.32
- Zelda Oracle of Ages & Seasons Limited Edition (GameBoy Colour, Complete in-Box): £2,259.44
- Darxide (Mega Drive 32X, Complete in-Box): £2,245.68
- Grand Theft Auto Complete Collection (PlayStation 2, Complete in-Box): £2,234.07
- Mr. Gimmick (NES, Complete in-Box): £2,071.92
- Dark Souls III [Prestige Edition] (PlayStation 4, Complete in-Box): £1,975.00
Roy Raftery, a trading card and video game specialist working with Currys, attributes the soaring values primarily to nostalgia. “What I’ve categorically noticed over the years is how nostalgia and core memories factor hugely into someone’s collecting habits,” Raftery explained. He noted that collectors in their late 20s often look to reacquire games they played in their youth, such as titles for the Xbox or PlayStation 2, rather than necessarily older console games.
This trend is reflected in Currys’ analysis, which found that Xbox games have seen the most significant increase in median value over the past five years, rising by 128% between 2020 and 2025 (from £2.96 to £6.76). While the absolute values are still modest compared to rarer titles on other consoles, this growth rate points to increasing demand from the millennial demographic. Other consoles showing significant value increases include the Sega Saturn (104%) and GameCube (91%).
| Versions | Console type | 2020 | 2025 | 5 year price difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAL | Xbox | £2.96 | £6.76 | 128% |
| PAL | Sega Saturn | £11.01 | £22.47 | 104% |
| PAL | GameCube | £6.41 | £12.24 | 91% |
| PAL | Xbox 360 | £3.59 | £6.74 | 88% |
| PAL | GameBoy | £7.38 | £13.41 | 82% |
| PAL | PlayStation | £4.63 | £8.34 | 80% |
| PAL | Wii | £3.12 | £5.59 | 79% |
| PAL | PSP | £4.04 | £7.13 | 76% |
| PAL | PlayStation 2 | £3.39 | £5.92 | 75% |
| PAL | GameBoy Colour | £5.24 | £8.75 | 67% |
Raftery also offered advice for those looking to identify potential future collectables. He pointed to Super Mario 3D All-Stars for the Nintendo Switch as a prime candidate. “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,” he said. “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 also highlighted that pop culture events, like Mario’s upcoming 40th anniversary in 2025, can significantly boost a franchise’s visibility and collectibility. Indeed, a brand-new sealed copy of Super Mario 3D All-Stars is reportedly listed on eBay for £5,086.71.
As gamers make way for new hardware, a second look at those old game boxes could prove surprisingly lucrative.
