Tag Archives: video game authority

Rare Graded Video Games Fetch High Bids in Heritage Auction

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Video game nostalgia has come a long way – once the realm of people who remembered playing Pong, there are now nearly 50 years of video game history living rent-free in our heads, and along with that comes the desire to recapture our respective glory days. Last week, Heritage Auctions closed an auction featuring a variety of vintage video games and game systems, many graded by the Video Game Authority (VGA), and several of them went for high dollar values.

The highest bid received in the entire auction was for the Nintendo Entertainment Deluxe Set, which included the iconic NES console, two controllers, a Zapper light gun, R.O.B. (Robotic Operating Buddy), and two boxed games: Gyromite and Duck Hunt. Graded at 85 NM+ by the VGA, this unopened set went for $120,000 with buyer premium.

Other notable VGA-graded items in the auction:

  • A sealed copy of Mario Tennis for the Nintendo 64 system sold for $10,800. In addition to being a fun game with great box art, it is also the first appearance of Waluigi, partner to Wario and rival to Luigi. It received a grade of 90 NM+/MT.
  • An open (but complete) Nintendo 64 game console was graded at 85+ NM+ (Qualified) and sold for $8,400. While it didn’t outlast its competitor, Sony’s Playstation, this relatively rare system became famous for thoroughly enjoyable games like Super Mario 64 and Goldeneye.
  • Measuring approximately 2 feet squared, a bundled “Value Pak” of a Super NES console with controller, a Super NES Super Scope 6 with six unnamed games, and three extra games – Battle Clash, Yoshi’s Safari, and Metal Combat: Falcon’s Revenge – received a grade of 85+ NM+ from the VGA, and sold for $10,200.

Video Game Authority Grades Bestselling Games in a Recent Auction

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Everyone knows that video games are big, big business. But did you know that graded video games are also big business? A large auction of video games just wrapped up at Heritage Auctions, with a sizable portion of them graded by the Video Game Authority (a division of the Collectible Grading Authority). Here’s a look at some of the auction highlights.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D for Nintendo 3DS – VGA 100 GEM MT Uncirculated, 2011 

It’s not often that you get a grade of 100 on anything, so when you’ve got an uncirculated copy of an iconic game like Legend of Zelda, with an iconic logo and cover, it’s going to go for top dollar. Sold for: $16,800.00

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D for Nintendo 3DS - VGA 100 GEM MT Uncirculated, 2011

Golden Sun for Game Boy Advance – VGA 95 Mint Sealed, Nintendo 2001

A lesser-known game franchise, this was the first of three Golden Sun installments, only for the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. Perfect for proving your gamer cred. Sold for: $5,520.00

Golden Sun for Game Boy Advance - VGA 95 Mint Sealed, Nintendo 2001

Ninja Five-O for Game Boy Advance – VGA 85+ NM+ Sealed, Konami, 2003

Not one that turns up in people’s collections a lot, but how can you pass up a game about a ninja… policeman? Who rescues hostages and defeats bad guys? The name alone sells it. Sold For: $2,400.00

Ninja Five-O for Game Boy Advance - VGA 85+ NM+ Sealed, Konami, 2003

Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! for Nintendo Switch – VGA 95+ Mint Sealed [Poké Ball Plus Bundle], 2018

Sure, Pokémon are popular, that’s why this game, with a big picture of Pikachu and a pack-in Poké Ball, went for big bucks. Sold For:  $2,280.00

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! for Nintendo Switch - VGA 95+ Mint Sealed [Poké Ball Plus Bundle], 2018

Resident Evil for GameCube – VGA 90+ NM+/MT Sealed, Capcom, 2002 

Even if it’s a later port on a different system, a 20-year-old copy of the original Resident Evil is a treasure worth protecting, and worth owning, even if it costs you a pretty penny. Sold for $2,040.00

Resident Evil for GameCube - VGA 90+ NM+/MT Sealed, Capcom, 2002 

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo Wii U – VGA 90 NM+/MT Uncirculated [Controller & Adapter Bundle], 2014

Super Smash Bros. box art is always great, but it’s even better on an oversized box, which is what this game-and-controller bundle comes in. Sold For:  $960.00

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo Wii U - VGA 90 NM+/MT Uncirculated [Controller & Adapter Bundle], 2014