Unveiling the Price of Nostalgia: How Much Did Super Mario 64 Really Cost?
The simple answer to the question “How much did Super Mario 64 cost?” is multifaceted. Upon its release in 1996, Super Mario 64 retailed for approximately $60. However, in today’s market, especially when considering rare and graded copies, the price tag can skyrocket to well over a million dollars. This article dives deep into the initial price, factors influencing its current value, and answers frequently asked questions about this iconic game’s cost.
The Original Price Tag: A Blast From the Past
Back in 1996, $60 was a significant purchase for a video game. It wasn’t uncommon for Nintendo 64 games to fall in the $55-$70 range, as indicated by Kelly Flock, president of Sony Interactive Studios America in 1997. This made Super Mario 64 a premium entertainment product, justified by its groundbreaking 3D gameplay and lasting impact on the gaming industry. Over 12 million copies were sold, showing its value to consumers at the time.
The Million-Dollar Plumber: Factors Driving Up Value
While the original retail price was a modest $60, the world of video game collecting has transformed Super Mario 64 into a potential gold mine. Here’s what’s driving up the prices:
- Rarity and Condition: Sealed, unopened copies in pristine condition are exceptionally rare. Grading companies like Wata Games assign scores based on the game’s condition, and a high grade (like 9.8) significantly increases its value.
- Nostalgia and Collectibility: Super Mario 64 is a seminal game that defined 3D platforming. Its cultural significance fuels demand from collectors seeking to own a piece of gaming history.
- Market Speculation: Like any collectible market, video game prices are subject to speculation and trends. High-profile auctions and record-breaking sales generate buzz and can drive up prices.
- Impact on Gaming History: Super Mario 64 was the first 3D game featuring their company mascot, Mario, that would go on to become a genre-defining classic.
The Record-Breaking Sales: A Look at the Numbers
In recent years, Super Mario 64 has made headlines for its record-breaking auction sales:
- $1.56 Million: A sealed copy of Super Mario 64 fetched $1.56 million at auction, breaking the record for the most expensive video game ever sold.
- Why the High Price? According to Wata Games CEO Deniz Kahn, the copy was most likely the most pristine copy of Super Mario 64 in existence.
- The “Super Mario Bros.” Precedent: A vintage copy of Super Mario Bros. even sold for $2 million, setting another record for gaming collectibles and surpassing the previous record of Super Mario 64.
Beyond the Price Tag: The Enduring Legacy
The price of Super Mario 64 transcends mere dollars and cents. It represents the enduring power of a game that redefined an entire genre, captured the imaginations of millions, and continues to inspire gamers and developers alike. Understanding the game’s historical context, its influence on the industry, and the factors driving its collectibility provides a complete view.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Cost of Super Mario 64
1. How much did Super Mario 64 cost when it first came out?
Super Mario 64 originally sold for approximately $60 upon its release in 1996.
2. Why is Super Mario 64 so expensive now?
The high price of certain Super Mario 64 copies is due to a combination of factors: its historical significance, the game’s excellent condition and grade, and the overall demand for rare and collectible video games. Sealed copies with high Wata ratings are the most valuable.
3. Has Super Mario 64 ever sold for over a million dollars?
Yes! A sealed copy of Super Mario 64 sold for $1.56 million at auction, setting a record for the most expensive video game ever sold at the time.
4. What is a Wata rating, and how does it affect the price?
Wata Games is a video game grading company. Their ratings assess the condition of a game, and a high Wata rating (e.g., 9.8) indicates near-perfect condition, significantly increasing its value.
5. Are all copies of Super Mario 64 worth a lot of money?
No. Only sealed, graded copies in excellent condition are worth substantial amounts of money. Loose cartridges in poor condition have minimal value.
6. What other Nintendo 64 games were expensive at the time of release?
Most N64 games ranged between $55 and $70 at the time of their release.
7. What’s the difference between a sealed and unsealed copy in terms of value?
A sealed copy, which is still in its original packaging and has never been opened, is significantly more valuable than an unsealed copy, especially if it has a high Wata rating.
8. Where can I get my video games graded?
Companies like Wata Games specialize in grading video games. Research different grading services to determine which best suits your needs.
9. What other factors besides condition affect a game’s value?
Other factors include the game’s rarity, its popularity, and its historical significance. Games that were produced in limited quantities or are considered classics tend to be more valuable. The Games Learning Society explores these elements in its research.
10. How does Super Mario 64 compare in value to other rare video games?
Super Mario 64 is among the most valuable video games, but it is also less rare than others. A Super Mario Bros. game ended up selling for more money. However, the price depends on different copies and their quality.
11. What is the most expensive Nintendo game ever sold?
A sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. sold for $2 million, currently holding the record for the most expensive Nintendo game ever sold.
12. What was the largest N64 game ever made?
The largest Nintendo 64 game was 64MB in size.
13. Did Luigi appear in Super Mario 64?
Despite rumors, Luigi does not appear in Super Mario 64 without using hacks.
14. What is the hardest star to get in Mario 64?
Some of the game’s harder stars to get include “Big Penguin Race”, “Elevator Tour in the Volcano”, and “Snowman’s Big Head.”
15. Why is Super Mario 64 considered legendary?
Super Mario 64 is considered legendary because it revolutionized 3D platforming, introducing open-world exploration and setting many precedents for future games in the genre.
In conclusion, the cost of Super Mario 64 is more than just a monetary figure. It’s a representation of its historical importance, its influence on the gaming industry, and the nostalgia it evokes in collectors and gamers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply a fan of classic games, understanding the value of Super Mario 64 provides insight into the fascinating world of video game collecting. For more information on the impact of games on society, explore the resources available at GamesLearningSociety.org.