A sealed copy of the classic video game Super Mario Bros. has sold for a staggering $3 million, setting a new record for the most expensive video game ever sold at auction. The sale, conducted by Heritage Auctions, surpasses the previous record of $2 million set earlier this year for a similar sealed copy of the same game.
This particular cartridge, from the game's initial 1985 release in the United States, was graded by Wata Games as a 9.8 A+ — the highest possible rating for a sealed, unopened original production copy. The game, which launched the iconic Mario franchise and revived the home console market, holds immense nostalgic and historical value.
"This is the finest known copy of the most important video game ever made," said Valarie McLeckie, Heritage Auctions' video games director. "It represents the absolute peak of collectibility in the video game market."
The buyer, whose identity was not disclosed, outbid several other collectors during the two-week online auction that closed on July 11. The sale underscores the booming market for rare, sealed video games, which have seen prices skyrocket in recent years as collectors seek tangible relics of the digital age.
Super Mario Bros. was originally released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985 and went on to sell over 40 million copies worldwide. Its influence on gaming and popular culture is immeasurable, making pristine copies highly sought after.