Video game collectors have been known to pay exorbitant amounts for pristine examples of sealed games, and this graded copy of Super Mario Bros. just set a new record. Not only is this an original black box release, but it’s a rare sealed with hangtab variant. The previous record was $100,150 for a copy of the same game in similar condition, but someone decided to shell out $114,000 this one.
Cardboard hangtabs were originally used on US test market copies of black box games, way back before they were sealed in plastic. As Nintendo took off stateside with the NES, their game packaging was updated at the same time. To date, there are four known sub-variants of the plastic sealed cardboard hangtab box, and the one that sold is the “3 Code” variant. They’re so rare because each sub-variant of the cardboard hangtab black box had a production period of just a few months.
- BUILD AN ICON – Build the ultimate retro gaming display with the LEGO Game Boy (72046) model kit for adults ages 18 and up
- RELIVE THE EXCITEMENT – Remember powering up your Game Boy for the first time? Experience the thrill again with this authentic of the handheld...
- DISCOVER AUTHENTIC DETAILS – The instantly-recognizable Game Boy features classic button layout, contrast dial, and interchangeable Game Pak and...
In short, a cardboard hangtab copy of any early Nintendo Entertainment System game brings a certain air of “vintage” unrivaled by its successors. Super Mario Bros. was one of the launch titles for the NES console in the US, and is the highest selling game on the console of all time. It marks the first game in the Super Mario Bros. video game series, as well as the first appearance of Mario’s archnemesis, Bowser. This copy will surely serve as a centerpiece for the discerning collector, and is not one to miss out on,” said the seller.
