Video game collectors and enthusiasts have always been fascinated by rare and valuable games that hold a special place in gaming history. In this article, we delve into the realm of rarity and present the top five rarest video games of all time. From recalled NES classics to elusive tournament editions, these games have become highly sought after by collectors, commanding astonishing prices in the market.
Stadium Events (NES)
Taking the fifth spot on our list of the rarest video games of all time is Stadium Events for the NES. This game’s rarity stems from a combination of its limited release and subsequent recall, making it highly sought after by collectors.
Originally released in 1987, Stadium Events was designed to be used with the Family Fun Fitness mat, a precursor to the popular Power Pad. However, shortly after its initial distribution, Nintendo recalled the game and rebranded it as “World Class Track Meet” due to a change in marketing strategy.
Only a small number of Stadium Events copies made it to store shelves before the recall, estimated to be around 200. Today, finding a complete, sealed copy of the game is exceptionally rare and can command six-figure prices at auction. Even loose cartridges of Stadium Events have been known to sell for tens of thousands of dollars due to their scarcity and the game’s historical significance.
The allure of Stadium Events lies in its status as one of the most valuable and elusive NES games. Collectors and enthusiasts are fascinated by its limited availability and the intriguing story behind its recall and rebranding. Owning a copy of Stadium Events is a testament to one’s dedication to preserving gaming history and a prized addition to any retro game collection.
Poop Slinger (PS4)
Poop Slinger is easily the strangest entry on our list, with only 84 copies in existence. Produced by Limited Rare Games, this PS4 game faced production challenges, resulting in a limited run. The company was only able to sell 84 copies, and the remaining units were reportedly seized. Today, Poop Slinger has gained notoriety and can sell for thousands of dollars.
Securing the fourth spot on our list of the rarest video games of all time is the peculiar title, Poop Slinger, for the PlayStation 4. This game’s rarity stems from a combination of limited production and unforeseen circumstances surrounding its release.
Poop Slinger was developed by a small company called Limited Rare Games, which took out a bank loan to produce the game. However, despite their efforts, only a meager 84 copies of the game were sold to creditors. As a result, Limited Rare Games reportedly seized all the remaining units, resulting in a remarkably low total of 84 copies in existence today.
The scarcity of Poop Slinger has generated considerable attention and demand among collectors and gamers alike. The game’s unique premise and limited availability have contributed to its mystique and value in the gaming community. As a result, Poop Slinger has been known to command prices in the thousands of dollars, making it a highly sought-after addition to any rare game collection.
World Championship (Sega Genesis)
The World Championship game for the Sega Genesis secures the third spot on our list of the rarest video games of all time. This unique game was created by Blockbuster, the renowned video rental chain, with the intention of facilitating tournament play.
The World Championship cartridge for the Sega Genesis featured a combination of two popular games: NBA Jam and Judge Dredd. Its purpose was to provide a competitive gaming experience, particularly for organized tournaments. The cartridge was not intended for commercial release and was primarily used by Blockbuster during gaming events.
Due to its limited availability and the specific nature of its production, the World Championship game for the Sega Genesis has become exceedingly rare. Collectors and gaming enthusiasts are captivated by its unique blend of games and its association with Blockbuster’s gaming initiatives. Consequently, acquiring a copy of the World Championship cartridge has become a highly sought-after achievement in the world of video game collecting.
Nintendo World Championships (NES)
The Nintendo World Championships (NES) takes the second spot on our list of the rarest video games of all time. In 1990, Nintendo organized a highly acclaimed gaming competition to find the greatest NES player in the world. As part of this event, a limited number of special cartridges were produced and distributed to a handful of the world’s best-known gamers.
Approximately 1,000 copies of the Nintendo World Championships cartridge were created, each holding a unique combination of three game challenges: Super Mario Bros., Rad Racer, and Tetris. These cartridges, often referred to as the “Gray” version, quickly became highly sought after by collectors due to their limited availability and association with the prestigious competition.
What makes the Nintendo World Championships even more elusive is the existence of a special “Gold” version of the cartridge. These coveted Gold cartridges were not sold or distributed through conventional means but were exclusively given away to the winners of the Nintendo World Championships competition. As a result, the Gold version holds even greater rarity and is considered the pinnacle of NES game collecting.
Both the Gray and Gold versions of the Nintendo World Championships have become prized possessions among collectors, with their scarcity and historical significance driving their market value to astounding heights. Acquiring one of these cartridges is a testament to the dedication and passion of video game collectors who strive to preserve these iconic pieces of gaming history.
Gamma Attack (Atari 2600)
Taking the crown as the rarest video game of all time is Gamma Attack for the Atari 2600. This game was once believed to be nothing more than an urban legend until a loose cartridge appeared on eBay in 2008 with an astonishing asking price of $500,000. With only one known copy in existence, Gamma Attack has become the holy grail for collectors, capturing the attention and imagination of the gaming community.
The one existing copy of Gamma Attack for the Atari 2600 is currently in the possession of collector Anthony DeNardo, as reported by RacketBoy. DeNardo has previously listed the cartridge on eBay, with an asking price of $500,000.
These top5 rarest video games offer a glimpse into the world of highly sought-after and valuable gaming artifacts. From recalled NES titles to limited-edition cartridges, each game has its own unique story and scarcity, making them prized possessions for collectors. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, these rare gems serve as a testament to the rich history and cultural significance of video games.
This is all you need to know about the Top 5 Rarest Video Games Of All Time. Like the article? Read more like bu visiting our Best PS2 Sports Games, and Best PS3 Puzzle Games.