GoKawiilSNES game resale prices have climbed sharply since 2010, report finds
Secondhand prices for Super Nintendo cartridges have risen substantially over the past decade, with titles like Zelda: A Link to the Past roughly doubling in average price since 2010 to around $45. Super Metroid, a frequent feature at speedrunning marathons like Awesome Games Done Quick, now sells for about $90, while original copies of Super Mario RPG trade for roughly the same price as its 2023 Nintendo Switch remake.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The trend suggests collector demand is being driven by multiple overlapping forces—nostalgia, YouTube let's-play culture, speedrunning communities, and modern remakes—rather than a single cause. This could mean that even as remakes and subscription services like Nintendo Switch Online make retro games more accessible, original cartridges may keep appreciating as collectible items rather than becoming cheaper or more obscure.
- Average SNES game prices have more than doubled since 2010 for some titles
- Speedrunning events and YouTube content appear linked to demand for specific classic games
- Remakes and emulation haven't necessarily lowered demand for original cartridges
Super Nintendo Classic Edition — If original SNES cartridges have become too pricey for comfort, the SNES Classic Edition offers a plug-and-play way to enjoy a curated library of beloved titles without chasing inflated retro prices. It's a great entry point for newcomers drawn in by nostalgia or speedrunning culture who want authentic SNES-era gameplay today.
See Super Nintendo Classic Edition on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Deven Mcclure, 2026-10-31
Published there as: “Why SNES games are so expensive”
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