These Old Consoles & Computer Games Fetch A Pretty Penny These Days
From clunky home computers of the ’70s to quirky game consoles from the ’90s, vintage tech has become one of the most surprising investment trends of the decade. Whether collecting out of nostalgia or hunting down rare gems to flip for profit, here's a list of retro consoles and computers—ranked from the modestly valuable to the jaw-droppingly pricey—that could make you rich if you still have one tucked away.
Sega Nomad
The Sega Nomad was Sega’s ambitious attempt to bring full Genesis gameplay to a handheld system in the mid-1990s. Although technically impressive for its time, the Nomad’s short battery life and bulky design kept it from becoming a massive hit. Working models with minimal screen damage and intact battery packs sell for around $260.
Sega Nomad - Gaming Historian, Gaming Historian
Nintendo Virtual Boy
Often remembered as one of Nintendo’s most famous commercial flops, the Virtual Boy was an early attempt at creating 3D gaming. Released in 1995, it was discontinued within a year due to awkward ergonomics, a limited game library, and complaints of eye strain. A Virtual Boy can bring in roughly $300–$350.
The 1995 Nintendo Virtual Boy, The Retro Future
Atari Jaguar
Marketed as the first 64-bit home console, the Atari Jaguar aimed to compete with the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis. Unfortunately, its clunky controller, confusing architecture, and lackluster library led to commercial failure. Unboxed systems can go for around $480.
Sega Master System (~US $509)
Sega’s Master System was released to compete directly with the NES, but it was more successful in Europe and Brazil than in North America. Because you'll have a hard time finding one in North America, a fully functional Master System with original packaging, controllers, and power adapters costs $500 or more.
The Sega Master System !?WHO KNEW?!, Whole Wheat Retro
Atari Jaguar CD Unit
This rare add-on for the already obscure Atari Jaguar was designed to play CD-based games, but only a small library of titles was ever released. It’s infamous for its low production numbers and even lower sales, making it a white whale for Atari collectors. Complete, working units of the Jaguar CD have been known to sell for upwards of $1,000, particularly if the original games are included.
Atari Jaguar CD - Review & Overview, The Laird's Lair
Apple Bandai Pippin
Co-developed by Apple and Bandai in the mid-1990s, the Pippin was envisioned as a multimedia console for the living room—part game system, part personal computer. However, the market wasn’t ready for a hybrid device, and the Pippin bombed commercially. Fewer than 100,000 units were made. Today, this oddball relic of Apple’s past can go for about $800.
Apple Macintosh 128K
The Macintosh 128K marked Apple’s entry into the mass-market computer world with a sleek, all-in-one unit that now epitomizes vintage computing chic. Launched in 1984, it came bundled with a keyboard, mouse, and the groundbreaking interface. Pristine models in their original boxes, especially first-batch serial numbers, have sold for $10,000 to $15,000.
Throwback: Original Macintosh 128k, RickMakes
Interton Video 3000 “Club Exclusiv 2000”
This obscure European console, manufactured by German company Interton, was one of many Pong clones in the 1970s. What sets this model apart is its vibrant color scheme and unique limited-edition status. While prices can vary wildly due to its rarity, documented sales indicate serious collector interest, with values potentially exceeding $1,500.
Raimond Spekking, Wikimedia Commons
Palmtex PVS
The Palmtex Personal Video System (PVS) is an obscure handheld console released in 1984 that barely made a dent in the market. Only a handful of games were released, and its short lifespan makes it exceedingly rare today. Boxed, functional PVS systems have been known to sell for over $5,000.
Neo Geo CD
As SNK’s answer to CD-based consoles, the Neo Geo CD was meant to be a more affordable version of the Neo Geo AES, known for its high-end arcade quality. It was released with a large library of SNK’s popular fighting games, but long load times and limited production in North America make it a collector’s gem. Prices range from $1,000 to $2,500.
NEO GEO CD REVIEW, Insert Game
PC Engine SuperGrafx
A short-lived follow-up to the PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16, the SuperGrafx only had a handful of exclusive games and a limited production run. Originally marketed in Japan, it never saw a U.S. release, which has added to its mystique. Boxed consoles with matching serial numbers often sell between $1,000 and $2,500.
SuperGrafx (PC Engine) - Fourth VideoGame Generation Recap - Adam Koralik, Adam Koralik
Pikachu Nintendo 64
Nintendo released several themed consoles during the N64 era, but none are as beloved—or valuable—as the Pikachu edition. While several versions were released, the rarest is the red Pikachu N64, originally a Toys “R” Us Japan exclusive. Units in perfect condition, particularly those with original packaging, controllers, and inserts, have sold for $3,000 to $4,000.
Nintendo 64DD and Disk Drive
The 64DD was Nintendo’s ill-fated disk drive peripheral for the N64, released exclusively in Japan. Only ten games were ever made for it, and the system was only available through a mail-order service. Due to its short lifespan and limited distribution, working units complete with software disks and manuals are incredibly rare. Prices typically hover around $3,000, but full sets in mint condition can go for more.
Is the Nintendo 64DD Drive too rare to touch?, Retrogames
Sega Wondermega CD
A rare fusion of Sega Genesis and Sega CD hardware developed by Victor and sold primarily in Japan, the Wondermega (also called X’Eye in the U.S.) is one of the most unique Sega consoles ever made. It was bundled with karaoke features, high-quality audio outputs, and sleek design. Original units in working order are rare, and boxed systems fetch between $3,000 and $5,000.
SEGA WONDER MEGA DISC TRAY OPEN&CLOSE, KKO-MOOL
Magnavox Odyssey
The Magnavox Odyssey was the world’s very first home video game console, launched in 1972. With minimalist graphics and screen overlays instead of built-in visuals, it represented the dawn of gaming. Because it predates even Atari’s home offerings, the Odyssey holds historical significance beyond its technical novelty. In their original packaging, many have sold for around $4,000.
RDI Halcyon
Shrouded in mystery and born of ambition, the RDI Halcyon was a laserdisc-based gaming console developed in the early ’80s. Intended to provide speech recognition and advanced AI-like behavior, only about a dozen working units are rumored to exist today. Because of its scarcity, few sales data points exist, but industry insiders estimate its value could easily surpass $20,000.
Super Rare RDI Halcyon Laserdisc Game System Prototype Repair, Ben Heck Hacks
Commodore 65 Prototype
Meant to be the successor to the immensely popular Commodore 64, the Commodore 65 never made it past prototype stage. Only a few dozen pre-production units were ever created, making it one of the rarest PCs ever. These development units were never publicly released, with serious collectors have paid as much as $20,000.
The Commodore 65 - A Rare Prototype, The 8-Bit Guy
Apple I
The holy grail of personal computers, the Apple I was hand-built by Steve Wozniak and originally sold by Steve Jobs out of a garage. Fewer than 200 were made, and only a fraction survive today. In recent years, units have sold at auction for staggering prices—one for $164,000.
Gold-Plated Nintendo Wii
Commissioned for the Queen of England as a promotional stunt, this 24-karat gold-plated Nintendo Wii is one of a kind. Though never officially delivered to Buckingham Palace, it eventually resurfaced and has sold at auction for over $36,000. Some collectors estimate that some could fetch as high as $300,000.
*RARE* GOLD WII ACCESSORIES UNBOXING, Urkel Doomsday
Which Is Your Favorite Vintage Console Or Computer?
Did you have a favorite vintage console or computer as a kid? Let us know what it was in the comments below? What would it be worth if you hadn't sold it?
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