Younger generations have long appreciated retro gaming. Those among the Gen X and Millennial population have been fortunate to live in a time when they played console games that have set the benchmark for today’s newer generation of consoles, such as the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and others. But there are retro consoles that have long been appreciated, and some of them are even still played today because of a steady demand.

Even though the games for these retro consoles are no longer made, they still command great respect. This guide will examine which retro consoles will have the highest value now and in years to come. Let’s take a look at the following.

What are the Factors That Influence Retro Console Value?

To set the stage for this entire article, we must address some factors influencing the value of retro consoles. Here’s a look at the following that will be focusing on as we review every console that collectors are looking for:

• Rarity: This is based on the number of limited production runs and regional exclusives.

• Condition: Consoles in mint or near mint condition can be among the more highly sought-after. If they are in the original packaging, they can command quite the price tag.

• Popularity: Consoles that were popular during their respective eras could have a nostalgic appeal. For example, the Sega Genesis was popular throughout much of the 1990s. As such, it could still be appreciated by those who lived in the decade and played plenty of favorites, such as Sonic the Hedgehog and others.

• Historical Significance: For consoles with features such as groundbreaking technology that changed the game (no pun intended),  these consoles were considered pivotal in the industry’s development. For example, the original PlayStation console represented the gaming industry moving from cartridges to CD-form. Things have evolved gaming wise, including online casino live games that gambling enthusiasts have been playing ever since the advent of the Internet itself.

Most Valuable Retro Consoles

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

Released in 1985, the Nintendo entertainment system, or NES, was one of the first ever game consoles introduced to avid gamers, including those amongst the Generation X and millennial population. Super Mario Brothers, Duck Hunt, and so many other games have been a part of many of their childhoods. Standard NES consoles are typically valuable. However, there are special editions for sealed units that could command a higher price, particularly thousands of dollars. Even sealed versions of an NES game can also command a six-figure tag, including Castlevania,  in which one was sold for over $90,000 at one option despite some experts saying the price could have been more.

Sega Genesis

Also known as the Mega Drive outside North America, the Sega Genesis had become a strong Challenger to the NES and the Super Nintendo (SNES). The Sega Genesis CDX for limited edition versions could be worth an eye-pocket amount. You can expect the complete mint condition Sega Genesis to be valued somewhere in or around several hundred dollars. Don’t be surprised if the special editions command a four-figure Payday, especially if they are in good condition and original packaging.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)

The SNES will forever be remembered as the 16-bit version of Nintendo and has plenty of excellent games in its library. An SNES in excellent condition will command quite the price tag. Rare editions and bundles that have been sold on the market in recent years could also be high-priced. Sealed copies of popular SNES titles such as Super Mario World might play a role in the overall value of the console itself.

PlayStation 1

The original PlayStation 1, released in 1994, was undoubtedly one of the benchmarks of the evolving gaming industry. With its 3D graphics and focus on CD-run format, it was without question that the gaming industry was ready to move on from cartridges and concentrate more on CDs and better graphics. Even though it wasn’t one of the only gaming consoles emphasizing 3D graphics, it certainly set the benchmark for how the gaming industry would evolve over the next several years.

Sega Dreamcast

Knowing that cartridge gaming was on the way out and 3D Graphics was the way to go, the Sega Dreamcast was about ready to become the upgrade from its previous Genesis console. Nonetheless, the Dreamcast lasted only briefly in terms of going up against the competition.

However, it still has a cult following and is appreciated by many in the Retro Gaming Community today. Not to be outdone, the limited editions and consoles that are in excellent condition could go for a premium price. Its library of games can be an excellent addition to one’s collection.

Atari 2600

Atari tennis, anyone? When you think about this console in particular, you probably think about that tennis game.  Nonetheless, it has been considered one of the first gaming consoles to be included in a home environment. Plenty of units were created over the years. However, that original Heavy Sixer console could be one of the most sought-after versions of the Atari 2600.  but if you have a well-maintained Atari 2600 lying around with its original packaging and games, there’s a good chance you could stand to get a nice hefty payday.

It’s excellent to play as a two-player game. Just don’t expect your Fortnite Duo Mode teammate to play with you since you both might be miles away (and Atari obviously doesn’t have online capabilities).

Final Thoughts

The gaming community has plenty of people who appreciate retro gaming and the consoles that have dominated the market during their respective periods. Even today, with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox series X as some of those popular gaming consoles worldwide, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the predecessors have long been forgotten. Never mind that people are playing these games on emulators on their computers. Some of them are planted on well-maintained and mint-condition consoles.

But many people collect these consoles because of their excellent value. Some might not even play them, but just let them sit around to maintain a collection. The question is, will some of the consoles of the past decade, such as the PlayStation 3 and 4, be worth something one day?