Super Mario Bros. Copy Sells for Record-Breaking $3 Million at Auction

A copy of Super Mario Bros. has made history, selling for a staggering $3 million at auction — a new record for the most expensive video game ever. Heritage Auctions confirmed the sale on Friday, revealing that the PSA 9.6 A++ sealed copy of the iconic 1985 Nintendo game had surpassed the previous record of $2 million, set in 2021. This sale also nearly doubles the price of a sealed Super Mario 64 copy from the same year.

The Significance of the Sale

This particular copy of Super Mario Bros. is one of the earliest known sealed examples from the game's second production run. It features the distinctive gloss sticker that was included with the game upon its release in early 1986. The item, now 40 years old, was discovered just a few months ago inside a brand-new NES Control Deck console bundle — meaning it had remained untouched for nearly four decades. Its pristine condition and historical value make it a standout piece in the world of video game collecting.

Heritage Auctions described the copy as "the holy grail of video game collecting," a title that reflects its rarity and importance. The PSA 9.6 A++ grading indicates that the game is in excellent condition, which significantly boosted its value. In fact, it is the best-preserved of three known sealed copies from the same production run. The other two have lower grades — VGA 80 and Wata 9.4 A++ — which makes this copy even more exceptional.

  • The PSA 9.6 A++ grading highlights the game's near-perfect condition.
  • It is the first sealed Super Mario Bros. copy to be sold in a public auction.
  • The game was found inside a brand-new NES Control Deck console bundle.

The buyer also received a launch edition NES Control Deck console as part of the purchase. This unopened hardware came bundled with the Super Mario Bros. copy but, on its own, is not worth anywhere near the $3 million price tag.

For those interested in the world of video game collecting, this sale is a major milestone. It shows how rare and well-preserved items can command astronomical prices. In recent months, a Fortnite copy sold for $42,500, and in 2024, a Superman comic book sold for $6 million — with another $9 million sale in 2025. These figures highlight the growing interest in collectible media, whether it be games, comics, or other memorabilia.

Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions.