Stadium Events sealed game case
In a recent explosion of publicity, the “holy grail” of rare game collecting, the North American NTSC version of Bandai’s Stadium Events for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) has been netting thousands of dollars in online auction sales—upwards of $40,000 for a sealed copy. Even more recently, an eBay auction for a sealed copy of the game is currently going for an astronomical amount of money. Specifically, $800,200. False bidding or not, it is apparent that this game is causing quite a lot of stir. But what makes this game so sought after?
The value of the game is caused by its sheer scarcity, estimated that only 200 out of 2000 manufactured copies were released into the public before the unsold copies were removed from store shelves (and were most likely destroyed). Of these, it is believed that only 20 copies or so still exist today, with only a precious tiny few of them still in their original factory-sealed shrinkwrap. The game was given a limited release in select stores during the holiday season of 1987 and was designed for the “Family Fun Fitness” athletic mat. In 1988, Nintendo bought the rights to the mat, recalled the games, and re-released the mat as the more prominently known “Power Pad”.
Meanwhile, other versions of the game also exist. These include the original Japanese version and the European PAL versions. As these were never recalled, there were significantly more copies of these versions released. As a result, they are not nearly as valuable as the North American NTSC version. However, the PAL versions can still fetch a nice return, such as these auctions that went for $1,750 and $2,500, respectively. In order to help tell the different versions apart, guides have been created to help would-be prospectors identify the gold from the pyrite. One such guide can be found over at NintendoAge.com.
With so much attention turned towards vintage game collection, what other treasures will be unearthed and revealed from the basements and attics across America? Could that crappy spelling game your mom bought you for your forth-grade spelling bowl be worth a nice retirement cottage? It’s entirely possible, at least in part. Even an open copy in only decent condition can net over $9000, as pro wrestler Blade Braxton found out on his eBay sale where he posted a YouTube video about his copy.
As for the $800,000+ sealed copy of Stadium Events, the auction ends tonight at 10:28 PM PST. Even if bids past the previous record of $40k are bogus and aren’t honored, the game will most certainly be given to the highest legitimate bidder or later re-sold for a handsome profit.
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