In an astonishing find that has sent waves through the gaming collector community, a trove of 97 pristine Super Mario cartridges has been uncovered in Wisconsin. This remarkable discovery, hailed as a “Holy Grail” for enthusiasts, includes a previously unknown variant of the iconic game, poised to fetch an impressive price at auction. The excitement surrounding this rediscovery reflects the ever-growing significance of vintage gaming memorabilia within the collector’s market.
The Discovery That Shocked Collectors
Prominent Nintendo collector Jason Ganos was taken aback when Kevin Braun, owner of the One Stop Wonders shop in Waukesha, revealed an unassuming box filled with Super Mario cartridges. This cache, dating back to 1993, comprises copies of Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt, which were discontinued in 1991. Ganos, who runs Nintendo Wire—a dedicated platform for Nintendo news—immediately recognised the potential value of the find.
“This is like pulling out the Holy Grail,” Ganos remarked, clearly still in disbelief. His experience in the industry allowed him to discern that these cartridges represented a unique production history, adding to their allure. The significance of this discovery was heightened by the fact that several of the cartridges received a perfect grade from the Professional Sports Authenticator.
Auctioning Off a Piece of History
The 97 cartridges are scheduled to be auctioned online starting Friday, running until 9 September. Ganos and Braun plan to sell three of the perfect 10 graded copies during this auction, retaining the finest examples for themselves. The pristine condition of these cartridges is expected to attract substantial bids—rare video game cartridges can command six to seven figures, especially those with unique features and exceptional grading.
Ganos expressed uncertainty about the ultimate value of this collection, acknowledging that it is unprecedented. “They could be worth hundreds, thousands, or tens of thousands,” he noted, highlighting the unpredictability of the collector’s market.
A Journey to Authentication
Recognising the importance of the find, Ganos swiftly arranged for the cartridges to be authenticated. He recalled the anxious moments of travelling with the 97 game cartridges in his carry-on, navigating TSA security with trepidation. “I was sweating bullets thinking, why do you have 97 little circuit boards in your carry-on?” he recounted.
His diligence paid off when five cartridges achieved the coveted perfect score, a first for Nintendo Entertainment System games. This historic achievement is expected to resonate with collectors, as Ganos pointed out, “There’s never been a 10 in an NES cartridge before,” making this a landmark moment in gaming history.
The Cultural Significance of Vintage Gaming
The excitement surrounding the auction is not merely about monetary value; it embodies a nostalgic connection to childhood experiences for many. Mario Duck Hunt holds a special place in the hearts of gamers worldwide, and Ganos is no exception. “This game was the first video game I ever played. Mario Duck Hunt was just such a big part of my life growing up,” he reflected.
Following the auction, Ganos and Braun plan to hold a charity auction, using the momentum generated by this discovery to give back to the community.
Why it Matters
The rediscovery of these Super Mario cartridges is more than just a collector’s triumph; it highlights the increasing importance of vintage video games as cultural artefacts. As the gaming industry evolves, the nostalgia tied to these early titles grows, attracting both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts alike. This event underscores the changing landscape of collectibles, where the intersection of nostalgia, rarity, and market dynamics will continue to shape the future of gaming memorabilia.