In an astonishing turn of events, a treasure trove of nearly 100 pristine Super Mario Bros. Duck Hunt cartridges has been uncovered in Wisconsin, igniting fervour among gaming enthusiasts and collectors alike. The find, described as the “Holy Grail” of video games, consists of 97 remarkably well-preserved copies of the beloved title originally launched in 1988. The excitement around this unique discovery has intensified as these cartridges—representing a previously unknown variant—are set to be auctioned off starting this Friday, with bidding running until 9 September.
A Collector’s Dream Unearthed
The serendipitous discovery came to light when prominent Nintendo collector Jason Ganos was approached by Kevin Braun, the owner of One Stop Wonders, a pop culture shop in Waukesha. Braun had been sifting through his inventory when he stumbled upon the long-forgotten box of Mario cartridges. “I still don’t quite believe that any of this is happening,” Ganos expressed, his disbelief echoing the sentiment of many in the collector community.
Upon closer inspection, it became clear that these cartridges were not just any old games. They were produced in 1993, well after the bundle had been officially discontinued, leading Ganos and Braun to speculate that these might have been warranty replacements or unsold stock from a retailer. The excitement was palpable as Ganos recounted the moment he realised the significance of the find: “It’s like pulling out a Holy Grail,” he remarked, his passion for the franchise evident.
The Auction and Its Implications
The auction is poised to draw significant attention, particularly as five of the 97 cartridges have been graded a perfect 10 by Professional Sports Authenticator, a first for Nintendo Entertainment System titles. “I think there’s going to be historic significance to the tens,” Ganos stated, pointing out that not only do these games hold nostalgic value for many, but their perfect condition makes them exceptionally rare in the collector’s market.
Ultrarare video games can fetch staggering prices, often reaching six to seven figures, especially when tied to a unique production history. Ganos, who has dedicated over a decade to chronicling Nintendo news, believes the ultimate worth of these cartridges is hard to predict. “They could be worth hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands,” he speculated, hinting at the potential for a bidding frenzy among collectors eager to add these gems to their collections.
The Future of the Collection
While the auction will see three of the perfect 10 cartridges up for grabs, Ganos and Braun plan to retain a few for themselves, including one perfect score copy. The pristine condition of these games raises the question of whether they will ever see playtime again, as Ganos hopes to maintain their impeccable status. “Finding uncirculated stuff for me is just like super exciting,” he shared, reflecting on his deep connection to the game. “Mario Duck Hunt was just such a big part of my life growing up.”
In addition to the auction, Ganos and Braun are also planning a charity auction to follow, highlighting their commitment to giving back to the community while celebrating this extraordinary find.
Why it Matters
This remarkable unveiling not only highlights the enduring appeal of classic video games but also underscores the growing recognition of their value as collectibles. As nostalgia continues to shape consumer interests, the auction of these rare cartridges could reshape market standards and inspire a new wave of collectors to seek out vintage gaming treasures. For many, these cartridges aren’t just pieces of plastic; they are cherished memories and tokens of a beloved era in gaming history. This find is a reminder of the rich tapestry of pop culture that continues to evolve, engaging new generations of fans and collectors alike.
