Nintendo & Game Boy: From Japan to the Hearts of Global Collectors
From Nintendo’s origins to the Game Boy legend: discover how these Japanese icons became must-haves in video game collecting.
Founded in 1889 as a manufacturer of traditional Hanafuda playing cards, Nintendo has undergone over a century of transformation, eventually becoming the entertainment giant we know today. It was during the 1980s and ’90s, however, that the company etched its place in pop culture with a lineup of revolutionary consoles and beloved characters—from Super Mario and Zelda to Donkey Kong and Pokémon.
One of Nintendo’s most enduring contributions to gaming history is the Game Boy, launched in 1989. Compact, portable, and nearly indestructible, it sold over 118 million units worldwide and became a cornerstone of video game culture.
Nintendo’s Historical and Collectible Value
In the collector’s world, Nintendo is the “first edition” of modern gaming. Its classic consoles—NES, SNES, Nintendo 64—are highly sought after, especially in boxed condition and with minimal wear. Sealed cartridges of iconic titles like The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, and Super Mario Bros. have fetched more than €100,000 at auction (notably at Heritage Auctions and Goldin).
Collectors are also increasingly interested in promotional Nintendo merchandise, regional limited editions (e.g., Pikachu N64), and sealed accessories.
Game Boy: The Dawn of Portability
The Game Boy revolutionized gaming by making it portable. Titles like Pokémon Red and Blue, Tetris, and Zelda: Link’s Awakening defined an era. Special editions like the Pokémon Game Boy Color or the “Clear” transparent version now sell for over €1,000 when sealed.
In recent years, grading services like VGA and WATA have legitimized gaming as a collectible category. A sealed Game Boy with a top-tier grade can command record prices.
Two Collecting Cornerstones
Collectible value isn’t just about rarity—it’s about cultural impact. Nintendo embodies childhood wonder and creativity, while the Game Boy symbolizes a generation’s first portable tech love. Their global influence on gaming is akin to Apple’s on consumer electronics.
According to Mordor Intelligence, the retro gaming market is now worth over $12 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of more than 10% through 2030. Nintendo leads the charge, powered by brand strength and a deep well of nostalgia.
Nintendo and Game Boy represent two pillars of video game collecting: visionary design and revolutionary portability. Collecto curates museum-quality certified consoles and games, making iconic gaming history accessible through fractional ownership. Because in the world of collectibles—just like in gaming—nostalgia is priceless.
