A factory-sealed Nintendo Entertainment System copy of Super Mario Bros., graded WATA 9.8 A++, is among the most valuable video games in the world. In August 2021, a graded WATA 9.8 A++ sealed copy with a hangtab “test market” sticker sold at Heritage Auctions for $2 million — at the time the highest price ever paid for a single video game.

Why sealed Super Mario Bros. matters

Super Mario Bros., released in October 1985, saved the American video game industry after the 1983 crash and made the NES the dominant home console of the 1980s. The early “test market” copies — distributed only in New York and Los Angeles in late 1985 with a small cardboard hangtab — are vanishingly rare. Sealed, high-grade examples represent a perfectly preserved snapshot of the moment Nintendo went mainstream.

How to identify a real sealed example

Original 1985 NES boxes are matte cardboard with a printed black border, “Nintendo Entertainment System” branding and the iconic Mario-jumping-over-a-Goomba cover art. Production variants change over time and dramatically affect value: “test market” hangtab boxes (late 1985, NY/LA only) are rarest; “sticker sealed” boxes (1986–87, plastic sticker over the flap) are next; “shrink-wrap sealed” boxes (1987 onwards, shrunk plastic over the entire box) are most common but still highly collectable. WATA, VGA and CGC each have proprietary authentication processes including UV inspection of the seal, weight check and detailed photograph documentation.

Grading and value

Public sales: hangtab sealed WATA 9.8 A++: $1.5–$2.0 million; sticker-sealed WATA 9.6 A: $250,000–$500,000; shrink-wrap sealed WATA 9.4 A: $30,000–$80,000; loose CIB (complete in box, with manual): $300–$1,500; loose cartridge in good condition: $30–$80. Heritage Auctions sets the pace for high-grade sealed video game pricing.

Where to see one

The Strong National Museum of Play (Rochester, NY), the Museum of Pop Culture (Seattle) and the Computerspielemuseum (Berlin) all hold sealed and loose Super Mario Bros. examples in permanent collections. Heritage Auctions’ Dallas office hosts public previews of sealed video game lots quarterly.

For families and younger fans

Super Mario Bros. has been re-released countless times — on Switch via Nintendo Switch Online, on the Game & Watch handheld (2020), on Wii Virtual Console, and as part of every retro NES Classic Mini. A loose original NES with a Super Mario Bros. cartridge can be assembled for $80–$200 on the secondary market and runs perfectly on any 1980s television (or via an HDMI adapter on a modern TV). Pair with the 2023 Super Mario Bros. Movie for an instant family movie night.

Care and storage

Sealed games should be stored vertical (spine up) in archival polyethylene bags, in stable conditions (18–22°C, 45–55% RH). Keep away from sunlight — shrink wrap fades and yellows quickly with UV exposure. Never re-wrap a “lost” seal; modern shrink wrap is detectable and instantly destroys grader confidence and value.

Read next

Continue with sealed copies of The Legend of Zelda (1987), Metroid (1987), Mega Man (1987) and Final Fantasy (1990) — the other foundational NES titles that drive the high-grade market.

About This collectible

The Super Mario Bros (Sealed NES, WATA 9.8 A++) is a notable entry in the collectible category. Whether you are a seasoned collector or evaluating your first piece, understanding provenance, condition, and market context is essential for confident decisions. This guide summarizes what makes this item collectible and how to evaluate examples in the market.

Identification & Authentication

Authenticating a Super Mario Bros (Sealed NES, WATA 9.8 A++) requires attention to period-correct materials, manufacturing marks, signatures, and chain of custody documentation. Where third-party authentication exists (PSA, JSA, Beckett, SGC, PCGS, NGC, or category-specific authenticators), graded examples carry significant premium over raw pieces. Consult a recognized authenticator before high-value purchases.

Valuation & Market Pricing

Values for the Super Mario Bros (Sealed NES, WATA 9.8 A++) vary by condition, provenance, completeness, and demand. Track recent sold prices on major venues including Heritage Auctions, Goldin, Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and eBay completed listings to benchmark fair market value. Realized sales reflect true value; asking prices do not.

Condition & Grading

Condition is the largest variable affecting value. Use the grading scale appropriate to the category and document defects honestly. For graded items, verify certification numbers on the grader’s website. For raw items, photograph all surfaces under neutral lighting and disclose any restoration or imperfections.

Where to Buy & Sell

Reputable venues include major auction houses, established dealer networks, specialty shows, and vetted online marketplaces. Avoid private cash transactions with unknown parties for high-value pieces. Use buyer protection or escrow when transacting at scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Super Mario Bros (Sealed NES, WATA 9.8 A++) is authentic?

Authenticity is best confirmed by a recognized third-party authenticator. Visual inspection alone is rarely sufficient for high-value pieces.

What is a Super Mario Bros (Sealed NES, WATA 9.8 A++) worth?

Value depends on condition, provenance, and completeness. Check recent sold prices on major auction venues for comparable examples.

Where should I sell my Super Mario Bros (Sealed NES, WATA 9.8 A++)?

For high-value pieces, established auction houses with category expertise typically deliver the best results. For mid-market items, vetted online marketplaces or dealer networks balance reach and fees.

Does grading add value?

For most categories, third-party grading adds meaningful value to top-condition examples. For lower-grade pieces, the grading fee can exceed the value uplift.