Determining the Value of Original 1985 Super Mario Bros. for NES (2025 Guide)
The original Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo Entertainment System is one of the most culturally significant video games ever released. As the title that helped revive the home console market and define the platformer genre, early NES print runs of this game—especially first-print sealed copies—have become premier collectibles. Whether you’ve uncovered a cartridge in storage, inherited a boxed set, or are researching before buying or selling, understanding how to determine its true value is essential.
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Why Original Super Mario Bros. Is So Valuable
While millions of Super Mario Bros. cartridges exist, only a small fraction come from the earliest production runs. These first issues have become legendary in the collecting world, commanding extraordinary prices.
Key reasons for high values:
• Early NES “black box” release with historical significance
• Extremely limited surviving sealed copies
• Multiple variant print runs with huge value differences
• Record-setting auction sales in the video game market
• Enormous cross-generational cultural impact
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Identify Which Version You Have
Not all copies of Super Mario Bros. are equal—identification of the exact print run is the single biggest factor in determining potential value.
Most recognizable 1980s variations include:
• 1985 First-Print Test Market Release — Rarest and most valuable
• 1986 Arcade Classics Series Variant
• 1987–1988 Mid-Production SMB Variants — Common but collectible
• Reprinted Editions (1990s) — Lower value
• Combo Pack Versions (Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt) — High supply, lower value
How to identify your copy:
• Look at the box: hangtab/no hangtab, NES seal style (round vs. oval), color of the seal
• Inspect cartridge label fonts, code numbers, and region markers
• Check for specific print run indicators (e.g., “TM” vs. “®” on logos)
• Compare the box and cart to reliable online variant guides
Correct identification can mean the difference between a $20 loose cart and a six-figure sealed collectible.
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Evaluate the Game’s Condition
Condition matters enormously for vintage NES games—especially cardboard-box releases, which are prone to wear.
Key condition factors:
• Box quality — crushing, creases, sun fading, corner wear
• Cartridge label condition — scratches, peeling, discoloration
• Manual and inserts — missing pages, tears, staining
• Seals — torn, resealed, or loose shrink-wrap
• Completeness — dust sleeve, styrofoam block, warranty cards
For high-end Mario collectibles, even subtle differences in condition can drastically impact price.
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Grading Greatly Increases Value
Professional grading from WATA or VGA can dramatically increase the desirability and trustworthiness of a collectible game.
Benefits of grading:
• Confirms authenticity
• Identifies print variant and production run
• Establishes an objective numerical grade
• Protects the game in a tamper-resistant case
• Increases buyer confidence, especially for sealed copies
Sealed, early-variant, high-grade copies have achieved some of the highest prices in video game history.
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Research Recent Sale Prices
To determine current market value, consult sold listings, not retail prices or asking prices.
Best places to check recent sales:
• Major collectible game auction archives
• WATA/VGA population reports
• eBay completed listings
• Specialty retro gaming auction sites
Search for:
• The exact print variant (seal type, hangtab style, revision)
• Loose vs. complete-in-box vs. sealed
• Graded vs. ungraded copies
• Comparable grade or overall condition
In this market, the print run is often more important than the condition itself.
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Understand Market Trends That Affect Value
Values of vintage video games—especially major franchises like Mario—can shift with:
• High-profile auction results
• Video game market corrections or booms
• New Mario games, films, or anniversary releases
• Changes in grading standards or population updates
• Broader interest in retro gaming nostalgia
Despite fluctuations, first-print Super Mario Bros. copies remain among the most stable and sought-after collectibles in gaming history.
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Beware of Reprints and Counterfeits
Because of its fame, Super Mario Bros. has numerous reprints and a growing number of counterfeit cartridges.
Signs your copy may be a reprint or fake:
• Cartridge screws or shells inconsistent with 1980s Nintendo hardware
• Incorrect or overly glossy label textures
• Misaligned or pixelated artwork
• Inconsistent print codes or missing region information
• Signs of reproduction PCBs or aftermarket shells
If any details seem unusual, professional authentication is the safest approach.
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Consider Getting a Professional Appraisal
A professional evaluation can help you:
• Confirm authenticity and print run
• Identify condition issues or restoration
• Determine accurate market value
• Navigate grading and auction options
• Secure proper insurance coverage
This is especially important for sealed or early-variant copies.
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Final Thoughts: What Your Super Mario Bros. May Be Worth
The value of an original 1985 Super Mario Bros. depends on:
• Exact print run and variant
• Condition of box, cartridge, and inserts
• Whether it is sealed, CIB, or loose
• Professional grading status
• Current gaming collectible demand
With proper identification and evaluation, you can determine your copy’s true market value—whether your goal is preservation, insurance, or sale.
For expert review or valuation assistance, call us at 1-800-555-6741 or email support@memorabiliabrokers.com.
