We take on a mission to find 7 of the rarest video games in history. If you’re ready to hunt, join us and dive into the enigmatic and often bizarre domain of ultra-rare video games. We researched the crown jewels of the gaming world, sought after by collectors who are ready to spend more than just a pretty penny. Stay with us and explore the fascinating history, quirky facts, and mind-boggling valuations of these elusive electronic artifacts.
1. Pepsi Invaders (Atari 2600)
Imagine a world where Pepsi is not just a soda but an invading force in a video game! Enter ‘Pepsi Invaders’, an eccentric gem from the Atari 2600 era. Commissioned by Coca-Cola, this game was a cheeky jab at their fizzy rival, playing like Space Invaders but with a twist – you’re blasting away the letters P-E-P-S-I. It’s a collector’s dream, with only 125 copies ever made, turning a corporate gag into a coveted rarity.
But here’s the kicker: many of these exclusive copies were reportedly discarded by the Coca-Cola employees they were gifted to, perhaps not realizing the future value of these digital invaders. The rarity of ‘Pepsi Invaders’ is not just in its limited production but also in its survival against the odds. It’s a testament to the unexpected intersections of gaming and corporate rivalry, encapsulating a unique moment in both advertising and gaming history.
2. Poop Slinger (PS4)
From the bizarre reaches of gaming history comes ‘Poop Slinger’ for the PS4, a game that turns heads not just for its odd name but for its even odder journey into rarity. Initially released as an April Fool’s joke by Limited Rare Games, this peculiar title quickly transcended its gag origins. With only 84 copies known to exist, ‘Poop Slinger’ slings itself into the annals of gaming oddities.
The story of ‘Poop Slinger’ is a rollercoaster of unexpected turns. From a prank that unexpectedly turned into a tangible product to the surprising scarcity that followed, this game’s journey is as unconventional as its gameplay. It’s not just the scarcity that makes ‘Poop Slinger’ a collectible; it’s the narrative behind it. Each copy is a reminder of a moment when the lines between jest and reality blurred, creating a rare treasure for the lucky few who own it.
3. ‘Gold Variant’ Nintendo World Championships (NES)
Diving deeper into the echelons of rarity, we encounter the ‘gold variant’ of the Nintendo World Championships for the NES. Originally released as part of a promotional contest in Nintendo Power magazine, only 26 of these glimmering gold cartridges were ever distributed. It’s the Holy Grail of Nintendo collecting, a symbol of prestige and a nostalgic nod to a pivotal moment in gaming history.
The value of this gold cartridge isn’t just in its limited quantity but also in its cultural significance. Each of the 26 cartridges represents a moment when video gaming transcended beyond mere entertainment, becoming a competitive sport and a community event. Owners of this rare piece hold a fragment of gaming history, a tangible reminder of the 1990 Nintendo World Championships that brought gamers together in a nationwide competition.
4. NBA Elite 11 (PS3)
‘NBA Elite 11’ for the PS3 is a tale of the unexpected. This game, intended to be revolutionary, became an enigma due to its abrupt cancellation. EA, facing a backlash over glitches and bugs in the demo, pulled the plug, leaving only about 11 copies. The few copies in existence are sought after also for the story they represent – a high-profile game that almost made it to the courts but instead became a legend off it.
The elusive ‘NBA Elite 11’ is a collector’s anomaly. It’s a reminder of the razor-thin line between success and failure in the gaming industry. Owning a copy is like holding a piece of gaming folklore, a narrative of ambition, challenge, and an unexpected turn of events. For collectors, ‘NBA Elite 11’ offers a unique window into the behind-the-scenes drama of the gaming world.
5. Air Raid (Atari 2600)
With its unique T-shaped cartridge, ‘Air Raid’ for the Atari 2600 takes a prominent spot in the pantheon of video game rarities. Released in 1982 by Men-A-Vision, a relatively unknown company, it became famous not for its gameplay but for its scarcity and distinctive design. With only a handful of copies known to exist, finding ‘Air Raid’ is akin to discovering a rare artifact.
The intrigue of ‘Air Raid’ lies not only in its rarity but also in its mysterious origins. The game’s limited release and the obscurity of its publisher add layers of intrigue and curiosity. Each surviving copy of ‘Air Raid’ is a piece of video game archaeology, offering a glimpse into a time when the gaming industry was still finding its footing.
6. Nintendo Campus Challenge
The ‘Nintendo Campus Challenge’ cartridge, crafted for a series of college competitions in 1991, encapsulates a unique chapter in video game history. This rarity wasn’t just a game; it was a part of a nationwide contest, bringing together students in a spirited gaming rivalry. With its triathlon of Nintendo classics – Super Mario Bros., Rad Racer, and Tetris – it tested gamers’ versatility across genres. The rarity of these cartridges today goes beyond mere scarcity.
Owning a ‘Nintendo Campus Challenge’ cartridge is like holding a piece of gaming heritage. It’s a rare artifact from an era when gaming was evolving into a cultural phenomenon. Each cartridge holds stories of collegiate competitions, of friendships and rivalries forged over pixelated battles, making them invaluable to collectors and gaming historians alike.
7. PowerFest ’94
‘PowerFest ’94,’ a rare gem for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), takes us back to the competitive gaming scene of the early 90s. This game was more than just software; it was an integral part of a gaming tournament that challenged players across three different games – Super Mario Kart, Ken Griffey Jr. Home Run Derby, and Super Mario All-Stars. Originally, Nintendo produced 35 cartridges for the competition, but today, only two are known to exist.
Owning a copy of ‘PowerFest ’94’ is akin to having a piece of gaming history in your hands. It represents a time when gaming tournaments were becoming a cultural event, foreshadowing the rise of esports. Each of these cartridges tells a story of fierce competition, skill, and the communal joy of gaming.
As we conclude our journey through to the rarest video games, it’s clear that these seven titles are more than just software. Each game, from the quirky ‘Poop Slinger’ to the historic ‘PowerFest ’94’, carries a unique story interwoven with the fabric of gaming culture. We’re always eager to dive deep into rare findings, so we prepared an article on 7 of the most expensive manuscripts and books ever sold – don’t miss out.
