The Complete Video Game Console Collecting Guide

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The retro gaming market hit $3.8 billion in 2025 and it is not slowing down. Sealed consoles have appreciated over 200% since 2020. PS4 and Xbox One special editions that sold for retail three years ago are already commanding double or triple their original price. And 2025 tariffs pushed current-gen console prices up for the first time in history, which means even new systems are worth more today than when they launched.

If you have been thinking about starting a console collection, or you already have a shelf of systems and want to know what they are worth, this video game console collecting guide covers every major platform from the Atari 2600 through the PS5 and Switch 2. We include current market values, tips for spotting fakes, and direct buy links for every console listed. Whether you are hunting for a $50 loose Wii or a $5,000 Dreamcast variant, this is the guide for it.

Getting Started: What Every Console Collector Needs to Know

Before you spend a dime, learn the language. Console values depend almost entirely on condition, and the difference between a loose system and a sealed one can be thousands of dollars. I have seen people overpay by hundreds because they did not understand what they were buying. Do not be that person.

Condition Grading

Loose means just the console (and usually a controller). No box, no manuals, no inserts. This is the cheapest way to collect and the most common condition you will find at flea markets and retro game stores.

CIB (Complete in Box) means the console, its original box, all manuals, inserts, cables, and controllers. CIB prices can be 2x to 14x higher than loose depending on the system. A loose GBA SP Pikachu runs about $141. CIB? $1,975. The box matters.

Sealed/New means factory-sealed, never opened. Sealed consoles from any generation are treated as investment-grade collectibles now. They have gone up about 200% across the board since 2020.

Spotting Fakes

Counterfeits are everywhere, especially for cartridge-based systems. Here is what to check:

• Labels: Blurry print, wrong colors, or a fuzzy Nintendo Seal of Quality means fake
• Boards: Open the cartridge. Real Nintendo boards have the Nintendo logo printed on them. Fakes rarely bother
• Weight: Reproduction cartridges often feel lighter than originals
• Boxes: Check print quality, correct logos, and proper font spacing. Grammatical errors are a dead giveaway

The best defense is studying real examples before buying. Spend time on eBay looking at confirmed authentic listings. If you already have retro cartridges, keep them clean with our guide to cleaning retro game cartridges.

Where to Buy

eBay is the gold standard for retro consoles. Sold listings (not active listings, sold) give you real market data, and buyer protection is solid. Always check what a console actually sold for, not what someone is asking. Those are two very different numbers.

Local game stores charge a premium but let you inspect before buying. Worth it for high-value purchases where condition matters. Conventions are the single best place for deals, trading, and learning from other collectors. You can haggle in person, see condition with your own eyes, and often find stuff that never makes it to online listings.

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist can yield incredible finds from people who do not know what they have. But always meet in public and verify authenticity before paying. I have heard too many stories of people buying “NES bundles” that turned out to be reproduction hardware.

Tracking Your Collection

Use apps like Gameye, GAMEYE, or a simple spreadsheet to record what you own, including condition details and what you paid. This prevents duplicate purchases, helps you spot gaps in your collection, and gives you a running total of your collection’s value. Buying lots (bundles of games and consoles) and reselling the duplicates is one of the best strategies for building a collection affordably.

1st and 2nd Generation (1972-1984)

This is where it all started. These consoles are more historical artifacts than gaming machines at this point, but that is exactly what makes them special to collect.

The Magnavox Odyssey (1972) was the first home console ever made. Loose units go for around $340, with CIB sets running $525 or more. Finding one with all the screen overlays intact is the challenge.

The Atari 2600 (1977) is the icon of this era. Standard models run $45-200 loose depending on the variant. The original “Heavy Sixer” from 1977 is the most valuable, sometimes exceeding $500. The later Jr. model is the cheapest entry point at $30-50 loose. Shop Atari 2600 on eBay

The Intellivision ($60-175 loose, $130-610 CIB) and ColecoVision ($80-200 loose, $220-800 CIB) are both solid pickups for anyone building a complete collection. The ColecoVision with its Expansion Module #1 (which plays Atari 2600 games) is a particularly cool piece. Shop Intellivision on eBay | Shop ColecoVision on eBay

The Atari 5200 ($80-150 loose) has notorious controller reliability problems. Finding a unit with controllers that actually work adds real value. The Atari 7800 ($55-170 loose, $80-270 CIB) is the sleeper of this era because it plays Atari 2600 games natively. One console, two libraries. Shop Atari 7800 on eBay

Pro tip: For 1st and 2nd gen consoles, focus on complete sets with original controllers, cables, and manuals. These accessories are often harder to find than the consoles themselves and can be more expensive to buy separately.

3rd Generation (1983-1992)

The generation that saved gaming after the 1983 crash. If you are only going to collect from one era, the argument for starting here is strong.

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is the single most iconic console ever made. The front-loader (NES-001) runs $50-160 loose, $170-1,000 CIB, and a sealed unit will cost you around $1,489. The top-loader (NES-101) is rarer and goes for $85-210 loose. If you can find a Deluxe Set with R.O.B. the Robot CIB, that is a $500-1,000+ piece. Shop NES on eBay

The Sega Master System ($68-330 loose, $140-780 CIB) never dominated North America but was huge in Europe and Brazil. North American units are actually harder to find, which makes them slightly more valuable to US collectors. If you are building a worldwide collection, the PAL Master System II is dirt cheap in the UK. Shop Master System on eBay

The NES has a known issue with the front-loader’s 72-pin connector wearing out over time, causing the infamous “blinking red light.” Replacement 72-pin connectors are cheap ($5-10) and easy to install. Do not let this scare you away from buying one.

4th Generation (1988-1996): The Golden Age

This is my personal favorite era for collecting. The games hold up, the hardware is reliable, and prices have not gone completely insane yet.

The Super Nintendo (SNES) runs $50-225 loose, $145-1,200 CIB, and about $1,769 sealed. The original boxy SNS-001 is the standard. The slimmer SNS-101 (SNES Jr.) is less common. SNES game prices have climbed significantly, but the console itself is still reasonable. This is the system that gave us Chrono Trigger and dozens of other all-time greats. Shop SNES on eBay

The Sega Genesis is one of the best values in retro collecting. Model 1 with the “High Definition Graphics” label is the most desirable variant ($40-160 loose, $110-620 CIB). Model 2 and Model 3 are cheaper. The Sega CD add-on ($150-300 loose) and 32X ($100-200 loose) are separate collectibles if you want the full tower setup. Shop Genesis on eBay

The TurboGrafx-16 ($230 loose, $374 CIB) is pricier because NEC barely sold any in North America. Low sales then means low supply now. The Turbo Duo (combined TG-16 + CD) goes for $300-500 loose.

Then there is the Neo Geo AES. This is the most expensive standard console you can collect from any generation. It launched at $650 in 1990 (about $1,500 today), and current prices reflect that history: $380-1,000 loose, $750-3,000 CIB, up to $5,000 sealed. Individual games routinely sell for $100-1,000+ each. This is not a starter console. It is an endgame flex for people who have already collected everything else and want the final boss of retro gaming. Shop Neo Geo AES on eBay

The 4th generation is where game prices have climbed the most. SNES games like EarthBound ($300+), Chrono Trigger ($150+), and Mega Man X3 ($500+) can cost more than the console. Budget accordingly.

5th Generation (1993-2002): The 3D Revolution

The jump to 3D brought some of the most beloved consoles ever made. This generation also produced some of the weirdest failures, which makes collecting it interesting.

The PlayStation (PS1) is one of the most affordable retro consoles to start with. Loose units go for as little as $23-50. CIB sets are $65-650 depending on the model and box condition. The original “fat” SCPH-1001 is the collector’s pick. The slim PSone redesign is even cheaper. At these prices, there is no reason not to own one. Shop PS1 on eBay

The Nintendo 64 is where things get fun for variant collectors. A standard charcoal N64 runs $50-270 loose, $150-800 CIB. But the Funtastic translucent color series is the real draw: Ice Blue, Grape Purple, Jungle Green, Fire Orange, Smoke Black, and Watermelon Red. These go for $120-200 loose and $400-800 CIB. Smoke Black and Watermelon Red are the rarest. Then there is the Pikachu Edition (covered in detail in our Big Ticket section below). Shop N64 on eBay

The Sega Saturn ($56-150 loose, $140-450 CIB) is finally getting the respect it deserves. The Japanese library is stacked with exclusives, and the transparent “This Is Cool” skeleton Saturn from Japan ($400-700) is one of the coolest-looking consoles ever made. Shop Saturn on eBay

The Sega Dreamcast ($65-180 loose, $115-560 CIB) punched way above its weight. It still has active homebrew development, and the collector community is one of the most passionate in gaming. The Dreamcast also produced some of the most valuable special editions ever made (more on that in the Big Ticket section). Shop Dreamcast on eBay

The weird ones: The Atari Jaguar ($455 loose, $634 CIB) was a commercial disaster, but scarcity has pushed prices up hard. The Jaguar CD add-on alone can sell for $500-1,000. The 3DO ($150-250 loose, $400-660 CIB) is similar: a failed console with a surprisingly interesting library. Multiple manufacturers made 3DO hardware (Panasonic, Goldstar, Sanyo), so there are variants to chase. The Goldstar model is the rarest. Shop Jaguar on eBay | Shop 3DO on eBay

A note on the N64DD: this Japan-only disk drive add-on for the N64 is one of the priciest pieces in 5th gen collecting. Loose units go for $1,200-1,430 and CIB for $1,550-2,250. Only about 15,000 were made. It is more of a curiosity than a gaming device, but it is the kind of thing that makes a collection stand out. Shop N64DD on eBay

6th Generation (1998-2006)

This generation produced the best-selling console of all time and one of the hottest collector’s markets in 2026.

The PlayStation 2 sold 155 million units, which means loose systems are everywhere at $53-190. CIB fat models have climbed to $90-580. Sealed units are surprisingly expensive at around $1,000-1,900 despite the massive production run. The slim model is the cheapest entry at $43-80 loose. Shop PS2 on eBay

The Nintendo GameCube has been on a tear. Prices surged hard starting in 2020 and have not fully come back down. Indigo models run $45-180 loose, $80-700 CIB. The DOL-001 model with the digital AV output is preferred by enthusiasts who want the sharpest video signal. GameCube game prices are honestly wild right now, with some titles pushing past $200. The console itself is still reasonable though. Shop GameCube on eBay

The original Xbox ($50-150 loose, $95-870 CIB) is underrated as a collectible. It is easy to softmod for playing games from a hard drive, which makes it popular with retro enthusiasts beyond just collectors. The translucent green Halo Special Edition ($130-200 loose, $250-400 CIB) is one of the best-looking consoles from any generation. The Crystal/Clear Edition is equally gorgeous. Both are great pickups that still look stunning on a shelf. Shop Xbox on eBay

The 6th generation is the sweet spot for collecting right now. Consoles are old enough to feel retro but new enough that most of the hardware still works reliably. Prices have not reached the crazy heights of SNES/N64 territory yet.

7th Generation (2005-2013)

Seventh-gen consoles have officially entered the collector market. Prices bottomed out a few years ago and are now trending upward.

The PlayStation 3 is a sleeper pick. Here is why: the original 60GB model with full PS2 hardware backward compatibility plays PS1, PS2, and PS3 games natively. That makes it three consoles in one. These models run $180-600 loose, $340-1,000 CIB. The Slim ($80-250 loose) and Super Slim ($65-250 loose) are much cheaper but lack PS2 compatibility. Shop PS3 on eBay

The Xbox 360 has the widest price spread in this generation. Standard models go for $35-250 loose depending on the variant. The infamous Red Ring of Death makes finding a reliable original “fat” unit harder. The S/Slim and E models are more reliable. The Halo 3 green-and-gold edition ($100-200 CIB) and Star Wars R2-D2 edition ($200-400 CIB) are the ones collectors want. Shop Xbox 360 on eBay

The Nintendo Wii ($28-135 loose, $46-350 CIB) is probably the cheapest console you can buy from any generation. Over 101 million were made, so supply is massive. The white model is most common, while the limited red and blue Mario/Donkey Kong editions carry a slight premium. It is a great system to buy as a gift for someone just getting into retro gaming because the barrier to entry is basically nothing. Shop Wii on eBay

A word on the 7th gen market: these consoles have just crossed the line from “old” to “collectible.” Prices bottomed out around 2022-2023 and have been slowly climbing since. The PS3 backward-compatible model in particular has gone from a $100 curiosity to a $300-600 system in just a few years. If you are looking for consoles that will appreciate, this generation is the play.

8th and 9th Generation (2012-Present)

Here is where the strategy shifts. Some of these consoles are still in production, which means you can buy them new on Amazon. Others are discontinued and already climbing in value.

The Wii U is the biggest opportunity in collecting right now. Nintendo sold only 13.5 million of them, making it their poorest-selling home console by a wide margin. Deluxe models already run $175-250 loose, $250-355 CIB. Sealed units are pushing $800-1,250. The Wind Waker HD edition is a standout at $273 loose, $355 CIB. Buy one now if you do not already have one. Prices are only going up. Shop Wii U on eBay

The PS4 ($126 used for Slim, $204 for Pro) is at its cheapest point right now. This is the time to grab special editions before they climb. The PS4 20th Anniversary gray edition is already a $1,000-1,500 CIB console, and the God of War PS4 Pro runs $400-1,400 CIB. Standard models are still easy to find. Shop PS4 on eBay

The Xbox One ($80-150 used) is in the same boat. Standard units are cheap, but the Fortnite purple gradient edition is already at $248 loose and $3,273 sealed. The Halo 5 Guardians edition and Gears of War 4 Crimson Red are also climbing. Shop Xbox One on eBay

For consoles still in production, buy new on Amazon:

• PlayStation 5 Disc Edition (Slim) at $550 – Buy on Amazon
• Xbox Series X at $490-600 – Buy on Amazon
• Nintendo Switch 2 at $450 – Buy on Amazon | Already looking for the best Switch 2 accessories?

Note that both Sony and Microsoft raised console prices in 2025 due to tariffs. This is the first time in history that console prices have gone up mid-lifecycle instead of down. The PS5 Standard jumped to $550, the PS5 Pro hit $750, and the Xbox Series X climbed to $600. Analysts expect further increases as component stockpiles from pre-tariff manufacturing run out. If you want a current-gen console, buy now. Waiting will cost you more.

The Nintendo Switch (original, $159 used for V1, $198 for OLED) sits in an interesting spot. The V1 “tablet” revision that was hackable has already started climbing in value above the V2. The Switch is technically a hybrid handheld, but with 155 million units sold, it is the second best-selling console of all time. Special edition Switch OLEDs (Zelda, Pokemon, Splatoon) are the ones to grab now while they are still in the $300-400 range.

Handheld Consoles Worth Collecting

Handhelds are often overlooked by console collectors, which makes them a great opportunity. Many are still underpriced relative to their home console counterparts.

Nintendo Handhelds

The Game Boy (DMG-01) is where portable gaming started. Standard gray units go for $50-120 loose, $160-520 CIB. The “Play It Loud!” color variants (red, green, yellow, black, clear) are more desirable at $70-250 loose. A sealed Game Boy is about $3,500. Shop Game Boy on eBay

The Game Boy Color ($40-110 loose, $65-380 CIB) is a solid pickup. Atomic Purple and Pokemon-themed editions carry a premium. The Game Boy Advance ($50-130 loose) and GBA SP are where things get interesting. The AGS-101 model with the brighter backlit screen is significantly more valuable ($65-180 loose, $110-350 CIB) than the front-lit AGS-001. The Game Boy Micro is a sleeper hit at $115-220 loose, and the Famicom 20th Anniversary edition is a gorgeous piece at $125-260 loose, $270-900 CIB. Shop GBA SP on eBay

The Nintendo DS family ($35-120 loose) is still very affordable. The 3DS and New 3DS XL are where prices are heading up fast. Standard 3DS units go for $100-175 loose, while a New 3DS XL runs $200-340 loose, $300-480 CIB. The eShop closure in 2023 has accelerated collector interest. The Majora’s Mask gold/black edition ($300-500 CIB) and Samus Metroid edition ($300-500 CIB) are the standouts. Shop 3DS on eBay

Sony and Sega Handhelds

The PSP celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025, and collector interest is growing. The PSP-1000 goes for $50-100 loose, while the PSP-3000 (best screen) runs $65-200. The PSP Go ($100-220 loose) is the quirky variant that collectors are starting to chase. Shop PSP on eBay

The PlayStation Vita has been climbing sharply since 2023. The OLED model (PCH-1000) runs $180-250+ loose. The PSN store closure has made physical Vita games more valuable, which is dragging hardware prices up with it. Japanese limited editions are especially hot right now. Shop PS Vita on eBay

The Sega Game Gear ($60-175 loose, $150-600 CIB) has a well-known capacitor issue that causes the screen to die or the audio to cut out. Look for units that have been “recapped” (capacitors replaced). These hold better value and actually work. The Sega Nomad ($240-450 loose) is a portable Genesis and a really cool piece. LCD-modded units go for $515-800. Shop Game Gear on eBay | Shop Nomad on eBay

The Atari Lynx ($130-170 loose for the Lynx I, $80-130 for the Lynx II) was the first color handheld ever made, beating the Game Gear by a year. The Lynx I is the larger, more collectible model. The Neo Geo Pocket Color ($80-220 loose, $140-750 CIB) has a small but passionate following. SNK fighting games on this system are genuinely great.

The TurboExpress ($350-750 loose) deserves a mention as a high-value handheld. It is a portable TurboGrafx-16 that plays full HuCards. Low production numbers and fragile screens make working units genuinely hard to find. Shop TurboExpress on eBay

Do not forget the Nintendo Switch (original model) as a future collectible handheld. The V1 “tablet” revision that was hackable has already climbed above the V2 in value. Special edition Switch OLEDs (Zelda Tears of the Kingdom at $300-400 CIB, Pokemon Scarlet/Violet at $300-400 CIB) are worth picking up before the Switch 2 fully replaces it in the market.

Mods, Restoration, and Video Output

Many retro consoles were designed for CRT televisions. Plugging them into a modern TV with composite cables gives you a blurry, laggy mess. Here are the common upgrades collectors use:

RGB mods give you the sharpest signal possible from original hardware. The SNES already outputs RGB natively (in PAL regions and with the right cable). The N64 and Genesis can be modded for RGB output. The RetroTINK line of scalers converts retro signals to HDMI cleanly.

HDMI mods are available for most popular retro consoles. The N64 has the Pixel FX N64Digital, the GameCube has the Carby/GCHD Mk-II, and the PS1 has the PS1Digital. These install inside the console and output native HDMI. Prices range from $75 to $250 depending on the system.

Capacitor replacement is necessary for older systems. Game Gears, Atari Lynx, and some early Sega consoles suffer from failing capacitors. A recap costs $30-80 if you do it yourself or $80-150 at a shop. It is essential maintenance for anything from the early 1990s or older.

Retrobrighting removes the yellow discoloration from aged SNES, NES, and Game Boy shells. Hydrogen peroxide cream and UV light can restore plastic to near-original color. Results vary, but a well-retrobrighted SNES looks fantastic.

One thing to note: heavily modded consoles can be worth more or less than stock units depending on the buyer. Some collectors want all-original hardware. Others pay a premium for an HDMI-modded N64. Know your audience if you plan to sell.

Building a Console Collection by Budget

Not everyone has the same budget, and that is fine. Here is how to approach collecting at different price levels.

Under $500: The Starter Collection

You can build an impressive 5-6 console collection for under $500 if you buy loose and shop smart. A loose Wii ($30), PS1 ($30), PS2 ($60), N64 ($85), Genesis ($50), and NES ($75) totals about $330. That gets you access to thousands of games across six generations. Spend the remaining $170 on controllers and a few key games for each system. Hit up garage sales, thrift stores, and Facebook Marketplace for the best deals.

$500-2,000: The Serious Collection

At this level, you can afford to be picky about condition and start buying CIB. Prioritize the consoles you care about most and get them CIB. Branch into handhelds, grab a Game Boy and a GBA SP. Start looking at 7th gen special editions before they climb. A CIB SNES, CIB N64, CIB GameCube, and a few handhelds makes for a collection that looks incredible on a shelf.

$2,000+: The Complete Collection

This is where you start chasing the rare stuff. Funtastic N64 color variants, special edition consoles, a Neo Geo AES if you are feeling brave. At this budget you should be buying CIB for everything and picking up sealed units of modern consoles that you think will appreciate. The Wii U is an obvious target. Special edition 3DS models are another smart play. And if you can find a Panasonic Q or Pikachu N64 CIB, those are pieces that will anchor any collection.

Storing and Displaying Your Collection

A collection is only worth what it is in if you take care of it. Here are the basics:

• Temperature: Keep consoles in a climate-controlled room. Attics, garages, and basements are the enemy. Heat warps plastic, cold makes it brittle, and humidity destroys everything
• Sunlight: UV exposure fades labels, yellows plastic (especially SNES and NES), and damages box art. Keep systems out of direct sunlight
• Dust: Dust buildup can cause overheating and cosmetic damage. Display cases with glass doors are ideal. At minimum, dust your collection regularly
• Boxes: Store CIB boxes flat or upright (never stacked under heavy weight). Use acid-free protectors for high-value boxes. The box is often worth more than the console itself for special editions
• Cables: Original AV and power cables are getting harder to find. Label them and keep them with their consoles. Aftermarket replacements exist but originals add to CIB value

For display, IKEA Kallax shelves are the most popular option in the collecting community. They are cheap, modular, and the cubes are perfectly sized for most consoles. Detolf glass cabinets are great for high-value pieces. Whatever you use, keep the most valuable items behind glass and out of direct light.

Big Ticket: The Most Valuable Special Edition Consoles

These are the grails. The consoles that make collectors lose sleep scrolling eBay at 2 AM. Low production runs, franchise tie-ins, and regional exclusives drive these prices into the thousands.

Console	Year	Units Made	CIB Value	Why It’s Special
Dreamcast RX-78 Gundam	2001	78	$6,000-9,000+	Numbered Japan exclusive. One of the rarest retail consoles ever
Dreamcast Code Veronica STARS	2000	200	$3,500-5,000	Translucent purple Resident Evil edition, Japan only
PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary	2024	12,300	$3,000-5,200	PS1 gray design, individually numbered, 2 retro controllers
Dreamcast Code Veronica Claire	2000	1,800	~$2,587	Translucent red skeleton, bundled with game. Japan only
Dreamcast Maziora	1999	500	$2,500-6,000	Color-changing pearlescent paint. 200 signed by a racing driver
GBA SP Pikachu (Pokemon Center)	2005	Limited	~$1,975	Pokemon Center Japan exclusive. Yellow Pikachu face design
Panasonic Q	2001	~100,000	~$1,768	GameCube/DVD hybrid. Brushed metal. Japan only
PS4 20th Anniversary	2014	12,300	~$1,500	Original PS1 gray. Numbered. Unit #00001 sold for $129,000
GBA SP Zelda Minish Cap	2004	~300	$750-1,500	Club Nintendo Europe exclusive. Gold with Zelda artwork
N64 Pikachu (Blue/Yellow)	2000	Limited	$500-800	Pikachu’s cheeks light up. Toys R Us exclusive in the US
N64 Funtastic Smoke Black	2000	Limited	~$661	Rarest of the 6 Funtastic translucent colors
Xbox 360 Halo 3 Edition	2007	Limited	~$594	Master Chief green and gold. First Halo-branded console
Xbox Series X Halo Infinite	2021	Limited	$550-700	Star-field pattern with gold accents. Sold out at retail
DS Lite Dialga/Palkia	2007	Limited	~$500	Pokemon Diamond/Pearl launch edition. Embossed legendaries
Game Boy Micro Famicom	2005	Limited	$270-900	Red and gold Famicom controller design. Beautiful tiny system

A few patterns jump out from this list. Japan-exclusive consoles dominate the top tier because they were never sold outside the country, creating artificial scarcity in Western markets. Low production numbers matter more than anything: the Gundam Dreamcast had 78 units, the Code Veronica STARS had 200, the Minish Cap GBA SP had about 300. And franchise power is real. Pokemon, Zelda, Halo, and Resident Evil tie-ins hold their value because the fanbases are massive and emotionally invested.

The Panasonic Q deserves special attention. It is a hybrid GameCube/DVD player that Panasonic manufactured exclusively for Japan. The brushed metal design looks nothing like any other console from its era. It plays standard GameCube games and DVDs, making it a genuine conversation piece. At $1,768 CIB, it is one of the more “accessible” grails on this list.

Sony has clearly figured out the formula with their anniversary editions. Both the PS4 20th Anniversary ($1,500 CIB) and PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary ($3,000-5,200) were limited to exactly 12,300 units, each individually numbered. The PS4 unit #00001 sold for $129,000 at auction. If Sony makes a 40th Anniversary PS6, expect the same playbook.

One more thing: keep your boxes. The price gap between loose and CIB on special editions is often a 5x to 14x multiplier. A loose GBA SP Pikachu is $141. CIB is $1,975. That cardboard box is worth $1,834. Store them flat, keep them dry, and never stack heavy items on top of them.

Complete Video Game Console Collecting Value Reference

Here is every major console at a glance. All prices are approximate ranges based on 2025-2026 market data from PriceCharting and eBay sold listings.

Console	Year	Loose	CIB	Where to Buy
Magnavox Odyssey	1972	$341	$525	eBay
Atari 2600	1977	$45-200	$200-500	eBay
Intellivision	1979	$60-175	$130-610	eBay
ColecoVision	1982	$80-200	$200-800	eBay
NES	1985	$50-160	$170-1,000	eBay
Master System	1986	$68-330	$140-780	eBay
Genesis	1989	$40-160	$110-620	eBay
SNES	1991	$50-225	$145-1,200	eBay
TurboGrafx-16	1989	$230	$374	eBay
Neo Geo AES	1990	$380-1,000	$750-3,000	eBay
PlayStation (PS1)	1995	$23-50	$65-650	eBay
Nintendo 64	1996	$50-270	$150-800	eBay
Sega Saturn	1995	$56-168	$140-450	eBay
Dreamcast	1999	$65-180	$115-560	eBay
PlayStation 2	2000	$53-190	$90-580	eBay
GameCube	2001	$45-180	$80-700	eBay
Xbox	2001	$50-150	$95-870	eBay
Wii	2006	$28-135	$46-350	eBay
PS3 (60GB BC)	2006	$180-600	$340-1,000	eBay
Xbox 360	2005	$35-250	$42-400	eBay
Wii U	2012	$175-250	$250-355	eBay
PS4	2013	$126-204	$200-400	eBay
Xbox One	2013	$80-250	$100-300	eBay
PS5 (Slim)	2020	$350	New: $550	Amazon
Xbox Series X	2020	$300-400	New: $490-600	Amazon
Switch 2	2025	N/A	New: $450	Amazon
Game Boy	1989	$50-120	$160-520	eBay
GBA SP (101)	2003	$65-180	$110-350	eBay
Nintendo DS	2004	$35-87	$55-270	eBay
New 3DS XL	2014	$200-340	$300-480	eBay
PSP	2004	$50-200	$70-300	eBay
PS Vita	2012	$150-250	$250-400	eBay
Game Gear	1990	$60-175	$150-600	eBay

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Console collecting is at an interesting crossover point in 2026. The retro market has stabilized after the pandemic-era bubble, which means prices now reflect genuine demand rather than speculation. The 4th and 5th generation consoles (SNES through Dreamcast) remain the heart of the hobby, while 8th gen systems like the Wii U, PS4, and Xbox One are the smart buys right now before they fully transition into collector territory.

Here is what I would do if I was starting from scratch today: Grab a loose PS1, SNES, and N64 as the foundation. That is about $200 total. Then get a Wii U CIB while they are still under $350 because that thing is going nowhere but up. Add a GBA SP AGS-101 for handheld gaming. And if you can swing it, pick up a PS4 Pro or Xbox One X special edition before those prices leave the ground floor. That gives you an incredible collection across seven generations for under $1,000.

Start with what you love. Do not chase value, chase nostalgia. The consoles you grew up playing will always mean more to you than the ones with the highest PriceCharting numbers. And if you only take one piece of advice from this entire guide: keep your boxes.