Sealed The Legend of Zelda NES copy sells for world record $870,000

If you had told me back in 1987 that my copy of The Legend of Zelda for the NES would sell for almost $1 Million after 30+ years, I probably wouldn’t have believed you… or maybe I would have bought multiple copies. Either way, it happened, and beating the previous record holder, a rare copy of Super Mario Bros., by over $200,000.

Heritage Auctions announced that a “Wata 9.0 A Sealed [No Rev-A, Round SOQ, Early Production]” copy of The Legend of Zelda for a record amount over the weekend, which is now the most ever paid for video game at an auction.

Why is it so special? Heritage Auctions explains that this is an incredibly rare variant of The Legend of Zelda, which is “the only copy from one of the earliest production runs that we’ve ever had the opportunity to offer, and, possibly will have the opportunity to offer, for many years to come.” This variant was only available in production for a few months in 1987 until it was replaced in 1988. To give more context, the only other variant of the game earlier than this is the “NES TM” variant, which is widely believed to have only one sealed copy in existence.

Being graded a 9/10 condition-wise, it would be more than safe to say that this copy is still in tip-top condition.

I’m not quite sure how many jars Link will have to break to pay for something like this, but I’m quite sure Heritage Auctions doesn’t accept Rupees.

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