Super Mario Game Cartridge Stored in Drawer for 35 Years Sold for 700 Million KRW at US Auction

Unopened Super Mario Brothers cartridge (game pack) released in 1986. (Provided by U.S. auction site Heritage Auction)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] The Super Mario Bros. cartridge (game pack), released in 1986 and now 35 years old, was sold at the highest price ever recorded in a video game auction, according to foreign media including CNN Business on the 4th (local time).

According to Heritage Auctions, which conducted the auction, this game cartridge was sold for $660,000 (approximately 740 million KRW). It was purchased as a Christmas gift in 1986 but remained untouched and stored until it was discovered earlier this year.

The game cartridge received a 9.56/A+ grade from Wata Games, evaluating it as being in pristine condition. Notably, it is a plastic vinyl shrink-wrapped product briefly produced in 1986, and due to its relatively limited sales, it is believed to have commanded a higher price.

The highest auction price for video game-related items is the "Nintendo PlayStation," which sold for $360,000 (about 430 million KRW) in March last year.

Among game cartridges, the 1985-produced "Super Mario Bros. 3" was sold for $156,000 (176 million KRW) last November.