Rare Discovery: Super Mario Cartridges Unearthed

A pop culture store owner in Wisconsin once informed Jason Ganos, a renowned Nintendo game enthusiast, about a box of Super Mario cartridges languishing in storage. This revelation stunned Ganos, leading to a discovery of a collection of 97 “absolutely pristine” copies of the Super Mario Brothers Duck Hunt. Released in 1988, this Nintendo game holds significant value for collectors.

Ganos’s preliminary research revealed that the cartridges represented not only a new variant but also marked the last known production date for the game. Most of these cartridges are set to be auctioned online, ending on Sept. 9.

“I still don’t quite believe that any of this is happening,” Ganos expressed, describing the event as surreal and bizarre.

As a dedicated fan of over a decade, Ganos, decorated with Nintendo tattoos and the operator of Nintendo Wire, a news service focused on Nintendo, refrains from guessing the games’ worth. However, he immediately recognized the collection’s significance upon sight.

“It’s like pulling out a Holy Grail,” he remarked about the moment he discovered the box. “They’re gorgeous.”

The store owner, Kevin Braun of One Stop Wonders in Waukesha, near Milwaukee, had initially asked Ganos to help him sell Nintendo games and Pokémon cards. Braun mentioned the box of cartridges, purchased from a customer whose family thought they were merely metal scrap. These cartridges, made in 1993, intrigue both Braun and Ganos as production officially ceased in 1991. They speculate the copies could have been warranty replacements or bundles that were never distributed.

Recognizing the importance of the find, Ganos promptly traveled to California with all 97 cartridges in his carry-on. He recalls feeling nervous while passing through TSA checkpoints, knowing the rare items he carried. Upon arrival, video game experts verified and graded the cartridges, determining their value. Five cartridges received a perfect 10 score, which had never been achieved before in NES cartridges.

“I think there’s going to be historic significance to the tens,” Ganos noted, considering the emotional value tied to many people’s childhoods and the unprecedented perfect scores.

The value of ultrarare video game cartridges can reach six- to seven-figure sums in the collector’s market, particularly rare specimens with unique production backstories. Ganos highlights that the flawless condition of these cartridges, similar to that of comic books or sports cards, contributes to their high potential value.

However, he hesitates to predict the final auction price, owing to the uniqueness of the collection. Ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, the ultimate worth remains open to speculation. Among the games being auctioned are three perfect 10-rated cartridges at Golden Pop’s Culture Auction. Both Ganos and Braun plan to keep one perfect 10 copy each.

Collectors have the option to play these games, but Ganos hopes they remain in their immaculate condition. “Finding uncirculated stuff for me is super exciting,” he says. He fondly recalls Super Mario Brothers Duck Hunt as the first video game he played, holding a special place in his childhood.

Following the auction, Braun and Ganos plan a charity auction event, further contributing to their discovery’s impact.

Reporter Wilder contributes through The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative, which places journalists in newsrooms addressing undercovered issues.