Why are some Nintendo Boxes so valuable?

[FactorB0nD]

Hello...I am new here and have a question for anyone who might be kind enough to help.

I was comparing notes with someone (IRL) who was perusing my vintage NES games and informed me that I have a much sought after item.

Even though the game was an original complete boxed set, his attention centered specifically on the box.

So now I'm wondering if what I have is some sort of rarity. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

[noiseredux]

Supply/Demand

[FactorB0nD]

Supply/Demand

Thank you for your reply, noiseredux.

I imagine that's because all of the opening/closing of boxes makes them quickly ruined by their original owners (children).

Might I post an image of mine in order to lend more specificity to my question. I don't want to violate any rules, so please advise. TIA

[Luke]

Sure. Post pics (not too large though please).

[FactorB0nD]

Sure. Post pics (not too large though please).

This is the one I'm curious about.

DonkeyKongJrMath.jpg (59.86 KiB) Viewed 1186 times

Hope I did this correctly.

[Zing]

The reason this box is in such demand is that it is a "black box" NES game. The truth is, if this game were boxed in a regular style box, no one would give a shit. However, since it is in the black, original-style box, collectors want it to complete their "black box" collection. A black box collection is (or at least, was) a relatively easy and distinct sub-set to collect, so many people try for it.

The number of boxes for that particular game that have survived for 25 years is extremely low. You could probably count on one hand how many DK Math boxes have been on eBay for the past year.

My opinion is that you should sell the game, unless you absolutely do not need the cash. Make a "for offer" post on the nintendoage.com forums and see what offers you get. I guarantee it will exceed what you would expect. It's hard to gauge what people will pay, but I wouldnt consider anything under $1000 for that CIB, until you do more research or get some offers. If you haven't already received some PMs about this game, you certainly will once users from Nintendo Age find out.

At the very least, immediately put a box protector on it, and plan to sell in the future. It is one of those games with zero game play value, so get some money out of it and buy something nice for yourself.

PS: buyers will want to see the back side of the box, and the hang tab in particular.

[FactorB0nD]

The reason this box is in such demand is that it is a "black box" NES game. The truth is, if this game were boxed in a regular style box, no one would give a shit. However, since it is in the black, original-style box, collectors want it to complete their "black box" collection. A black box collection is (or at least, was) a relatively easy and distinct sub-set to collect, so many people try for it.

The number of boxes for that particular game that have survived for 25 years is extremely low. You could probably count on one hand how many DK Math boxes have been on eBay for the past year.

My opinion is that you should sell the game, unless you absolutely do not need the cash. Make a "for offer" post on the nintendoage.com forums and see what offers you get. I guarantee it will exceed what you would expect. It's hard to gauge what people will pay, but I wouldnt consider anything under $1000 for that CIB, until you do more research or get some offers. If you haven't already received some PMs about this game, you certainly will once users from Nintendo Age find out.

At the very least, immediately put a box protector on it, and plan to sell in the future. It is one of those games with zero game play value, so get some money out of it and buy something nice for yourself.

PS: buyers will want to see the back side of the box, and the hang tab in particular.

Thank you, Zing, for your comments! So much appreciated!

[jay_red]

Since it is such a rare box, and you seemed to not know the value (I know next to nothing about this game) can I ask how you got it?

[FactorB0nD]

Since it is such a rare box, and you seemed to not know the value (I know next to nothing about this game) can I ask how you got it?

I bought it for my daughter when she was a child and she lost interest in this Nintendo craze in pretty short order. I simply put it away for safekeeping until recently.
The gentleman who alerted me to the probable value of boxes was that rare kind of person who collected but did not want to take advantage of an idiot about these things (me) and that brought me here.

Thanks for asking...BTW: I tried to sign up with the suggested website and I can't successfully do so...a "glitch" in the "date-of-birth" menu I think.

[SpoonyBard]

but I wouldnt consider anything under $1000 for that CIB

If you're in no urgency to sell, i'd wait and see when another one pops up on eBay and check it out (especially if it's an auction). The only one to sell in recent history was in June, in similar condition, for $400. It was a buy it now listing though.