Sealed Zelda game cartridge sells for record $870,000 at auction
Blending adventure, action and exploration in a magical universe, Zelda is one of the most significant titles in the history of video games and one of Nintendo's best-known series.
A sealed cartridge of "The Legend of Zelda" for the old Nintendo NES console has sold for a world record sum of $870,000, auction house Heritage Auctions said in a statement Friday.
The cartridge, dated to 1987, is still in its original packaging and trumps the previous world record sale of a video game - $660,000 for a 1986 "Super Mario Bros" cartridge sold in April - according to the auction house.
'Legend of Zelda' Shatters World Record at $870,000 to Kick off Heritage Auctions Video Games Event.
— Heritage Auctions (@HeritageAuction) July 9, 2021
Result tops April 2021 mark of $660,000 for 'Super Mario Bros.' https://t.co/uBcIgn67p2#HeritageAuctions #TheLegendOfZelda #NES pic.twitter.com/CPbGxEqw27
The game was the "masterpiece" in a sale of 443 lots that runs until Sunday, Eric Bradley, spokesperson for the Dallas-based company, told AFP.
The auction house has not revealed the identity of the buyer.
Blending adventure, action and exploration in a magical universe, Zelda is one of the most significant titles in the history of video games and one of Nintendo's best-known series.
Retro video games have become increasingly popular with nostalgic collectors in recent years, driving up prices for old-school consoles and cartridges at auctions.
READ MORE: Super Mario Bros game from 1986 fetches $660,000 at US auction