The retro gaming market went through another wild ride in 2024. Titles that had stayed relatively affordable for years suddenly became white-hot, and collectors scrambled to keep up. Some games saw prices double or even triple in the span of a few months. Whether it was a social media spotlight, renewed nostalgia, or sudden rarity, several games jumped to the top of every collector’s radar, and their prices reflected it.

Tracking trends in retro gaming values is like watching a rollercoaster: just when you think the market is settling, another title breaks records. This past year was full of surprises, and not just the usual suspects. The top retro game prices that skyrocketed in 2024 include everything from cult classics to obscure imports. I’ve kept an eye on the market across eBay, private sales, conventions, and collector groups, and there are some clear standouts.

Little Samson (NES)

Little Samson is no stranger to high prices, but 2024 pushed it into a whole new stratosphere. Complete-in-box copies were already expensive, but this year even loose cartridges started breaking $3,000 in mint condition. I saw sealed copies fetch over $10,000 at auction, and that’s before you even get into graded variants.

Why the sudden surge? A popular YouTuber did a feature on rare NES platformers, and the game’s already limited supply got crushed by new demand. It’s also one of the last great NES platformers released, so its cult status only keeps growing. No question about it, Little Samson deserves its place on the list of top retro game prices that skyrocketed in 2024.

Kuon (PlayStation 2)

The survival horror genre saw a huge resurgence in 2024, and Kuon rode that wave straight into collector demand. For years, this FromSoftware title was relatively unknown, sitting in the shadows of Silent Hill and Resident Evil. That changed after rumors spread about a remake, and prices took off.

Loose discs were selling for around $500 at the start of the year, but by June, even scratched copies were hitting $800. Complete copies in good condition pushed well over $1,200, and sealed ones are now flirting with the $2,000 mark. It’s been wild watching a previously underappreciated game suddenly dominate auction headlines.

Shantae (Game Boy Color)

Game Boy Color games rarely reach four-figure prices, but Shantae has always been an exception, and 2024 only made it more elusive. With indie gaming communities drawing attention to the franchise’s origins, and Limited Run Games teasing a potential re-release, the original cartridge saw renewed collector interest.

Loose cartridges that once sold for $300–$400 are now going for closer to $900, with complete-in-box copies pushing past $2,000 depending on condition. Sealed copies? Forget it. Those are rarely even listed publicly anymore. Shantae is a textbook case among the top retro game prices that skyrocketed in 2024, especially for handheld collectors.

Rule of Rose (PlayStation 2)

This PS2 psychological horror title has always been pricey due to its limited release and controversial themes. But 2024 sent it into overdrive. Word of a spiritual successor being developed by some of the original team sparked renewed interest, and collectors were quick to pounce.

I tracked a few private sales where sealed copies sold for over $5,000. Even used CIB copies shot past the $1,800 mark by mid-year. If you’re into PS2 collecting, you’ve probably seen the scramble firsthand. Rule of Rose became one of the most sought-after horror games of the year.

Snowboard Kids 2 (Nintendo 64)

This one caught me off guard. Snowboard Kids 2 was a solid but not hugely popular N64 title for years, until streamers began highlighting its chaotic multiplayer and quirky design. Nostalgia kicked in, and so did the price inflation.

Loose cartridges that used to float around $60–$80 started pushing $300 by April. Boxed copies are now clearing $700 or more. It’s a perfect example of a sleeper hit climbing its way into the top retro game prices that skyrocketed in 2024.

Marvel vs. Capcom 2 (Dreamcast)

Fighting game fans have always loved Marvel vs. Capcom 2, but the Dreamcast version experienced a major value spike this year. A high-profile fighting game tournament brought the title back into the spotlight, and that was all it took.

By May, loose discs were hovering around $200. CIB prices ranged from $350 to $500, depending on region and condition. Some sealed copies hit nearly $1,000 at online auctions. Between nostalgia and tournament hype, this game’s price exploded in a way few predicted.

Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (GameCube)

The GameCube collecting scene has been intense for a while, but Path of Radiance stole the spotlight in 2024. As Fire Emblem’s fanbase continues to grow and younger gamers get curious about the older titles, demand for this installment skyrocketed.

Loose discs alone passed $250. Complete copies reached upwards of $600, and sealed ones surpassed $1,200 easily. With limited print runs and critical acclaim, it’s no wonder Path of Radiance made the cut for top retro game prices that skyrocketed in 2024.

Pokémon Colosseum Bonus Disc (GameCube)

Not a full game in the traditional sense, but the Pokémon Colosseum Bonus Disc became an absolute must-have in early 2024. This disc unlocks Jirachi in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, and with more people playing on original hardware again, the demand shot up fast.

Prices in 2023 hovered around $100 for a loose disc. By early 2024, that number jumped to over $300, with CIB copies crossing $600. A few pristine sealed sets even went past $1,000. It’s the kind of accessory that goes under the radar, until collectors realize what it offers.

Ninja Five-O (Game Boy Advance)

Ninja Five-O has always been a hidden gem on the GBA, but 2024 saw its price break through a new ceiling. With more collectors shifting focus to handheld systems, rare titles like this have become targets.

Loose copies that once sold for around $500 are now touching $1,000. CIB examples easily fetch $1,800 or more, and sealed copies are practically unicorns at this point. The combination of tight gameplay, limited production, and collector buzz made Ninja Five-O a key player in the top retro game prices that skyrocketed in 2024.

Suikoden II (PlayStation)

Another longtime fan favorite, Suikoden II, saw a major boost this year thanks to Konami teasing a remaster. Suddenly, everyone wanted the original physical copy, and prices reacted accordingly.

Loose discs went from around $200 to nearly $500. CIB prices started approaching $1,000, especially for black-label copies. Sealed copies? You’d be lucky to find one under $2,000. Suikoden II has always been valuable, but this year gave it a major shot in the arm.

The Outlier: Stadium Events (NES)

No list would be complete without a mention of Stadium Events. The rarest of the rare in the NES library, Stadium Events managed to break its own record again in 2024. A sealed copy graded by WATA was auctioned in February and sold for over $80,000.

While not a surprise to veteran collectors, the continued rise in price proves that even long-established rarities can keep climbing. It’s the ultimate brag for any NES collector, and it still holds court among the top retro game prices that skyrocketed in 2024.

What’s Driving These Price Surges?

A few key trends have fueled the rise in retro game values this year:

  • Increased nostalgia – Millennials and Gen Z gamers have embraced retro gaming in a big way, pushing up demand.
  • Influencer coverage – YouTubers, TikTokers, and streamers featuring specific titles often trigger sudden spikes.
  • Limited print runs – Many of these games were released in small quantities, so finding complete or sealed copies is harder than ever.
  • Grading and collecting culture – More collectors are grading games with services like WATA or VGA, which can multiply a game’s value depending on the grade.
  • Speculation – Like comic books and sports cards, some people treat retro games as investment assets, buying and holding with the hope of future appreciation.

My Take on the Market

It’s both exciting and frustrating to see prices shoot up. On one hand, it validates the effort collectors put into preserving games. On the other, it makes it harder for newcomers to jump in. Some of the best games of their generation are now financially out of reach for casual players.

That said, I don’t see this trend slowing anytime soon. More developers are embracing remakes, more influencers are spotlighting obscure classics, and demand keeps growing globally. If you’ve got games on your radar, don’t wait too long, next year’s list might include them.

Final Thoughts

Watching the top retro game prices that skyrocketed in 2024 unfold has been a wild experience. Titles that sat quietly in bargain bins or on forgotten shelves just a few years ago are now commanding hundreds or even thousands of dollars. It’s a reminder that the retro market is always evolving, and surprises are around every corner.

Whether you’re a long-time collector or just getting started, keeping an eye on these trends can help you make smarter decisions. Maybe you’ve got one of these rising stars already in your collection, if so, you’re ahead of the curve. And if not, there’s still time to scout out the next hidden gem before the prices go through the roof.