Sealed Super Mario Bros. sells for record $3 million

A sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. sold at Heritage Auctions for $3 million, shattering the previous record of $2 million, also set by a copy of Super Mario Bros. in 2021. The sale followed a controversial auction of Super Mario 64 for $1.56 million.

According to Heritage Auctions, the high price was driven by the copy's unique packaging. Instead of shrink wrap, this second-run 1985 copy was sealed with a glossy sticker that was discontinued shortly after. The auction house claims it is the earliest known sealed copy of the game in existence. Professional Sports Authenticator graded it at 9.6 A++.

Prices for vintage gaming collectibles have skyrocketed in recent years. In July 2020, Heritage Auctions set the record for the highest price paid for a game at auction — again, a copy of Super Mario Bros. — for $114,000. Six years later, that price seems like a bargain.

If the winner decides to break the seal, Heritage Auctions is throwing in an NES console.