Collectors of vintage video games play on another level

This Nintendo N64 (1999) Super Smash Bros game achieved $11,800 in November 2022. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.
This Nintendo N64 (1999) Super Smash Bros game achieved $11,800 in November 2022. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.
This Nintendo N64 (1999) Super Smash Bros game achieved $11,800 in November 2022. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.

NEW YORK — It all started with a primitive video game called Pong and the Atari 2600 console for at-home gaming, which debuted in the 1970s. Though its games had simple graphics, Atari revolutionized the gaming industry. Video games are now light years better, smaller and more complex. Legions of players collect them, and anything related to them, driven by childhood nostalgia and the desire to preserve cultural touchstones. There is also profit to be made.

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Pop culture rarities, Americana drive Hake’s auction total to $2.4M

Encased Star Wars (1978) 3.75in Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi 12 Back-A double-telescoping lightsaber action figure with SKU on footer denoted earlier production, AFA 75 Ex+/NM. Extremely rare and only the third carded specimen of its type ever to be offered by Hake’s. Sold for $79,178. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
Encased Star Wars (1978) 3.75in Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi 12 Back-A double-telescoping lightsaber action figure with SKU on footer denoted earlier production, AFA 75 Ex+/NM. Extremely rare and only the third carded specimen of its type ever to be offered by Hake’s. Sold for $79,178. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

YORK, Pa. – Financial markets may be taking a breather, but there’s never a time out for those who pursue investment-grade vintage collectibles. Hake’s, the auction house that lit the fire for America’s pop culture obsession 55 years ago, rang up yet another high-flying auction total on November 15-16, achieving excellent prices across many specialty categories and closing the books at $2.4 million.

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