R22m ‘Super Mario’ sale sets new record

A COPY of the video game Super Mario 64 has sold for a record-breaking $1.5 million (about R22m).

The 1996 title launched the Nintendo 64 console. Super Mario is considered to be one of the most influential 3D platform games.

The sale dwarfed the record of an original Legend of Zelda cartridge that had been set just two days before.

Heritage Auctions, the company behind the record-breaking sale, was taken by surprise at the huge price the game attracted.

The cartridge had received a 9.8 A++ rating from the video game collectable firm Wata as it is in near-perfect condition.

Valarie Mcleckie of Heritage Auctions said: “This was the most popular – best-selling – video game for the N64. Considering this, and the fact that there are fewer than five sealed in this grade according to Wata, this copy is a true prize for any serious collector.” | Bang Showbiz