Top 10 Rarest Game Boy Games and Their Value

Top 10 Rarest Game Boy Games and Their Value

Since its debut in Japan in 1989, the original Game Boy has had a profound impact on Nintendo and the gaming landscape. It marked a substantial shift as the first fully cartridge-based portable game console, moving away from the low-quality LCD games produced by Tiger Electronics during the mid-80s.

This innovative platform allowed gamers the freedom to play on the go, with access to an extensive library of titles from Nintendo and a myriad of third-party developers. Over the years, the Game Boy saw multiple iterations, including the Game Boy Pocket and the Game Boy Color, catering to an evolving audience.

It’s unquestionable that the Game Boy played a pivotal role in shaping the gaming industry’s history. In terms of financial value, certain titles within its expansive library have achieved remarkable worth independently.

Similar to other rare titles on retro consoles like the Nintendo 64, the valuation of these Game Boy games often seems arbitrary—whether due to limited production runs or scarcity in circulation. If you happen to possess a mint condition, sealed copy of a sought-after game, you might discover its worth extends into the thousands.

Here is a curated list of the top ten most valuable Game Boy titles as determined by their cumulative values—assessed on loose, complete-in-box, and new conditions—sourced from PriceCharting.com.

10 Rolan’s Curse 2

An Old-School Adventure

Rolan's Curse 2 gameplay

Loose

$208.77

Complete-In-Box

$969.95

New

$2, 231.00

The conventional wisdom suggests that if one game in a series becomes rare and valuable, its sequels might follow suit. Yet, this is not always the case. For instance, while the original 1990 release of Rolan’s Curse has a value of about $500 in pristine condition, its sequel, Rolan’s Curse 2, inexplicably commands over $2, 000. Sometimes, gaming economics defy logic.

Rolan’s Curse 2 offers a nostalgic top-down RPG experience akin to The Legend of Zelda. Players navigate a vast overworld filled with towns and dungeons, accompanied by a party of recruits with unique abilities. Interestingly, character growth in this game is tied not to defeating enemies, but rather to discovering treasure chests, a mechanic that adds a unique twist.

While not overly lengthy, Rolan’s Curse 2 has generated unexpected interest, and it remains a mystery how its value soared so dramatically compared to its predecessor. Perhaps a few dedicated collectors are fueling the demand.

9 Battletoads & Double Dragon

The Ultimate Beat-Up Team-Up

Battletoads & Double Dragon gameplay

Loose

$50.48

Complete-In-Box

$1, 032.90

New

$2, 376.00

In the 80s and 90s, few names were as iconic in the side-scrolling beat ’em up genre as Battletoads and Double Dragon. These franchises represented the pinnacle of the genre, each boasting a loyal fanbase across several platforms.

Originally debuted on the NES and later adapted across various consoles including the Game Boy, Battletoads & Double Dragon offered a classic experience where players could pick their favorite character and fight their way through hordes of enemies. The Game Boy version, however, received a lukewarm reception due to its diminished graphical quality and problematic mechanics, potentially contributing to its scarcity.

8 Metal Masters

Build Your Own Bot

Metal Masters gameplay

Loose

$56.72

Complete-In-Box

$1, 250.00

New

$2, 875.00

The concept of customizable robots continues to captivate audiences, evidenced by games like Metal Masters—a largely forgotten title on the Game Boy. In this fighting game, players create their own robot, customizing its components for battles. Players earn upgrades by winning fights, allowing for deeper gameplay mechanics.

Despite its fascinating concept, the game suffered from slow-paced gameplay and lackluster presentation. Initially a port from home computers like Amiga and MS-DOS, its low production numbers may be a key factor influencing its current market value.

7 Hit The Ice

Yep, It’s Hockey

Hit the Ice gameplay

Loose

$39.00

Complete-In-Box

$1, 382.95

New

$3, 181.00

Many Game Boy titles originated as portable adaptations of popular arcade or console games. Among these, Hit the Ice stands out as a streamlined hockey title. Players can control a three-player team to engage in both hockey and all-out fistfights on the ice.

Despite its arcade success, the inherent gameplay differences in the Game Boy version, combined with a lack of clear indicators of value, contribute to its current classification as a hidden gem amongst collectors.

6 Sumo Fighter

One Of Only A Few International Sumo Games

Sumo Fighter gameplay

Loose

$271.67

Complete-In-Box

$1, 480.01

New

$3, 404.00

Sumo wrestling carries deep cultural significance in Japan, yet it rarely finds representation in Western gaming. Sumo Fighter, released for the Game Boy in 1991, is a notable exception.

In Sumo Fighter, players take control of Bontaro, a sumo wrestler who embarks on a journey to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend. The game features a selection of sumo techniques, diverse difficulty settings, and a quirky narrative. Despite its unique premise, the game’s Western release may not have struck a chord, contributing to its rare status today.

5 Toxic Crusaders

…There Was A Game For This?

Toxic Crusaders gameplay

Loose

$350.00

Complete-In-Box

$1, 950.59

New

$4, 486.00

For those unfamiliar, the Toxic Crusaders originated from the outrageous film series, The Toxic Avenger, and its animated spin-off in the early 90s. Following the story of Toxie and his allies, this side-scrolling game ventured through stages while combating pollution-driven adversaries.

Despite its nostalgic appeal, the game’s overall reception was typical for a licensed tie-in. Its apparent obscurity could be a factor contributing to its collectible value today.

4 Kid Dracula

A Sequel With No Prequel

Kid Dracula gameplay

Loose

$189.95

Complete-In-Box

$2, 037.13

New

$4, 685.00

While the Castlevania series often embodies a serious tone, Kid Dracula diverges from that tradition. Originally a Japan-only title for the Famicom, the gameplay features a charming and humorous narrative set in a fantastical world.

This intriguing platformer follows Kid Dracula, a descendant of the infamous vampire, as he battles against the villain Galamoth. Despite the game’s merits, it’s likely that its limited visibility in Western markets has played a role in its rarity and high valuation.

3 Spud’s Adventure

I Just Think They’re Neat

Spud's Adventure gameplay

Loose

$599.95

Complete-In-Box

$2, 451.90

New

$5, 639.00

Atlus is a well-known name in the gaming industry, often associated with the Megami Tensei and Persona franchises. However, they also produced an intriguing yet obscure title called Spud’s Adventure.

In this quirky maze adventure, players control a potato named Spud, who must rescue a princess from an evil demon. Combining puzzle-solving with RPG elements, this game is reminiscent of Gauntlet but with a unique twist.

Its rarity can likely be attributed to a limited production run, which enhances its appeal among collectors, even if its historical reception remains a mystery.

2 Mega Man V

No Relation To Mega Man 5

Mega Man V gameplay

Loose

$190.00

Complete-In-Box

$1, 269.01

New

$8, 159.67

While the Mega Man series is recognized for its NES releases, the Game Boy also hosted its own line of Mega Man titles, culminating in Mega Man V. Unlike its numerical counterparts, this installment features an original storyline with Mega Man battling extraterrestrial foes known as Stardroids.

Introducing unique gameplay mechanics and a few never-before-seen features, this title received favorable reviews from fans. Its position as a concluding piece in the franchise appears to have contributed to its significant current value.

1 Amazing Tater

What’s With All The Potatoes?

Amazing Tater gameplay

Loose

$503.47

Complete-In-Box

$4, 176.02

New

$9, 605

If I had a nickel for every Atlus Game Boy game featuring a potato, I’d have two—strange, given this oddity happened twice.

Amazing Tater, also known as Puzzle Boy II in Japan, stands out as one of the rarest Game Boy games available. Unlike the story-driven gameplay of Spud’s Adventure, Amazing Tater is a puzzle-oriented experience, guiding a potato through challenging mazes filled with obstacles and clever puzzles.

While the game garnered a generally positive reception, its visibility and presence in the market were limited, which often correlates with increased rarity and value in collectible gaming circles.

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