For many NES collectors, there is great interest in the various cartridge versions, the first print runs of games, the various labels used for games, the unusual peripherals, and even multiplayer accessories for the NES. And there are many rare NES games, as well as many hidden gems most people are unaware of.
The Table of Contents
The Old School Game Vault is a collector of NES games, consoles, and accessories. For many years, the Old School Game Vault has studied, collected, and written about all of the things related to the NES that make collecting so interesting. Below is our NES collector resource – a list of articles on NES games, cartridges, accessories, and hardware.
NES Games Worth Rediscovering
The NES library includes plenty of well-known franchise releases like Super Mario Bros. 3, The Legend of Zelda, and Mega Man 2, but many enjoyable games never received the same attention.
Some lesser-known NES games are still worth playing because of their unusual gameplay, strong level design, or distinctive presentation. Start with our article about three forgotten NES games you have to try.
NES Shmups and Shooter Games
Shooters were an important part of the NES library and have been a solid staple in most console libraries. The system included vertical shooters, horizontal shooters, run-and-gun games, and arcade-style action games.
Our article on the best Nintendo NES shmups and shooters looks at standout games from across the system’s shooter library.
NES Zapper Games
The NES Zapper gave players a unique way to play games that were only available in arcades at the time. I remember when Duck Hunt and Hogan’s Alley first came out on the NES; they blew me away as a kid. While a few Zapper games became household names, the accessory supported a larger selection of games than many players remember.
See which releases stand out in our list of the best NES Zapper games.
Four-Player NES Games and the Four Score
Most NES games were designed for one or two players, but the NES Four Score expanded certain games to support up to four players.
Multiplayer releases such as Gauntlet II, Super Off Road, and Nintendo World Cup gave families and groups another way to enjoy the console. Explore the best four-player NES Four Score games.
NES Cartridge Labels and the Nintendo Seal
NES cartridge labels changed throughout the system's lifespan. Differences can include label layout, copyright information, print details, and versions of Nintendo’s Seal of Quality.
These details can help collectors better understand when a cartridge was produced and how it compares with other versions of the same game. Learn more about Nintendo NES label and Seal of Quality variations.
NES Cartridge Screw Variations
Nintendo did not use the same cartridge screws throughout the entire NES era. Earlier and later cartridges can have different screw types and shell configurations.
Screws alone should not be used to authenticate or date every cartridge, but they can provide another useful detail when examining a game. Read about Nintendo NES cartridge screw variations.
How to Identify First-Print NES Games
Collectors sometimes search for the earliest retail version of a particular NES game. First-print identification can involve more than looking at the cartridge label.
Boxes, manuals, seals, cartridge details, product codes, and other production differences may help separate an early release from a later printing. Our article explains how to identify first-print NES games.
NES Cartridges With Famicom Adapters
Some early NES cartridges contain an official adapter that allowed a Famicom-style circuit board to fit inside a standard NES cartridge shell.
These adapters are associated with certain early releases and have become collectible items in their own right. Learn more about NES cartridges containing Famicom adapters.
NES and N64 Expansion Ports
Nintendo included expansion ports on several consoles, but many owners never used them or knew exactly what the heck they were designed to do.
The NES expansion port is located underneath the console, while the Nintendo 64 used a different expansion system for memory and accessories. Read about the expansion ports found on the NES and Nintendo 64.
Nintendo World Championships and NES Competition Cartridges
The Nintendo World Championships helped turn competitive Nintendo gaming into a nationwide event. Special cartridges were created for the competition, and surviving copies have become among the most expensive video games.
Our article about the Nintendo World Championships explores the event, its competition cartridges, and why they continue to attract attention from Nintendo collectors.
Rare NES Games Collectors Look For
The NES library contains hundreds of licensed, unlicensed, competition, and late-print titles, all of which affect the collector's market in different ways.
Some games became difficult to find due to limited production, unusual distribution, or low initial demand.
Our article on the rarest NES games covers some releases that continue to attract collector attention.
What Makes NES Collecting Interesting?
NES collecting can be approached in many ways. Some people collect the games they owned as children, while others focus on complete-in-box releases, first prints, cartridge variations, accessories, rare games, or specific genres.
You do not need to pursue every variation to build an enjoyable collection. The recommended approach is to choose the parts of the NES library that interest you and learn what details matter within that area.
Sell Your Nintendo NES Games
Have NES games, consoles, controllers, or accessories you no longer want?
The Old School Game Vault buys used Nintendo NES games and hardware. Search our database for instant trade-in prices and receive cash, not store credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
▶ What should NES collectors look for?
Collectors may consider cartridge condition, label condition, authenticity, completeness, and various print variations. What matters most depends on the type of NES collection being built. Some collectors buy first-print games with 5 screws; others only buy complete-in-the-box games. It varies by person.
▶ Are all NES cartridges made the same way?
No. NES cartridges can have different shells, labels, screws, and coloring. Some early cartridges may also contain a Famicom adapter.
▶ How can I tell whether an NES game is a first print?
First-print identification may involve the cartridge, box, manual, seal, product code, copyright information, and other production details. One detail by itself may not be enough to confirm a first printing.
▶ Does the NES Zapper work on modern televisions?
The classic NES Zapper was designed for CRT televisions. It does not work with modern TVs, such as HD flat-screen TVs and projectors, because they display the images differently.
▶ Where can I sell NES games?
You can sell NES games through online marketplaces, local video game stores, or a mail-in service. The Old School Game Vault provides instant trade-in prices and pays cash for Nintendo NES games, consoles, and accessories.
