Step into a world of gaming nostalgia and modern marvels with our March 7 Sixth Generation and Beyond Showcase Auction. This carefully curated selection spans an array of beloved consoles, including the Game Boy Advance, DS, GameCube, Switch, PlayStation 2-5, PSP, Xbox, and Xbox 360, offering something for every type of gamer.
While these titles represent the more contemporary side of our collection, they carry with them an undeniable charm and a touch of nostalgia that resonates deeply with me. Some of these gems have been part of our lives for two decades, entertaining generations of gamers with shared memories and experiences.
So, without further delay, let’s dive into five standout games from our upcoming sale that are sure to rekindle fond memories and perhaps inspire new ones.
1. Super Mario Bros. (Classic NES Series) – Wata 9.8 A++ Sealed [Multiplayer Printed], GBA Nintendo 2004 USA.
In 2004, Nintendo ingeniously bridged the gap between nostalgia and modern gaming convenience by launching the NES Classic Series for the Game Boy Advance. This initiative saw the re-release of some of Nintendo’s most beloved NES titles, each ported onto individual cartridges. Priced at an accessible $20, these games offered fans a direct pipeline to a golden age of gaming.
Among the titles, Super Mario Bros. stood out as a shining example of timeless game design and universal appeal. While there was some initial grumbling among the gaming community regarding Nintendo’s decision not to release compilation cartridges featuring multiple games, the ability to carry Super Mario Bros. in your pocket quickly turned skeptics into believers. This portable version of the game not only preserved the original’s fantastic gameplay and iconic levels but also introduced the classic adventure to a whole new generation of gamers.
The example we’re offering is about as close to perfect condition-wise as it gets.
2. Resident Evil 4 – Wata 9.8 A Sealed [GameStop Special Edition SteelBook], GameCube Capcom 2005 USA.
Right from the beginning, Resident Evil 4 was a game-changer. It blew countless gamers away with its innovative gameplay and gripping story. In addition to helping popularize the over-the-shoulder third-person perspective in video games, it was simply an action-packed blast to play. Both critics and gamers couldn’t stop raving about it, putting it on a pedestal as not just the best in the Resident Evil series but as one of the top video games of all time. It quickly gained a reputation as the most thrilling and intuitive entry in the franchise.
As someone who’s been a fan since playing the original Resident Evil on PlayStation and even reviewing Resident Evil 2 for the Nintendo 64 for the late, lamented All Game Guide, I’ve always loved how the series mixes horror and action so well—it’s scary just how good these games are.
My deep appreciation for the series didn’t immediately lead me to buy Resident Evil 4 upon its release. However, everything changed when I stumbled upon the special SteelBook edition at my local GameStop. This wasn’t just any game; it was a treasure for collectors and fans alike, offering not only the unforgettable adventure of Resident Evil 4 but also a stylish, unique presentation.
The opportunity to own such a remarkable piece of gaming excellence was irresistible. It was more than adding a game to my collection—it was a way to commemorate a series that has left a significant mark on the gaming community. Getting my hands on that edition was an easy decision; it was a tribute to the incredible impact and innovation Resident Evil 4 introduced to the world of gaming.
The copy we’re offering is in remarkable shape, especially considering how easy it is for these SteelBook releases to get scratched and dinged.
3. Super Mario Odyssey – Wata 9.8 A++ Sealed [105882C, Later Production, WATAGraphs – Limited Signing 3 of 25 Charles Martinet], Switch Nintendo 2017 USA.
As a retro game enthusiast, I seldom complete titles on modern consoles due to time constraints. I love big, epic games as much as anyone, but they just take so darned long to finish. Yet, Super Mario Odyssey for the Nintendo Switch is an exceptional case and my favorite game for the console.
Odyssey transports you to a world teeming with life and color. From the Sand Kingdom’s vast deserts to New Donk City’s vibrant streets, each kingdom is a marvel. The game’s innovative capture mechanic, allowing Mario to control anything from a T-Rex to a streetlamp, injects creativity and excitement into every moment. The soundtrack, with its memorable melodies, perfectly complements the adventure.
The game shines with its ingeniously designed puzzles and boss battles, encouraging inventive use of Mario’s abilities. The quest for Power Moons, hidden throughout, adds a layer of rewarding exploration. If you beat the game without collecting all of them, I almost guarantee you’ll want to dive back in and find some more.
Above all, Super Mario Odyssey celebrates the joy of gaming. It honors Mario’s heritage while setting new standards. Nintendo has crafted more than just a game—it’s an immersive journey that epitomizes the magic of video games. Odyssey is not just a must-play; it’s a masterclass in game design, offering an experience every gamer should enjoy.
The copy we’re offering is as close to perfect as the game itself. As a bonus, it’s signed by the voice of Mario himself, Charles Martinet.
4. Metal Slug 7 – Wata 9.8 A++ Sealed [with Slipcover], DS Ignition Entertainment 2008 USA.
The Metal Slug games were notorious quarter gobblers in the arcades, so I always preferred playing at home. The first game in the main series without an arcade counterpart, Metal Slug 7 is a noteworthy continuation of SNK Playmore’s celebrated run-and-gun franchise. Exclusive to the DS, it upholds the series’ tradition of Contra-style action, challenging gameplay, and distinct hand-drawn art style that has captivated and challenged fans since the original Metal Slug debuted in 1996.
In this installment, players choose from six familiar characters—Marco, Eri, Tarma, Fio, Ralf, and Clark—to take on the perennial antagonist, General Morden, who is back with new alliances and an even more formidable army. Metal Slug 7 retains the classic gameplay mechanics, employing the DS’s D-pad for movement and buttons for shooting, grenade throwing, and melee attacks.
The game cleverly utilizes the DS’s dual screens, with the action displayed on the top and a map on the bottom screen, aiding players in navigating stages and locating POWs (actually, this map isn’t really necessary, but it certainly doesn’t hurt anything). Featuring seven explosive stages, an array of power-ups, and awesome vehicles, the game provides an adrenaline-fueled, old-school experience.
New vehicles to the series include Slug Truck, a modular war machine with upgradable firepower; Slug Gigant, a towering robot armed with a destructive wave cannon; and Slug Gunner, a nimble armored suit with exceptional firepower. Additionally, the inclusion of an 80-mission Combat School mode offers extra challenges and replayability, pushing players to improve their skills and achieve higher ranks.
The copy we’re offering is the only one on Wata’s December 2023 population report, helping make it a collector’s treasure to be sure.
5. Star Wars: Battlefront – CGC 9.8 A++ Sealed, PS2 LucasArts 2004 USA.
There’s something magical about bonding over video games, especially when it involves a galaxy far, far away. I’ll never forget the day my then-12-year-old son Ryan and I squared off in Star Wars: Battlefront. As we dove into the game, it quickly became apparent that he was the Obi-Wan to my Anakin; he wasn’t just winning, he was teaching me a lesson in humility. It was a playful reminder that sometimes, the student surpasses the master.
The game shines with its conquest-based gameplay and strategic elements like Galactic Conquest. Players dive into the roles of various factions, commanding familiar characters like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader across vast landscapes. Despite critiques of its limited single-player mode and questionable AI, Battlefront‘s engaging multiplayer experience and the enjoyment of iconic battles have made it stand the test of time.
Star Wars: Battlefront does a great job of bringing the epic Star Wars movie universe to our fingertips. With over 25 vehicles and interactions with native forces, it remains a beloved chapter in the Star Wars saga, capturing the essence of the epic onscreen confrontations that inspired it. Developed by Pandemic Studios and published by LucasArts, it coincided with the Star Wars Trilogy DVD release, marking a significant moment in the saga’s gaming history. It set the stage for its even better sequel, Star Wars: Battlefront II, which my son also conquered (me, not so much).
The example up for auction is the highest-graded copy we’ve ever offered.
