Forgotten and Unsealed Games from a Closed Video Game Store Finally Appraised
In a tale that combines nostalgia, rarity, and the thrill of discovery, a collection of 173 top-grade video game cartridges has emerged from obscurity. These games, which were stored and forgotten since 1998 when a video game store closed its doors, have now been appraised and could potentially fetch a six-figure sum. This unexpected find has captured the attention of avid collectors and gamers alike, reigniting the excitement surrounding vintage video games.
The Story Behind the Collection:
The story begins in 1998 when Mark Odorisio closed his video game shop in Nebraska without holding a going-out-of-business sale. Instead, he packed up hundreds of Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and other console games, sealing them away for what he believed would be a later date. Fast forward to the present day, and Mark’s brother, Tim Odorisio, decided it was time to address the fate of these forgotten treasures. Seeking guidance, he turned to Chris Thompson, the owner of Gameroom, a chain of video game stores in Nebraska.
Thompson’s Viral Video and the Nebraska Collection:
Chris Thompson’s journey with the collection began when he made a shaky YouTube video that went viral among video game collectors. The video showcased the hundreds of games, many of them still in their original shrink-wrap, and highlighted their rarity and pristine condition. Recognizing the potential value of these games, Thompson helped the Odorisio brothers get the cartridges graded and authenticated. After careful evaluation, he selected the 173 most mint items and dubbed it the “Nebraska Collection.”
The Gems within the Collection:
While not every title in the Nebraska Collection is considered highly prized, collectors and experts have identified some true gems. Among them is a nearly perfectly preserved copy of the game “Chrono Trigger.” Considered an iconic masterpiece of the video role-playing game genre, “Chrono Trigger” continues to captivate gamers to this day. Chris Kohler, a collector and the editorial director at Digital Eclipse, describes the game as “the best video game RPG ever made.” The impeccable condition of this particular copy makes it a standout item within the collection.
The Value and Potential Sale of the Collection:
Although the Nebraska Collection missed the massive surge in vintage game sales during the pandemic, experts predict that individual games within the collection can still fetch prices as high as $10,000. Considering the rarity and condition of the cartridges, the collection as a whole is expected to net a six-figure sum. However, the method of sale is yet to be determined. In a recent video, Chris Thompson clarified that the games are not for individual sale but could potentially be acquired as a complete set for a significant sum.
Conclusion:
The discovery of the Nebraska Collection has reignited the passion and excitement surrounding vintage video games. This forgotten cache of top-grade cartridges, stored away for decades, offers a glimpse into the past and a chance for collectors to acquire rare and valuable pieces of gaming history. As the collection awaits its fate, the gaming community eagerly watches, wondering who will be the fortunate individual or institution to acquire this remarkable assortment of gaming treasures.
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