18 Popular Collectibles from the ’90s That Might Be Worth Money
The '90s collectibles like Pokémon cards, Beanie Babies, and classic video games have skyrocketed in value, turning childhood treasures into serious cash for lucky collectors.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
The ’90s were filled with iconic toys, games, and memorabilia that have since been elevated from the status of child’s play into serious collector items worth serious cash. From initial-release Pokémon cards and limited-issue Beanie Babies to retro video games and action figures, such retro items are selling for thousands—sometimes even hundreds of thousands—at collector fairs and auction houses. Whether hidden in an attic or proudly showcased on a shelf, these gems affirm that the ’90s were not only for laughs—they were an investment waiting to happen!
1. Pokémon First Edition Holographic Cards (1999)
Image from Ebay PH
The first-edition holographic cards of the original Pokémon TCG, such as Charizard, are some of the most sought-after ’90s collectibles. A PSA 10 Charizard can fetch six figures, with some over $400,000. Other first-edition cards like Blastoise, Venusaur, and Pikachu are also pricey.
2. Beanie Babies (1990s)
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While most Beanie Babies are all but worthless, rare ones such as the Princess Diana Bear, Peanut the Royal Blue Elephant, and Claude the Crab can still command thousands. The Princess Diana Bear alone has been marketed for up to $500,000 (though actual prices differ). Condition, tagging mistakes, and production differences impact the value significantly.
3. Furby (1998-1999)
Image from Ubuy Philippines
The original Furby, released in 1998, was a must-have holiday toy, with resale prices skyrocketing. A sealed first-generation Furby, particularly in limited colors, can fetch hundreds or thousands of dollars. Certain limited releases, such as the “Angel” or “Kid Cuisine” ones, are the most valuable.
4. Game Boy Color (1998)
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Nintendo’s Game Boy Color was a huge success, and boxed, sealed copies are now collector’s items. Special versions, like the Pokémon-yellow console, regularly sell for over $1,000. Even loose consoles in unusual colors can fetch a decent price from retro gamers.
5. Tamagotchi (1996-1999)
Image from Super Retro
Bandai’s Tamagotchi craze defined childhood for many in the late ’90s, and the original models are now collectibles. Limited-edition designs, especially Japan-exclusive releases, can sell for several hundred dollars. A sealed first-generation Tamagotchi in mint condition can reach over $1,000.
6. Power Rangers Action Figures (1993-1999)
Image from Reddit
The original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers action figures, particularly unopened Megazords, are extremely valuable. The 1993 Bandai Flip-Head action figures are worth hundreds in their original packaging. The “Gold Team” or special releases can command even more money.
7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) Figures (1990s)
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Playmates’ TMNT action figures were a huge ’90s fad, and the scarce ones are worth a pretty penny today. Some limited-edition figures, such as Scratch the Cat, have sold for more than $5,000 in near-mint condition. Variations, special releases, and hard-to-find vehicles also bring big money.
8. Super Nintendo (SNES) Games (1990-1996)
Image from Nintendo
Sealed copies of hard-to-find SNES titles can be valued at thousands, with Chrono Trigger and EarthBound being some of the most sought-after. A factory-sealed Super Mario World copy sold for over $360,000 once. Super Metroid, Final Fantasy III, and Mega Man X3 are coveted.
9. Pokémon Red & Blue (1998)
Image from Wikipédia
The original Game Boy Pokémon Red & Blue set established a generation and is now a collectible worth tens of thousands. Factory-sealed versions have commanded tens of thousands, with high-graded examples selling for over $80,000. Complete-in-box models with manuals are worth a few hundred dollars.
10. WWF Hasbro Wrestling Figures (1990-1994)
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Hasbro WWF (now WWE) action figures were the mainstay of kids’ ’90s playthings, and now, certain figures command thousands of dollars. Exclusive and rare figures, such as The 1-2-3 Kid, and mail-away items are costly. Mint-on-card models fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on availability.
11. Hot Wheels Treasure Hunts (1995-Present)
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Hot Wheels issued the Treasure Hunt series in 1995 and special limited-production cars that collectors now pursue. Some of the initial Treasure Hunts, such as the 1995 Camaro, are worth more than $500. The most scarce variations and misprint models can cost even more.
12. Polly Pocket Playsets (1990s)
Image from Toy Kingdom
Bluebird’s early Polly Pocket mini-sets of the ’90s are valuable now, particularly sealed or hard-to-find sets. The 1992 “Magical Mansion” set is worth more than $1,000. Disney specials and collaboration sets are also highly sought after.
13. Goosebumps Books (1992-1997)
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Early prints of R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps novels, particularly in excellent condition, sell for a great deal of money. Certain specialty books, such as Legend of the Lost Legend or Monster Blood IV, are particularly valuable. A set of first-edition books in excellent condition can be sold for thousands.
14. Star Wars Kenner Figures (Power of the Force, 1995-1999)
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Kenner’s Star Wars: Power of the Force action figures of the ’90s aren’t as valuable as their ’70s counterparts, but some still command good money. Figures with factory flaws, limited runs, or exclusives can command hundreds. Rare “Shadows of the Empire” figures are especially coveted.
15. Jurassic Park Action Figures (1993-1997)
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Kenner’s Jurassic Park toys, particularly the electronic dinosaurs, have increased in value. The most valuable item, the Series 2 Carnotaurus, has been sold for more than $2,000. Mint-condition original boxed sets and figures can fetch hundreds.
16. Sony PlayStation (1995) and Rare Games
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The first PlayStation came out in 1995, and some of its rare games are now worth serious money. Suikoden II, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, and Tomba! all retail for more than $500. A factory-sealed Final Fantasy VII in mint condition once fetched more than $144,000.
17. Neon Genesis Evangelion Figures & Merchandise (1990s)
Image from Evangelion Merch
Along with the popularity of anime collectibles, figures, and model kits from the early Neon Genesis Evangelion are now highly sought after. Certain limited-edition figures released in the ’90s, such as the Soul of Chogokin EVA-01, can fetch prices greater than $1,000. Original posters and rare VHS box sets are also popular.
18. McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys (1990s)
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Certain McDonald’s Happy Meal toys of the ’90s, particularly complete sets, have turned out to be quite valuable. McFurbys, Transformers Changeables, and Super Mario Bros. 3 toys can fetch hundreds. The most valuable are sealed sets in their original packaging.