18 Video Game Flops That Are Now Collector’s Gold
These once-disastrous games are now fetching jaw-dropping prices from collectors.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Some video games bombed so badly at launch, they were pulled from shelves or became the butt of industry jokes. However, time has a funny way of turning failure into treasure. These titles may have flopped in sales or reviews, but they’re now rare collectibles worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
1. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Atari 2600)
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Once called the worst game ever made, this rushed movie tie-in tanked so hard that unsold copies were buried in a landfill. Now those cartridges, especially ones still boxed can sell for hundreds. What was trash is now a retro gaming trophy.
2. Stadium Events (NES)
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This fitness game was recalled shortly after release, making it one of the rarest NES titles today. A sealed copy once sold for over $40,000. It flopped in gameplay but soared in scarcity.
3. EarthBound (SNES)
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Critics gave it a lukewarm reception in the ’90s, and it never sold well outside Japan. Now, it’s one of the most prized SNES games, loved for its oddball humor and cult charm. Quirky became cool.
4. Rule of Rose (PS2)
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Banned in several countries and ignored by most gamers, this survival horror title now demands steep prices online. Its creepy storyline and limited release made it a collector’s holy grail.
5. Panic Restaurant (NES)
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This obscure platformer was a total sleeper hit, with zany kitchen-themed enemies and wacky gameplay. Its low print run makes it one of the rarest late-life NES releases. What once got ignored is now a cash cow.
6. Kuon (PS2)
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Barely noticed during the PS2 horror boom, this FromSoftware title didn’t get its due until the studio made Dark Souls. Now, it’s a high-demand collectible that horror fans crave.
7. Chibi-Robo! (GameCube)
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This tiny robot had a big heart but small sales. Today, boxed copies of this oddball title are sought after by GameCube collectors everywhere. It was underrated during the release, but it is beloved now.
8. Custer’s Revenge (Atari 2600)
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This adult-themed game is infamous for its offensive content. It was widely panned and pulled from stores. Today, it’s a dark piece of gaming history that collectors pay hundreds for — if they dare own it.
9. The Misadventures of Tron Bonne (PS1)
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As a Mega Man Legends spinoff, it struggled to find its audience. Now, it’s one of the rarest PS1 games, especially in mint condition — a flop at launch, a cult classic today.
10. Little Samson (NES)
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This late NES title had strong gameplay but poor timing, launching when everyone shifted to newer consoles. Now, it’s a pricey gem for hardcore collectors.
11. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (GameCube)
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Released before the franchise became a global hit, it was overlooked by many. Now, it’s one of the most expensive Fire Emblem games to collect. It was undervalued then but invaluable now.
12. Caveman Games (NES)
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A goofy Olympics-style title starring prehistoric athletes, this oddball release didn’t break records, but sealed copies now bring in serious cash. Collectors love its absurdity.
13. Haunting Ground (PS2)
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This survival horror game slipped under the radar but built a strong following years later. Now, its rarity and eerie atmosphere make it one of the most wanted PS2 titles.
14. Musha (Sega Genesis)
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This sci-fi shooter was hard to find even back in the day. Now, its fast-paced gameplay and low print numbers make it a high-priced Genesis favorite. It was a hidden gem turned headline seller.
15. Zombies Ate My Neighbors (SNES/Genesis)
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It gained a small fanbase but didn’t make waves during its original release. Over the years, its humor, level design, and cult following made it a collector’s staple.
16. Power Blade 2 (NES)
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Released near the end of the NES lifecycle, this action platformer barely made a dent. Today, sealed copies can fetch four figures thanks to the short production run.
17. Silent Hill 2 (Restless Dreams) (Xboz)
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The original PS2 version gets most of the love, but this special Xbox edition is now a rare find. Collectors shell out for its extra content and limited release.
18. NCAA Basketball 10 (PS3/Xbox 360)
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Sports games usually lose value quickly, but this one became rare after the licensing expired. Now, it’s one of the most valuable sports games out there — a surprise slam dunk for collectors.