The most expensive retro gaming consoles in the U.S.
- Atari’s Jaguar CD is the most expensive retro console in the U.S. based on its current average selling price of $1,082.
- The Sega Master System comes second, with an average price of $509.
- The original Atari Jaguar takes third place on the list, at $482.
New research reveals the most expensive retro consoles, with the Atari Jaguar CD coming out on top.
The study by CS gaming site Clash.gg analyzed eBay sales prices over the last three months to see which retro consoles are selling for the highest amounts in the U.S.
It found that the Atari Jaguar CD sold for an average of $1,082.21 over the last three months, which is a profit of over seven times the original price paid or over triple when adjusted for inflation. It was released in 1995 for an original price of $149.95 as an upgraded version of the original Atari Jaguar with a CD-ROM drive. It was then discontinued in 1996, and its short lifespan and having only 13 games to its name have likely led to its price and rarity.
The Sega Master System takes second, selling for an average of $509.06, over double it’s original selling price of $200. The console was released in 1986, and and only saw continued success in Europe and Brazil, where it is still being produced to this day.
Coming in third place is the original Atari Jaguar, selling for an average of $482.68. Placing alongside the Jaguar CD on the list, it was initially released in 1993, and was discontinued in 1996, and now sells for nearly double its original selling price of $249.99.
Fourth place on the list goes to the Nintendo Virtual Boy, which sells for an average of $327.04, almost double its original price of $180. Released in 1995, it was the first console capable of displaying stereoscopic 3D graphics, but poor sales led to its discontinuation in 1996.
Rounding out the top five is the Sega Nomad, which sells for an average of $261.11, which is over $80 more than its original release price of $179.99. It was released in 1995 as a portable version of the existing Sega Genesis console.
The top ten most expensive retro consoles in the U.S.
# | Console | Average eBay Price (Averagefinder) | Original Price | Original MSRP (Adjusted for Inflation) | Year of Release |
1 | Atari Jaguar CD | $1,082.21 | $149.95 | $309.12 | 1995 |
2 | Sega Master System | $509.06 | $200.00 | $573.31 | 1986 |
3 | Atari Jaguar | $482.68 | $249.99 | $543.53 | 1993 |
4 | Nintendo Virtual Boy | $327.04 | $180.00 | $371.07 | 1995 |
5 | Sega Nomad | $261.11 | $179.99 | $371.05 | 1995 |
6 | Neo Geo | $208.90 | $649.99 | $1,562.44 | 1990 |
7 | Atari Lynx II | $203.54 | $179.99 | $415.19 | 1991 |
8 | Pokémon Mini Console | $198.29 | $40.00 | $71.00 | 2001 |
9 | Atari Lynx | $188.10 | $179.99 | $456.04 | 1989 |
10 | Sega Saturn | $164.71 | $399.99 | $824.59 | 1995 |
Commenting on the findings, Gabriele Asaro, Head of SEO and Research at Clash.gg, said: “Many of these consoles have seen astronomical price increases over the years compared to their original prices. What is interesting to note is how many sold poorly at the time and have now surged in value as a result. Even entries like the Jaguar CD are now worth more than their original price adjusted for inflation, and anyone holding these consoles should check their value.”
ENDS
Source: Averagefinder
Methodology:
- A list of consoles released during or before the sixth generation was sourced, containing consoles released up to 2001.
- These consoles were run through Averagefinder.com to find their average selling prices, based on sales over the past three months.
- These sales prices were listed from highest to lowest, as seen in the list above.
About the author
I'm the Head of Research at Clash.gg. With over 7 years of experience in the Counter-Strike niche, I have developed extensive knowledge of the game, its strategies, and the competitive scene. My insights are based on years of in-depth analysis and close involvement with the Counter-Strike community.