Hunting for Value (2/1/2023) - Games Under $150

Staff writer Lauren Sisselman digs through the Standard Gaming inventory and highlights a handful of retro graded games that may be worth a deeper look.

Whether you're new to the hobby of graded video games or a seasoned veteran, everyone likes to get a good deal. Prices on games can vary widely depending on where you look and games on marketplaces like eBay are often listed without context. At Standard Gaming, we have games for every type of collector, all available for immediate purchase. Below are a few titles that stand out, and may help you as you Hunt for Value in the graded video game market.

Izzy’s Quest for the Olympic Rings ($80)

The 1996 Summer Olympic Games held in Atlanta, GA, was an exciting event. Featuring athletic legends such as Andre Agassi and Lilia Podkopayeva, the mascot for that year was Izzy, a being that can turn itself into various different forms. The character concept began in 1991 and the character was introduced during the closing ceremonies of the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. The character was then the subject of a 1995 cartoon promoting the character and the following summer’s Olympics. A video game, Izzy’s Quest for the Olympic Rings, was released shortly after for the Sega Genesis and the Super Nintendo. The game is a side-scroller, and mimics many of the popular side-scrolling games of its era. Izzy would also get a PC game, Izzy’s Adventures. 

This sealed 7.0 A+ WATA-graded copy for the Genesis is really cool. This is a unique piece of video game history, as it is somewhat obscure. These don’t come up for sale too often. This game is perfect for people who collect Olympic memorabilia, cross-platform games, unique titles, side-scrolling games, or Sega completionists. Do not let this unique title pass you by.

Kirby Star Allies ($115)

Kirby Star Allies is a single or multiplayer platformer for the Nintendo Switch. Released in 2018, this game stars Kirby, the adorable pink character that can absorb powers by eating an item or person. This is the 12th game in the Kirby series and is a ton of fun to play. This game has fun and colorful graphics, and an engaging soundtrack. Kirby Star Allies was also nominated for Family Game of the Year at the 2018 D.I.C.E Awards, and as of December 2021, the game has sold over 3 million copies worldwide. Kirby Star Allies is one of the best-selling games for the Nintendo Switch and is a wonderful addition to the Kirby series.

This sealed 9.6 A+ WATA-graded copy is an exceptional find. By comparison, a VGA 95+ graded copy has a one-year average of $362, making this an exceptionally affordable copy. This game is great for Nintendo collectors, Kirby collectors, modern game collectors, or people who absolutely must own every video game.

James Pond: Codename RoboCod ($125)

Developed by British game developer Millenium Interactive, James Pond is a series of parody games based on the iconic (and also British) James Bond series. The first game, James Pond: Underwater Agent, came out in 1990 for the Amiga, the Atari ST, the Acorn Archimedes, and the Sega Genesis. The game was followed by two sequels; James Pond: Codename RoboCod, and James Pond 3: Operation Starfish. This sequel, Codename RoboCod, also received a cross-platform release and was well received. Pond is after his nemesis from the last game, Dr. Maybe, and is given a robotic suit that turns him into a better fighter. This game series is impossibly cute and still exists in some form to this day thanks to mobile gaming. There was a Kickstarter in 2013 to revive the series, but the Kickstarter was ultimately canceled. 

This sealed 9.6 A+ WATA-graded game should not be ignored. This is still a somewhat obscure title in the gaming world but deserves to be celebrated all the same. Despite being released across multiple platforms (including a Nintendo DS port), copies of this game don’t come up for sale too often. This game is perfect for people who collect parody media, Bond collectors, and cross-platform collectors.

Pinball of the Dead ($130)

Pinball of the Dead might seem like an odd choice for a virtual pinball game – but when you look at the history of actual pinball machines, horror is a common theme! This game is a part of The House of the Dead series, but unlike shooting zombies with a light gun, you’re shooting a pinball at enemies with a mix of skill and strategy. This game has three tables and does include audio and video from the previous two games. Pinball video games can be hit or miss, but Pinball of the Dead was generally well-received, with several video game websites and magazines saying it was one of the best video games for the Game Boy Advance. Pinball of the Dead had some impressive graphics, and according to some reviewers the game acted like a real pinball machine, and not as a virtual pinball machine. 

This complete in box 8.5 WATA-graded copy has a grad breakdown of the following: Box grade 9.2; Cartridge grade 7.0; Manual grade 9.2

Graded copies don’t come up for sale that often either. This game presents well and is a unique piece in an otherwise exciting series. Pinball of the Dead is perfect for pinball collectors, The House of the Dead collectors, horror collectors, and zombie fans alike.

Looking For More General Information on Graded Games?

· If any of the terminology used in this guide was confusing or new to you, please refer to our convenient glossary of terms here.
· Need more information about graded games in general? Check out this intro to the different types of certified video games here.