Los Angeles, California – A 22-year-old collector from California recently stumbled upon a rare treasure: a sealed copy of the classic 1987 video game, “The Legend of Zelda.” The collector, named Kiro, nearly sold the game for a mere $17,000 before realizing its true value and getting it appraised. In a world where physical video games are increasingly hard to come by due to digitalization, the appeal of tangible, rare items like this sealed copy of a vintage video game is undeniable.
According to reports, the vintage game had been in Kiro’s family since it was purchased from a now-defunct department store in 1987 for under $30. Initially, Kiro listed the game on eBay for $17,000 in hopes of making a quick sale. However, once the offers started coming in, including one for $30,000 in cash, Kiro realized he had something special in his possession.
After canceling the initial sale and pulling down the listing, Kiro learned from a collector that his copy of “The Legend of Zelda” was from the game’s first production run, making it extremely rare. Subsequently, Kiro had the game professionally graded and is now preparing to auction it off through Heritage Auctions.
The last time a similar vintage Zelda game went up for auction was in July 2021, where a sealed copy sold for a significant sum. With the rarity of Kiro’s game, experts believe it could fetch a similar price at auction. Kiro has already made plans for the money he will make, intending to use it to build long-term wealth for himself and his family.
In a world where physical video games are becoming increasingly rare, stories like Kiro’s serve as a reminder of the enduring appeal and value of classic, collectible items. The excitement and anticipation surrounding the upcoming auction of Kiro’s rare find only add to the allure of preserving and appreciating physical relics from gaming’s past.