Uncover Hidden Wealth: The Surprising Value of Video Game Boxes and Manuals
The Unseen Market for Video Game Packaging and Instructions
Most gamers are aware that certain vintage video games can command extraordinary prices among collectors. But what if your old attic stash consists merely of empty boxes or instruction booklets, rather than the games themselves? You could still be sitting on a valuable asset.
Collectors worldwide are willing to spend significant amounts on authentic game boxes and manuals, especially those belonging to rare releases. We’ve reviewed thousands of sales on online platforms to identify the boxes and manuals fetching the highest prices—sometimes even surpassing the value of the game cartridge or disc!
Most Sought-After Empty Game Boxes: What Collectors Will Pay
Let’s dive into the top three empty game boxes that have topped sales charts:
– ClayFighter: Sculptor’s Cut (Nintendo 64) — Average box price: $1,713
This obscure N64 title leads the pack, with empty boxes commanding over $1,700 on average. Despite negative reviews at its 1997 release, its exclusivity as a Blockbuster rental has turned the packaging into a rare collector’s item.
– Bomberman 64: The Second Attack (Nintendo 64) — Average box price: $428
The scarcity of this edition stems from a limited release at the end of the N64’s lifecycle and its absence in Europe—a combination that has made even the packaging a prize.
– EarthBound (Super Nintendo) — Average box price: $346
Though EarthBound underwhelmed commercially in 1994, it gained cult classic status. The limited release, delayed launch in Europe and Australia, and its passionate fan base have all contributed to the impressive value of its empty boxes.
The High-Value World of Video Game Manuals
Collectors aren’t just after the boxes—the original instruction booklets for classic games are also fetching impressive sums:
– ClayFighter: Sculptor’s Cut (Nintendo 64) — Average manual price: $614
The instruction manual for this already rare game is the most valuable, due mainly to only 20,000 units ever being distributed via rental or special contest.
– Stunt Racer 64 (Nintendo 64) — Average manual price: $236
Also a Blockbuster exclusive, many of these manuals were lost or discarded, making intact copies exceptionally desirable.
– Rule of Rose (PlayStation 2) — Average manual price: $178
This survival horror title saw limited distribution and bans in several countries, fueling demand for any original materials—especially manuals.
Empty Console Packaging: Which Boxes Are Worth the Most?
Surprisingly, it’s not always vintage systems leading this category—in some cases, modern console boxes are pulling in huge online prices.
– PlayStation 5 (Disc Version) — Average box price: $392
The PS5 is still difficult to find in stores, and this has led to high resale values even for empty boxes. Caution is advised, though, as some sellers use misleading listings to prey on unsuspecting buyers.
– Xbox Series X — Average box price: $287
Similarly, Xbox’s flagship console box is being sought after—often at surprisingly high prices. As with PS5 listings, buyers should beware.
– Atari Jaguar — Average box price: $175
This failed ’90s system didn’t have mainstream success, but its cult following and the rise of homebrew software have turned its packaging into a collector’s trophy.
Console Manuals That Still Hold Significant Value
Collectors are also interested in the user guides that originally shipped with their favorite consoles. Here’s what’s trending at the top:
– PlayStation 5 (Disc Version) — Average manual price: $245
PS5 manuals are selling for premium prices, potentially as part of misleading online offers.
– Xbox Series X — Average manual price: $180
Xbox manuals from the new generation are close behind, showing similar demand.
– PlayStation 3 — Average manual price: $110
Now more than a decade old, the PS3 is establishing itself as a retro collectible, and manuals are increasingly valued.
How This Data Was Gathered
All prices were analyzed using data from Price Charting, which compiles average sale amounts from eBay and its own marketplace. For accuracy, only games with a minimum of 100 recorded sales for boxes or manuals were included to avoid outliers and ensure consistent results. Console comparisons focused on the North American versions of each launch model.
Conclusion: Don’t Toss Those Old Boxes and Manuals!
If you’ve been tempted to throw away or overlook empty boxes and stray manuals from your gaming history, think again. Whether it’s cartridges, discs, or just the packaging, collectors are driving a booming market for authentic retro materials. Before discarding any part of your old gaming collections, check its value—you might be holding a surprisingly valuable piece of gaming history!
