Earthbound....should I pick it up now, or will the price go down?

[Malon_Forever]

I've always wanted to play this game because of all the great things people say about it, and I've been getting the itch lately to purchase it. I know it goes for $65-80 loose on ebay, and was just wondering if anyone thinks it might drop in the future? Do you think it will stay that high? Will the price get even higher? Any input/opinions would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Gooch3008]

http://www.videogamepricecharts.com/game/super-nintendo/earthbound

I would get it while you got the itch.

[Richter Belmount]

I would get it when the price goes up.

[ZombieK]

This is messing up my plan to get Snes games after I buy the system.
Seeing as earthbound is one of my favourite games of all time I might have to pick it up soon .
Its been jumping up quite a bit because of the Series resurgence in smash bros.
[does anyone have a guess on how much it might go up in the next year?]

[I still love Mother 3 the most though] :)

[Enigmus]

I would get it when the price goes up.

Yes, the best time to buy is when the price is in the $2000-4000 range. It goes great next to a sealed Stadium Events. LOL /sarcasm

[Malon_Forever]

http://www.videogamepricecharts.com/game/super-nintendo/earthbound

I would get it while you got the itch.


Thanks for the link.

[megasdkirby]

I wish it would go down in price...at least the box!

$2,499 for new? Has to be rarebucky's.

[Jorpho]

There's something to be said for going the emulation route when your only alternative is paying exhorbitant collector's prices.

[Malon_Forever]

There's something to be said for going the emulation route when your only alternative is paying exhorbitant collector's prices.

Sure is cheaper, but it's just not the same.

[NPLgamer]

Sure is cheaper, but it's just not the same.

Yea theres nothing like holding a real copy of earthbound in ur hand.

[exit]

Sure is cheaper, but it's just not the same.

If you have the money to spare, then go for it, otherwise emulation really is the next best option. Luckily I still have my original copy of Earthbound, but I've played it via emulation a few times as well due to convenience.

[Kyle15]

I would definitely get it while the price is just expensive. You'll be kicking yourself later when the price goes up even further. I've made the same mistake with quite a few games and regret doing so now.

[Malon_Forever]

Thanks for all the input. I'm currently watching some copies on ebay.


I would definitely get it while the price is just expensive. You'll be kicking yourself later when the price goes up even further. I've made the same mistake with quite a few games and regret doing so now.

Any examples?

[garagesaleking!!]

it has only gone up in the past few years, it wont be dropping in price anytime soon, i would just pick it up.

[ZombieK]

it is possible that it will not go up much if they don't make a new smash brothers or Mother game in the near future. [If they do it might just skyrocket]

W.e im prob just gonna pick it up myself. im sick of waiting anyway

[gum_drops]

Its only 65 bucks on feebay, pick it up, play it and sell it once you are done.

EDIT: On a side note, I registered on 6-6-06 and as you can see by my post count my work is done here. This website will cease to exist in exactly 12 days 2 hours and 14 seconds. :devilish:

[Jorpho]

Yea theres nothing like holding a real copy of earthbound in ur hand.Actually, it's a lot like holding a real copy of pretty much any other SNES game in your hand.

Or is that what you meant?

[jonebone]

Just grab it on virtual console when it comes out one day?

It's really not that rare, just very sought after. And since it's an RPG, people go nuts about it. But you want to know a perfectly good example of a game who's path it could follow?

Final Fantasy VII, it's price has fallen off a cliff.

http://www.videogamepricecharts.com/game/playstation/final-fantasy-vii

I'd say EB is about a $75 game at open auction (but BINs much higher), and I'd be very surprised if it ever goes under $50.

I'd wait a bit until after Xmas season at least unless you are really dying to play it.

[Darko]

Honestly, you might just take some time to look at some stores that carry snes games if you have any in your area. I bought my copy last year for $45.00.

[Enigmus]

For anyone wishing for a VC release, don't get your hopes up. It's filled with so many blatant references and lookalikes of bands and pop culture icons such as The Beatles, Mr. T, and the Blues Brothers, that it might lead Nintendo into some hefty legal troubles. Its obscurity and low sales managed to let itself get away with it when it was released, but with its now massive fanbase, the wide usage of the Wii Shop Channel, and the references now being noted by fans who noticed it over a decade ago on databases, it would be spotted easily. It's either that or heavy editing, which might screw the game up for some, unlike relatively minor edits such as ad replacements in Wave Race 64.

In short, legality over homages sucks.

[Kyle15]

Any examples?

Let's see....

Valkyrie Profile, Suikoden 2, Tales of Destiny, Tales of Eternia, Persona 2, Klonoa, Panzer Dragoon Saga, Shining Force 3, Dragon Force, Chrono Trigger, and Earthbound to name a few.

I was too naive when I learned about these at the time and figured they would always be easy to get in the future. They aren't insanely expensive or anything, but I still skipped them. Don't do what I did.

[RPG_Fanatic]

For anyone wishing for a VC release, don't get your hopes up. It's filled with so many blatant references and lookalikes of bands and pop culture icons such as The Beatles, Mr. T, and the Blues Brothers, that it might lead Nintendo into some hefty legal troubles.

How could they get into legal troubles now when they didn't back then?

[Oldskool]

I personally don't like that game. I say play it on an emulator to see if you'll like it or not. Good thing I did, I didn't waste $100 on it. Now if you just want it for collector reasons and don't care how awful it is, go fer it before it gets more expensive.

Maybe I just need to give it more time. I only was a few hours into it.

[Daria]

Eh. If you're dying to own Earthbound then sure the price may be worth it to you.

But you can always hold off for a steal. Personally scoring an expensive game for cheap is a lot more rewarding to me than slapping down full price for a "gotta have it now" moment of weakness. I'm still keeping an eye out for Earthbound and Panzer Dragoon Saga, but Ive gotten great deals on those other games by being paitent and lucky.

As for the price raising or falling, your guess is as good as mine.


Let's see....

Valkyrie Profile, Suikoden 2, Tales of Destiny, Tales of Eternia, Persona 2, Klonoa, Panzer Dragoon Saga, Shining Force 3, Dragon Force, Chrono Trigger, and Earthbound to name a few.

I was too naive when I learned about these at the time and figured they would always be easy to get in the future. They aren't insanely expensive or anything, but I still skipped them. Don't do what I did.

[Famidrive-16]

and the references now being noted by fan databases,.

all the references were pretty obvious to me though in 1996...

[Jorpho]

I really don't buy the argument that Nintendo is holding off because of legal reasons. But given that they excised the demo from Brawl, a VC release does seem awfully unlikely.


Final Fantasy VII, it's price has fallen off a cliff.The non-GH version seems to be holding its value pretty nicely. VGPC doesn't track such differences, unfortunately.

[Kyle15]

Final Fantasy VII, it's price has fallen off a cliff.

http://www.videogamepricecharts.com/game/playstation/final-fantasy-vii


Keep in mind that Final Fantasy VII's price spike was caused largely in part by hype surrounding the movie and hype about the game from fans in general. Remember how it became "rare" all of a sudden too? I would be far more suprised at EB's price dropping than VII's. EB's price has been fairly consistent over the years, not to mention being generally harder to find than a game that sold over a million copies. I remember when GameStops quite literally had a section of their PS1 bins JUST for Final Fantasy VII. Movie came out, the hype train grew longer, and boom. Silent Hill went through a similar phase if I recall correctly.

Even so, I figured it would finally lower. The prices shot up unbelievably so for something that could still be ordered by shops new until recently. (By recently I mean between 2005 and 2006.)

[bcks007]

This is messing up my plan to get Snes games after I buy the system.
Seeing as earthbound is one of my favourite games of all time I might have to pick it up soon .
Its been jumping up quite a bit because of the Series resurgence in smash bros.
[does anyone have a guess on how much it might go up in the next year?]

[I still love Mother 3 the most though] :)

How can it be one of your favorite games of all time, and you don't own it. @_@:angel:

[Rick 2007]

Thanks Malon for metioning this game. I went into a Kmart store about 10 years ago
and saw this game discounted for about $18 to 20 bucks. It came in a big oversized
box with a Full size 100 or so page Players Guide. I bought it and then threw it on my
game shelf and totaly forgot about it. I think it is time that I give this Cart a try.
I will try it for the first time this weekend

Rick 2007

[Malon_Forever]

Thanks Malon for metioning this game. I went into a Kmart store about 10 years ago
and saw this game discounted for about $18 to 20 bucks. It came in a big oversized
box with a Full size 100 or so page Players Guide. I bought it and then threw it on my
game shelf and totaly forgot about it. I think it is time that I give this Cart a try.
I will try it for the first time this weekend

Rick 2007

If you don't like it, you can sell it to me on the cheap :p .

[Voliko]

Someone just listed this on my Craigslist with the guide (no box, just the cartridge) for 150

[Rick 2007]

I might just sell it to you some day after I have played it. My Game Closet has over 1000carts from Atari 2600 to Xbox.

When I do sell any of my carts or systems, I will only sell to true collectors that
will preserve them.

Rick

[wingzrow]

It's just going to get more and MORE expensive. I'm thinking of buying a complete copy off ebay as an investment at this point.

Amazing game + amazing packaging + guaranteed to never be re-released + unreleased fantranslated sequel = Ultimate collectors item

[Malon_Forever]

It's just going to get more and MORE expensive. I'm thinking of buying a complete copy off ebay as an investment at this point.

Yeah, I'm watching one on ebay right now and it just keeps jumping up higher. It's at $74 shipped for cart only with a couple hours left.

[kupomogli]

I remember when Earthbound was $30-40 cart only and ~$100 complete five years ago. Price has risen quite a bit.

It's a decent game but it's extremely overrated. The game is just a Dragon Quest title with a real world setting. It's mainly such a highly rated game due to word of mouth, mostly from people who haven't even played the game. Being a character on Super Smash Bros, Melee, and Brawl gave the game more fans.

Good game + amazing packaging + guaranteed to never be re-released + overrated Nintendo property = fairly expensive collectors item

[Malon_Forever]

I remember when Earthbound was $30-40 cart only and ~$100 complete five years ago. Price has risen quite a bit.

It's a decent game but it's extremely overrated. The game is just a Dragon Quest title with a real world setting. It's mainly such a highly rated game due to word of mouth, mostly from people who haven't even played the game. Being a character on Super Smash Bros, Melee, and Brawl gave the game more fans.

Where would you rank it among other SNES RPG's?

[kupomogli]

Where would you rank it among other SNES RPG's?

There really aren't too many SNES RPGs but I'd say about half of all that I've played I'd recommend over Earthbound.

[Leo_A]

Good game + amazing packaging + guaranteed to never be re-released + overrated Nintendo property = fairly expensive collectors item

The GBA port from 7 years ago and it's inclusion as a Virtual Console demo in Japan on Super Smash Brothers sure cast doubt that's guaranteed to never see rerelease.

It already has once and seemingly got close to it a second time in just the past few years. I don't think it's going to stay dormant forever.

[Kyle15]

I remember when Earthbound was $30-40 cart only and ~$100 complete five years ago. Price has risen quite a bit.

It's a decent game but it's extremely overrated. The game is just a Dragon Quest title with a real world setting. It's mainly such a highly rated game due to word of mouth, mostly from people who haven't even played the game. Being a character on Super Smash Bros, Melee, and Brawl gave the game more fans.

Good game + amazing packaging + guaranteed to never be re-released + overrated Nintendo property = fairly expensive collectors item

You forgot about the bizarro and equally touching script. That's another thing that set it apart from other RPGs, at least in my eyes. I find EB a wonderful title, but have failed to place it on a holy platform of untouchableness. That would reek of Final Fantasy VII syndrome. :/

[Jorpho]

And let's not forget the thoroughly kickass music. I put the game right up there with Chrono Trigger - but CT is more accessible, game-wise.

[ZombieK]

How can it be one of your favorite games of all time, and you don't own it. @_@:angel:
iv been holding off on the chance that I might find it in the wild but it has never happened.
Im just gonna buy it and resell the other when i find it in the wild.

[Shingetter]

Thanks for the link.

Indeed, that is a fun site.

[Cobra Commander]

People keep saying that this isn't the end all be all of RPG's or even Nintendo games. People say it's over-rated. It's only so pricey because of hype and whatnot.
Well, I'd like someone to show me of an example of a truly rare RPG that's not due to hype, that's a truly great game to play.
Personally, I think Earthbound is a textbook example of a valuable game.
I remember I got this game as a Christmas gift back when there was a pile of them at Wal-Mart for $20.
Maybe I just made my own point.

[DonMarco]

The Earthbound strategy guide also holds a fair chunk of value, going for anywhere between $40-80 on eBay. Something to keep in mind if faced with the choice of getting just the game and getting the guide with the guide. So in a way, it might be cheaper for you to buy them both at once, then just flip the guide. I've done the opposite of that a few times- buy them both and then sell the game/box/instructions but not the guide. Currently, I have three copies of the Earthbound guides and only one game cart.

As for the game...

It's a genuinely great game. The "real world" "down to earth" "welcoming" and "comfortable" aesthetics of it are not something you see in RPGs normally. Your parents are still alive, you don't get a sword on your 16th birthday, your home town isn't burned to the ground, and the fate of humanity isn't weighing on your shoulders the whole game. Between the relaxed feeling, music, and nostalgia, a lot of gamers will never let go of their first copy. With the value and rarity a lot of collectors will never part with their own copies.

It's amazing that Nintendo would let this brad wither away, given that Earthbound sold poorly 15 years ago and might do well in the modern gaming climate.

In fact! You might say that releasing such a "casual" RPG would be a good idea. Maybe start introducing a lot of casual gamers on the Wii or DS to video games that are easy to get in to and quite enjoyable. We could call this "casual gaming" and embrace a market that's been ignored up to now! Brilliant!!

[fahlim003]

Would've, should've, could've, didn't...

EarthBound is a game I've liked to buy for years but I've always thought it was too expensive, even at the $30 about 7 years ago. Now it's price is ridiculous and while I'd still like to have an original cartridge, manufacturing my own and or booting it up via a flash cartridge make far, far more sense.

If I ever find a copy for around $50 or less I'll probably get it, but until (if ever) it gets rereleased in English it won't drop in price so stick to flash carts or repros, that's my advice.

[kupomogli]

Sealed and graded for $2000. Who wants to bet that's a reseal with the game and strategy guide not included?

http://i.ebayimg.com/06/!Bn1I(p!!Wk~$(KGrHqIOKkQEtjG,3w8kBLlD8HLTPg~~_12.J PG

[AWinterFuneral]

Do it! Don't think about it, just DO IT.

[Kyle15]

Sealed and graded for $2000. Who wants to bet that's a reseal with the game and strategy guide not included?

http://i.ebayimg.com/06/!Bn1I(p!!Wk~$(KGrHqIOKkQEtjG,3w8kBLlD8HLTPg~~_12.J PG

Does the seller say that the game is "factory sealed?" If so, and I'm sure you know this already, Earthbound did not come sealed. At all. :/
With that in mind, anything could be in there.

[kupomogli]

Nevermind. Above he says all the games are new and sealed or in mint new condition. Below that he states that it's never had a seal. My mistake.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Earthbound-Super-Nintendo-SNES-NEW-SEALED-VGA-85-/150472751774?pt=Video_Games_Games

Also. This seller is pretty unlucky here, but the person who won the bidding was very lucky. A CIB Earthbound for $90.

http://cgi.ebay.com/EarthBound-Super-Nintendo-1995-Boxed-Booklet-/270616817480?pt=US_Vintage_Video_Games

[Malon_Forever]

I ended up getting a copy on ebay for $67 shipped. Hurray! Label has a tiny piece ripped on the top label, but I don't care.

[Edmond Dantes]

I used to have a copy of this, but I made the stupid stupid STUPID decision to sell it.

I still kick myself to this day. If I ever get it back I am NOT letting it go.

If anyone has a copy they wouldn't mind getting rid of--I don't care what's wrong with it as long as the game and save battery actually work--lemme know.

Chrono Trigger was another game I had this problem with, but I solved it by intentionally going after copies with worn labels.

[skaar]

This looked like a good thread to bump this with.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EarthBound-Super-Nintendo-1995-/260917001246?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item3cbfdd7c1e#ht_1216wt_1185

[understatement]

There’s GOLD in them there circuit boards!

[Mayhem]

Sheesh... that's the most expensive loose Earthbound I think I've seen...

[treismac]

Damn! That copy of Earthbound is up to $187.50 plus $7 for shipping with less than an hour to go. Note to self: sell super rare games on ebay a week before Christmas.

EDIT: Also, I wouldn't want a big flippin' scratch mark on the front label for that much money.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/406119_10151082944545294_516975293_22400703_623986 60_n.jpg

[Rickstilwell1]

After Christmas is a good time too. All the people that got money as a gift.

[Glitch695]

It could be a seasonal case of throwing money at that thing you always wanted as your own Christmas gift and not feeling guilty, but I think you'll have to wait until maybe a month or two after Christmas, when all the Christmas cash has been spent, to see if this is a temporary flux or the new average price.

[Casati]

Get it "now", meaning within the next year, but wait until the Ebay buying season, May through September, when most everyone is too busy playing outdoors to watch Ebay auctions (and after tax refund season).

[dra600n]

It could be a seasonal case of throwing money at that thing you always wanted as your own Christmas gift and not feeling guilty, but I think you'll have to wait until maybe a month or two after Christmas, when all the Christmas cash has been spent, to see if this is a temporary flux or the new average price.

That's what people said last year, and the price didn't drop at all. I got my copy for $100 in September, when the average price was $120 or so, and now it looks like it's averaging that the $150 mark. Unfortunately, it's just a gamble at this point in time, so you may pay more than you need to now (and less later), or more later if you don't pull the trigger now.

[Gameguy]

I'm just waiting to find it in the wild, it's not that rare and copies will eventually turn up if I keep looking.

[jperryss]

That's what people said last year, and the price didn't drop at all. I got my copy for $100 in September, when the average price was $120 or so, and now it looks like it's averaging that the $150 mark. Unfortunately, it's just a gamble at this point in time, so you may pay more than you need to now (and less later), or more later if you don't pull the trigger now.

I bought my copy (cart only) from a member here in Fall 2009 for $75 I think, which was maybe slightly under eBay prices at the time. After that I never looked at prices on eBay until about a week ago, and was shocked to see it going for over $150.

[dra600n]

I bought my copy (cart only) from a member here in Fall 2009 for $75 I think, which was maybe slightly under eBay prices at the time. After that I never looked at prices on eBay until about a week ago, and was shocked to see it going for over $150.

Wow, if it was that much in 2009, I'm surprised it wasn't higher last year to be honest. I didn't mind spending the $$ this past fall for it because I needed it for my collection, and I'll eventually play through it (as much as I don't care for it).

I'm still in awe that it sold for $189. That's just insane.

[Rickstilwell1]

I'm just waiting to find it in the wild, it's not that rare and copies will eventually turn up if I keep looking.

Same thing here. I just got black label Xenogears and Tales of Destiny CIBs for PS1 for both $2.50 each at Salvation Army (Thanks Amanda for reminding me Goodwill and Value Village aren't the only thrift stores that exist around here!). There is still hope out there. If I find a cart only Earthbound of course I'll pick it up, but flashcart is good enough for me so I'll sell it to someone here who actually believes they need it.

[nothingisttrue]

If you have the money to spare, then go for it, otherwise emulation really is the next best option. Luckily I still have my original copy of Earthbound, but I've played it via emulation a few times as well due to convenience.
you could also backup your original offical copy and put it on a flash cart.
you can get a flash cart for 60 bucks.
http://www.tototek.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_8_11&products_id=39

[Rickstilwell1]

Yeah for me I'd say flash cart is always better than PC or Xbox emulation. Original controller, system reading the game the same way so nothing is actually emulated = no lag, no video issues etc. Still able to play on any TV including CRTs that have no PC cable input on them, able to use accessories.

Very few games seem to have glitches when using a flash cart and that is usually only due to extra chips or hardware that those games needed. So in that sense, Earthbound would play exactly the same from a flashcart and all you would be missing out on is looking at the game's label.

[RPG_Fanatic]

Damn $410.00 for Earthbound!!!! I might have to put mine up for sale if they go this high!!!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EARTH-BOUND-SNES-GAME-BIG-BOX-PLAYERS-GUIDE-DUST-COVER-GAME-CASE-/180793901388?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item2a1828014c#ht_654wt_1114

[tom]

6 bucks cib:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mother-2-EarthBound-SFC-Super-Famicom-Japanese-NTSC-J-/160717443879?pt=UK_PC_Video_Games_Video_Games_JS&hash=item256b819327

[xelement5x]

Damn $410.00 for Earthbound!!!! I might have to put mine up for sale if they go this high!!!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EARTH-BOUND-SNES-GAME-BIG-BOX-PLAYERS-GUIDE-DUST-COVER-GAME-CASE-/180793901388?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item2a1828014c#ht_654wt_1114

I think it really depends on the condition, that one was listed as Like New, but here's a copy that was in "good" condition that only went for $220. Though, I'm guessing the $40 shipping turned some people off.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/250968110361

[old_skoolin_jim]

I totally lucked out at a flea market back in '07 and scored a loose cart for $5 (back when the going rate was only around $30-50). Your best best is to remain diligent- one may turn up locally for a surprisingly affordable price.
Plus, if it eventually does come to VC, the price will plummeeeeeeeetttttttt.
I've been toying with the notion of selling my cart, but just can't bring myself to do it.

[Zing]

This game is only going to get more expensive. I decided to test the waters and sell my CIB copy. It went for $700. This was after receiving about half a dozen serious offers ranging from $550-650. I got my fair share of lowballers trying for $400 or less.

I will probably regret it when the game breaks $1000 for CIB by the end of this year, but I have never sold anything worth that much, and I wanted to see how much people were willing to pay.

[Malon_Forever]

Wow, I did end up buying it not too long ago for about $75. Then I sold it not too long after for about the same. Should have waited... Kinda wish I still had it.

[WelcomeToTheNextLevel]

My loose Earthbound, in December 2011, was 100 bucks... in great condition. I'd say pick it up now... the days of the $100 Earthbound are almost over. I'd guess by 2013-2014 this thing will be worth $300 loose, maybe $1000 CIB.

[xelement5x]

My loose Earthbound, in December 2011, was 100 bucks... in great condition. I'd say pick it up now... the days of the $100 Earthbound are almost over. I'd guess by 2013-2014 this thing will be worth $300 loose, maybe $1000 CIB.

You do realize that's like a 200-300% increase in price in a couple years right? While I'm not saying it's impossible, I really don't think that it's that probable.

What I expect to see more of in the future if prices continue to rise is people subtly making repros and hocking them on eBay as legitimate versions to get in on the crazy price bandwagon.

[jonebone]

Even as a CIB Earthbound owner myself, I still think the cart will cool off to around $100 even by summer. Seems more like $125-$150 right now.

[xelement5x]

I may have to eat my words WelcomeToTheNextLevel, I just saw this copy of Earthbound today:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/220944837549

Currently at $860 USD! That's like a really shitty car, or a loose Magical Chase :3