The world’s most expensive video games just happen to be the rarest video games. This comes as no surprise. However, the titles of these games may surprise you (and send you running to your closet to see if you own any of them). Retro gaming is a hot trend in 2012, as it seems that not even the most high tech video games and systems can top the simplicity and fun of some of the video games produced in the 1980′s. The following games may or may not be fun, but they are certainly expensive.

Stadium Events for the original Nintendo systemis considered by most to be the most valuable game of all. Valued as high as $41,000, the box alone can be worth ten grand. This 1987 Bandai release featured the very first interactive mat which was used to control the character on the screen. A year later, Nintendo would purchase all rights to the game and re-release it as World Class Track Meet. The name of the mat was changed from “Family Fitness Pad” to “Power Pad Controller.” Nintendo yanked Stadium Events from retail shelves and destroyed the games. It is estimated that around 200 of the games were sold before being pulled, with an estimated 10-20 still in existence today.

Gold editions of 1990 Nintendo World Championships for the NES systems have sold for as much as $21,000. The reason that this game is valuable is a simple matter of rarity. There were 90 gray versions given out to gaming tournament winners, and 26 gold versions given out to the winners of a promotional contest. Obviously, limited supply renders both of these versions quite valuable.

The third most valuable video game is yet another release for the NES system. Nintendo Campus Challenge is valued as high as $20,000. This release was also presented to the winners of video game competitions that were help at college campuses and popular Spring Break destinations. Though no one can say for certain, it is believed that only one copy of this game remains in existence. The one known copy sold on eBay at a price of $20,100.

The Atari 2600 and Neo Geo gaming systems each have a handful of associated expensive video games. Atari’s Atlantis II, Air Raid, and Star Wars Ewok Adventure are each considered rare and valuable. Kizuna Encounter and Ultimate 11 for Neo Geo are each valued at $10,000 or more. It has been reported that the two games were sold in a private package deal for $55,000 back in 2009.