“It’s a-me, Mario!”

This iconic catchphrase can only point to one character—Mario, the Plumber Hero. In the well-liked Super Mario Bros. video games, players follow this protagonist’s travels.

Recognized as the most popular franchise, Super Mario Bros. continues to break records years after its publication. Recently, a 1985 cartridge of Super Mario Bros. sold for a whopping $140,000!. 

What makes this copy so special?

The game was in its original packaging, which is attractive to many bidders. The Super Mario Bros. games also evoke nostalgia in collectors who are in their 30s and 40s and have fond memories from childhood days.

 “If any lot in the sale could hit a number like that, it was going to be that one” was what video games director Valerie McLeckie stated at Heritage Auctions, where the bidding happened. Previously, another version of the Super Mario Bros. had sold at an auction for $100,150.

This record only continues to prove Super Mario Bros.’s likability. People of any age love the games’ fun and simple, yet intriguing mechanics.