One Kent man’s obsession with computer gaming could earn him a small fortune when his huge collection of retro games and consoles goes under the hammer next week.
The specialist ‘21st Century – Next Generation’ sale at the Canterbury Auction Galleries will see almost 600 lots on offer with a combined valuation close to £50,000.
Yet it is only about half of the owner’s entire haul, with the rest due to be auctioned in September.
Retro gaming has seen a surge in interest in recent years, with prices for some of the most sought-after items soaring and, in 2023, experts valued it as a £20 billion worldwide market.
One of the star auction lots is a Nintendo 64 game from the year 2000, The Legend of Zelda Majoras Mask. It still has the red strip seal and is estimated to sell for up to £1,600.
Meanwhile, a 1993 Nintendo Game Boy could reach £1,500.
It is a deviation for the auction house which traditionally sells period furniture, jewellery, artwork, porcelain and collectables but has been diversifying in recent years.
Saleroom boss Dave Parker says the business needs to go where the demand is.
“We have to sell people what they are looking for and the fact is that retro computer gaming has become huge,” he said.
“We were approached by this gentleman who wants to remain private but has been collecting games and consoles for decades.
“Yet it’s only half of what he has and we are planning another specialist sale in September.
“He has decided that he wants to move it all on and we know there is a worldwide market for it which we can reach through our platforms.”
Mr Parker says there has been a shift in recent years with what is in demand, which the auction house has to predict and react to.
“When people think of computer games, it conjures up images of spotty teenagers in their bedrooms,” he said.
“But what we are seeing are guys in their 50s and 60s, many wanting to relive their youth and have things perhaps they couldn’t afford when they were young but now have some disposable income.
“That can lead to some crazy prices. I mean, when you think of classic cars, who would believe that an old Ford Capri could now fetch up to £40,000? But it’s all about demand.”
The retro gaming lots range in price from £20 to £30 for the more common games to in excess of £1,000 for the especially sought-after items.
Alex and Gemma Bowness have run Level Up Games in Palace Street, Canterbury, for 14 years and can vouch for the growing demand for retro games and consoles in recent years.
“We have customers of all ages, many wanting to relive their youth with the games they enjoyed so much when they were young,” says Alex.
“Some parents also prefer their children to play consoles and games that are not connected to the internet to avoid all the issues that can bring.
“Also, while games can be downloaded now, many players like the tangible feel of owning a game, a bit like music lovers and vinyl.
“But we are certainly seeing a surge in interest and demand from across the gaming spectrum.”
The Canterbury Auction Galleries two-day ‘21st Century – Next Generation Retro Games and Console’s online sale is on Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29, with viewing days between 5pm and 7pm on the 26th and 27th.
Go to www.canterburyauction galleries.com to view the catalogue.
