EarthBound Super Nintendo (SNES) Video Game Cartridge
Nintendo / HAL Laboratory · Toys & Games > Video Games > Vintage Gaming
Era / Decade
1995 (Mid-1990s)
Material
Injection-molded plastic cartridge, PCB (Printed Circuit Board) with gold-plated pins, paper-based adhesive label.
Condition
Good/Very Good. The label has some minor speckling/wear but no major peeling or tearing. The plastic shell shows light surface scuffing. Pins appear slightly used but intact.
Demand Level
Hot. This game often sells within hours if priced competitively. It is a cornerstone of SNES collecting.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
Low: $300 | Mid: $350 | High: $425 (Loose cartridge price)
Estimated Retail Value
$69.99 (Original 1995 MSRP)
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sold listings for loose authentic cartridges range from $340 to $390 depending on label crispness. Complete-in-box (CIB) copies with the large guide book sell for $2,000+.
Description
EarthBound for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). This is a loose cartridge comprising the highly sought-after cult classic RPG. The label features the iconic Starman artwork and the model code SNS-MB-USA. This title is widely considered one of the 'holy grails' for SNES collectors due to its unique humor, limited initial production, and massive contemporary popularity.
Key Features
Highly collectible 'Blue Chip' title; extreme demand from retro gamers; original hardware; historically significant as the only Mother series game released in the US for decades; includes legitimate ESRB 'KA' (Kids to Adults) rating mark.
Authenticity Indicators
Confidence level: Medium-High. The label has the correct gloss and font weight. Note the punched-in two-digit number stamp on the back label (if visible), and check for the Nintendo logo and code on the PCB. Caution: EarthBound is one of the most counterfeited games; verifying the board is essential to confirm it isn't a 'repro' (reproduction).
Flaws to Note
Minor cosmetic pitting and shelf wear on the front of the plastic shell. Light speckling on the top right quadrant of the label. Requires a game bit screwdriver to open and verify the internal board for 100% authenticity.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is best for maximum reach and top dollar; local specialty retro game stores for instant cash (usually 40-50% of value); Mercari or Facebook Marketplace for a fee-free local cash flip.
Selling Tips
Open the cartridge and take high-quality photos of the internal PCB (look for Nintendo 1995 stamps and original ROM chips) to prove authenticity—this can add $50+ to the value. Clean the pins with 90% isopropyl alcohol before testing. Use 'AUTHENTIC' and 'TESTED' in the listing title.