Rare Super Mario games found in Wisconsin: 'Once in a lifetime'

August 8, 2026 - 14:01

A stunning collection of vintage Super Mario titles has turned up in Wisconsin, and collectors are calling it a historic moment for the hobby. Nintendo Wire's Jason Ganos confirmed that the discovery includes not just one, but the first five PSA 10 grades ever issued for this specific type of collectible. That means these copies are in near-perfect condition, straight from the factory, with no visible wear, fading, or damage.

The games were found tucked away in an old storage space, likely untouched for decades. According to Ganos, the find is so rare that it has already drawn serious attention from serious buyers and auction houses. PSA 10 is the highest grade a sealed game can receive, and getting five of them from the same era in one place is almost unheard of. The set reportedly covers early entries in the Mario franchise, which are already valuable in any condition, but these are in pristine shape.

Ganos described the moment as a "once in a lifetime" event, noting that most collectors go their entire careers without seeing even one such grade. The exact location in Wisconsin has not been disclosed, but the owner is said to be working with specialists to authenticate and eventually sell the items. For now, the games remain under tight security, and the retro gaming community is buzzing with speculation about what the final auction price might reach. Early estimates suggest the collection could fetch six figures, possibly more, given the rarity and condition.