A batch of 97 original NES Super Mario Bros cartridges earmarked for recycling was found to be worth considerably more as retro-game collectibles than for the small amount of gold recoverable from their components. The discovery highlights how common-looking older games can retain significant value when sold intact, especially as demand for vintage Nintendo items persists.

The cartridges’ metal contacts contain gold, prompting the initial plan to melt them down for scrap. However, their combined resale value as functioning, collectible games exceeded the likely value of the recovered metal, so preserving them became the more profitable option.