Rare Pokémon Game Collection Fetches $2 Million at Auction

With Pokémon trading cards flying off the shelves, it was only a matter of time before the video game side of the franchise saw a similar financial frenzy. Recently, an exceptionally well-preserved first-print Pokémon video game collection sold for an astounding $2 million, marking it as the second-highest video game sale ever, just behind the record-breaking $3 million sale of Super Mario Bros. in June 2026.

This impressive set features a PSA 10-graded Pokémon Red, a PSA 9.8-graded Pokémon Blue, and a PSA 10-graded Pokémon Yellow. The original collector, who prefers to stay anonymous, spent two decades assembling this collection, claiming it will be a long time before another set comes close. According to a private collectible brokerage that facilitated the sale, these are the only first-print copies of Pokémon Red and Yellow to achieve the highest PSA grades.

“It’s incredibly challenging to find a mint condition sealed game, especially considering the minor dings that can occur during packing and shipping. For one to remain in perfect 10 condition is remarkable,” said the founder of the brokerage in an email.

“A $2 million sale for three graded Pokémon games would have seemed unfathomable a decade ago. Today, it highlights the growing acknowledgment that historically significant, investment-grade games deserve to be valued alongside the most sought-after comics, trading cards, and sports memorabilia,” he added.

The collection was jointly purchased by two buyers, who also wish to remain anonymous. Interestingly, they refer to their acquisition as The Dubai Collection, although the brokerage clarifies that it was bought by individuals rather than a corporate entity. The choice of name raises questions, especially given the emirate’s controversial reputation, but such naming trends are becoming more common in the Pokémon community.

Earlier in 2026, a remarkable trading card collection featuring multiple copies of every rare Pokémon card made headlines. In an effort to market it as a luxury item, the collection was named after a young woman who could easily be mistaken for a model. This shift from niche collectibles to legitimate assets is part of why countries like Japan are considering regulations on Pokémon cards.

For the co-founders of The Dubai Collection, Pokémon Red stands out as the crown jewel.

“It’s widely recognized as one of the most significant and iconic video games ever released, introducing millions of players worldwide to the Pokémon universe,” they stated via email. “Finding an untouched first-print copy is already incredibly rare, but achieving a PSA 10 grade elevates it to one of the finest examples known. Its historical significance, cultural impact, and extreme rarity in top condition made it the focal point of this transaction.”