Game & Watch Series (1980–1991)
Nintendo’s first major handheld line, Game & Watch, was created by Gunpei Yokoi and featured simple LCD screens and basic controls. Each unit played a single game and doubled as a digital clock. They are now highly collectable and feature in many vintage shops across the globe and online. There never been a better time to buy with models only getting more expensive every day. Below we detail the ones to look out for at the local flee markets.
Types of Game & Watch:
- Silver Series (1980)
- Very early models with basic gameplay.
- Example: Ball
- Gold Series (1981)
- Improved design and visibility.
- Example: Manhole
- Wide Screen Series (1981–1982)
- Larger screen for better gameplay visibility.
- Example: Octopus, Parachute
- Multi Screen Series (1982–1989)
- Dual-screen design, inspiration for the Nintendo DS.
- Example: Donkey Kong, Zelda, Mario Bros.
- New Wide Screen (1982–1991)
- Return to single-screen, but larger and improved.
- Example: Climber, Balloon Fight
- Tabletop Series (1983)
- Mini arcade-style machines with colored backlit screens.
- Example: Donkey Kong, Mario’s Cement Factory
- Panorama Series (1983–1984)
- Flip-top screens with mirrors; used colored VFD screens.
- Example: Snoopy, Donkey Kong Circus
- Super Color (1984)
- Full-color LCD display (very rare).
- Example: Spitball Sparky
- Crystal Screen (1986)
- Transparent LCD screen.
- Example: Super Mario Bros., Climber
Nintendo Mini Classics (1998–2000s)
- Re-releases of Game & Watch titles in keychain-sized form.
- Manufactured by Stadlbauer and Toymax under license.
- Examples: Donkey Kong Jr., Fire, Mario’s Cement Factory
Other Pre-Game Boy Handhelds
- Nintendo Computer TV-Game Series (1977–1980)
- Not handheld, but precursor home consoles.
- Set the foundation for later handheld tech.
- Color TV-Game Block Kuzushi (1979)
- Standalone game system focused on paddle-based gameplay.
- Nintendo’s Watch Games (1980s)
- Wristwatches with playable mini-games.
- Collaborated with companies like Nelsonic.
Average Prices Overview
1. Most Common “Multi‑Screen” Models (e.g., Donkey Kong DK‑52)
- Loose/used working: typically USD $50–90, based on recent eBay completed listings
- Near‑mint or boxed: often USD $100–150+, with some listings up to ~$135
2. Widescreen & Silver/Gold Series
- Mid‑1980s single‑screen models average USD $60–200, depending on title and condition
3. Rare Panorama, Crystal Screen & Special Editions
- These rarer styles (e.g., Panorama Egg, Crystal Super Mario Bros.) can fetch USD $300–1,700+
- For instance, the Panorama Egg model listed at USD $1,700 and the silver Fire at USD $560–1,700 depending on edition
4. Overall Average (All Titles)
- According to PriceCharting’s aggregate index, average loose prices across all 73 licensed titles generally land around USD $50–100, though exact numbers aren’t publicly displayed
Price Range Summary
| Series / Condition | Typical Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Loose, common models (e.g., Donkey Kong multi‑screen) | $50 – 90 |
| Near‑mint / boxed versions | $100 – 150 |
| Rare editions (Panorama, Crystal, special) | $300 – 1,700+ |
| Overall average (all titles, loose) | ~$50–100 |
What Drives Price Variation?
- Model rarity: More obscure (e.g., Panorama, Crystal, Egg) = much higher value.
- Condition & completeness: Boxed or mint units with manuals sell at premium.
- Region & edition: Japanese and tournament‑prize variants (e.g., Super Mario Bros. Special) are particularly valuable.