A unique NES collectible is drawing significant attention from Marvel fans and retro game collectors alike. A graded, autographed copy of the 1989 Nintendo Entertainment System game "The Uncanny X-Men" is now listed on eBay with a price tag of $1,200.
"The Uncanny X-Men," sometimes referred to as "Marvel's X-Men," was originally released exclusively in the North American market, giving it inherent rarity for international collectors. More significantly, it's recognized as the first Marvel video game ever released on the NES platform. With Stan Lee's autograph, its collector's value is naturally amplified.
However, the item's discussion isn't solely due to its rarity; the game itself is notoriously poor. "The Uncanny X-Men" has long been considered one of the worst-performing titles on the NES, drawing criticism for its controls, level design, and unforgiving difficulty. Players were required not only to defeat enemies in each stage but also to collect codes displayed at the end of levels to complete the game – a design choice that was far from intuitive at the time.
Consequently, this cartridge is more of a "collectible, not playable" item. For potential buyers, its true value lies not in the gameplay experience, but in Stan Lee's autograph, its historical place as a Marvel game, and its status as a retro NES collectible.
According to the listing, the signature has been certified by PSA, and the seller also states they hold JSA certification. In the collectibles market, authenticity is often the crucial factor influencing price, particularly for Stan Lee-related memorabilia, which has seen continuous demand from Marvel fans in recent years.
While $1,200 is certainly not cheap for a loose NES cartridge, this "The Uncanny X-Men" item is clearly not a typical game transaction. Instead, it represents a unique collectible that merges Marvel, Stan Lee, and retro gaming culture.
via： Comicbook.com