For many gamers, the Nintendo Famicom (aka the NES, or "Red and White Machine" in Japan) isn't just a console; it's a portal to childhood memories. Even today, retro Famicom consoles and its timeless classics continue to spark nostalgia for a whole generation. We've previously covered Japanese super-collector SOMARI, whose mind-blowing collection boasts all 1,053 Famicom games ever released.
Now, a new listing on Japan's popular secondhand platform, "Mercari," has sent ripples through the collecting community. A seller put up "a near-complete Famicom game collection – 1,052 titles, just one shy of the full set" for an eye-watering over 3.4 million Japanese Yen (including shipping). The listing quickly sold on the afternoon of January 29th, sparking intense discussion among netizens about this incredible haul and its hefty price tag.
According to the seller, this monumental collection of games and accessories was painstakingly amassed over more than 30 years. While some cartridges show signs of age – sun discoloration, peeling stickers, or even handwritten notes – they've all been tested on both an original Famicom and a Retro Freak (an emulator capable of playing FC games) and are confirmed to be in working order. Most of the games are loose cartridges, with only a few including their original boxes and manuals.
But here's where the story takes a poignant turn: the seller wasn't parting with their beloved collection for financial gain. Instead, it was an act of "Shukatsu" – the Japanese practice of organizing one's affairs and belongings before death, to prevent them from becoming a burden or being discarded as trash. "Rather than having them thrown away after I'm gone, I'd prefer them to go to someone who will appreciate them," the seller stated, explaining their decision to release this treasure trove.
Beyond the Famicom games, the seller also listed other cherished items from their decades of collecting, including N64 games, PC Engine HuCards, manga, and figures.
It's bittersweet to imagine letting go of a collection so close to completion, but the seller's sentiment is clear: it's about passing on the torch of Famicom culture. While the buyer's identity remains unknown, it's safe to say that anyone willing to invest such a sum will undoubtedly carry on the seller's passion and memories for years to come.