If you were a gamer in the 90s, you probably remember spending hours playing classic games like Super Mario Bros., Sonic the Hedgehog, or Doom. But do you remember how much those games cost?
The price of video games in the 90s varied depending on the platform and the specific game, but generally, console games cost between $40 and $60, while PC games were priced between $20 and $50. Handheld games, such as those for the Game Boy, were typically in the range of $20 to $40.
Compared to the cost of games today, these prices may seem relatively low. However, it’s important to note that these prices are not adjusted for inflation. In fact, if we adjust for inflation, the cost of games in the 90s would be much higher in today’s dollars.
For example, let’s take a look at the cost of a console game like Super Mario Bros. 3. When it was released in 1990, the game had a retail price of $49.99. Adjusting for inflation, that would be the equivalent of $103.46 in 2023 dollars. Similarly, the price of a PC game like Doom, which was released in 1993 with a retail price of $49.99, would be the equivalent of $93.28 in today’s dollars.
Of course, not all games were priced the same in the 90s. Some games were more expensive due to factors such as their popularity or production costs. For example, Final Fantasy III, which was released for the Super Nintendo in 1994, had a retail price of $79.99, making it one of the most expensive console games of the era.
Overall, the cost of video games in the 90s was relatively affordable compared to today’s prices. However, it’s important to remember that this affordability was partly due to the fact that video games were not yet a mainstream form of entertainment. As gaming has become more popular and more technologically advanced, the cost of producing and marketing games has increased, leading to higher prices for consumers.
Nevertheless, for those who grew up in the 90s, the memories of playing classic games on consoles and PCs will always hold a special place in their hearts, regardless of how much those games cost.
