A collection of near-perfect, first-print Pokémon games has achieved a remarkable $2 million sale, marking it as the second-highest video game transaction on record. This figure trails only the $3 million sale of Super Mario Bros. in June 2026. The set includes a PSA 10-graded Pokémon Red, a PSA 9.8-graded Pokémon Blue, and a PSA 10-graded Pokémon Yellow, all for the Game Boy.
The original owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, spent two decades assembling the collection. According to Nostalgix, a private collectible brokerage involved in the sale, these are the only known first-print copies of Pokémon Red and Yellow to have received the highest possible PSA grade. Nathan Howerton, founder of Nostalgix, noted the extreme difficulty in preserving sealed games in such pristine condition, highlighting the rarity of a perfect 10 grade.
Howerton also commented on the evolving perception of video game collecting. "A $2 million transaction for three graded Pokémon games would have seemed unimaginable a decade ago," he stated. "Today, it reflects the growing recognition that historically important, investment-grade games deserve to be mentioned alongside the most valuable comics, trading cards, and sports memorabilia in the world."
The collection was jointly purchased by two anonymous individuals who refer to their acquisition as "The Dubai Collection." Nostalgix confirmed the buyers are individuals, not an organization. The reason for the collection's name remains unclear, though naming conventions for high-value collectibles, particularly in the Pokémon sphere, are becoming more prevalent.
This trend follows a notable trading card collection earlier in 2026, which was also marketed with a distinctive, luxury-oriented name. The increasing valuation of niche collectibles is prompting discussions about potential governmental regulation, with Japan reportedly considering measures for Pokémon cards.
For the co-founders of The Dubai Collection, Pokémon Red stands out as the centerpiece. They described it via email as "one of the most important and recognizable video games ever released, serving as the title that introduced millions of players around the world to Pokémon." They emphasized that securing an untouched first-print copy is difficult, but achieving a PSA 10 grade places it among the finest known examples, underscoring its historical significance, cultural impact, and extreme condition rarity.
