Video Game Prices in 1997: What Did New & Used Games Cost?

There was no single standard price for video games in 1997. Costs fluctuated based on platform, genre, retailer, and whether the game was new or used. However, we can establish a reliable historical baseline.

General Price Ranges (USD)

• New Releases: Typically $40–$60. PlayStation (PS1) games often retailed at $49.99–$59.99, while Nintendo 64 cartridges frequently hit the $59.99–$69.99 ceiling due to manufacturing costs.
• Used Games: Generally $10–$30, depending on popularity, condition, and completeness (box/manual).
• Budget/Greatest Hits: Sony's "Greatest Hits" and Nintendo's "Player's Choice" lines retailed around $19.99–$29.99.

Key Pricing Factors

• Media Format: N64 cartridges cost more to produce than PS1 CDs, leading to higher MSRPs.
• Retailer: Electronics Boutique, Babbage's, Toys "R" Us, and local shops often had different sales or bundle deals.
• Special Editions: Titles like Final Fantasy VII (3 discs) or large-box PC games sometimes commanded premiums.

Notable 1997 Examples (New Prices)

• Final Fantasy VII (PS1): $49.99–$59.99
• GoldenEye 007 (N64): $59.99–$69.99
• Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (PS1): $49.99
• Mario Kart 64: $59.99

Adjusting for Inflation: $60 in 1997 ≈ $115 today, explaining why the $70 next-gen price point felt like a correction rather than a hike.