I wonder if there is a strange discrepancy between the perceived and actual value that is being derived for the cartridge from.
In my mind I can think of two main sources for the value: its rarity in ability to play (the rarity of the playable game itself) or rarity in ownership of the physical cartridge. While I think the collectors perceive the value is derived from the former, I’m skeptical that it’s where the actual value is derived because of the value of special editions of Super Mario Bros carts (which can obviously be played easily) and, in a different way, the value of art that appears in museums.
In my mind I can think of two main sources for the value: its rarity in ability to play (the rarity of the playable game itself) or rarity in ownership of the physical cartridge. While I think the collectors perceive the value is derived from the former, I’m skeptical that it’s where the actual value is derived because of the value of special editions of Super Mario Bros carts (which can obviously be played easily) and, in a different way, the value of art that appears in museums.