For collectors, every community has a “holy grail”—a highly sought-after, limited-supply item worth far more than its original cost. In the world of video games, many top-value items are themed, limited-run consoles. For example, the Zelda Minish Cap edition of the Game Boy Advance SP, produced in an estimated run of only 300 units, recently sold for $24,000. Similarly, themed consoles like the Zelda Control Set SNES and the Pikachu Yellow Game Boy Color are highly prized, commanding high prices when they occasionally appear on the market.

Notably, it doesn’t take decades for some tech items to become valuable. Vintage electronics that are only 10-20 years old can still bring in thousands. Apple’s constant release cycle sets a quick pace for obsolescence, which sometimes boosts the worth of early models. A factory-sealed 32GB iPhone 3GS from 2009, originally $299, sold for $8,000 less than a decade later. More recently, a sealed first-generation iPhone sold for $11,900—over ten times its original cost.

Nostalgia has become a powerful driver in the collectibles market. Studies show nostalgia can make people less price-sensitive, often paying a premium for items that remind them of their youth. Collectors are drawn to well-preserved pieces from their childhood, creating opportunities for those with carefully stored devices.

Before you declutter, consider checking your attic or storage boxes for hidden treasures. Rare and themed items like the Lawson’s Ticket Station J-League Nintendo 64, which recently sold for $65,000, can be surprisingly valuable. Vintage tech may look outdated, but these pieces could turn out to be worth a fortune.