Retro video game Goldeneye 007 sells for £3,120 at Ewbank’s

It was a ground-breaking game released in 1997 inspired by James Bond that thrilled players and eventually got banned in Germany. Now a factory-sealed copy of Nintendo 64 Goldeneye has sold for nearly ten times its estimate for a premium-inclusive £3,120 at Ewbank’s in Surrey on October 22.

Nintendo 64 (N64) Goldeneye - Factory Sealed w/red strip Nintendo seal (PAL). Estimated at £200-400, a bidding battle took it to a final price of £3,120.
Image courtesy of Ewbank’s

The auction house has been the first in the UK to hold dedicated sales of Retro Video Games and Consoles, and this highlight shows the reason why.

Several factors made Goldeneye 007 special. It was an early adopter of first-person shooters and helped lead the way in showing how games could have complex narratives and high levels of detail not seen before. Together with multiple levels of difficulty and a much more immersive virtual experience for the player, it was no surprise that it made such an impact.

“The rich depth and immersive gameplay proved irresistible to gamers, propelling Goldeneye 007 into a stellar league of its own,” says blogging site The Game Informant.

The versatility of approach, innovative special effects and a pioneering structure for gaming alongside a completely new control system that mimicked reality much closer for the gamer added to its allure. “Every aspect of Goldeneye 007 was a testament to how it turned the FPS genre on its head, leaving an indelible mark that resonates even today,” the blogger explains.

Of course, the bonus of being able to feature Bond storylines and all the gadgets made the game even more irresistible.

If this was the game that set the standard for all others, it also enjoyed a new boost after being banned in Germany in 2021 owing to its violent content.

“This is an outstanding game under any circumstances, but to be able to offer a factory-sealed copy with the red strip Nintendo seal still in place, and in brand new condition with no notable damage, is a rare opportunity indeed,” said specialist James Spooner.

“Auctions in this speciality are still rare, although the number of collectors is building fast, which is already beginning to push up prices. The results of this sale show just how good that potential is, with 99% of the 500 lots sold, netting over £31,000.” 

See all video game auction results at Ewbanks