The monetary value associated with physical media for gaming experienced fluctuations during the latter part of the 2010s. Specifically, cartridges, predominantly used for handheld consoles and select retro-style systems, saw varied pricing influenced by factors such as production costs, licensing agreements, and market demand.
The resurgence of retro gaming and the popularity of consoles like the Nintendo Switch, which utilizes cartridges, contributed to a renewed interest in this format. The value was affected by the novelty of new releases, the collectibility of limited editions, and the aftermarket for classic titles. Scarcity of certain titles, especially those with limited production runs, also significantly impacted the prices observed.
