Comparing the Cost of Video Games Between Now and 1996

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Gaming has become more expensive in 2023, and there’s no denying that. So how do prices compare between now and then for similar games?

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A recent Reddit post showcases a Toys ‘R Us ad for video games in 1996. It features the prices of Nintendo 64 or PlayStation One games, which got us wondering. How do these prices compare to today?

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THE NINTENDO 64 IS INCREDIBLY AFFORDABLE

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Nintendo consoles are generally on the lower end of the price spectrum. The Nintendo Switch, for example, runs $299.99.

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The new OLED model is $349.99. Compare that to the prices of other consoles at launch that range, on average, $500.

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The Nintendo 64 seems like a steal, even for a Nintendo console. $149.99 was something even I could afford as a teenager.

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CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT A SONY CONSOLE USED TO COST $149.99? Everyone remembers the memes from the PlayStation 3 reveal: “599 US Dollars.” We’re a long way away from sticker shock, but even today, a PlayStation 5 will cost you a pretty penny.

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PLAYSTATION ONE GAMES ARE SURPRISINGLY CHEAP With a higher console cost also comes a higher game cost. PS5 games today will run you $70. If you wanted to play the new Twisted Metal in 1996, it’s almost half the cost. $39.99 for a new PlayStation game seems impossible to comprehend.

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Here Are the Highglights From the Xbox Developer_Direct

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Comparing the Cost of Video Games Between Now and 1996

Gaming has become more expensive in 2023, and there’s no denying that. So how do prices compare between now and then for similar games?

A recent Reddit post showcases a Toys ‘R Us ad for video games in 1996. It features the prices of Nintendo 64 or PlayStation One games, which got us wondering. How do these prices compare to today?

THE NINTENDO 64 IS INCREDIBLY AFFORDABLE

Nintendo consoles are generally on the lower end of the price spectrum. The Nintendo Switch, for example, runs $299.99.

The new OLED model is $349.99. Compare that to the prices of other consoles at launch that range, on average, $500.

The Nintendo 64 seems like a steal, even for a Nintendo console. $149.99 was something even I could afford as a teenager.

CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT A SONY CONSOLE USED TO COST $149.99? Everyone remembers the memes from the PlayStation 3 reveal: “599 US Dollars.” We’re a long way away from sticker shock, but even today, a PlayStation 5 will cost you a pretty penny.

PLAYSTATION ONE GAMES ARE SURPRISINGLY CHEAP With a higher console cost also comes a higher game cost. PS5 games today will run you $70. If you wanted to play the new Twisted Metal in 1996, it’s almost half the cost. $39.99 for a new PlayStation game seems impossible to comprehend.

Click Below to Read More

Click Below to Read More

Here Are the Highglights From the Xbox Developer_Direct

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