Prices for physical console games has exceeded any historic cycle. I’ve been shopping at the same local used store for 30 years and stopped in a few days ago. I saw a copy of Aerobiz Supersonic for $200. Authentic carts for Earthbound are listed at $400.

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A great game, but it’s being sold at a borderline criminal price during a massive market bubble.

If a game isn’t legally available for purchase (digital or physical) from the original company or subsidiary, it’s absolutely the correct decision to pirate a game. Subscription services like Nintendo Switch Online don’t count in my book.

Even with inflation, the game should only cost around $100 based on original price. And even if I buy a used game, the original creators don’t see a dime. We should support the developers/publishers and reward those who create good rereleases like the Castlevania Collection.

I’d also grab a ROM or ISO of a game that I’ve bought on Steam so that I can play it on original hardware. But that’s just me.