Vintage Nintendo 64 controller found in storage could be worth thousands

By Jack Evans

A 24-year-old Nintendo 64 controller could sell for thousands at auction after it was discovered gathering dust inside a forgotten storage locker.

The vintage gold and black device was recently unearthed inside an unpaid storage locker at an undisclosed location in Derbyshire, England.

The retro controller was originally given as a prize to winners of a 1997 tournament in Atlanta, Georgia, where competitors played Star Fox — a spaceship shooter game.

It is believed the locker’s original owner had worked for Rare, a British firm that designed games for Nintendo — including classics Donkey Kong and GoldenEye.

The piece of gaming memorabilia is set to go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers on Tuesday, October 19, with an estimate of £1,500-£2,000 ($2,059 - $2,745 USD).

David Wilson Turner, head of Hansons toy and gaming department, said: “Its rarity is down to the fact that it was given as a prize to winners of a four-player E3 1997 StarFox Tournament in America.

"The very first N64 Gold controller came from that 1997 E3, which was held in Atlanta, Georgia.

“The controller is one of very few in existence and has an embossed golden 'N' in the center of the controller.

"It’s super cool, gold on the front and black on the back.

“There is slight wear to the controller but, generally, it’s in very good condition considering it is 24 years old.

"It’s a fantastic collector’s item which should appeal to Nintendo fans worldwide.

“Gaming is now a huge part of the collectors’ market and is destined to dwarf other sectors due to its enormous worldwide popularity.

“Nostalgia drives the toy/gaming sector and with a giant gaming community now keen to buy and collect rare items, the sky’s the limit for gaming gems like this.”