Do you ever spend time pondering the topic of how much is a Sega Genesis worth today? Don’t worry; you’re not going mad. In fact, we’ve been wondering the exact same thing.
Sega might have been a big part of the console wars in the past, but they’re certainly out of the running these days. Things went a little downhill since the Genesis came to power, but its influence has lived on for generations and still brings a pretty penny on second hand sites.
Heck, you’ll probably find one sitting next to a PS5 in most gaming set ups. Old-skool consoles are still the best!
So, in a world where fps is used more for first person shooter than it is frames per second and where an Xbox isn’t a box that used to be a box (ex-box), how much is a Sega Genesis worth?
Let’s find out!
(Please note: All of our market research and data is taken from eBay, as this is the most common way to sell a Sega Genesis console. Information is accurate as of August 2021, and we will update this article on a monthly basis to keep you updated and to reflect on the fluctuation of prices. All prices are based in USD.)
How Much Is A Sega Genesis Worth?
A used Sega Genesis is worth between $35 – $275 depending on overall console condition the number of peripherals and games included in the bundle
The very first Sega Genesis boasting the large 16-bit logo is just as impressive as it was back in 1988. It’s an iconic slice of Sega’s heyday, the golden years where they looked set to define the future of gaming forevermore.
Now, 1988 was 33 years ago at the time of writing, so it’s safe to say that some of these machines will look better than others on the market. The quality of these consoles depends on how much they’ve been looked after, and quite often the original cables have perished or become lost.
Boxed consoles obviously sell for more, and they tend to be the ones that are in the best condition. Still, if you’re after a bargain, $35 for a console isn’t that bad.
Refurbished units cost a little more, though at leas you know that they’re going to work ok once they arrive on your doorstop. Expect to pay anywhere between $75 and $150 for a refurbished unit.
There aren’t that many sealed consoles on the internet, but when they do crop up, they cost a heck of a lot of money. Prices for a sealed box start at around $599, though
When it comes to buying a refurbished console, prices vary in a similar fashion. A console on its own can sell for $27.00, where as a boxed system could bring up to $248.
New consoles are hard to find, though that’s to be expected for a console that’s 33-years-old at the time of writing! Sealed systems sell for upwards of $499, with Sonic boxed editions selling for $599+.
How Much Is A Genesis II Worth
A used Genesis II is worth between $18.50 – $545 depending on the quality of the console and bundle size.
Ok, the original Genesis looked great. Still, the Sega Genesis II is the one we all think of whenever anyone mentions this console.
It’s the first console that many of us played Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on, for crying out loud. That makes it one of the most important machine’s in our freakin’ lives, surpassing the washing machine and the bread maker you bought through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Genesis II was intended to be a more futuristic version of the original console. It was sleeker, less colourful, moodier, and cooler in every possible way. The knobs were ditched in favour of easy-press buttons too.
Used Mark II consoles tend to cost less than the original as there are more out there on the internet. Still, I recently saw a used boxed bundle sell for $1,375, so it might be time to get into the attic for a rummage around!
Units that have been refurbished tend to sell for anywhere between $22 – $250, again depending on how many accessories or games come with the unit.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any sealed copies on second hand sites. I guess people were so excited about it that they just completely forgot to keep the wrapping intact!
How Much Is A Genesis 3 Worth?
A used Genesis 3 is worth between $16.50 – $130 depending on box condition and console quality.
Once the Genesis was discontinued, a company called Majesco Entertainment started producing the Genesis 3, a third-party console that tried to take the futuristic look of the Genesis II to the next level.
With a funky 3 on the front and a new shape, I can only assume that Majesco hoped to draw customers new and old to the table with their new design.
This console doesn’t do anything different to the Genesis II, so naturally it didn’t sell as well.
Still, boxed used copies can be picked up for pretty cheap at $130. Boxed refurbished units tend to go for a little bit more at $250, though a console-only unit costs around $60.
Brand new sealed units still sell for $350. It’s not a lot to pay if you want a slice of after-market Sega gaming, but I’d save my money for a Genesis II instead.
How Much Is A Sega Genesis Mini Worth?
A used Sega Genesis Mini is worth anywhere between $49 – $56 depending on the overall condition of the console and box.
It’s safe to say that the Genesis Mini is one of the best Classic mini consoles out today. With amazing titles such as Golden Axe and Earthworm Jim available with clear graphics thanks to the included HDMI cable, players can experience these classic games like never before.
Until the Dreamcast Mini and the SG-1000 Mini drop, the Genesis Mini remains the king of the castle. Used copies cost a similar amount whether boxed or not, though refurbished consoles tend to cost a little ore at $90…
… not sure why you’d buy a refurbished unit for more money, but maybe that’s me.
Plus, a sealed copy only costs $57, making the refurbished thing even more bizarre!
And that’ a wrap. Now we all know the answer to how much is a Sega Genesis worth today. It’s been a rollercoaster ride, and we hope that you’ve managed to pick up a few bargains along the way.
Oh, and sorry for telling you that the Genesis is 33-years-old – that’s made us all feel ancient!
Don’t forget to check feedback and returns policies before buying on second-hand sites, and always make sure that consoles are formatted to your region too!
Don’t forget to check out our article on ‘how much is a Sega Dreamcast worth‘ today!
Seb Santabarbara has bought every Nintendo console that has ever been released in his 31 years on Planet Earth. His favourite game franchise is Zelda, and he’s patiently waiting for Banjo-Kazooie to come back to the fold. When he’s not playing games, he’s travelling the world in his self-converted camper van.
