eBayer Sells NES For $50,000 To Pay Bills [Updated]

Even in these trying economic times, a good number of us hold onto our old game consoles for the sheer nostalgia factor. They just don’t make ’em like they used to. But eBay user “ronald3868” of Hawthorne, California demonstrated his business savvy when he listed a Nintendo Entertainment System package bundle on the online auction web site for $35,000. In comparison, when the 8-bit game console was first released 25 years ago, a NES Deluxe Set featuring the console, a R.O.B. accessory, a light gun, Duck Hunt, and Gyromite cost $249.99. Today, NES bundles typically go for under $100 on eBay.

It now appears that ronald3868’s item–which also comes with four controllers, a Game Genie, a light gun, an original Nintendo bag, a cleaning kit, and 42 games–has sold for $50,000. How was he able to manage such a feat?

ronald3868, who claims he had been short of money to pay his bills, writes:

I am down on my luck need to pay bills living pay check to pay check. this is my price possession the only thing I can say I own 100%. to some a nes system could mean nothing but to me its priceless. I hate to part with it but i need the money. You might say what a ridiculous price but thats how hard it is for me to part with it. I have 100% feedback. whoever buys it can verify that I really need the money. I can show you my bills and credit report to verify it and I will give proof that the bills got paid. I would like to personally hand over the nes bundle system over to the winner and personally thank him/her if possible.  God bless.

There may be some truth to his sorrowful words. ronald3868’s feedback profile reveals that up until December of last year, he was an avid customer on eBay. But not everyone is in agreement; according to ronald3868 himself, for the most part he had been receiving “all negative messages.”

Some wealthy gamer enthusiast–who is either very stupid or very kind–is now swimming in Mike Tyson’s Punchout, Pac-Man, Tetris, Donkey Kong, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Super Mario Bros. 1-3, Wrestlemania Challenge, and Duck Hunt, among other game cartridges. We never thought we’d put a price on nostalgia, but we’re digging out our Sega Master System and preparing our sob story at this very moment.

UPDATE: It appears that the buyer defaulted on his NES bundle purchase, and now ronald3868 has re-listed the item for $35,000, writing: “BUYER DID NOT PAY FOR ITEM. ITEM BEING RE-LISTED. REASON IS BEING KEPT PRIVATE.” Will another moneyed gamer help this poor soul?

(via The Escapist.)