Is Majora‘s Mask Rare? A Collector‘s Guide to the Zelda Classic

As a long-time Zelda enthusiast and avid collector, one of the most common questions I see debated is whether or not Majora‘s Mask is a rare game. So let‘s settle it once and for all – the standard gray Nintendo 64 cartridge? No. But the elusive "Not For Resale" gold cart? Most definitely! As one of gaming‘s most iconic and boundary-pushing adventures, demand for Majora‘s remains high among fans. For those looking to add this classic to their collection, rarity depends greatly on which version you seek…

The Exceedingly Rare Not For Resale Cartridge – $100+ Loose, $150+ Complete

While roughly 3.36 million copies of Majora‘s Mask were sold across all releases over the years, the ultra-rare Not For Resale (NFR) gold cartridge for Nintendo 64 drives up the average value. Produced in small quantities for promotional contests and press kits, this version was never officially sold at retail. Today, prices for complete copies with the holographic label still intact hover around $100-$150. Even loose cartridges fetch upwards of $50+.

As a collector myself, I‘ve yet to obtain one! With such a minuscule production run, competition is incredibly fierce to snag one of these grails. Any collector listing for over $200 should raise suspicions – while coveted, paying over double the average price requires scrutiny. Verifying authenticity from a reputable seller is key.

So why is this NFR cart so sought after compared to the standard release? Let‘s break it down:

• Limited Variant: The gold plastic and decorative holo label distinguish it from widespread gray retail copies. NFR carts were produced exclusively for promotional contests/press kits rather than public sale.
• Rarity: Only a few hundred units likely exist. Surviving complete copies especially are few and far between.
• High Collector Value: As a limited edition, demand greatly outweighs supply, allowing sellers to command premium pricing.
• Iconic Game: Majora‘s Mask enjoys reputation as a masterpiece Zelda title, further fueling interest among collectors.

In summary – yes, the NFR gold cartridge is indeed a rare game! But read on, because more common alternatives won‘t break the bank…

Standard Nintendo 64 Cartridge – Common & Affordable

Contrary to the NFR version, the original Nintendo 64 Majora‘s Mask gray cartridge is quite common across retro gaming stores and secondary markets. Loose carts can easily be found for $25-35, while complete-in-box copies generally sell between $60-80.

As one of 3.36 million produced back in the N64 era, it‘s hardly considered rare. But because Nintendo wisely chose to leverage leading N64 emulators and rereleases over the years, younger generations continue discovering Majora‘s brilliance. This sustained popularity keeps prices reasonably steady.

For collectors simply wishing to play the game original hardware, opting for a standard Nintendo 64 cartridge is clearly the most wallet-friendly means to do so.

Majora‘s Mask 3D (3DS Remake) – Readily Available for Under $40

In 2015, Nintendo released an enhanced remake of Majora‘s Mask for the 3DS portable console. This updated adaptation implements improved graphics, new fishing minigames,Adjustable camera control, and other fan-requested features.

Overall reception was quite positive among critics and fans. But despite the technical improvements, limitations of the 3DS hardware prevent it from fully realizing what some consider the definitive version of this classic. Additionally, because the 3DS lacks intrinsic collectible value as aging hardware, the remake cartridge bears little resale value for collectors. Loose copies readily sell for under $25 on secondary markets.

So while the 3DS edition makes an excellent option for first-time players seeking accessible gameplay, collectors and returning veterans stand by the Nintendo 64 original‘s untarnished magic. The remake is anything but a "rare" piece to add your collection. Let‘s see how they compare at a high level:

Why This Zelda Classic Continues Captivating Fans

Beyond rarity considerations, examining why Majora‘s Mask is so revered offers insight into the game‘s lasting mystique and appeal to collectors.

Released in 2000 as a follow-up adventure to the seminal Ocarina of Time, Majora‘s Mask adopts a considerably darker tone. Link finds himself trapped in Termina – a bizarre parallel world doomed to be crushed by its own moon in just three short days. This impending apocalypse looms heavy over inhabitants, lending a pervasive sense of melancholy and existential dread throughout the game.

Unlike any previous Zelda, everything revolves around this three day cycle. While daunting, it soon becomes apparent this mechanic affords tremendous freedom. Side quests, character interactions and scheduling play a pivotal role. Leaving a personal touch by assisting specific characters before time runs out is deeply rewarding. Playthroughs become vastly more intimate adventures.

Collecting distinct transformation masks enabling Link to adopt new identities and abilities offers incredible appeal. Racing to gather coveted masks before the world ends makes typically mundane collection quests exciting and immensely satisfying.

Overall this singular focus creates razor-sharp vision most titles lack. Forcing players to confront oblivion head-on with such intimate gameplay systems retain breathtaking impact even now. Majora rejects tired fantasies, instead thrusting audiences into an absurdist play where masks serve as our own gently warped reflections.

While divisive initially among critics, a devoted fanbase emerged sharing fascination in this surreal adventure. Continued rereleases introduce new generations, but modern imitations still fall painfully short of recapturing such bold creative spark. For many, Majora‘s Mask remains peerless not just among Zelda titles, but gaming as an artistic medium overall.

And that intangible lightning in a bottle is why for collectors today, key versions of this game remain synonymous with treasures – the rarest of rewards to those lucky enough to call it their own.

So in summary – is Majora‘s Mask truly rare game? It depends…

• For the Not For Resale gold cart? Absolutely! Only a few hundred exist.
• As standard gray Nintendo 64 cart? No – millions were produced and it‘s readily available.
• The 3DS remake? Also no, it‘s a very common game.

But no matter which Mask you obtain, the adventure unfolding remains peerlessly special across any incarnation. Because like the very best games, its outside-the-box inventiveness continues inspiring waves of new players year after year. An achievement as rare as Majora itself.