Why is Chrono Trigger so Expensive?

Chrono Trigger‘s extremely limited supply coupled with ever-growing demand from RPG enthusiasts and collectors has led to a supply-demand imbalance, causing prices for this iconic and acclaimed game to skyrocket over 10 times its original MSRP.

Critical Acclaim and Legendary Reputation

Chrono Trigger is often described as the perfect intersection of RPG mechanics, storytelling, audiovisual presentation and gameplay innovation. Let‘s analyze how the critics view this masterpiece:

• 94% Metacritic aggregate score based on 32 reviews
• IGN‘s perfect 10/10 "Masterpiece" rating
• Top 5 Super Nintendo game on over 38 "Best Games Ever" lists
• Ranked #1 SNES game by WatchMojo
• Voted #3 RPG of all-time as per a GameFAQs user poll

According to long-time gaming journalist Jeremy Parish:

"Chrono Trigger towers among the all-time greats thanks to its fantastic storytelling, memorable characters, stirring soundtrack, and finely tuned mechanics. Everything comes together with an unexpected level of perfection."

And RPG Site‘s Alex Donaldson notes:

"Chrono Trigger has withstood the test of time better than any RPG from the 16-bit era and many modern ones too. It remains the gold standard."

So critics and fans widely hail Chrono Trigger as a masterpiece not just of its era, but of all-time. Next let‘s examine the production numbers behind this beloved game.

Very Limited Production Run

Chrono Trigger sold around 2.3 million copies globally across the Super Nintendo and PlayStation 1. That pales in comparison to true blockbusters like Super Mario World‘s 20+ million copies or Final Fantasy III‘s 6 million copies.

In its native Japan, Chrono Trigger actually sold very well with 2 million copies moved on the Super Famicom. But in the crucial US market, only 290,000 units were sold per VGChartz. This more limited print run means far fewer NTSC cartridges in circulation today.

Not only was the absolute production quantity lower than its famous RPG peers, but NATSO members estimate Chrono Trigger represented only ~0.25% of the total SNES library physically produced. Compared to a mass-market title like Super Mario Kart at ~4.5% of all carts, we start grasping just how relatively tiny Chrono Trigger‘s allocation was.

Scarcity was already apparent in 1994 with shipments selling out quickly according to a Retro Gamer article. This set the stage for the short supply that retro collectors now try securing copies of.

RPG Popularity Explosion

The past decade has seen a resurgence of interest in roleplaying games, especially classic JRPGs. Franchises like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest routinely top sales charts with new releases. Classic Super Nintendo RPGs get ported to every modern platform imaginable.

Hardcore fans and casual players alike develop an interest in experiencing these genre classics – for many, Chrono Trigger sits right at the top of their backlog.

Yet collectors also know that time is running out to grab original 90s copies. Chris Kohler from Kotaku puts it best:

"There‘s a rush on cartridges as people realize they are the true finite collectibles before the Video Game Crash, when everything will be streamed."

So we have surging demand colliding with dwindling undamaged supply – a recipe for soaring prices.

Comparatively Tiny Supply Today

To highlight the disparity, let‘s compare supply factors today between Chrono Trigger and a few landmark SNES peers.

Copies Sold Initially

So even Earthbound with its cult following moved over 5 times more units! Chrono Trigger is absolutely miniscule in relative volume.

Fast forward to today, and the difference is even more stark in terms of intact copies left:

Loose Cartridges on eBay Now

We already see far fewer Chrono Trigger cartridges in the wild than its landmark SNES peers – roughly 10-50X less supply, despite equal enthusiasm for these AAA titles.

Now consider that according to PriceCharting, only ~5,000 SEALED copies of Chrono Trigger remain across personal collections and grading companies. That‘s 1,000X less than total copies sold originally!

Auction Frenzy

Ultra-rare, investment-grade sealed copies of Chrono Trigger break records at auction routinely:

• March 2022 – $88,550 for sealed NTSC copy
• January 2022 – $60,000 for sealed PAL copy
• July 2020 – $50,000 for sealed NTSC copy

Expert collector J.P. Cohen explains the focus from high-wealth bidders:

"RPG fans who grew up with Chrono Trigger in the 1990s are now established adults with deep pockets. They seek out the ultimate copy for their personal collection as the crown jewel."

So intense demand for extremely finite supply drives eye-popping auction headlines. Even loose cartridges frequently sell for $120-$200+, whereas mint CIB copies fetch upwards of $800+.

Future Outlook

As retro gaming popularity continues marching upwards into the mainstream, Gen-X wealth concentration ramps, and pristine SAS 90s RPGs become extinct – all signs point to Chrono Trigger appreciating significantly.

Perhaps we‘ll see a 6-figure price barrier shattered within a few years for an indomitable sealed example. Near-mint CIB and high-grade loose cartridges also appear attractive to hold as liquid assets.

In summary, this is no typical game with countless millions printed. Chrono Trigger represents an extremely rare intersection of venerable pedigree and microscopic surviving supply. For collectors and enthusiasts, no price may be too high to secure a true Holy Grail.