Why is Mario Party 7 so expensive?

Mario Party 7 has become one of the most valuable Gamecube entries for one simple reason – supply and demand. As an exclusive title for Nintendo‘s lowest-selling home console, it received a limited print run. Yet as a beloved local multiplayer game in an iconic franchise, demand has only intensified through the years. This scarcity and sustained popularity is inflating prices for complete used copies or even disc-only auctions. For nostalgic gamers or collectors, be prepared to fork over well over $100 these days.

Limited Availability Drove Up Values Over Time

Let‘s start by examining some sales statistics:

Lifetime Nintendo console sales:

As these numbers illustrate, the GameCube lagged far behind its contemporaries in market share. Consequently, Gamecube exclusives like Mario Party 7 received much smaller production runs than cross-platform titles. When we factor in nearly 20 years of attrition as gamers lose, break, or sell their copies, the available pool has shrunk even further. This simple supply vs. demand imbalance explains much of Mario Party 7‘s aftermarket premium.

Sustained Popularity as a Local Multiplayer Title

Core Mario Party fans generally agree – the series peaked with the superb Mario Party 2 and Mario Party 3 on N64. When referring to the Gamecube‘s entries, Mario Party 4 gets a lukewarm reception while Mario Party 5 brings the franchise closer to its former glory.

• Mario Party 6 and 7 are where the series regained its stride on Gamecube, striking a perfect balance between innovation and nostalgic callbacks.

As the last Gamecube title, Mario Party 7 also benefits from being the best-looking Mario Party game for the system. So when gamers gather to play older Mario Party titles in local multiplayer, this release still shines as a premier choice. Friends may have moved on from Gamecube games years ago, but booting up Mario Party 7 instantly transports them back. Its sustained popularity as the Gamecube Mario Party game bolsters its desirability long-term.

Unique Accessories Increase Value of Complete Copies

While the limited availability explains much of the loose disc price inflation, complete Mario Party 7 copies with the microphone and manual still fetch higher premia. This microphone enabled voice-activated minigames, creating a raucous party atmosphere perfect for its target audience. And kids being kids, many gamers back then probably weren‘t the most careful owners.

So finding a copy with the microphone in good shape is akin to discovering a four-leaf clover nowadays. This especially applies to sought-after Player‘s Choice variants. Since the mic was only ever compatible with Mario Party 7, replacements aren‘t readily available either.

As the below price chart shows, a complete copy commands roughly a $60 premium over a loose disc alone in equivalent condition:

For collectors trying to amass a full Gamecube set, the margins can widen even more for shrinkwrapped copies or high-grade samples. Given the steady climb across conditions in recent years, don‘t expect these premiums to disappear anytime soon either.

Conclusion – A Crowning Entry Worth the Collectibility Premium

Given the relative scarcity paired with enduring local multiplayer appeal and microphone accessory, most economists would expect Mario Party 7‘s rising valuations. When nostalgic gamers desperately want to revisit a specific gaming memory from their childhood, price becomes a secondary concern. And for serious Gamecube collectors, a complete high-grade Mario Party 7 copy remains a crown jewel.

Yet behind the dollars and cents lies a genuinely superb Mario Party title that still holds up wonderfully today. Is it worth the current premium? That depends on your budget and passion for the franchise. But if you have the means and desire, Mario Party 7 won‘t disappoint the next time friends come over. Just be ready for the mic-centric minigames to get loud!