How Much Was a Video Game in 1990 in GBP? A Look Back at Retro Gaming Prices
The price of a video game in 1990 in GBP varied considerably depending on the platform, the game's popularity, and the retailer. There wasn't a single, fixed price. However, we can paint a clearer picture by examining the factors influencing costs and looking at some examples.
Factors Affecting Video Game Prices in 1990:
- Platform: Games for the more established consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) or Master System tended to be cheaper than those released for newer systems, or those boasting cutting-edge technology.
- Popularity: Highly anticipated titles or games with popular licenses (e.g., Disney, movie tie-ins) often commanded higher prices.
- Retailer: Prices could vary slightly between different shops, particularly smaller independent game stores versus larger chains. Competition and sales would also impact cost.
- Format: While cartridge-based games were the norm, some games might have come with additional content, impacting the overall price.
Typical Price Range:
While precise figures are hard to pin down without access to specific historical price lists from individual stores, a reasonable estimate would place the average price of a new video game in 1990 between £25 and £40. This is equivalent to roughly £80-£130 in today's money, considering inflation.
What influenced these prices?
The relatively high price (compared to today's standards) can be attributed to several factors:
- Manufacturing Costs: Cartridge-based games had higher manufacturing costs compared to digital downloads.
- Marketing and Distribution: Advertising and getting games into stores involved significant expense.
- Demand: The market for video games was booming in the late 80s and early 90s, creating strong demand that supported higher prices.
Were there any cheaper options?
Yes, bargain bins and sales offered opportunities to pick up games for less. Second-hand games were also significantly cheaper than new releases.
How do 1990s game prices compare to today?
Today, video games have a much wider range of prices, from budget titles to premium AAA releases costing upwards of £70. However, considering inflation and the transition to digital distribution, the relative cost of games hasn't changed drastically. The cost of development and marketing has increased substantially, so today's prices are often justified by the considerably more complex and graphically advanced nature of modern games.
Were there any notable exceptions to the price range?
Some highly anticipated games or those with major licenses would have been priced at the higher end of the range, or even slightly beyond. Conversely, less popular or older titles might have been available for less, especially in sales.
In conclusion, while pinning down the exact price of a video game in 1990 in GBP is difficult, the range of £25-£40 provides a realistic estimate, reflecting a time when video games were a significant investment but still less expensive than many other forms of entertainment. The cost was largely shaped by manufacturing, distribution, marketing, and the demand at the time.
