It isn’t just cards and comics — records are being broken by CGC-certified video games, too! A Final Fantasy VII for the PlayStation (1997) graded CGC 9.9 A++ recently realized more than $185,000 in a Goldin auction, shattering the previous record for the highest-selling graded example of the PS1 classic. It was just one of dozens of CGC-certified video games that were offered in Goldin’s 2026 Summer Pop Culture Elite Auction, which ended on September 10, 2026.
The sealed Final Fantasy VII for the Sony PlayStation (1997) graded CGC 9.9 A++ (lot 121) realized $185,303, breaking the previous record set in 2021 by more than $40,000. It was also the second highest-selling collectible in the Goldin auction, beating other desirable collectibles such as trading cards, other video games, and other memorabilia. Final Fantasy VII is notable for being the first Final Fantasy game to be made with 3D graphics, marking a pivotal evolution of the franchise. Final Fantasy VII is considered one of the most important RPGs of all time because of its compelling story, stunning soundtrack, and groundbreaking graphics.
“In 2022, CGC expanded its expert grading and authentication services to include sealed, complete-in-box, and cartridge-only video games,” said Kenneth Thrower, Director of Grading at CGC Video Games. “Since then, collectors have come to trust CGC to make sure their games are authentic and properly graded, which is now being reflected in record-breaking sales, such as this Final Fantasy VII."
Other CGC-certified video games in the auction included:
a sealed Resident Evil for the Sony PlayStation (1996) Ridged Longbox variant graded CGC 9.6 A++ (lot 119) that realized $93,940
a sealed Tekken for the Sony PlayStation (1995) Jewel Longbox variant graded CGC 9.9 A+ (lot 117) that realized $56,120
a sealed Super Smash Bros. for the Nintendo 64 (1999) graded CGC 9.4 A+ and pedigreed to the Dubai Collection (lot 122) that realized $18,301
a sealed Pokémon: Gold Version for the Nintendo Game Boy Color (2000) graded CGC 9.8 A++ (lot 142) that realized $15,860
a sealed Phantasy Star II for the Sega Genesis (1990) graded CGC 9.8 A+ (lot 1021) that realized $13,420
All prices realized include a buyer’s premium.