A copy of The Uncanny X-Men for the Nintendo Entertainment System, signed by Marvel legend Stan Lee and graded at 9.2, has been listed on eBay for $1,200, according to a recent report. the cartridge, released exclusively in North America in 1989, is widely regarded as one of the hardest NES games due to its obscure password system, but the autograph and dual authentication from PSA and JSA are driving its preium. The seller is open to offers, signaling the niche demand for signed vintage gaming artifacts.

The $1,200 Buy-It-Now Price and the 9.2 Grade

The listing sets a high buy-it-now price of $1,200 , but as the source notes, the seller encurages offers, suggesting flexibility in a market where demand for signed retro games can be unpredictable. the cartridge's 9.2 grade out of 10, indicating minimal wear to the label and shell, is excellent for a 35-year-old game. By comparison, a standard unsigned copy of the same title sells for $10 to $20, according to the report; the entire premium here rests on the signature and its provenance.

How a 1989 NES Game Became a Stan Lee Collectible

The game itself, The Uncanny X-Men, was released only in North America and is infamous for requiring players to memorize a code displayed at the end of each level to continue. As the source explains, many children found this design frustratingly obscure, leading to poor critical reception. Yet the game's ties to the X-Men franchise—one of Marvel's most beloved properties—combined with Stan Lee's personal touch, transform a historically unplayable cartridge into a display piece. lee, known for his catchphrase "Excelsior" and countless cameos , co-created many iconic Marvel characters, and his signature on any item adds historical weight, according to the report.

PSA and JSA: Why Two Authentication Layers Matter in a Forgery-Prone Market

The eBay listing includes verification from PSA, with the seller also mentioning JSA authentication as a secondary check. In an era where autograph forgeries are common, such certifications are crucial for establishing trust, the source notes. The cartridge is unboxed, which typically would lower collectible value, but the signature compensates by adding uniqueness. For serious collectors, having both a condition grade and signature authentication provides a rare layer of confidence in a single item.

An Echo of Past Stan Lee-Signed Game Sales and the Growing Retro Market

This is not the first time a Stan Lee-signed game has been auctioned ; previous sales for signed copies of games like Spider-Man or X-Men on older consoles have fetched comparable amounts, according to the report. The combination of rarity, condition, and authentication makes this particular listing stand out in the growing retro gaming market. As the source indicates, items like this may appreciate in value if held by a long-term collector. For now, fans have the chance to own a unique artifact bridging Marvel and gaming history—but they must weigh the $1,200 cost against their enthusiasm.