Final Fantasy Mystic Quest Artwork Listed for $350,000: Collector’s Market Reacts to Square Enix Rarity

A striking example of video game nostalgia meets collector fervor surfaced this week as the original cover artwork for Final Fantasy Mystic Quest was spotted for sale at an eye-watering $350,000.

The piece, which played a prominent role in introducing Western gamers to the Japanese role-playing genre in the early 1990s, has long held a special—if somewhat divisive—place in the legacy of Square Enix and its iconic Final Fantasy franchise on the Nintendo SNES. Final Fantasy Mystic Quest, released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1992 in the United States and 1993 in Europe, was a product of Square Enix’s (then Squaresoft) strategic effort to broaden the appeal of the JRPG genre outside Japan.

The game purposefully simplified the traditional mechanics and narrative intensity of its predecessors, earning it a reputation as an accessible, entry-level RPG for Western audiences.

While it helped introduce many players to turn-based adventures, critics and series fans often cite Mystic Quest as one of the weaker entries in the storied Final Fantasy lineage.

Despite this, the game has retained a dedicated fanbase since its debut. The renewed interest in the game’s cover artwork was fueled by Digital Eclipse Editorial Director Chris Kohler, who recently highlighted the listing on social media.

According to Kohler, the asking price for the artwork has astonished many in the community, given that it is set at $350,000.

While the painting is widely admired for its retro aesthetic and connection to the Final Fantasy brand, the consensus among collectors and fans is that the price is considerably inflated when compared to historical sales of similar gaming memorabilia. As one member of the community summarized, "Those waiting for the value of vintage game art to align with this listing will likely have to wait a long time." The sentiment has been echoed by many, as the general reaction across platforms has been one of disbelief at the sum requested.

While gaming collectibles have seen record highs in the recent past, with rare cartridges and limited edition hardware attracting substantial investments, this instance demonstrates the unpredictable nature of vintage video game art valuation. Final Fantasy Mystic Quest may never command the prestige of its more complex series counterparts, but its artwork serves as a tangible reminder of Square Enix’s early efforts to engage Nintendo audiences in the West.

As conversation around this listing continues, the legacy and cultural value of SNES-era titles and their associated memorabilia remain central to ongoing discussions within the collector community.

Final Fantasy Final Fantasy Mystic Quest Square Square Enix Nintendo Enix