Columns
Sega Game Gear · 1990
About this game
Columns is loosely derived from Tetris , as it involves arranging falling blocks in such a way as to clear them.
However, in columns they are groups of 3 same-size but varying color blocks, which must be arranged into sequences of 3 or more, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
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Sequences of 4 or 5 count for double or triple points, and diagonal sequences score the most.
The real trick is to set up 'combos' - where one line causes other blocks to drop so as to create other lines.
As well as the normal game mode, there is also a 'flash' mode, in which the aim is simply to remove a particular block from the base of the pre-formed pile of bricks.
The difficulty of this can be determined by increasing the number of complete rows which are already in place.
About Sega Game Gear
Sega's Game Gear (1990) was a technically capable handheld competitor to the Game Boy, notable for its full-color backlit screen — a real advantage at the time, offset by famously poor battery life. Its commercial underperformance against Nintendo's handheld means smaller print runs overall, and complete, well-preserved cartridges (the plastic shells are prone to yellowing and cracking) are a genuine niche within retro handheld collecting.
Gamevaro tracks Columns for Sega Game Gear with separate market values for loose, complete-in-box (CIB) and factory-sealed copies, sourced from real eBay sales. Prices also vary by region — PAL, NTSC-U and NTSC-J releases of the same game often sell for different amounts due to print run sizes and regional collector demand.
Adding Columns to a Gamevaro collection takes seconds — search by title or scan the box barcode, and the app fills in cover art, release details and current pricing automatically. This GG release dates back to 1990.
Price history
Market values by condition
PAL
NTSC-U
NTSC-J
Recent sales
| Date | Type | Region | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-07-15 | New (sealed) | NTSC-J | €52.60 |
| 2026-07-15 | New (sealed) | NTSC-U | €52.60 |
| 2026-07-15 | New (sealed) | PAL | €63.56 |
| 2026-07-15 | Item only | PAL | €14.59 |
| 2026-07-15 | Item only | NTSC-J | €9.64 |
| 2026-07-15 | Item only | NTSC-U | €9.64 |
| 2026-07-12 | Box Only | NTSC-J | €9.13 |
| 2026-07-12 | Box Only | NTSC-U | €43.98 |
| 2026-07-12 | Box Only | PAL | €26.50 |
| 2026-07-12 | Graded New | NTSC-J | €50.04 |
| 2026-07-12 | Complete in Box | PAL | €64.03 |
| 2026-07-12 | Graded New | NTSC-U | €638.16 |
| 2026-07-12 | Manual Only | NTSC-U | €8.09 |
| 2026-07-12 | Manual Only | PAL | €4.33 |
| 2026-07-12 | Item only | NTSC-J | €3.43 |
| 2026-07-12 | Complete in Box | NTSC-U | €44.70 |
| 2026-07-12 | Manual Only | NTSC-J | €5.70 |
| 2026-07-12 | Item only | PAL | €2.71 |
| 2026-07-12 | Graded New | PAL | €142.63 |
| 2026-07-12 | New (sealed) | PAL | €129.67 |
| 2026-07-12 | New (sealed) | NTSC-J | €45.49 |
| 2026-07-12 | Complete in Box | NTSC-J | €22.82 |
| 2026-07-12 | Item only | NTSC-U | €6.41 |
| 2026-07-12 | New (sealed) | NTSC-U | €148.73 |
| 2026-07-10 | Item only | NTSC-J | €3.43 |
| 2026-07-10 | Item only | PAL | €2.76 |
| 2026-07-10 | New (sealed) | NTSC-J | €45.47 |
| 2026-07-10 | New (sealed) | PAL | €129.61 |
| 2026-07-10 | Manual Only | NTSC-J | €5.70 |
| 2026-07-10 | Box Only | PAL | €26.49 |
Market insights
Rarity & condition
Columns has a steady sales history on the tracked marketplaces, meaning enough copies circulate to establish a reliable market price.
Complete-in-box (CIB) copies typically command a premium over loose cartridges/discs because the original box and manual are more fragile and get discarded or damaged over time — fewer complete sets survive.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Columns worth?
Columns for Sega Game Gear is currently worth €14.59 loose, €64.03 complete in box, and €129.67 factory sealed. Prices are based on real sales and update regularly on Gamevaro.
Is Columns rare?
Columns has a steady sales history on the tracked marketplaces, meaning it trades hands regularly and isn't considered particularly rare.
What's the difference between loose, CIB and sealed for Columns?
Loose means cartridge or disc only, CIB (complete in box) includes the original box and manual, and sealed means factory-sealed and never opened. For Columns, loose is €14.59 and CIB is €64.03 — CIB commands a premium because original boxes and manuals are fragile and often don't survive.
Is Columns worth more in PAL or NTSC?
The PAL version of Columns is currently worth €14.59 loose, versus €9.64 for NTSC-U. Regional price differences usually come down to print run size and regional collector demand.
Ratings & Reviews
Also on other platforms
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