Family BASIC
Nintendo Entertainment System · 1984
About this game
Family BASIC allowed users to program in a BASIC programming language (NS-HUBASIC) that was developed specifically for use on the Famicom.
The cartridge came with a keyboard and required the use of the Famicom Data Recorder in order to save any created programs.
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The cartridge was originally released as Family BASIC, but was later re-released as Family BASIC V3 with added memory.
This version also came packaged with some games already included.
Games are accessed by typing GAME followed by a space then a number (0, 1, 2, or 3).
The following are the games that were included: GAME 0 is the Heart Game.
Using either a microphone or the keyboard, players get to fill in a heart with Mario and Pauline (of Donkey Kong fame) meeting in the middle for a smooch.
GAME 1 is the Number Game.
Players control a penguin on a grid collecting numbers in sequential order while trying to avoid the Sidesteppers from Mario Bros. .
GAME 2 is the Mario Game.
Players are able to control Mario in game levels that they themselves make.
GAME 3 is Star Killer. 1 or 2 players control their spaceship trying to shoot as many enemies as they can.
About Nintendo Entertainment System
The Nintendo Entertainment System (1983 in Japan, 1985 in the West) revived the North American video game industry after the 1983 crash and established conventions — cartridges, licensing seals, save systems — that shaped the industry for decades. NES collecting is one of the most established retro markets: common titles remain cheap, but a well-known handful of low-print-run games (many from smaller third-party publishers) are among the most expensive video games in existence.
Gamevaro tracks Family BASIC for Nintendo Entertainment System 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 Family BASIC 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 NES release dates back to 1984.
Price history
Market values by condition
NTSC-J
Recent sales
| Date | Type | Region | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-07-16 | Graded New | NTSC-J | €479.31 |
| 2026-07-16 | Manual Only | NTSC-J | €34.07 |
| 2026-07-16 | Item only | NTSC-J | €53.87 |
| 2026-07-16 | Complete in Box | NTSC-J | €136.07 |
| 2026-07-16 | Box Only | NTSC-J | €20.95 |
| 2026-07-16 | New (sealed) | NTSC-J | €435.74 |
| 2026-07-14 | New (sealed) | NTSC-J | €435.05 |
| 2026-07-14 | Complete in Box | NTSC-J | €135.85 |
| 2026-07-14 | Graded New | NTSC-J | €478.55 |
| 2026-07-14 | Box Only | NTSC-J | €20.92 |
| 2026-07-14 | Item only | NTSC-J | €53.78 |
| 2026-07-14 | Manual Only | NTSC-J | €34.02 |
| 2026-07-13 | Box Only | NTSC-J | €20.91 |
| 2026-07-13 | Complete in Box | NTSC-J | €135.78 |
| 2026-07-13 | Manual Only | NTSC-J | €34.00 |
| 2026-07-13 | Item only | NTSC-J | €53.75 |
| 2026-07-13 | New (sealed) | NTSC-J | €434.82 |
| 2026-07-13 | Graded New | NTSC-J | €478.30 |
| 2026-07-12 | Complete in Box | NTSC-J | €135.78 |
| 2026-07-12 | Graded New | NTSC-J | €478.30 |
| 2026-07-12 | Box Only | NTSC-J | €20.91 |
| 2026-07-12 | Manual Only | NTSC-J | €34.00 |
| 2026-07-12 | Item only | NTSC-J | €53.75 |
| 2026-07-12 | New (sealed) | NTSC-J | €434.82 |
| 2026-07-10 | Complete in Box | NTSC-J | €135.92 |
| 2026-07-10 | New (sealed) | NTSC-J | €434.63 |
| 2026-07-10 | Graded New | NTSC-J | €478.09 |
| 2026-07-10 | Item only | NTSC-J | €53.73 |
| 2026-07-10 | Box Only | NTSC-J | €20.90 |
| 2026-07-10 | Manual Only | NTSC-J | €34.06 |
Market insights
Rarity & condition
Family BASIC 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 Family BASIC worth?
Family BASIC for Nintendo Entertainment System is currently worth €46.08 loose, €136.07 complete in box, and €435.74 factory sealed. Prices are based on real sales and update regularly on Gamevaro.
Is Family BASIC rare?
Family BASIC 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 Family BASIC?
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 Family BASIC, loose is €46.08 and CIB is €136.07 — CIB commands a premium because original boxes and manuals are fragile and often don't survive.
Ratings & Reviews
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