Original Donkey Kong Arcade Flyer Art Sells for Nearly $330,000 at Auction

An iconic piece of gaming history, the original Donkey Kong arcade flyer artwork, sold for nearly $330,000 at Landry Pop Auctions, more than doubling its estimated price. Created by illustrator Leslie Carbaga, the artwork is significant for featuring the first appearance of Mario and Donkey Kong, helping launch Nintendo's global success. It was saved from a dumpster by former Nintendo advertising director Donna Darbous during an office cleanup, who recognized its value and stored it for decades. The auction also included other rare Nintendo memorabilia from Darbous's collection, such as a Mario Santa Christmas card, Disney-themed Game & Watch art, a Punch-Out boxing glove signed by Mike Tyson, and sealed 'black box' NES games. The sale highlights the growing recognition of video game history as collectible art and the importance of preserving corporate artifacts that might otherwise be lost. As gaming culture matures, such pieces are increasingly seen as valuable cultural treasures, with more discoveries likely in the future.