Columns III
Columns III — frequently asked questions
- What platforms is Columns III on?
- Columns III was released on Linux, Wii, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Arcade.
- When did Columns III release?
- Columns III was first released on December 17, 1993.
About Columns III
Arrange the blocks of jewels falling from the top of the screen. If three or more jewels of the same colour are lined up vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, they disappear. Don’t allow them to pile up to the top, or you will lose the game.
Summary via IGDB.
Game details
- Platforms
- Linux, Wii, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Arcade
- Developer
- Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
- Publisher
- Sega Corporation
- ESRB rating
- E
- Game modes
- Single player, Multiplayer
- Official site
- Visit
Details via IGDB.
Reception
Every version compared
Prices, contemporary reception and the studio credited for each release
| Platform | Year | Loose | Complete | Sealed | Fake risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sega Genesis | 1994 | $11 | $20 | — | Low |
Also released on: Linux · Wii · Sega Mega Drive/Genesis · PC (Microsoft Windows) · Mac · Arcade. We haven’t priced or authenticated those versions yet.
Collector value & authenticity
Sega Genesis · PriceCharting sold data · Verified 2026-10-29
Other releases and variants
| Release | Loose | Complete | Sealed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese release (Columns III) | $16 | $41 | — |
How often it sells
- Loose: about once a month
- Complete: about once a week
- Sealed: about once a year
Sales frequency from PriceCharting's completed-sale records, as of 2026-10-29.
Price over time
- Loose
- Complete
A loose copy sold for about $3.99 in Apr 2009, $9.11 five years ago, and $10.99 as of Oct 2026.
Show as table
| Month | Loose | Complete |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2010 | $3.63 | — |
| Jan 2011 | $2.98 | — |
| Jan 2012 | $1.75 | — |
| Jan 2013 | $2.00 | — |
| Jan 2014 | $3.28 | $11.47 |
| Jan 2015 | $6.49 | $9.99 |
| Jan 2016 | $4.72 | $9.95 |
| Jan 2017 | $6.25 | $9.89 |
| Jan 2018 | $6.70 | $11.86 |
| Jan 2019 | $6.84 | $11.89 |
| Jan 2020 | $6.71 | $13.29 |
| Jan 2021 | $7.94 | $13.48 |
| Jan 2022 | $14.83 | $20 |
| Jan 2023 | $14.49 | $21 |
| Jan 2024 | $10.58 | $19.76 |
| Jan 2025 | $9.50 | $18.00 |
| Jan 2026 | $10.00 | $19.65 |
| Oct 2026 | $10.99 | $19.99 |
Monthly price estimates from PriceCharting's completed-sale records, sampled quarterly, through Oct 2026.
Release record
| Territory | Date | Product number | Barcode |
|---|---|---|---|
| North America | 1994 | T-23056 | 034912230569 |
| Japan | 15 October 1993 | — | — |
- Region
- JP+NA
- Released
- 1994
- Authenticity
- Low
A lively multiplayer Columns sequel that is cheap on a US cart.
Columns III is the Genesis version of Sega's falling-jewel puzzle sequel. It came out in Japan on 15 October 1993 and in North America in 1994, where Vic Tokai published it. Game Players called it a puzzle cart that has it all, including up to five-player simultaneous play with a multiplayer adapter, plus a mode with enemies, bosses and spells.
What the press said at the time
“Sega of Japan has improved upon their popular game Columns for great results. First off, you will see the graphics have improved”
How the Sega Genesis version differs
Game Players praised the Genesis cart as a puzzle game that has it all.
Also on other platforms
Arcade
- Arcade. The arcade original was published by Sega in Japan in 1993 and by Vic Tokai in North America in 1994.
Before you buy
Among US carts it sits just below the middle. The Japanese cart usually costs more than the US one, much more complete, and it has a different cartridge shape. Sega Retro lists it as working with Sega's Team Player.
Columns III screenshots
Watch on YouTube
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