They cost that much because they are the only ones making them....can pretty much charge what they want.

People will pay because without a good board the 6-8K game won’t work. Shitbox deal until a cheaper after market solution is available.

And the choice after that is to not buy any NIB/modern games. Not many manufacturers to choose from so it’s sort of a monopoly.

Only good thing is in many cases manufacturers have stepped up to help owners and send replacement boards. If you want a spare set it sucks.