#Chance #Collectors #Stock #Nintendo #Switch #Gear #Cheap #WorthPoint
In the 1980s, Nintendo dominated the home gaming console market with the groundbreaking Nintendo Entertainment System. The NES took the world by storm, spawning still-iconic franchises such as Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. Though the company faced stiff competition from Sony (with the PlayStation) and Microsoft (with the Xbox) throughout the next few decades, they have remained a constant and powerful presence in the gaming landscape.
The Nintendo Switch, first released in 2017, was an innovative system designed to bridge the gap between handheld systems and home consoles. It also received ports of many successful games initially released on PC or competing consoles, such as Skyrim and Slay the Spire. The system was a huge success, selling over 143.4 million units worldwide as of August 2024. However, a recent article from CNBC suggests that demand for the Switch is finally waning. With the so-called “Switch 2” rumored to be announced next year, the original Switch may be near the end of its life cycle—which presents a golden opportunity for collectors looking to make worthwhile investments.
Collecting Switch Games
The Switch’s library of games is vast, featuring first-party Nintendo exclusives alongside ports of countless popular PC and console games. Collectors have an enormous choice of where here to start. With Switch games still sold in game stores, anyone can begin collecting their favorites right away, with many titles going for between $20 and $40.
For collectors interested in rarer items, however, many special editions exist. The Legend of Zelda: The Breath of the Wild is an obvious place to start. Released in 2017 as an exclusive launch title for the Switch, this critically acclaimed game was what enticed so many people to buy a Switch in the first place. The Master Edition is the definitive version for collectors. It includes a copy of the game alongside bonus accessories such as a carrying case, a map, and a figurine of Link’s Master Sword, each a collectible in its own right. It can go for several hundred dollars.
Limited Run Games, a company that produces highly collectible physical editions of digital-only games, has released titles for the Switch collector’s market. One of the standout titles is Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse, a platformer with a superb art style and a strong cult following. Limited Run’s edition can go for over $1000 if graded.
Collectors will also want to check out the Final Fantasy I—VI Pixel Remaster collector’s set, which contains updated versions of the first six Final Fantasy games, two vinyl records, and several other accessories, such as figurines. The set was sold exclusively on Square Enix’s site and had a highly limited run. It is commonly resold for hundreds of dollars.
Collectors will always want to watch for editions that include physical items such as artbooks, soundtracks, or figurines. Such items can quickly become collectibles themselves. Beyond these notable examples, popular games such as Fire Emblem: The Three Houses and Metroid Dread have special editions with accessories that are sure to grow in value over time.
Switch Accessories and Special Releases
The Nintendo Switch console itself has been released in all kinds of themes. A notable example is the Animal Crossing New Horizons Switch, released alongside the widely popular game of the same name. A sealed, mint-graded Switch sold for over $700 in 2021. Other themed switches include the Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu & Eevee Switch, the Mario Red & Blue Edition Switch, and the Diablo III Eternal Collection Switch. These can still be acquired for around $350-$400. Now could be the ideal time to buy, as these may become highly collectible when the Switch’s successor is released.
Nintendo Switch games have had many special releases and accessories. Hollow Knight, already a successful title on PC and console, was packaged with a plushie to celebrate its release on Switch. There was initially no physical release of the game itself, but the box with the plushie contained a digital code that could be used to install the game on Switch. This plushie—even with an already-used and thus invalid digital code—can go for around $50.
One of the more interesting areas for collectors on a budget is the Amiibo market. Amiibos are small physical toys that provide in-game rewards when scanned by a Switch (or some other Nintendo consoles such as the Wii U). Amiibos are ideal for collectors looking for items that make for an impressive display. Many are very cheap to acquire, making them perfect for collectors on a budget or just starting their collection. You can start an Amiibo collection of Nintendo’s most iconic characters for a very low cost. Large sets of Amiibos are often seen at auction, some large sets going for several hundred dollars. However, collectors will always want to check the contents of any job lot and see if each Amiibo can be bought more cheaply individually.
End of an Era
With the Switch’s successor seemingly on the horizon and sales of the original Switch declining after a strong eight-year run, it looks as though we may be reaching the end of an era. The end of a console’s life cycle is always a prime time to start collecting, as every game or accessory purchase could be a big future investment.
With the Nintendo Switch having so many popular and iconic titles, accessories, and other collectibles to explore, interest is sure to remain high for many years to come.
Matthew Doherty is a writer, editor, and teacher specializing in all things history-related. His work has been published in the UK Defence Journal, the Small Wars Journal, and The Collector. He holds an MSc from the University of Edinburgh and a BA from the University of Leeds. In his spare time, he also writes science fiction stories.
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