As a retro gaming enthusiast, I've always been fascinated by the ever-evolving landscape of the video game industry. In recent years, I have noticed a significant increase in the value of many unexpected retro video games. This trend is driven by a combination of factors such as nostalgia, the rarity of certain titles, and the increasing number of collectors entering the market. One particular console that has caught my attention is the Nintendo 3DS. Released in 2011, this handheld device has become a treasure trove for collectors, with certain titles fetching impressive sums in the thousands of dollars! Today, I want to share with you the top 10 most valuable Nintendo 3DS games and offer some insights into the future prospects of this market.
10. Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse - Launch Edition
This launch edition of Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse, released in 2016, includes a collectible metal emblem set. Due to its limited availability and the popularity of the Shin Megami Tensei series, it has become a valuable collector's item, with prices ranging between $100 and $150.
9. Kid Icarus: Uprising
While not a limited or special edition, Kid Icarus: Uprising has become a rare and valuable game due to its unique gameplay and the fact that it is the first new entry in the Kid Icarus series in over two decades. It also came with a handy stand, to ease wrist tension with challenging control mechanics. Prices for this title have reached $150 or more.
8. Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology - Launch Edition
Released in 2018, this launch edition of Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology includes an exclusive art book and a decal set. The game's limited print run has driven its value up, with prices ranging between $100 and $150.
7. Rune Factory 4: Platinum Collection
The Rune Factory 4: Platinum Collection includes the Nintendo 3DS software "Rune Factory 4 Best Collection, Nintendo DS software "Rune Factory 3" and 2 soundtrack CDs. Its limited availability has made it a sought-after collector's item, with prices reaching $180 or more.
6. Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth - Showtime Premium Edition
This premium edition of Persona Q2, released in 2019, includes a 5" Koromaru plush, an art book, a set of four buttons, and a deck of playing cards. The scarcity of this edition has driven its value up, with prices reaching $200 or more.
5. Bravely Second: End Layer - Collector's Edition
Released in 2016, this collector's edition of Bravely Second includes the game, a soundtrack CD, a 250-page artbook, and a collectible figure. Due to its limited print run, it has become a valuable item, with prices ranging between $200 and $300.
4. Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth - Launch Edition
This launch edition of Etrian Odyssey V was released in 2017 and includes a collectible outer box, artbook, and soundtrack CD. Its limited availability has made it a hot commodity among collectors, with prices hovering around $250.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D - Limited Edition
This limited edition of Majora's Mask 3D was released in 2015 and includes a collectible Skull Kid figurine. With its beautiful packaging and limited availability, it has become highly sought after by collectors, fetching prices upwards of $400.
2. Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward - Watch Bonus Edition
This rare edition of Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward, released in 2012, certain Amazon preorders included a limited-edition watch/bracelet themed after the game. Due to its limited production and the popularity of the Zero Escape series, this edition has become a valuable collector's item, with prices ranging between $400 and $500 for the complete set.
1. Fire Emblem Fates: Special Edition
This special edition contains all three story paths of Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright, Conquest, and Revelation. Released in 2016, its limited print run and the popularity of the Fire Emblem series have made this title highly valuable, with prices reaching $500 or more (With some sealed listings on eBay going far past the one-thousand dollars mark.
Is this the Top? The market for retro video games, including the Nintendo 3DS, is thriving. As more collectors enter the market and nostalgia continues to drive demand, it is likely that the value of these games will continue to increase. For collectors, this represents an exciting opportunity to invest in titles that not only offer a trip down memory lane but also have the potential for significant appreciation in value.
In addition, the recent success of retro gaming consoles such as the Nintendo Classic Mini series and the increasing popularity of digital distribution platforms like the Nintendo Switch Online service indicates that there is a strong appetite for retro gaming experiences. As more gamers seek to relive their favorite titles and discover hidden gems, the market for valuable and rare games like those mentioned above is set to expand even further. For those interested in entering the world of retro game collecting, I recommend doing thorough research on the titles and editions you wish to acquire, as well as monitoring market trends to stay informed about potential investment opportunities. And most importantly, have fun! As a collector myself, I can attest to the joy and satisfaction that comes from owning and preserving a piece of gaming history.
Hope you enjoyed this article. Sound off in the comments if you own any of these, or what the most valuable game in your collection is!
~Smash
The Bravely Second CE is nice. Though I'd imagine the original BD CE is up there in price as well (though that's purely speculation on my part). I have the Bravely Default 10th Anniversary Collector Set coming in tomorrow, but it's only a merch bundle, no games, and it was still available (last I looked) at the Squeenix Online Store if it was something Bravely fans just had to have.
The Radiant Historia CE would be nice to own, and as a longtime farming sim fan, so would that Rune Factory 4. The rest here is...pretty "meh." That Zero Escape bundle is probably the only title worth the fuss, purely for the nicheness of the series.
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