Most people buy their video games digitally these days. It’s convenient, cheap and fast. But there’s still something to be said for the physical collection of a video game, especially if it’s one you’re looking forward to or enjoy playing.
If you want to make this purchase special, you can consider purchasing the Collector’s Edition. These are often limited print editions in special packaging that not only include the game, but also physical goodies like a figurine, poster, soundtrack, and other memorabilia.
If you’re looking for a collector’s edition of a video game, we’ve rounded up the best websites where you can buy them.
Limited Run Games started in 2015, created by Josh Fairhurst and Douglas Bogart as a way to bring digital-only games to physical media. So far, they have achieved this for over 300+ matches.
The company publishes games for platforms like the Nintendo Switch, PS4, PC, and for retro consoles like the NES and Game Boy.
While you can often buy the physical games on their own, the real excitement comes from Limited Run Games’ Collector’s Editions.
Some of the games that received this special treatment include Doom, Jak and Daxter, Monkey Island, Castlevania, and Streets of Rage.
The advantage of Limited Run Games Collector’s Editions is that they usually work with the original creators to design something that fans will cherish, sometimes including signed certificates of authenticity.
Collector’s Editions usually come in large, specially designed packaging, with trinkets that recreate in-game items or include other items such as art prints, pins, and statues.
Fangamer is not only a great website for buying video game merchandise, but also for collector’s editions. You can expect the same gorgeous quality here.
If a game you love gets a Collector’s Edition that comes out on Fangamer, you should buy it. The attention to detail is top notch, clearly designed for die-hard fans.
Take the Stardew Valley set. Not only does it come in a great box with unique artwork, but you also get a wooden figure, lapel pin, comic book, farm deed, and cleaning cloth. These trinkets all match the aesthetic of the game and bring it to life.
Or the Spelunky set, which includes a large box in the shape of a recognizable idol from the game, a decoder medallion, a CD of the soundtrack, the explorer’s journal and a plush pug keychain.
These releases are limited edition, however, so you should act reasonably quickly if you wish. Luckily, many sets are reasonably priced, and you can often choose which platform you want to play on.
iam8bit bills itself as a “creative production company” that works with brands like Capcom and Nintendo to create a variety of experiences such as direct mail, commercials, and in-person exhibits. The company also produces video game collector’s boxes.
Many iam8bit Collector’s Editions are reprints of classic games. For example, you can buy a Genesis compatible playable cartridge from Aladdin, Earthworm Jim or Street Fighter II – the latter has a trifold box, with foil, gloss and embossing, and 1,000 of the cartridges glow in the dark.
But true collector’s editions are even better. iam8bit stands out because it puts a huge amount of effort into packaging the game. The Ori collectible set box glows in the dark (there’s a theme here!), while the Spiritfarer box is a presentation box of constellation lantern. Essentially, the packaging is a work of art on its own.
These come with the usual collectible feelies; things like a postcard and a set of stamps, an art book, a pin, and a stained glass window.
Strictly Limited Games, as the name suggests, produces Collector’s Editions in Fixed Editions. Many of them are individually numbered to make them even more exclusive.
A cool feature of the Strictly Limited Games store is that it tells you how much stock is left. If you need time to scrape together enough cash to dive into its luxury sets, this should give you a rough guideline.
While the other websites we’ve recommended cover indie games, this one really fits the definition. You may never have heard of some of the games on sale here, but that’s what makes it so amazing; even games with a niche fan base can benefit from picking up a physical copy with additional goodies.
The company also hosts a partner store. These are sets that are not directly made by Strictly Limited Games, but by other smaller developers and creators who need an outlet to sell their wares. Nevertheless, these are still worth a look and are top quality.
5. Straight from the publisher
If you can’t find the Collector’s Edition you’re looking for, you should also try buying directly from the developer or publisher. Many of them sell directly through their own online stores, where you can also purchase other items while you’re there.
For example, you should browse offers from sony, bandai namco, Maixmum Gamesand Bungie. This is just a small selection; go to your favorite developer’s website to see if they have their own store.
If you find something you like, but think it’s overpriced, try looking for it at a retailer like GameStop or Amazon. Although some developers do not sell Collector’s Editions through third-party retailers, some do. It’s worth shopping around before handing over your money to ensure you’re getting the best value.
Help support game developers through physical purchases
Physical games are a dying breed, so there’s something special about holding a game in your hands and enjoying the extra trinkets that come with a Collector’s Edition. Don’t let them sit on a shelf, unwrap them and enjoy them.
Buying a Collector’s Edition not only means you can express your appreciation for a game, but it also helps the developer; often more money from these sets ends up in their pockets, helping them fund future projects.
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