Recounting five of the best Nintendo Switch game collector’s editions

There’s no denying that playing video games is an expensive hobby, due to the sheer amount of hardware, software, and accessories available in today’s oversaturated market. If you’re like me, the chances are that you not only enjoy purchasing a new game or console but also merchandise for your favorite games. Over the years, developers and publishers started to take notice of their audience’s obsession with physical goods, leading to the concept of the video game “collector’s edition.” Of course, Nintendo is no exception to this, so today we’re going to take a look at just five of the best video game collector’s editions available on Nintendo Switch.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Limited Edition / Master’s Edition

In March 2017, Nintendo Switch descended from the heavens, introducing the world to a console hybrid never seen before, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was its harbinger. Being extremely anticipated, it’s no surprise that Breath of the Wild received a collector’s edition on Nintendo Switch, or in this case multiple versions of it.

Depending on where you live in the world, Breath of the Wild’s collector’s edition comes in different shapes and sizes. As I live in Europe, we received The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Limited Edition, which came bundled with a copy of the game, an audio CD featuring a selection of the game’s music, and a Master Sword figurine. I was lucky enough to preorder one of these, and it was a perfect addition to any Zelda fan’s collection. That being said, it’s nowhere near as exciting as the American collector’s edition.

If you’re from Europe like me, you are probably used to missing out on a lot of things, such as JRPGs that we never received, and, of course, better collector’s editions. In America, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Master’s Edition was available in limited numbers at launch. This edition of the game was bundled with everything included in the European collector’s edition, as well as a map of Hyrule, a Sheikah Slate carrying case, and a limited-edition coin with the game’s logo engraved onto it. To make matters worse for European fans, some versions of the collector’s edition came with an autograph from Zelda series director Eiji Aonuma!

Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition – Collector’s Set

Now, this is where Europe gets its revenge, as we received the superior Nintendo Switch collector’s edition of Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition. America received the Definitive Works Set, which came bundled with a copy of the game, a premium hardbound art book with a special slipcase, and a nice collectible box to store it in. However, Nintendo took it one step further in Europe, as the Collector’s Set came with everything included its American counterpart, in addition to the game’s soundtrack on vinyl and a download code for the OST, a steel book, a large poster, and a beautiful collector’s box with the Monado printed on top.

The latter version of the game sold out quickly, with some fans from other countries opting to import this edition instead of purchasing the lesser version. Inexplicably, Nintendo likes to play a dice game each time it comes up with a collector’s edition, and this is one example of Europe getting lucky.

Octopath Traveler – Wayfarer’s Edition

Octopath Traveler is beloved by many for its classic JRPG gameplay and beautifully crafted art style. This carries over into the Nintendo Switch collector’s edition of the game, which was released in 2018 alongside the standard edition of the game. The Octopath Traveler – Wayfarer’s Edition comes bundled with a copy of the game, a double-sized world map of Orsterra, a replica of a leaf coin, an eight-page pop-up book with compartments, and a sound selection CD featuring some of the game’s music.

Thankfully, this version of the game was consistent throughout the world, except for the removal of the CD in certain territories. However, this collector’s edition was perfect for fans of classic Square Enix JRPGs and managed to portray the beauty of the game itself through physical means.

Danganronpa Decadence – Collector’s Edition

With the release of the Danganronpa series on Nintendo Switch last year, a collector’s edition for the physical version, Danganronpa Decadence, was made available in certain territories. The Danganronpa Decadence – Collector’s Edition came bundled with a 10th anniversary cloth poster, three Danganronpa lenticular prints, a physical cartridge with all three games, a remixed OST album, and a collector’s outer box. If you’re a fan of the Danganronpa series, this version is perfect for you.

Metroid Dread – Special Edition

Nintendo decided to make Metroid fans explode last year with the release of Metroid Dread on Nintendo Switch. To make its release even more exciting, Nintendo announced the Metroid Dread – Special Edition, which was released alongside the standard version on October 8, 2021. The Special Edition came bundled with a SteelBook with a copy of the game, art cards featuring the other 2D Metroid games, an art book, and a beautiful collector’s outer box. This version was definitely worth the money; I’m saying this while staring at my Special Edition with love in my eyes.

That’s five Nintendo Switch game collector’s editions that I find to be exciting and worthwhile for fans. With so many games being available on the platform, the chances are that I missed one of your favorites. That being said, let us know down in the comments if you have a favorite Nintendo Switch game collector’s edition!