The Most Rare Nintendo Switch Games And How Much They’re Worth

Video game collectors often get serious about tracking down all the rare, hard-to-find games they can get their hands on. Most of the rarest games are for retro consoles that have been out of print for decades, leading to many copies getting lost or damaged. But that’s not always the case.

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Although the Nintendo Switch isn’t an old system, some games have already become quite expensive and tricky to hunt down. Whether they’re special editions or only saw a limited physical launch, the following titles are the rarest and most difficult to find in the console’s library.

Updated on December 16, 2024, by PJ Molloy: Several extremely rare limited edition Nintendo Switch titles have popped up on the second-hand market recently, and their price tags are nothing short of mind-melting. We’ve updated the list with the newest rare finds.

20

The Messenger

Estimated Value – $278

Systems

Released

August 30, 2018

Developer(s)

Sabotage

ESRB

E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Language

Part Metroidvania and part Ninja Gaiden spiritual successor, The Messenger is a genre-bending 2D platformer inspired by the Sega Genesis. In addition to its tight platforming and hilarious writing, the game is known for its time travel mechanic, which lets you switch between 8-bit and 16-bit graphics.

The Messenger only had a limited physical launch, and despite the lack of any special collectibles or perks, it now costs a fortune. The cartridge by itself is worth six times more than the digital version. A complete, unopened copy is even more expensive, costing around $278.

19

Spiritfarer (Collector’s Edition)

Estimated Value – $325

Spiritfarer tells the story of Stella, whose job is to travel the ocean in search of lost spirits and help them transition into the afterlife. Despite its macabre premise, the game is famous for being cozy and heartwarming, albeit definitely a tear-jerker.

With such a relaxing game comes an equally cozy collector’s edition. The set includes a replica of the Everlight, a constellation lantern box, a collection of postcards and stamps, and a 96-page digital art book. Be prepared to see eBay prices up to $325 for the complete bundle.

18

Annapurna Interactive Collection

Estimated Value – $331

Annapurna Interactive Collection is a bundle of 12 indie games, bringing many beloved titles to a physical cartridge for the first time. The lineup includes:

• Donut County
• Gorogoa
• Hindsight
• I Am Dead
• If Found…
• Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition
• Neon White
• Sayonara Wild Hearts
• Solar Ash
• The Artful Escape
• The Pathless
• What Remains of Edith Finch

The collection was distributed by iam8bit, and only 2,500 copies were produced. New bundles usually go for $331. You actually save about $80 buying each game individually.

17

Night In The Woods (Collector’s Edition)

Estimated Value – $350

Often considered a must-play LGBTQ+ game, Night in the Woods is a side-scrolling mystery about Mae, a college dropout who returns home to discover the townsfolk are going missing. Thanks to its emotional story, well-written characters, and fantastic LGBTQ+ representation, Night in the Woods has one of the most gripping and inclusive narratives on Switch.

If you were lucky enough to order the Collector’s Edition before it sold out, you received an acrylic standee set of Possum Springs, a copy of Mae’s journal, a set of glow-in-the-dark art cards, and even a planisphere. To add all of that to your collection, you’ll need to drop roughly $350.

16

Castlevania Advance Collection (Ultimate Edition)

Estimated Value – $363

Metroidvania fans should try the Castlevania Advance Collection at least once. This bundle comes with the critically acclaimed GBA trilogy and Dracula X – a SNES port of the fan-favorite title Rondo of Blood.

The Ultimate Edition has a lot for collectors to enjoy, including three hand-drawn game maps, a decorative GBA box, a three-disc soundtrack, and even a shadowbox that lights up and plays music. Get ready to spend about $363 – double its original price.

15

Outlast (Murkoff Briefcase Edition)

Estimated Value – $440

Horror fans undoubtedly recognize Outlast. When journalist Miles Upshur gets an anonymous tip about horrendous experimentation occurring at Mount Massive Asylum, he quickly finds himself trapped in a world of monsters, cannibals, and evil scientists.

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Unfortunately, the only way to get a physical copy on Switch is to buy a rare limited version. Limited Run Games distributed the Outlast Murkoff Briefcase Edition, which contained the first two games in the series, a CD soundtrack, two reversible posters, and a two-part comic book. If you manage to find one, it’ll likely cost you around $440.

14

Star Ocean: The Second Story R (Collector’s Edition)

Estimated Value – $447

As a remake of a classic PS1 JRPG, Star Ocean: The Second Story R reimagines the tale of the space explorer Claude in a gorgeous 2.5D pixel art style. To celebrate the series’ return, Square Enix published a limited collector’s edition filled with all kinds of goodies.

The set includes a four-disc soundtrack with an exclusive collector’s edition sleeve, a 40-page soft-cover art book, and 24 mini acrylic stands featuring pixel art of the game’s main characters. It initially sold for $200 and has since doubled in price. A new copy sells for about $447 on eBay.

13

Bayonetta (Non-Stop Climax Edition)

Estimated Value – $463

Bayonetta and its sequel came to Nintendo Switch in 2018. To celebrate, PlatinumGames launched a Japan-exclusive limited bundle called the Bayonetta Non-Stop Climax Edition. In addition to the games, it included a steelbook case, 22 Verse Cards, and a full sheet of stickers.

Although the Non-Stop Climax Edition was never launched outside Japan, Western collectors can still import it. At this point, though, the price is pretty high. A new copy is worth about $463. To put that into perspective, that’s enough to buy a Nintendo Switch and five digital copies of the first Bayonetta.

12

River City Girls (Classic Edition)

Estimated Value – $466

Developed by WayFoward, River City Girls is a retro-inspired arcade-style beat ’em up. Take control of high school students Kyoko and Misako, who must take on the city’s toughest thugs to save their kidnapped boyfriends. The game quickly developed a loyal fanbase thanks to its eye-catching art style, quirky sense of humor, and excellent co-op multiplayer.

Those who ordered the limited Classic Edition received a slew of collectibles, including a CD soundtrack, a heart-shaped locket, a decorative NES cartridge, and Kyoko and Misako’s school ID cards. However, those treats come with a steep price. Be prepared to spend about $466 for a full set.

11

D&D Ultimate Enhanced Edition Collector’s Pack

Estimated Value – $488

The D&D Ultimate Enhanced Edition Collector’s Pack is one big, beautiful (albeit expensive) celebration of the iconic tabletop RPG. The bundle comes with five classic D&D games, including the first two Baldur’s Gate titles, Icewind Dale, Planescape: Torment, and Neverwinter Nights.

The goodies don’t stop there! You also get a set of metal dice, a leather journal, a parchment-style map, and even a skull-shaped stress ball (for your more frustrating adventures). Unfortunately for your wallet, all of these collectibles and games will cost you around $488.

10

Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night (Signed Collector’s Box)

Estimated Value – $520

The Bloodstained series is known for filling the void left by Castlevania’s absence. Despite its messy launch, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is widely considered a solid homage to Symphony of the Night. If you backed the game on Kickstarter, you got some special treats with your physical copy.

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High-tier Kickstarter backers received a signed copy from Koji Igarashi, former producer of the Castlevania series. It also came with a CD soundtrack signed by the game’s composer. If you’re lucky enough to find one, brace yourself for a $520 price tag.

9

Shantae And The Pirate’s Curse (Collector’s Edition)

Estimated Value – $546

It’s impossible to play a Shantae game without smiling. Unless you have to spend hundreds of dollars for a physical copy. Pirate’s Curse follows the titular half-genie as she joins Risky Boots’ gang to save Sequin Land from the Pirate Master.

Limited Run Games distributed the collector’s edition, bundled with a decorative Game Boy Color cartridge and box, a double-sided poster, a CD soundtrack, and three art cards. 2,900 copies were produced, resulting in staggeringly expensive price tags on eBay. Collectors will likely spend around $546 for the complete set.

8

Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster (35th Anniversary Edition)

Estimated Value – $611

Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster reimagines the first six games in the series for modern consoles. Standard copies are incredibly pricey because the game had a limited physical launch. However, the anniversary edition is even more expensive.

In celebration of the series’ 35th anniversary, Square Enix launched a special edition that included a two-disc vinyl record set, a 128-page hardcover art book, a lenticular sleeve for the game box, and eight figures of classic Final Fantasy characters. Since it was sold exclusively through Square’s website, it has become incredibly rare. Buying a new copy costs about $611​​​.

7

Persona 4 Golden (Midnight Channel Edition)

Estimated Value – $623

Initially a PS2 title, Persona 4 hit the Nintendo Switch in 2023 as the enhanced Golden version. This iconic JRPG follows a group of high school detectives who investigate a series of bizarre murders in which the victims are hung from TV antennas. Thanks to its mix of strategic life simulation, engaging dungeon-crawling, and gripping storytelling, it’s considered one of the best RPGs on the console.

The limited Midnight Channel edition comes with a ton of goodies, including a trading card set, Yu Narukami’s glasses, a statuette of Teddie, and a 3D shadow box depicting an all-out attack. The bundle launched with a whopping $200 price tag, which skyrocketed when supply ran out. Today, a complete copy costs around $623.

6

Blasphemous (Collector’s Edition)

Estimated Value – $724

Originally launched for the Switch eShop in 2019, Blasphemous is famous for its Metroidvania gameplay, punishing difficulty, engaging hack-and-slash combat, and thought-provoking story. Regular physical copies are already scarce, but the collector’s edition is even rarer.

Published by Limited Run Games, the collector’s edition came with a CD soundtrack, a double-sided poster, two pins, an art book, and, most impressively, a five-inch replica of the Mea Culpa sword. Unfortunately, it now costs nine times its initial price. A new copy with all the collectibles will set you back roughly $724.

5

Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & The Secret Hideout (Limited Edition)

Estimated Value – $749

Koei Tecmo’s Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & The Secret Hideout follows the titular Ryza, an alchemist’s apprentice who seeks adventure to escape her boring life. The gameplay blends turn-based combat with crafting mechanics, both of which involve alchemy.

The limited edition came with three art cards, an art book, a cloth poster, and an acrylic keychain. While the number of collectibles isn’t nearly as high as other rare special editions, it still costs a hefty $749. With that money, you can buy two Nintendo Switch consoles and two full-priced games.

4

Cult Of The Lamb (True Believer’s Edition)

Estimated Value – $894

Cult of the Lamb took the world by storm in 2022 with its engaging roguelike gameplay, cute storybook art style, and adorable characters performing unspeakably violent rituals. The True Believer edition is every fan’s greatest dream, yet every wallet’s nightmare.

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Initially priced at $255, the bundle included a Lamb plushie, a custom-made box, reversible cover art, an instruction booklet, a metallic paper art card, a signed 160-page hardcover art book, two acrylic art prints, and a digital soundtrack. The complete set is now worth around $894 – enough to buy the digital version 35 times.

3

Bloodstained: Curse Of The Moon (Pop-Up Shop-Up Edition)

Estimated Value – $909

Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon started as a Kickstarter stretch goal for Ritual of the Night and wound up being a masterful homage to the Castlevania series. This bite-sized 8-bit adventure looks and plays like an NES platformer with some quality-of-life updates for an extra layer of polish.

This specific edition was sold exclusively at Limited Run Games’ Pop-Up Shop-Up event in 2019. The only difference is the cover art, but that’s enough to balloon the value into the triple digits. Only a handful were made, and each is worth about $909.

2

The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild (Master Edition)

Estimated Value – $912

Systems

Released

March 3, 2017

Developer(s)

Nintendo EPD

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

ESRB

E for Everyone: Fantasy Violence, Use of Alcohol, Mild Suggestive Themes

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild needs no introduction. In 2017, Nintendo launched the Master Edition, which has since earned a spot among the rarest Zelda games of all time.

The Master Edition pulled out all the stops, including a Calamity Ganon tapestry, a weather-worn map of Hyrule, a CD soundtrack, a miniature statue of the Master Sword, and a Switch carrying case designed to look like a Sheikah Slate. If you want to add all those goodies to your collection, it’ll cost you a mind-boggling amount of $912.

1

Gris (Signature Edition)

Estimated Value – $1,527

You’d be hard-pressed to find a Switch game as beautiful as Gris. This exceptional 2D platformer follows a woman robbed of her voice while her world is stripped of color. As she explores, she slowly returns the hue to the land by bursting into tears after completing each segment. What this story means is up to you to interpret.

The beauty of Gris is matched only by an equally magnificent special version. The Signature Edition includes a gorgeous painting by the game’s director, a vinyl record, sheet music for the game’s soundtrack, and an art book. A new and complete copy of the set costs an average of $1,527, making it the rarest and most expensive Nintendo Switch game.

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