From NES to Switch: The History of Nintendo Collecting

5 July 2026

If you're a gamer, chances are Nintendo has touched your life in some way. From the 8-bit glory days of the NES to the hybrid brilliance of the Switch, Nintendo has been a cornerstone of gaming culture. But beyond just playing the games, there's a whole separate thrill for fans: collecting. And let me tell you, the journey from the NES era to the Switch isn't just about technological upgrades—it's a vibrant, ever-changing world of memories, stories, and plastic treasures tucked into cardboard boxes.

In this post, we’re diving headfirst into the fascinating history of Nintendo collecting. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just now catching the bug, there’s something nostalgic and exciting waiting for you here.

The Beginning: NES and the Birth of Video Game Collecting

Let’s rewind to 1985. The NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) hit American shores and revolutionized the gaming world. It wasn’t the first console, but it might as well have been. With titles like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, Nintendo didn’t just sell games—they built worlds we didn’t want to leave.

Now, you probably weren’t thinking about “collecting” back then. Most of us were kids ripping boxes open on Christmas morning. But fast forward a few decades, and those same gray cartridges—complete with worn-out labels—are now collector’s gold.

Why NES Collectibles Are So Hot

The NES is where it all started for a lot of fans. That nostalgic pull is powerful. Combine that with rarity (some games had super limited runs), and you’ve got a recipe for high value. Sealed copies of games like Stadium Events or Little Samson? Those can go for thousands. No joke.

But it's not just the games. Original controllers, power gloves, boxes, manuals—it all adds up. The NES collecting scene lit the spark, and boy did it catch fire.

The Super Nintendo Era: Boxes, Manuals, and the Hunt for Completeness

Jumping into the early '90s, the SNES took everything great about the NES and added more color, better sound, and smoother gameplay. For collectors, though, this generation brought a new challenge: cardboard.

The Box Factor

Unlike Sega, which used hard plastic clamshell cases, Nintendo stuck with cardboard boxes. Why does this matter? Because cardboard is fragile. Kids didn’t save boxes—they tossed them or tore them apart. So finding a complete-in-box (CIB) SNES game today is like finding a needle in a haystack. And if that box is mint? Jackpot.

Key Titles That Drive Value

- EarthBound: It came in a huge box with a strategy guide. Now, that same set in good condition is worth a small fortune.
- Chrono Trigger: Beloved RPG, tough to find complete, and always in demand.

Collectors began to realize something: these weren’t just games—they were artifacts.

The N64 Wave: Cartridges and the Rise of 3D Nostalgia

Next up, the Nintendo 64. Released in 1996, it brought us into the world of polygons and 3D adventures. Mario’s first steps in Super Mario 64 were like watching history being made.

But collecting for the N64? That's a different beast.

The Good and the Bad

On the plus side, N64 cartridges are durable. Unlike fragile discs, they don't scratch. That makes it easier to find loose (cart-only) games in good shape.

The downside? Nintendo still used cardboard packaging. So if you’re trying to collect CIB N64 games, prepare to spend some time (and money) tracking them down.

Highly Sought-After Titles

- Conker’s Bad Fur Day: Crude, hilarious, and released late in the N64’s life. Low production = high value.
- Super Smash Bros.: There’s always demand for the game that started one of Nintendo’s biggest franchises.

Also, shoutout to the colored cartridges—Donkey Kong 64’s neon yellow cart is iconic.

GameCube Era: From Underrated to Collector's Darling

When the GameCube launched in 2001, it didn’t quite light the world on fire. Sony’s PS2 was dominating, and the Cube's weird mini-discs and lunchbox design didn't help. But now? It's one of the hottest markets in Nintendo collecting.

Why GameCube Collecting is Booming

- Small library: Fewer games mean a more manageable collection.
- Cult classics: Titles like Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance or Skies of Arcadia Legends saw low print runs and now command big prices.
- Nostalgia wave: The kids who grew up with the GameCube are now adults... with disposable income.

Plus, GameCube used plastic cases with memory card holders. Easier to store, harder to damage—win-win for collectors.

Wii and Wii U: Affordable Now, But Not for Long

Let’s not forget the motion-control revolution of the Wii era. It was a phenomenon. Grandma was bowling, kids were sword fighting, and living rooms became (mildly dangerous) arcades.

The Wii's Current Collectibility

Right now, Wii games are super affordable. You’ll find bins of them at flea markets and thrift stores. But here’s the thing: those prices won’t stay low forever. Some gems are already climbing:

- Metroid Prime Trilogy
- Xenoblade Chronicles
- Silent Hill: Shattered Memories

Wii U, on the other hand, is already becoming a collector’s niche due to its low sales and small library. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD and Devil’s Third are picking up value fast.

So if you've got Wii or Wii U games lying around in good condition, now’s the time to think long-term.

Handhelds: Don’t Sleep On the Portables

You can’t talk about Nintendo without mentioning their handhelds—Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, DS, and 3DS. These little machines shaped entire childhoods.

Game Boy and GBA Worth Watching

Original Game Boy games like Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow are evergreen collector’s items. They’re nostalgic, easy to showcase, and packed with childhood memories.

Game Boy Advance? It’s just starting to heat up. Games like Fire Emblem, Ninja Five-O, and Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow are climbing steadily in value.

Bonus: modding Game Boys with backlit screens and new shells has exploded in popularity. It’s like hot-rodding classic cars, but for your pocket.

Nintendo Switch: The Modern Collectible

Ah, the Switch. Released in 2017, and still going strong. It’s the first Nintendo console to combine handheld and home play, and it’s churned out hit after hit.

So what does collecting Switch games look like?

Physical Still Matters

Despite the rise of digital downloads, many collectors still go for the cartridges. Physical editions—especially limited prints or special editions—hold value and look great on shelves.

Games Already Gaining Value

- Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (especially the Collector’s Edition)
- Bayonetta (physical copy of the first game is rare!)
- Limited Run Games releases: These guys do short, physical runs of indie games. Very collectible.

So yes, you can be a Switch gamer and a Switch collector at the same time. It’s the best of both worlds.

Tips for Aspiring Nintendo Collectors

Thinking about diving into Nintendo collecting? Here are some quick tips to help you get started without burning your wallet:

1. Start with What You Love

Collect the consoles and games you grew up with. Passion drives better collecting—and it’s way more fun.

2. Go for CIB When You Can

"Complete in Box" items hold more value and look awesome on a shelf. But don't stress if you start with loose carts.

3. Check Value Trends

Sites like PriceCharting can give you a ballpark estimate of a game’s value. Prices can fluctuate, so keep an eye out for deals.

4. Condition Matters

Scratched discs, torn labels, crushed boxes—these can all impact value. If you’re spending real money, make sure you’re getting good condition.

5. Protect Your Collection

Invest in cases, protectors, and dust covers. You’re not just buying games, you’re preserving history.

The Emotional Value of Nintendo Collecting

This part’s often overlooked. Yes, you can make money collecting. But for many of us, it’s about something way deeper.

It’s about revisiting the first time you beat Bowser. Or catching that elusive Pokémon. Or playing Mario Kart 64 with your cousins until sunrise. These aren’t just games. They’re time machines.

So when you're holding a Game Boy cartridge with a faded label, understand this: you’re holding a piece of your own past. And that? That’s priceless.

Final Thoughts

From the blocky pixels of the NES to the HD beauty of the Switch, Nintendo collecting is a wild, colorful, and emotional ride. It's not just about owning stuff—it's about capturing a feeling, a memory, a slice of gaming history.

Whether you’re deep into complete collections or just starting out with a few games from your attic, you're part of a global community that gets it. You're not just playing the game… you're preserving the legend.

So go ahead—fire up that old console, hit pause on adulthood for a bit, and let the collecting begin.