Hidden Gems Every Video Game Collector Should Know About

4 January 2026

So, you've got shelves full of plastic cases, rare cartridges, and maybe even a few sealed copies of big-name releases. But let’s be honest—every video game collection has the usual suspects. We're talking your Super Mario, Zelda, Final Fantasy—great games, don’t get me wrong—but what about the obscure, the underrated, and the straight-up forgotten? That’s where the real fun begins.

This is for the collectors, the curious gamers, and anyone who loves stumbling across that rare piece most people missed. Ready to fall down the rabbit hole of nostalgia, obscurity, and absolute gaming joy? Let’s dive into those hidden gems every video game collector should know about!

Why Hidden Gems Matter For Collectors

Before we start naming names, let’s answer this: why should you even care about these "hidden" games?

Well, think of it like crate-digging for vinyl. Sure, you could grab the latest pop album, but finding that unheard indie record from the '70s? That’s magic. Hidden gems in gaming are often those lost masterpieces—games that, for whatever reason, didn’t get the love they deserved when they launched. Maybe they were overshadowed, poorly marketed, or released at the wrong time.

They're the games that weren’t supposed to be legendary…but kind of are.

And guess what? Many are still affordable (for now) and can skyrocket in value as more collectors catch on. Your wallet—and your inner gamer—will thank you.

The Criteria: What Counts As A Hidden Gem?

Let’s set some ground rules so we’re on the same page. A hidden gem, for this article, is:

- A game that wasn’t commercially successful or widely recognized at launch.
- Critically underrated or misunderstood.
- Unique gameplay, aesthetics, or storytelling.
- Hard to find but not totally impossible!
- Cult following or underground respect.

Alright, ready to go treasure hunting? Let’s hit the pixelated trail.

PlayStation 1: The OG Treasure Chest

1. _Tomba!_ (1998)

Ever played a game where you tackle pigs to save the world? Tomba! is that kind of weird and wonderful. This quirky platformer mixes RPG elements with side-scrolling action, wrapped in vibrant 2.5D graphics. It didn’t shine commercially, but its charm makes it a must-have.

Get it if you love: Zelda meets Saturday morning cartoons.

2. _Einhander_ (1997)

Square Enix (back when it was just Square) did more than RPGs—and this side-scrolling shooter proves it. Einhander is sleek, fast, and surprisingly deep. Plus, the visuals still hold up remarkably well.

Get it if you love: Sci-fi, bullet hell, and futuristic vibes.

Super Nintendo (SNES): Pixel Perfection

3. _Demon’s Crest_ (1994)

People slept HARD on this one. You play as Firebrand, a demon with a bad attitude and wings to prove it. It’s dark, moody, and layered in gameplay. Think gothic Mega Man with RPG undertones.

Get it if you love: Dark fantasy, Capcom magic, and beautifully haunting pixel art.

4. _Pocky & Rocky_ (1992)

A shrine maiden and a raccoon taking on mythological baddies in top-down shooter fashion? Weird combo, but it works. It's fast, frantic, and full of personality. Plus, the co-op is a blast.

Get it if you love: Couch co-op, quirky Japan-themed aesthetics, and tough-as-nails action.

Sega Dreamcast: The Cult King

5. _Illbleed_ (2001)

This one’s not just a hidden gem, it’s a hidden nightmare. Illbleed is a horror game that mixes B-movie vibes with off-the-wall gameplay. You’re not just surviving—you’re managing your heart rate, pulse, and panic meter.

Get it if you love: Resident Evil + Goosebumps with a dash of theme park horror.

6. _Jet Grind Radio_ (2000)

Stylish? Check. Funky? Double check. Jet Grind Radio (a.k.a. Jet Set Radio) made cel-shading cool before it was cool. It’s a graffiti-skating, anti-authority ride through Tokyo-to that’s aged like a fine wine wrapped in neon.

Get it if you love: Wild soundtracks, rebellious art styles, and unique movement mechanics.

Nintendo GameCube: The Oddball Era

7. _Gotcha Force_ (2003)

Yeah, Capcom did weird stuff. Gotcha Force is like a chaotic blend of Pokémon and Gundam. You collect and battle tiny robot troops, and the battles are as colorful as Saturday morning cartoons.

Get it if you love: Collect-a-thons, fast-paced battles, and childhood nostalgia you didn’t know you missed.

8. _Cubivore: Survival of the Fittest_ (2002)

Ever been a cube-shaped animal fighting other cubes to evolve and mate? Didn’t think so. Cubivore is so strange it's brilliant—abstract visuals meet survival-of-the-fittest mechanics.

Get it if you love: Darwinism, abstract art, and games that make you say “What am I even playing?”

PlayStation 2: The King of Mid-Tier Marvels

9. _RAW Danger!_ (2006)

From the makers of Disaster Report comes this survival sim where you deal with floods, collapsing buildings, and cold weather. It’s low-budget but high-concept, and incredibly immersive for its time.

Get it if you love: Tense survival without zombies, environmental storytelling, and decision-based gameplay.

10. _God Hand_ (2006)

One word: bonkers. This action brawler from Clover Studio is loud, rude, and wildly fun. It’s got crazy combos, over-the-top enemies, and a difficulty level that slaps you in the face.

Get it if you love: Devil May Cry with a side of WTF.

Handheld Heroes: GBA & DS

11. _Car Battler Joe_ (GBA, 2001)

It’s like Mad Max reimagined by Nintendo. Custom build your battle car, take on missions, and ride through RPG towns. Seriously underrated, and way more fun than it has any right to be.

Get it if you love: Twisted Metal + EarthBound.

12. _The World Ends with You_ (DS, 2007)

Ok, this one’s gained a bit of a cult following, but it’s still not on as many collections as it should be. With its dual-screen system, unique combat, and Tokyo fashion aesthetic, it's one of the most original JRPGs out there.

Get it if you love: Kingdom Hearts but weirder, edgier, and more stylish.

Xbox & Xbox 360: Surprisingly Strong Contenders

13. _Phantom Dust_ (Xbox, 2004)

A psychic card-battle action game… yeah, try wrapping your head around that. It’s way better than it sounds, combining third-person shooting with deckbuilding in a dystopian world.

Get it if you love: Strategy with a side of superpowers.

14. _Enslaved: Odyssey to the West_ (Xbox 360, 2010)

From the creators of DmC comes this post-apocalyptic retelling of a classic Chinese novel. With gorgeous visuals, solid combat, and strong character work, it deserved way more hype.

Get it if you love: Story-driven action adventures with heart.

Modern Indies That Future You Will Thank You For Collecting

15. _A Short Hike_ (PC/Switch, 2019)

Cute, calming, and oddly profound. You play as a bird climbing a mountain, meeting quirky characters and collecting stuff. It's short, sweet, and delivers more emotion in an hour than some triple-A games do in 40.

Get it if you love: Animal Crossing but with purpose.

16. _Hollow Knight_ (Multi-platform, 2017)

Before it had cult status, this Metroidvania masterpiece flew under the radar. If you can get your hands on the physical Switch version, grab it—it’s bound to be a collector’s favorite for years to come.

Get it if you love: Dark Souls meets bugs in a beautifully haunted world.

Pro Tips For Finding Hidden Gems

Alright, you’re hyped. You want to hunt these beauties down. Now what?

- Hit up local game stores – they sometimes underprice what they don’t recognize.
- Check retro markets and conventions. Great places to trade and haggle.
- Online forums and subreddits – like r/GameCollecting.
- Don’t overlook imports. Some Japanese-only releases are chef’s kiss.
- Keep your collection documented. Apps like CLZ Games can help.

And hey, the journey is part of the fun. These games aren’t just "stuff on a shelf"; they’re chapters in gaming history waiting to be rediscovered.

Final Thoughts

The world of game collecting is more than just rare copies of Pokémon and signed editions of Skyrim. The real treasure lies in games that dared to be different—even if no one noticed at first. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, these hidden gems give your collection character, charm, and bragging rights.

So next time you’re browsing eBay or digging through a dusty bin at your local game store, keep your eyes peeled. You might just find a forgotten classic that changes how you see your collection.

And hey—if you find something amazing? Don’t keep it all to yourself. Share the love. There’s more than enough pixelated goodness to go around.