Is the Nintendo Switch Worth Collecting? A Comprehensive Collector‘s Guide
As a life-long Nintendo fan and avid game collector, few things get me more excited than a new Nintendo console release. In the four years since its launch, the Nintendo Switch has exceeded nearly all expectations to become one of the most successful, influential and beloved Nintendo systems of all time.
For collectors like myself, the Switch has been a revelation. The system‘s incredible popularity, combined with its fantastic library of games, make it a new favorite for collectors old and new. Let‘s dive into the many factors that make the Nintendo Switch a must-collect console.
The Switch‘s Historic Sales Success Cannot Be Ignored
With over 118 million units sold worldwide as of September 2022, the Switch has etched its name into the history books as Nintendo‘s third highest selling home console ever. For perspective, it took the SNES and N64 six years to reach what the Switch did in under five.
The Wii is the only Nintendo home console with higher lifetime sales, buoyed in large part by its mainstream casual appeal. Among more traditional gamers, the Switch may ultimately surpass the Wii as Nintendo‘s most popular modern console.
The Switch has been breaking Nintendo sales records across the board. [Source: Nintendo]
These astronomical sales figures suggest that the Switch will have one of the largest potential collector bases of any Nintendo platform. High demand from tens of millions of owners will likely maintain values for Switch items long-term.
The Appeal of Switch Exclusives and First-Party Games
Software drives hardware sales, and the Switch‘s all-star library has been a huge contributor to its success. Exciting exclusives like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey helped drive early adoption, while excellent ports like Skyrim and cross-platform games like Fortnite expanded the audience.
However, Nintendo‘s first-party franchises have remained the core appeal. Series like Mario, Zelda, and Animal Crossing have absolutely thrived on Switch, garnering massive sales:
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons – 40 million units
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – 52 million units
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – 29 million units
These evergreen Nintendo series have staying power due to nostalgia and brand strength. Looking back, NES and SNES-era Mario and Zelda games still drive huge collector demand despite their age. I expect Switch exclusives will have equally strong appeal for decades to come.
Special and Limited Edition Variants Are Always Valuable
One area where the Switch has proven extremely collector-friendly is its wide array of limited edition console and game variants. Nintendo has produced dozens of special edition Switch models featuring colorful Joy-Con controllers, custom designs, and artwork from popular franchises.
Finding these limited edition Switches on launch day was nearly impossible due to scarcity. Now, sealed units easily sell for 2-3X the original MSRP:
| Limited Edition Model | Original MSRP | Current Value |
|---|---|---|
| Monster Hunter Rise | $300 | $600-$800 |
| Fortnite | $300 | $700-$900 |
| Pokémon Let‘s Go Pikachu/Eevee! | $400 | $900-$1,100 |
The story repeats itself with limited edition Switch games, often exclusive to a single retailer. Variants like the Target-exclusive Fire Emblem: Three Houses Seasons of Warfare Edition can sell for ridiculous multiples of the original price. As print runs shrink, these special editions become holy grails.
Supply Chain Woes Have Restricted Availability
Console collectors are intimately familiar with the frustration of sell-outs and low stock. Throughout 2022, the Switch was extremely difficult to purchase at retail thanks to COVID-related supply chain issues and component shortages.
Hot new releases like Pokémon Legends: Arceus were virtually impossible to find in stores for weeks after launch. Even the Switch OLED saw low stock that quickly evaporated. This scarcity only increased demand and aftermarket prices. When sealed product is hard to find, collector and reseller interest surges.
As supply issues ease in 2024, values may stabilize. But for patient collectors, short-term volatility often gives way to steady long-term growth. The most desirable items maintain appeal.
The Hardware Itself Stands Out For Collectors
The Switch‘s unique convertible design and detachable Joy-Con controllers make the hardware itself uniquely appealing for collectors. You simply won‘t find anything like it among past Nintendo systems or the Xbox/PlayStation.
As a product, the Switch feels special in ways beyond just its games. This might be intangible, but there is something undeniably charming about the innovative Joy-Con grip and ability to transition seamlessly between handheld and TV gaming. I always enjoy displaying both Switch forms in my collection.
Ten years from now, I am confident the Switch‘s distinctive look and feel will stand out on collectors‘ shelves, driving interest in mint and complete-in-box units. It will be a console that evokes nostalgia for a period in gaming history.
What Expert Collectors Are Saying
As an enthusiastic but amateur collector, I was curious what gaming history experts think of the Switch‘s prospects. The opinions of professional collectors provide great insight:
"The Switch checks off every box you look for in something primed for collectibility," says Jamie Johnson, owner of Collector‘s Quest gaming shop. "You‘ve got incredible mainstream popularity, scarcity of high-demand items, and association with beloved Nintendo IP. Thirty years from now, people will look back on the Switch as a classic."
"People used to ask me if modern games are worth collecting compared to vintage titles," remarks Alex Garcia of the National Videogame Museum. "But games like Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild are as good as anything from the ‘90s. And the Switch itself looks so unique compared to a gray box. I don‘t see any reason its collectibility will be less than past Nintendo consoles. The quality is there."
Keeping Your Collection In Pristine Condition
As with any collector‘s item, condition is paramount when it comes to valuation. But properly storing and displaying newer items like Switch games presents different challenges compared to protecting vintage cartridges. Here are some of my tips:
- Avoid sunlight/UV exposure – Box art and manuals fade easily so keep them shielded
- Moderate temperature/humidity – Heat and moisture damage seals and warp materials
- Limit handling – Oils from skin can degrade surfaces over time
- Use protective cases – Acrylic or premium card cases help prevent wear
- Inspect for damage – Small creases, tears or crushed corners reduce value
Taking care to minimize wear and tear on your Switch hardware and software will help them retain their collector appeal decades down the road, when they may be worth a great deal.
The Verdict: A Must-Collect System for Nintendo Fans
Given its record-setting popularity, fantastic exclusive games, and unique aesthetic, the Nintendo Switch looks poised to take a place among the pantheon of coveted Nintendo systems for collectors and gaming history enthusiasts.
In the four years since its launch, the Switch has earned nearly universal acclaim from critics and fans alike. As Nintendo‘s fastest-selling home console ever, it will likely maintain high demand from a massive base of owners as the platform matures.
While only time will tell, the Switch seems destined to be remembered with the same nostalgic sentiment granted to classics like the NES and Super Nintendo. When you consider the console‘s merits holistically, collecting for the Switch today could prove extremely rewarding in the long run.