2024 is the 25th anniversary of the beloved card game Yu-Gi-Oh. Also renowned for its successful anime adaptation, which aired during the card game’s most popular years in the 90’s and early 2000’s, the anniversary of the franchise has left fans with plenty to celebrate. From Olympic athletes repping the brand to new releases of retro card sets, there’s a lot of love for the trading card game.
Sadly, gamers have thus far been left behind, but that all changes now, with the Yu-Gi-Oh: Early Days Collection game pack for Nintendo Switch. Also released during the height of Yu-Gi-Oh’s popularity, these Gameboy games were a ton of fun, especially for fans who were totally immersed in the show and card game.
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Even with the game rivaling Magic the Gathering at times, some of the Yu-Gi-Oh handheld games were never released outside of Japan – until now. Well, sort of. Konami hasn’t provided an official release date for the collection yet, nor have they announced the full list of games included, but there are a few key titles that have mega-fans already buzzing.
So far, only five games have been revealed for the collection:
- Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Monsters (1998, Game Boy)
- Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Monsters 2: Dark Duel Stories (1999, Game Boy Color)
- Yu-Gi-Oh Dark Duel Stories (2000, Game Boy Color)
- Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Monsters 4: Battle of Great Duelists (2000, Game Boy Color)
- Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Monsters 6: Expert 2 (2001, Game Boy Advance)
Even though it’s a short list, it’s an exciting one! Dark Duel Stories was the only Yu-Gi-Oh game from this list to be released in North America originally, so no matter what, gamers in the West will at least gain access to four previously unreleased titles.
So far, Konami has confirmed few facts about the Yu-Gi-Oh: Early Days Collection, but they are enough to get fans excited. The game collection will offer at least 10 titles, all for $60, which isn’t too bad for such rare retro games. Additionally, the game will be released through a wide variety of retailers and will be a Nintendo Switch exclusive, at least at first. Possibly the most exciting detail for hardcore collectors is the fact that the physical edition will also come with one of two Quarter Century Secret Rare Harpie's Feather Duster cards.
The game can be pre-ordered now, through GameStop, Amazon, Walmart, and other retailers for $60. Fans may also want to check out the special edition card collections, as well as the many collectible figures currently available. The Yu-Gi-Oh: Early Days Collection is expected to have an official release date soon, so stay tuned and get your pre-orders in early!
Yu-Gi-Oh: Early Days Collection
- Publisher
- Konami
- Genre
- Retro
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Rating
- T
Venture back in time with an expansive collection of retro games from the early days of Yu-Gi-Oh! Featuring an iconic selection of titles, including games previously only released in Japan, such as 2000’s Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters 4: Battle of Great Duelists and 2001’s Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters 6: Expert 2. Many more titles to be revealed! Please note: Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters 6: Expert 2 is to be released in the original Japanese language.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Exclusive game titles
- Free, rare collectible card
- Not a lot of details available