Ah, Nintendo, I don’t understand your love/hate relationship with North America. We’ve embraced the Nintendo Switch, and it’s easily one of the highest-selling gaming consoles sold, month after month. Yet, when it comes to those sexy Nintendo collector’s editions and limited editions for the Switch, you refuse to bring them over to the West, and those hurt me and, I’m sure, various other gamers. While you tease us every time, then go, “Oh, these aren’t coming to North America; they’re either Japan or Europe-only deals,” it’s terrible.
But I feel like I’m putting the cart before the horse. So, what am I talking about exactly??
OK, let’s revisit. These are the last few collector’s and limited editions announced by Nintendo over previous years, such as the Astral Chain collector’s edition, Daemon X Machina collector’s edition, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening collector’s editions. Since E3 2019, each of these titles had a collector/limited edition announced for them. None of them are making their way to North America, and that’s a crime, I tell you.
Take the Astral Chain (not Astrotrain) collector’s Edition, for example. Sure, the game looks and sounds amazing. But I love those lovely collector editions; this one looks sublime. With a physical soundtrack, a signed artboard with a drawing from Masakazu Katsura, and a 152-page art book (DAMN!), who wouldn’t want this. GRRR!
Just look at it! Look at it!
Yet, this isn’t coming West. As of now, this is a European exclusive. It’s unfair, and I call it foul.
The Daemon X Machina Orbital Limited Edition upsets me. Mainly because I love all things mecha, and I’m looking forward to this game. This is the next best thing to a Gundam or Armored Core game; the demo had me salivating non-stop. Then they go and announce this, complete with a steel bookcase, a 100-page art book, and a 7.8-inch statue of the suit that you pilot in the game. This one is also European-exclusive.
NANI!
The final kick to the teeth is The Legend of Zelda Links Awakening Limited Edition, which is, you guessed it, a European exclusive release. Sure, we got The Legend of Zelda Links Awakening Dreamer Edition, but it doesn’t hold a candle to this. With a steelbook in the form of the original Gameboy and a 120-page artbook, this makes this perfect for any Legend of Zelda fan. Yet, we won’t see this gem in the West.
Of course, every collector’s or limited edition I’ve discussed can be had if you live in North America, but at a cost. Most places like Amazon UK or PlayAsia will happily sell you any of these. Assuming they have the stock. Just be aware you’ll have to spend an arm and a leg, not to mention worrying about if your stuff will even make it to you in time, or, in my case, at all. Just keep in mind that not everyone ships to North America.
I don’t know why the West keeps getting snubbed regarding these physical works of art. We love these physical gems as much as our overseas gaming pals. Despite the cost, we’ve also shown a willingness to pay for them. So why is it that Nintendo, outside of every other company, has shown such disrespect for its gaming audience in the West?? Why do you keep forsaking us?
