Yu-Gi-Oh! enthusiasts have a reason to be excited as the anticipated Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection gears up for its big release on February 27, 2025, available for both Nintendo Switch and PC. This nostalgic compilation neatly wraps up 14 classic games that hit the shelves between 1998 and 2004, during the heyday of the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance era. Intriguingly, five of these gems are making their international debut, having never been released outside Japan.
Konami has been steadily unveiling the lineup of games included in this collection as the release date inches closer. This is a part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Yu-Gi-Oh franchise, announced back in February 2024. Among these games, some predate the official release of the physical card game in Japan, further adding to the collection’s appeal. Over the last year, fans have eagerly awaited confirmation of which titles would make the cut, each announcement rekindling memories of their early gaming experiences.
The Japanese Nintendo eShop recently shed light on the entire roster of games fans can delve into with this release. Packing a punch with a 4.5 GB size, the collection includes delightful extras like the English physical Switch version, which will come with one of the sought-after Quarter Century Secret Rare “Harpie’s Feather Duster” cards. Players can look forward to quality-of-life enhancements such as a save/load feature and online battle capabilities, particularly in Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters 4: Battle of Great Duelist. As a cherry on top, gamers can expect future online support for other titles, along with customizable button layouts and settings tailored for each game.
Here’s a look at the full list of games featured in the Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection:
– Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters (1998 / Game Boy)
– Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters II: Dark Duel Stories (1999 / Game Boy, Game Boy Color)
– Yu-Gi-Oh! Monster Capsule (2000 / Game Boy Color)
– Yu-Gi-Oh! Dark Duel Stories (2000 Japan, 2002 United States, 2003 Europe / Game Boy Color)
– Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters 4: Battle of Great Duelist (2000 / Game Boy Color / Includes Online Battles Support)
– Yu-Gi-Oh! Dungeon Dice Monsters (2001 Japan, 2003 US, 2003 Europe / Game Boy Advance)
– Yu-Gi-Oh! The Eternal Duelist Soul (2001 Japan, 2002 US, 2003 Europe / Game Boy Advance)
– Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters 6, Expert 2 (2001 / Game Boy Advance)
– Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sacred Cards (2002 Japan, 2003 US, 2004 Europe / Game Boy Advance)
– Yu-Gi-Oh! Reshef of Destruction (2003 Japan, 2004 US and Europe / Game Boy Advance)
– Yu-Gi-Oh! Worldwide Edition: Stairway to the Destined Duel (2003 / Game Boy Advance)
– Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship Tournament 2004 (2004 / Game Boy Advance)
– Yu-Gi-Oh! Destiny Board Traveler (2004 Japan and US, 2005 Europe / Game Boy Advance)
– Yu-Gi-Oh! 7 Trials to Glory: World Championship Tournament 2005 (2004 Japan, 2005 US and Europe / Game Boy Advance)
While not every title in the collection may be etched fondly in fans’ memories, like “Reshef of Destruction,” others enjoy enduring affection. “The Eternal Duelist Soul” is often hailed as one of the series’ finest. Curious gamers are particularly eager to experience the five Japan-exclusive titles for the first time. There’s also a buzz in the community hoping Konami might eventually release a collection for PlayStation enthusiasts, featuring titles like “Forbidden Memories” and “The Duelists of the Roses,” which continue to hold a special place in fans’ hearts.
Konami’s celebration of Yu-Gi-Oh’s 25th anniversary includes not only this game collection but also exclusive trading card game releases and special offers in the free-to-play title Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel. As the countdown to February 27, 2025, continues, fans worldwide are gearing up to relive the magic of these classic Yu-Gi-Oh! titles on modern platforms.
