Occasionally, some video games hit the market accompanied by a Collector’s Edition designed for fans and those who, beyond playing, enjoy collecting items tied to their favourite franchises. Seeing these special editions is always a pleasure, especially when they include unique gadgets and objects that directly evoke the game world.
In recent years, however, not all collector’s editions have convinced me, even though it must be admitted that in the past some did leave a bit to be desired. Today, therefore, I want to talk to you about the 5 Collector’s Editions I absolutely wanted to have, but unfortunately failed to collect. For some, in fact, I was perhaps still too young to understand how special they could become.
Before we begin, a clarification. This ranking does not follow an absolute preference order and does not imply that other editions don’t deserve attention. It’s simply five Collector’s Editions that, for one reason or another, struck me particularly.
5. Uncharted 3 Collector’s Edition
In my list, there was absolutely no way a Collector’s Edition dedicated to one of Naughty Dog’s great masterpieces could be missing. Uncharted 3 was a hugely important chapter for the Nathan Drake saga, and its collector’s edition perfectly captured the adventurous spirit of the game.
Inside we find a copy of the game accompanied by a SteelBook, plus a code to download exclusive content. But the items that attract me most are certainly the Nathan Drake statue and the replicas of the ring and the clasp present in the game. All of this is enclosed in a travel bag featuring the Uncharted 3 logo, designed to seem made specifically to accompany us on a new adventure.
It’s precisely these kinds of details that make a Collector’s Edition special. It’s not just about buying a game, but about taking home something that allows you to preserve a memory of your experience. Personally, seeing a SteelBook dedicated to a title of this kind already brings a bit of nostalgia, especially thinking about how much I’d like to keep finding them in future editions.
4. Borderlands 2 Deluxe Vault Hunter Edition
Another game I’m particularly attached to is Borderlands 2, one of those titles I remember with great affection. Its Deluxe Vault Hunter Edition has always intrigued me, thanks to a selection of items that perfectly reflect the series’ eccentric style.
Among the contents we find a bobblehead, that is, a figurine with a swinging head, accompanied by the book Inside the Vault: The Art and Design of Borderlands 2. This latter is particularly interesting for those who enjoy discovering how characters and environments in a video game are created.
There’s also a map of Pandora, a set of collectible stickers, a code to download a digital comic, and various additional game content. In short, an edition that combines physical items and digital content, preserving that off-the-grid identity which has made Borderlands so recognizable.
Perhaps it’s not the most eye-catching Collector’s Edition in the rankings, but it’s precisely the personal connection with the game that makes it one of my favourites.
3. Elden Ring Collector’s Edition
We reach the podium with Elden Ring, the masterpiece from FromSoftware that has conquered millions of players worldwide. Forgetting it is practically impossible, especially considering its impact on the video game landscape.
Beyond the game’s quality, its Collector’s Edition certainly deserves attention. The standout feature is undoubtedly the Malenia, Lama di Miquella statue, standing about 23 centimetres tall. For those familiar with the game, this is a perfectly chosen item, dedicated to one of the adventure’s most iconic and feared characters.
The edition also includes an exclusive SteelBook, a hardcover artbook with 40 pages, and the digital soundtrack. To complete the package, we also find a poster, art cards, a set of stickers, and a fabric patch.
Personally, I believe this is one of those editions capable of winning over those who truly loved the game. The Malenia statue is the main reason I’d like to have it in my collection, but the artbook also represents an interesting addition for those who want to delve deeper into the artwork created by FromSoftware.
2. Halo 3 Legendary Edition
Second place finds us with Halo 3 Legendary Edition, an edition that for many fans still represents one of the best examples of how to celebrate a major Xbox exclusive. Halo 3 was one of my favourite games, and precisely for this reason, it would be wonderful to add this version to my collection.
Its most recognisable feature is undoubtedly the scale replica of the Spartan Mjolnir Mark VI helmet from Master Chief, accompanied by a display base. This object alone would be enough to make it special, especially for those who grew up following the protagonist’s adventures.
The Legendary Edition also includes the Xbox 360 game in a metal case, an art book featuring the campaign’s storyboards, a poster, and two bonus discs dedicated to special content and behind-the-scenes material.
It’s an edition that perfectly conveys the importance of Halo 3 for the Xbox story. Master Chief’s helmet is one of those objects that any fan would instantly recognise, and, even today, would look great displayed alongside the other games in the saga.
1. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Prestige Edition
Number one had to be Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 Prestige Edition. Back in the day, Call of Duty managed to make us dream not only through its campaigns and multiplayer, but also through truly distinctive collector’s editions.
So many would have preferred to see the Collector’s Edition in this position, but personally, I don’t find any comparison with the one dedicated to Modern Warfare 2. The reason is simple and it’s called night vision.
Yes, you’ve read it right. This edition included a working night vision device, inspired by the one used in the game and capable of enabling vision in the dark up to about 15 metres. The device could be worn and adjusted, with a green night vision mode and a black-and-white display.
To complete the set, we find a individually engraved and numbered display stand, designed to store the visor when not in use. The package also included a limited-edition SteelBook, a hardcover artbook titled Dietro le linee, the full Modern Warfare 2 game, and a copy of Call of Duty: Classic, the original 2003 title.
Let’s admit it, it doesn’t happen every day to find a special edition that includes a gadget like this. That’s precisely why the Prestige Edition has remained so vivid in my memory. It doesn’t just offer some item to display on a shelf, but presents something special, directly evoking the gaming experience.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get it, but it's definitely one of the editions I'd like to add to my collection. And who knows, maybe one day I'll finally manage to get it back.
Which Collector’s Edition would I like in my collection?
These are the five Collector’s Editions I’d absolutely like to have. Some attract me for the included items, others for the personal connection I have with the games I’m most attached to, but all of them have something that makes them special to my eyes.
I remember that this is a purely personal ranking, based on my tastes and the games I’m most attached to. It’s not an absolute preference order, and there are certainly many other collector’s editions worth mentioning.
