Konami celebrates Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG 25th anniversary with collection of 14 games, including one never released outside of Japan

Konami announced a new collection of 14 classics Yu-Gi-Oh! games from the Game Boy and Game Boy Advance era, coming to modern platforms in 2025. The news comes as the beloved franchise celebrates its 25th anniversary. Yu-Gi-Oh! Collectible Card Game.

The next release is titled Yu-Gi-Oh! COLLECTION OF THE EARLY DAYS, and brings back popular titles from the franchise's early video game history (1998 – 2005). This includes Yu-Gi-Oh! GB Monster Capsulea 2001 game that was previously only available in Japan and uses a unique grid-based battle system. Other games like Yu-Gi-Oh! World Edition: Staircase to the Destined DuelStrictly follow the rules of the trading card game, so players can relive the best duels from the anime. The complete collection includes the following games:

• Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters
• Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel of Monsters II: Dark Duel Stories
• Yu-Gi-Oh! Dark Duel Stories
• Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters 4: Grand Duelist Battle
• Yu-Gi-Oh! GB Monster Capsule
• Yu-Gi-Oh! Dungeon Dice Monsters
• Duel Monsters Yu-Gi-Oh 6, Expert 2
• Yu-Gi-Oh! The Eternal Dueling Soul
• Yu-Gi-Oh! The sacred letters
• Yu-Gi-Oh! Reshef of Destruction
• Yu-Gi-Oh! World Edition: Stairway to the Destined Duel
• Yu-Gi-Oh! 2004 World Championship Tournament
• Yu-Gi-Oh! Destiny Board Traveler
• Yu-Gi-Oh! Duelist Day: 2005 World Championship Tournament

As shown in Konami website, the collection will be available on Nintendo Switch and Steam on February 27, 2025, and a physical version will be released in the US and Europe. The physical version will come with a special “Harpie's Feather Duster” card as a bonus, which is a great reason to get the physical version of Yu-Gi-Oh! EARLY DAYS COLLECTION.

Konami is still capitalizing where it counts

Yu-Gi-Oh! Always been loved

The launch of Yu-Gi-Oh! EARLY DAYS COLLECTION It's not just about re-releasing old games; it's a smart move by Konami to capitalize on the enduring popularity of Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise. This collection includes a variety of games that show how Yu-Gi-Oh! Video games have developed over time, with some being more than just card games. It goes without saying that Yu-Gi-Oh! GB Monster Capsulewhich fans outside of Japan were unable to play earlier, It's a notable win for fans. The collection also adds modern features like save and load games anywhere and online battles in some titles, which is much better for today's gamers.

It suits both nostalgic fans who want to revisit their childhood and new players curious about previous games. Put releasing it on Nintendo Switch and SteamKonami already knows where the audience will be. Releasing it during an anniversary is also a smart move and takes advantage of the fact that the franchise is still popular despite what Yu-Gi-Oh! haters think.

Our Take: This Could Reboot the Franchise

It's Yu-Gi-Oh! To go back?

I think the Yu-Gi-Oh! EARLY DAYS COLLECTION It's a great idea, but I'm a Yu-Gi-Oh! shake me. I played a lot of these older games and thought Konami should bring them back, so I'm happy to see them return. I've always enjoyed seeing older games getting a chance to be played again, especially when they're updated with modern features. This shows that Konami understands what its fans want – an opportunity to remember the franchise's influence.

I have a small concern that some of these games might not be as good to play anymore, especially for people who are used to current play styles. Older games are great for their time, but outdated technology and limitations tend to hold them back when remastered. However, the adding updates and improvements It really helps with this concern. Overall, it's a smart move that honors the past while introducing Yu-Gi-Oh! to a new audience, then the Yu-Gi-Oh! EARLY DAYS COLLECTION could possibly open the door to the future Yu-Gi-Oh! games.

Source: Konami