Open-ended role-playing games have become a favorite of mine. While you can follow the objectives or quests of the game, sometimes it's more fun to just explore and take things at your own pace.
With vintage games such as Super Mario Bros or Sonic the Hedgehog, you aren't given an opportunity to fully explore the world around you. Modern games seem to have given in to the open-world concept, while some are diving headfirst into the open-ended style. Stardew Valley for the Nintendo Switch might have come out in 2016, but it wasn't until this past month that I picked up the game.
Stardew Valley is an open-ended RPG where you act as a farmer moving into the Valley.
Your objectives are fairly easy -- rebuild your deceased grandfather's farm into a profitable venture, make friends, and maybe solve a supernatural mystery or two while there. Almost every playthrough video I've watched has said this can all be accomplished in two years if you follow the objectives of the game perfectly.
If you're like me, you're already in year two and haven't been following the objectives at all.
This game is perfect for new gamers, or gamers who just want to get lost in a game and not worry about finishing it.
Stardew Valley is a very relaxing game, and it's easy to become addicted to it. I've spent a few Saturdays playing the game for hours on end! The graphics are super cute and reminiscent of early 2000s RPGs. The music is soothing but gets lost in the fray of the game.
The controls for this game on the Switch -- both the regular and Switch Lite -- are easy and user-friendly. Stardew Valley has been universally praised by critics and fans are being one of the best games released on the Switch, if not one of the best games ever released. Stardew Valley took inspiration from the Story of Seasons / Harvest Moon series, so if you like that game, you'll love Stardew Valley.
But what about collecting Stardew Valley?
Graded Nintendo Switch examples of the game are hard to come by. There is one on eBay with a VGA 85+ grade that is listed at $2,149 USD -- but is it worth that? Completed listings for ungraded Switch games vary in price on eBay. The Standard Edition -- sealed or unsealed -- sits comfortably at around $30 on eBay.
The Collectors Edition, which can include a special pin set, tends to see higher prices. On May 10, 2023, a sealed Collectors Edition example sold for $109.99. In March of 2023, three examples of the Collector's Edition sold between $98 - $104.
If you're looking at this game as a potential investment, your best bet may be on the Collectors Edition. But, the game is no longer receiving updates from the publisher, so there is a chance the Standard Edition may see a price boost in the future. This game is already seven years old and is still popular with players.
It is important to note that over 20 million copies of the game had been sold, so this is a fairly common Switch game. I do think there will be long-term growth with this game, both as an investor and a collector, but you'll have to sit on the game.
Overall, Stardew Valley is just a great game. If you need something new to play get yourself a copy. You can find Stardew Valley on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.