The Rarest and Most Valuable Sega Dreamcast Games
The Dreamcast is a perfect example of a console that had relatively low commercial success, but a huge underground following after its death. These two factors help brew up a strong library of games that have high collectibility among gamers that are just now finding out what was so great about the Dreamcast.
There are two major trends you will notice in the list below. First of all is the dominance of fighting and shooting games, mostly of the 2D nature. This is of little surprise to those that know the Dreamcast well as there games are some of the main draws for the system — especially when they don’t get ported to other systems. The second trend you may notice is that Capcom hold eight of the ten places on the US release list — Treasure and SNK are the only others to break the list. Capcom was one of the few third party publishers to really support the Dreamcast, but they new put out quite as many copies as Sega did with their first-party releases. Anyway, lets get on with for rest of the formalities and this highly-anticipated list.
In stark contrast to the Cheapest Games series, this Rare & Valuable series by JJ Hendricks and Racketboy will round up the rarest and most valuable games for a given console or handheld so you’ll know what to look for whether you are buying or selling. JJ owns VideoGamePriceCharts.com and writes a Video Game Pricing Blog which analyzes video game prices, pricing trends, and charts historic video game prices. He used his pricing statistics to find both the average selling price and the highest selling price for each game over the last three months.
Below you will see two prices beside each title. The first is the average daily selling price, which is typically the going rate for the game by itself. The second price is the highest price in the past three months which is usually the price for the new/sealed game. The list is ordered by the balance of the two prices. Note that some of these games are not rare in the sense that there are not many available, but rare relative to demand, which makes the games expensive.
Limited Edition Collectables
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Bangai-O: Prize Edition: $500 – $1,200 Rarity =  This version of the shooter was given out by Treasure to exactly five people as the top prizes in a Japanese high-score competition. While the game itself is identical to the original Bangai-O, the Prize Edition can be identified by a sticker on the case declaring itself as a winner’s trophy. In the past, two of these games have been sold, both very quietly. its unknown the price of the first sale, but the most recent was placed in the inventory of an online store for $500, and at that selling point was quickly snatched. Now, with the most interested of collectors turned on to its existence, any future sales would likely break $1000. |
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Border Down LE: $250 – $280 Rarity =  After the Dreamcast was already buried by US retailers and the last big name import releases like Shenmue II, Rez, and Ikaruga had been released, a small developer by the name of G.Rev (who worked with Treasure on Ikaruga) took a chance on the Dreamcast and helped start a trend of 2D shooters being released on the “dead” platform. The production of this Limited Edition of Border Down was halted at 5,000 copies. Initially, it has the same print run as the standard edition, but the original has since been reprinted at least once, at least doubling its availability and the premium placed on the Limited Edition. Check for Border Down LE on eBay |
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Space Channel 5 Part 2 LE: $200 – $250 Rarity = Space Channel 5 was one of the best examples of quirky fun that made the Dreamcast special. The game actually received a sequel, but it never came to the Dreamcast outside of Japan. As if getting the game wasn’t good enough, Japan also received a special box set that included headphones and a carrying case. See Pictures of Space Channel 5 Part 2 Box Set |
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SegaGaGa Box Set: $150 – $200 Rarity =  Segagaga may well be one of Sega’s best love letters to its fans. Released in 2001, this “Sega Simulator” lets you run the company and battle its nemesis, which is essentially a disguised Sony. The game was initially only availible through Sega’s online store in Japan and came in a few different flavors with this box set being the most elaborate. You can see a picture of all the included goodies in this pack on this recent eBay auction. See the SegaGaga Box Set on eBay |
The Expensive Dreamcast Imports
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Border Down: $100 – $130 Rarity = Since releasing a new game on a “dead” platform was seen as a bit of a risk, only 5,000 of this standard edition were initially released (along with 5,000 of the limited edition), but since they sold quickly, another 5,000 were released. At the beginning of 2008, there was also to be another very small print run, but numbers have not been disclosed. Check for Border Down on eBay |
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Under Defeat: $76 – $96 Rarity = After an impressive string of shmups being released on the Dreamcast, well into the 21st century, G.Rev added one more to the mix with Under Defeat. It was initially billed as the “last Dreamcast game ever”, but there was actually a few more shmups on the way from Milestone over the next couple of years. There is also a Limited Edition that includes a soundtrack that is on the higher end of the price range above, but as you can probably tell, its isn’t that much more “limited” or valuable. Check for Under Defeat on eBay |
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Ikaruga: $60 – $95 Rarity = If you have read the Rare and Valuable Saturn games list, you’re probably well aware of Radiant Silvergun and its strong following and inflated resale values. When Ikaruga was announced and rumored to be Radiant Silvergun’s follow-up, collectors thought it was a sure-thing investment for their game collections. And while it did have some rather high prices for a while, it never reached Radiant Silvergun’s levels for multiple reasons. Because everyone was expecting it to be a collectors item, many people hoarded them and even left them sealed. So unlike Radiant Silverun, its very easy to find a mint copy of Ikaruga on eBay. The other reason for Ikaruga’s recent decline (20% decrease in 10 months) in value was retail release in the US for the Gamecube and then the very affordable XBox Live version that is in infinate supply. Check for Ikaruga on eBay |
Treasured Standard USA Releases
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Project Justice: $60 – $400 Rarity = Rival Schools 2, known as Project Justice in the US, obvisouly built on the original and remains as one of Capcom’s most popular (with a rather nice following) 3D fighters. Like its predecessor, Project Justice has a lot of quirky characters that cater to the anime crowd and is just a real pleasure to play. It isn’t especially rare, but Capcom released it in May 2001, several months after the Dreamcast was discontinued by Sega. Finding a sealed copy of this Dreamcast exclusive is very tricky and has sold for a few hundred dollars. Check for Project Justice on eBay |
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Marvel vs. Capcom 2: $50 – $100 Rarity =  If you want the biggest mashup of characters in your fighting games, Marvel vs Capcom 2 is the place to be. It may not be the most balanced game for tournaments, but its one of the hottest mainstream 2D fighters out there. Most gamers may flock to the PS2 version, but the Dreamcast release still commands strong collectability. Check for Marvel vs Capcom 2 on eBay |
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Cannon Spike: $31 – $180 Rarity = Cannon Spike is very similar to the overhead shooting Smash TV OR Commando and has a heavy focus on boss battles. The shooter also features playable characters and cameos from other Capcom franchises like Mega Man,Ghosts ‘n Goblins, Darkstalkers and Street Fighter. Cannon Spike was released during the Dreamcast’s final Christmas and did not receive much promotion or word-of-mouth until it was long gone from stores. Check for Cannon Spike on eBay |
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Power Stone 2: $31 – $175 Rarity = Capcom may not have had much success with 3D fighting games, but it really got it right with the Powerstone series. Both games are fun-filled arena fighters that allow full 3D movement and interactive environments. Powerstone 2 added 4-player support and is significantly harder to find than its predecessor. It’s also very surprising that the series hasn’t been brought to any other platforms besides the PSP. Check for Power Stone 2 on eBay |
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Street Fighter III Third Strike: $35 – $105 Rarity = While it did not get the attention of Street Fighter 2 and the Alpha series, Street Fighter 3: Third Strike is one of the best installments in the series, especially when it comes to finely-tuned tournament players. Its combination of smooth animation, great characters, and a new parrying system keep fighting enthusiasts coming back for more. Even though the game was included on the Street Fighter Anniversary Collection for the PS2 and XBox, the Dreamcast version is still in strong demand. Check for Street Fighter 3: Third Strike on eBay |
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Bangai-O: $45 – $90 Rarity = Treasure is known for quirky action games, and Bangai-O is definitely on the higher part of that spectrum. This multi-directional shooter is all about explosions, chaos, and fun. Like most Treasure games, it’s a cult classic and is the Dreamcast version is the only English version of the game so far. (It had a small release in Japan for the N64). Check for Bangai-O on eBay |
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Fatal Fury Mark of the Wolves: $48 – $69 Rarity = Mark of the Wolves was ported from the Neo-Geo and served as the last game in the Fatal Fury series. It is essentially SNK’s answer to SF3: Third Strike as it shares many of the same types of advancements, but it has its own unique fighting elements and showed off SNK’s strength in character design. The Dreamcast version ended up on store shelves more than six months after the Dreamcast’s demise and quickly ended up on clearance shelves Check for Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves on eBay |
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Mars Matrix – Hypersolid Shooting: $40 – $77 Rarity = As one of the most popular vertical shooters released in the US, Mars Matrix still commands a respectable price from collectors. And with the high likelihood of it remaining as a Dreamcast console exclusive, that value should hold up for a while longer as shmup fans build up their Dreamcast collections. Check for Mars Matrix on eBay |
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Marvel Vs Capcom: $23 – $167 Rarity = Even though Marvel vs Capcom 2 has more character and flashier visuals, there is still a strong following for the original Marvel vs Capcom. Personally, I prefer it to the sequel as it is seems to be a bit more balanced and slightly less chaotic. It is also the only console version of the game that accurately replicates the arcade game (the PS1 version is very crippled) Check for Marvel vs Capcom on eBay |
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Tech Romancer: $25 – $100 Rarity = Tech Romancer is a 3D fighting game fought on a 2D plane. In this hidden gem, you fight as Mechs (designed by established anime creators, Studio Nue) and release power-ups by destroying the environment around you. The Dreamcast version also includes an unlockable version of the Tech Romancer anime. Check for Tech Romancer on eBay |
Additional Sega Dreamcast Games of Value
These games aren’t especially rare, but are quite collectible; resulting in a high resale value, especially for sealed copies.
Limited Editions
- Love Hina LE $100 – $150
- Nakoruru LE – $90 – $100
- Castle of Shikigami 2 LE (Japan) – $83 – $89
- Sonic Adventure Limited Edition (USA) – $43 – $50
USA Releases
- Resident Evil 2: $22 – $85
- Giga Wing 2: $32 – $48
- D2: $21 – $98
- JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: $25 – $75
- Stupid Invaders: $21 – $60
- Skies of Arcadia: $21 – $70
- Last Blade 2 Heart of the Samurai: $20 – $80
Imports
- Eldorado Gate Box Set (includes multiple games): $180 – $200
- Shenmue II (PAL): $59 – $93
- Trigger Heart Excellica: $80 – $85
- Cosmic Smash: $74 – $85
- Zero Gunner 2: $69 – $75
- Twinkle Star Sprites: $65 – $75
- Trizeal: $53 – $70
Credits: Dreamcast Game Prices provided by VideoGamePriceCharts.com. The source for daily updated prices on over 10,000 video games. The prices are the highest daily price and average daily price from April, 30th 2008 to July, 30th 2008. Rarity scores are courtesy of my friends at DigitalPress.
47 Comments:
Thanks for putting together the article!
Some other limited editions that are rare and expensive:
Space Channel 5 Part 2 LE (comes with a bag and headphones)
Sakura Taisen 4 LE
Nakoruru LE
Love Hina LE
Those last three come with lots of different goodies and are incredibly difficult to find unopened.
Cool — those rare imports are hard to keep track of
Any idea on values, Doc?
Yeah there’s a bunch of import games that hardly ever go up on ebay(regular releases not some of the weird Moe adventure games that dreamcast was flooded with later on). that are more valuable then what you have up there.
slight typo:
Cannon Spike was released during the Dreamcast’s final Christmas and did receive much promotion or word-of-mouth until it was long gone from stores.
should ‘did’ be ‘did not’?
Chuck, if you have any names and/or values, that would be mighty helpful
And gord, thanks for catching the typo
I’ve only seen these once or twice:
Nakoruru LE ~100
Love Hina LE ~100-150
Sakura Taisen 4 LE ~130-200
Space Channel 5 Part 2 LE ~200+
Here’s a video of a guy opening the Love Hina box:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zLNYAn0PrQ
He is called the “Dreamcast Doctor”….but it isn’t me!!
I was looking forward to this article. I was particularly hoping to find info on one rare and obscure game: “Taxi2 le jeu” which was released only in france (and hence a limited number of copies). Shouldn’t there be mention of it?
Thanks, Doctor.
And noname, I have heard of it, but don’t know much about it — I’ll do a little research
“Taxi2 le jeu” was based on a very popular french movie called “taxi 2″ which was a sequel (i believe there are 4 Taxi movies and an american remake). The movies were produced by Luc Besson (the fifth element). UBI Soft made the game which is not that good but from what i’ve heard not that bad either. The game is entirely in french but since it’s a driving game i don’t think that it matters too much.
Now that we are on the topic, there were quite a few european exclusives which is very interesting i think (usually games are released in europe last and only if they were successful in japan/usa). (REZ, Headhunter and Shenmue II are the most well known examples). Obviously some of theses games are quite rare and sought after by american players since some of the games cannot be played in english otherwise
Wow! I am so glad I have a couple of these games. It’s getting a bit harder to collect Dreamcast stuff without a nearby store that stocks older video games.
What a great list. Thanks for posting this!
Taxi 2 is pretty bad and surprisingly not that expensive, probably because few even know about it’s existence.
Bangai-O does not have vga mode, so that realy breaks the game for me.
What is even more rare are the Toyota catalogues, which were never sold but it was an assignment for Toyota. They feature beautifuly detailed cars though.
Has to be said a great guide, other notable valuable titles include:
Trizeal LTD Edition (the one with the splendid bandana!!)
Cosmic Smash (came in a really strange DVD-style transluscent case)
Rez PAL (Lowish production but demand for the game is high)
Last Hope Limited Edition (very low production run of 500, can get silly prices)
It’s those damn shmups! So expensive!
There’s a copy of MVC for sale at a nearby store for $40. I didn’t even bother checking the condition, as I own MVC2 (which I hate, by the way) and didn’t think that it was worth the purchase. I’m getting to a point in my Dreamcast collection where I want to complete it, but I’m unwilling to pay the prices that some of these games go for.
For the record, I only own MVC2 because one of my roommates in college bought it for me for my birthday.
Oh, by the way, I do have a sealed copy of Street Fighter III: Double Impact. Any idea as to what that’d be worth?
Trigger Heart Exelica definately is more expensive than that, from what I’ve seen (just bought a copy) it goes from $90 at the lowest to $150 (I paid $111 used)
How much is my Rez worth? I don’t think i’ll ever sell it mind you.
I recently acquired a Dreamcast HKT game and I am wondering if it has any value, any and all information will be greatly appreciated
I have Project Justice, my rarest game. The most I’ve seen a DC game go for was over $200 and that was Shenmue 2 sealed. O and BTW great site I come here quite often to re-live the DC experience.
“How much is my Rez worth? I don’t think I’ll ever sell it mind you.”
Ok these are averages:
Jap – Around about £28 – £30 at the moment it’s generally cheaper than the PAL release, the market was flooded with copies with the release of the game on XBOX Live and you could pick it up for as low as £20!!
PAL – Again recently prices fell but its come back strong at around £35 I’d say but I’ve seen copies listed for £50 and I wouldn’t be surprised if the average is about £40 at the moment.
Just going off on a tangent the Sega Direct versions of some of these games do have an increased value also, it can add at least £20 ($40) to the value of some games – e.g. Ikaruga, Radirgy. There’s also a Border Down Limited Edition Sega Direct Version that a) has the longest title of any video game in existence and b) Is rare and the most desirable version! Around £200 give or take £20
I have some pics of the Space Channel 5 boxset here, along with a lot of other Space Channel 5 stuff.
Very nice! Thanks for sharing!
And thanks everyone for sharing additional titles and prices. I’ll be updating this later on!
I’m surprised Triggerheart Exelica would be so expensive since, like Ikaruga, it’s also available on XBLA.
Radirgy / Radilgy – however you want to say it…
standard sel prices around $100.
I picked my practically brand new copy up for $110AU.
Last Hope L.E should definately get a mention with only 500 copies released, even the standard copy sells for approx $50-60.
bought mine new from play-asia.com for around $50, and prices are standing still.
How many copies of Border down L.E were released?
I have also seen cosmic smash sell for upto $110.
Great article MR Racket
In Response…
At 8/26/2008 3:37 PM, Davs said…
I’m surprised Triggerheart Exelica would be so expensive since, like Ikaruga, it’s also available on XBLA.
When buying an origional copy of these games you are not just buying the game itself… your buying a collectible, something that is limited in quantity, something that only a limited amount of people can own at one time!
Playing Games is one hobby…
Collecting These sort of Video Games is a different hobby altogether…
cheers.
I still have my old dreamcast and i have some of those rare games i guess the one that is worth the most is under defeat which i have two copies of.
Dude, you forgot Evolution 2 PAL… Must be the rarest Dreamcast PAL release… Also no mention of Samba the amigo PAL, only 500 made if I’m correct…
Cheers.
Yeah that’s correct, Evolution 2 Far Off Promise is by far the rarest in the UK I believe it came out in 2002 along with Evil Twin and Racing Simulation Online. Taxi 2 is rare but not sought after so the price is low for that. Fighting Vipers 2 PAL is not seen too often either though
What about that Shenmue promo game “What’s Shenmue?”
Is that rare?
it doesn’t seem especially rare or valuable — couldn’t even sell for $20
http://cgi.ebay.com/Whats-Shenmue-Looking-for-Yuka-moto-senmu-Dreamcast_W0QQitemZ380093185658QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item380093185658&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A16%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318
uhh what about half-life on dreamcast? Probably the rarest one of them all.
I’ve got 1 of the 5 Bangai-O prized edition collectable.
Not sure which one though? Reading this article/story has motivated me to put it on Ebay instead of just posting pics of it on Google… Yah I’m gonna do it! Look for it next month, for sure by 09/09/09, it’s gonna be its Anniversary this year. Just in case anyone was wondering what the scores where back in the day, here they are:
HAISUKOARANKINGU Tournament Final Results! !
Place Scores Names IDs
1st 60199689 sabin-like AAA51
2nd 45031129 TOM-like AABD0
3rd 41608889 From presbyopia AACFE
4th 32407070 I like it AAB0F
5th 32289300 ponpon like AAB1B
Im wondering about Phantasy star online Ver 2.0 in the PAL region the first version goes for £5 but I was told VER 2.0 goes for more, and also what about headhunter?
Doesn’t seem like PSO goes for a whole lot.
Headhunter used to be worth more when it was new. Now it’s like $15 shipped
I picked up a copy of Japanese Space Channel 5 Part 2 for
$30 from PlayAsia.com- I have been after the game for ages – it never appears on Ebay – I nearly wet myself…Preowned but perfect condition -booted it up-what a game , girlfriend think Iam wierd yet again…….chu chu chu
Hi great list but as other’s have posted some games are far more rare in some region’s and not others I’ve beeen collecting Dreamcast games since launch day in the UK and now own all official released pal region games .Moho now seems be a rare game as is Lack of Love and sega bass fishing 2.not to forget Karous. I do have picture’s (photos} of all my game’s if anyone wants to see a certain uk Dreamcast game .
sorry forgot to mention there are some very rare north American copies of Hellgate. And Castle shikigami 2 and Chaosfield are also hard to get
I think the rarest software on DC is Gurauen no Tori kago whatever box set.
I’ll just leave this here…
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120464272908&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
just wondering if “Blade of the Berserk” is worth much.
I believe that is what its called. Its basically Berserk the game and you run around murdering. takes place after the anime series but is itself a side story.
Sorry to rez the dead but I happened to find a pristine (but opened) copy of Ikaruga and Bangai-O for five bucks at a store today. I asked how much they were and they said all Dreamcast games were 4.95 and buy one get one free.
It only took 30 years for me to have a bit of luck so I hope they last me for another 30.
Wow — that’s incredible! Congrats on the awesome find!
As the auction I posted above has expired, I felt I should say that I was able to pick up the Space Channel 5 Part 2 limited edition box set for $50. The idiot titled the auction “Space Channel Special Box.”
I heard someone mention Half-life for dreamcast.
That game was never released in any country because of the dreamcast being cancelled.It has been put online by release groups for burning to a CD and then playing on a dreamcast,not that i endorse that idea.Admittedly,i got my Dreamcast off a car boot for £15 with a Utopia bootdisk and pirated games.
I managed to snag Mars Matrix and Giga Wing, USA versions, for…. about 25 dollars each, complete and brand new condition. They aren’t that rare, to be honest. I see MM quite frequently around here in pawn shops, and have even spotted it in goodwill a couple years back. However, I believe Record of Lodoss War is less common than either of the previously mentioned games, as I had a harder time snagging it in decent condition. And I have not seen it around here either.
Someone mentioned Chaos Field. It’s a pain to find for the DC, but not Gamecube. Just throwing that out there.
I managed to get both Shenmues for £45 in total. Both are in mint condition and with the outer sleeve. Great games aswell.
I really wish Capcom would re-release Rival Schools 2/Project Justice and the original for XBLA and PSN, or put them out for 360,PS3 and Wii as a compilation game.
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