Video Game Collectibles: Figures from Zelda Season to Sonic, PlayStation and Mortal Kombat

1. Pick a franchise, not just a console

Video game collectibles cover a huge range, so a clear lane keeps your shelf (and your budget) under control. Popular lanes right now:

• PlayStation heroes: Ghost of Tsushima, God of War, Horizon and The Last of Us figures, usually 6 inch.
• Sega and Sonic: Jakks Pacific Sonic figures, including the playful Sonic x DC crossovers.
• Fighting games: McFarlane Mortal Kombat Klassic and the Street Fighter crossover figures.
• Nintendo: Mario, Metroid and other classic characters in 2.5 to 12 inch sizes.

Zelda’s 40th anniversary and the Switch 2 holiday rush are pulling a lot of attention toward gaming, which is why Nintendo-themed items can sell quickly this season.

2. Check the scale before you buy

Most video game figures are 4, 5, 6 or 7 inches, but brands do not always match. A 6 inch PlayStation figure will not line up with a 5 inch Sonic. If you want a consistent display, stick to one scale per shelf and read the size in the listing before you order.

3. Count the accessories

Weapons, alternate hands, masks and stands are easy to lose and hard to replace. For a loose figure, ask for photos with every accessory laid out. For a figure in the box, check that the tray still holds each piece and that the plastic window is not cracked.

4. Judge the packaging and the condition

Sealed boxes with sharp corners, no creases and a clear window carry the best value for collectors who display in package. Loose figures are cheaper and perfect if you enjoy posing them. Both are fine as long as the listing describes the condition honestly and shows real photos of the actual item.

5. Games, consoles and retro items

If you also collect the games themselves, complete copies with the case, disc and manual are worth more than loose discs. Retro gaming decor, such as Sega Genesis dioramas, is a small, affordable way to add character to a gaming shelf. Always check the region (NTSC North America for Canadian consoles) and test what you can.

6. Display and protect your collection

Direct sunlight fades paint and yellows plastic, so keep figures away from windows. Use a closed cabinet or acrylic cases to limit dust, wipe loose figures gently with a soft dry brush, and never store them in a hot attic or a damp basement. For boxed pieces, a clear protective case keeps corners sharp and the window clean.

Stands help a lot with top-heavy figures. Small posing stands and clear risers also let you build a layered display, with a tall character at the back and smaller ones in front.

7. Set a simple budget and a wish list

Decide what you can spend per month before you start browsing. Write a short wish list of three to five figures, ranked by how much you want them, and buy one at a time. This avoids impulse purchases and makes it easier to wait for a fair price instead of overpaying for hype.

Remember to add shipping to your total. Buying several figures from the same seller in one order usually saves on delivery and gives you one parcel to track.

8. Buy smart during the holiday rush

New releases and anniversary editions get scalped and overpriced. Compare recent sold prices instead of listing prices, skip anything that sounds too good to be true, and order early so your gift arrives before the holidays.