Nintendo handhelds have always been about pure, accessible fun, but for some rare collector pieces, the price tag is anything but casual. If you've ever wondered which pocket-sized Nintendo systems command jaw-dropping numbers on the aftermarket, look no further than these legendary collector's items.
Pokémon World Championships DSi XL
When Nintendo handed out the Pokémon World Championships DSi XL, it wasn't something you could simply pick up at your local retail store. This ultra-exclusive prize was restricted strictly to elite competitors who earned their spot at the top. Featuring custom, tournament-specific artwork that sets it apart from any standard retail model, its rarity has pushed its value firmly into the thousands of dollars on the secondary market.
The Pokémon Center Game Boy Micro
Released toward the very twilight of the Game Boy lineage, the Game Boy Micro was already a niche novelty, measuring a fraction of the size of its predecessors. However, the Pokémon Center exclusive editions—particularly the striking red Pikachu variant featuring the iconic silhouette—took that rarity to a whole new level. Today, finding one complete in box is a monumental task, making it a massive luxury item for dedicated Nintendo shelf-collectors.
The 24-Carat Solid Gold Game Boy Advance SP
Big thanks to @TheGPikachuz, @arphage6 and @SimonBWatts, because we now have proof that the 24k gold GBAs were distributed and still exist!
— LSuperSonicQ (@LSuperSonicQ) April 3, 2019
They never came in any special packaging, but are part metal instead of all plastic. 7 are out there, and these two are likely authentic! pic.twitter.com/AWzoHU2URT
Sitting at the absolute peak of portable gaming folklore is the 24-Carat Solid Gold Game Boy Advance SP. Tied directly to a promotional contest for The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, this wasn't just a custom paint job—it was plated in real, gleaming gold. Turning an ordinary, reliable flip-screen classic into a mythical museum piece, it represents the ultimate holy grail for anyone trying to complete a definitive Nintendo collection.
We definitely don't have anything that crazy sitting on our shelves, but you won't need a museum budget to level up your collection. Come take a look at our current lineup of handhelds and classic consoles at Save and Reload Games today!