Many video game collectors like to compare the greatest hits and original versions of titles the way music fans compare secondary and original pressings of records.
However, the comparison has its limits: the first print run of video games is usually larger than later greatest hits editions, and not all greatest hits versions are the same.
The Table of Contents
What Do the Different Labels Mean?
Each system has its own unique approach to re-releases. Here’s a look at how various consoles have handled their re-releases, as well as the positives and drawbacks of greatest hits versions of games.
PlayStation: Black Label vs Greatest Hits
Black label vs. green label. Avid gamers are well-versed in these terms, as they represent an ongoing argument in the video game collecting world. In many ways, the original PlayStation “greatest hits” versions represent
the pinnacle of an argument that extends to all other consoles.
Which version of the game is truly the one to own?
Many gamers are split evenly down the middle. Hardcore collectors often prefer the untarnished black case and colorful disc art of the original printing. However, gamers who solely wish to play the game and not display it on their shelves are happy with the lower price tag that usually accompanies a greatest hits version.
- Some strong supporters of the “original printing” argument who value rarity the most can sometimes feel confused. Some greatest-hits versions of PlayStation games, like Final Fantasy VII, have fewer printings than the original. So, they are technically rarer and often cost more.
Also, many of the greatest hits versions include gameplay tweaks and changes.
- “Resident Evil” for PS1 is a perfect example of this. Because it’s such a popular and iconic title, many collectors would scoff at purchasing a greatest-hits version of the game. However, that particular version includes updates that utilize the DualShock controller, which had just been released at the time. The original version of the game wasn’t compatible with DualShock.
The pricing gap: From my experience buying and selling PS1 games at The Old School Game Vault, this is where I see the biggest price difference between versions. Black label games consistently command significant premiums over greatest hits:
Resident Evil's original black label sells for nearly four times what the Greatest Hits version brings. The original long box version prices similarly to the black label. Final Fantasy VII shows the same pattern - black label sells for almost double the Greatest Hits price. Even expensive titles like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night show the gap. The greatest hits version is pricey, but black label still commands about 60% more.
PlayStation 2: Red Label Versions
Where it concerns greatest-hits titles, the PS2 didn’t deviate too much from its predecessor. Instead of green labels to denote a new printing of a popular title, they switched over to red (a bold color that marketers use
when they want to catch a customer’s eye). However, many collectors doubled down on their previous rejection of greatest-hits titles because they felt the black casings of an original PS2 game looked sleek compared to the red-label versions.
- One trend that remained unchanged from the PlayStation to the next-gen PS2 was that greatest-hits versions were still cheaper to buy than original printings. But again, these low price points often threw off collectors.
- Another example of a title that underwent fundamental changes from the original version to the next is “Virtua Fighter 4.” When it was released as a greatest-hits version on the PS2, it included new gameplay and characters. Not only that, the title was changed to “Virtua Fighter: Evolution.” Ironically, this title is now much sought after as a collector’s item.
The pricing gap: From my experience, black label PS2 games usually sell for a few dollars more than red label greatest hits. But for some of the more expensive games, the price gap gets huge. I recently sold a black label Midnight Club 3 Dub Edition - the red label version was selling for around half what the black label brought. That's a significant price difference on the same game.
Sega Dreamcast: Sega All Stars
I imagine this example befuddles game collectors everywhere. That’s because the Sega Dreamcast is itself now viewed as a hot item due to its relatively short lifespan, plus the fact that it was Sega’s last game console ever produced.
So How Do You Tell teh Difference?
- So how does one make a distinction between the Sega All Stars Line (Sega’s version of “greatest hits”) of re-released games and its original titles when all its games can legitimately be considered collectors' items?
- Add to that the fact that both versions of games (the Sega All Stars and original white-label printings) cost about the same.
- Still, there are some hot finds in the All Stars realm if one knows where to look. The All-Stars version of the first “Marvel vs. Capcom” was a limited printing, more so than even its original counterpart. Plus, many All-Stars titles include bug fixes.
The pricing gap: I see no real price difference between Sega All Stars and white-label versions. But I also get in far fewer Dreamcast games than PS1 or PS2, so the market is harder to gauge from my buying experience.
Xbox: Platinum Hits
PlayStation had “Greatest Hits,” Xbox had “Platinum Hits.” And just like with the PlayStation, most of the argument concerning the worth of Platinum Hits titles is an aesthetic one. Many collectors simply don’t like the
silver packaging (there’s no pleasing some people). However, to say that the only differences in Platinum Hits versus original Xbox titles are merely superficial would be a misnomer.
There are plenty of Platinum Hits games that come with bug fixes and other extras. The Platinum Hits version of “Mass Effect,” for example, includes a second bonus disc filled with extra DVD features.
The pricing gap: for some Xbox games is wild. Grand Theft Auto San Andreas is a perfect example - the regular version can sell for 25-30 times what the Platinum Hits version brings. That's one of the biggest variant price gaps I see across any console.
Nintendo: Player's Choice and Nintendo Selects
Opponents of greatest-hits game versions can blame Nintendo for ushering in the trend. Beginning way back with the Super Nintendo, the company decided to re-release games once they sold a million copies or more.
They called these versions "Players' Choice,” and the name stuck until 2011 when they switched to the “Nintendo Selects” title.
The re-released games were identified on previous consoles like the N64 and GameCube by different-colored backgrounds in the corner of the game box. The general consensus is that the original and Player’s Choice versions of the games aren’t too different from one another.
The pricing gap: GameCube is still a popular console to play, so I find the variants don't make as huge a difference. I can sell a Player's Choice version at close to black label pricing. It may not sell right away, but eventually I'll find the right buyer.
I price these variants strategically. Walmart or Target exclusive versions sell for more than typical black label games. Best Buy exclusives also command premiums. They all sell eventually.
Nintendo Selects (Wii/3DS/Switch):
These generally sell for much less. First introduced for the Wii and 3DS, and later expanded to the Switch, Nintendo Selects reintroduces popular games at lower prices. The used market typically treats these as budget options compared to original releases.
Since the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, the presence of Switch games in the Selects line indicates that this article was written in or after 2017.
Game of the Year Editions
For many gamers, the "Game of the Year" (GOTY) edition is the best value when purchasing a new title. This version typically includes the original game along with most, if not all, of the downloadable content (DLC) released after launch. For example, many major AAA titles release a GOTY or complete edition 9 to 12 months after the initial launch.
This allows players to enjoy a more complete experience, often with gameplay improvements, including DLC, and at a lower price point than buying everything separately at release.
Then you also have the option to buy the season pass for a game, or purchase individual DLCs. However, waiting 9 to 12 months for a "Game of the Year" (GOTY) version often yields a more complete game, especially as publishers like EA continue to release patches and downloadable content after launch. This practice, which became common in the late 2000s and 2010s, means that players who wait can get both the main game and most DLC at a lower price.
Quick Label Variant Comparisons
| Label Type | Platform(s) | Packaging Color | Content Differences | Collector Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Label | PS1, PS2, GameCube, Xbox | Original artwork; no banner | Original version; full-color manual | 🏆 Most desirable; often commands strong premiums (especially PS1) |
| Greatest Hits | PS1, PS2, PS3 | Green or red banner on case | Usually same; some include bug fixes or DualShock support | ⬇️ Slightly lower overall; notable exceptions on select rare titles |
| Player’s Choice | SNES, N64, GameCube, GBA | Yellow or silver badge | Nearly identical; occasional minor fixes | ⬇️ Often close to Black Label pricing on GameCube |
| Nintendo Selects | Wii, 3DS, Wii U | Red-themed packaging | Same game; no major changes | ⬇️ Budget tier |
| Platinum Hits | Xbox, Xbox 360 | Silver case & disc | Some include patches or DLC | ⬇️ Budget tier; large value gaps on certain titles |
| Game of the Year | Multiplatform | Special edition or GotY branding | Includes DLC, bonus content, patches | 🎮 Best value for actual gameplay |
The Wrap Up
In the end, greatest-hits versions of games are special. Many hardcore collectors overlook this. These versions let gamers with limited budgets enjoy popular titles. Plus, they often get an upgraded game too. Should this fact automatically render them less worthy than an original printing? There’s no evidence to suggest this should be the case.
💰 Sell GameCube Games Black Label or Players Choice Variants
