There have been whispers about the Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days collection across the internet for some time now. There’s always some desire to engage in the early days of any TCG, but Yu-Gi-Oh’s modern-day shifts from its past self are unlike any other TCG in existence. Most TCGs still somewhat relate to how they were in the early days. That is not the same for Yu-Gi-Oh!
Back in the day, Yu-Gi-Oh games were marathons. Much like the games we see in the anime, games only end after a long series of turns are taken. This may seem obvious to those who don’t play a ton of modern Yu-Gi-Oh! Sadly, modern Yu-Gi-Oh does not share this sentiment.
Because the game is extremely combo-heavy, it’s common for modern Yu-Gi-Oh games to comprise of three-ish incredibly long and complicated turns. An absurd amount of game actions that follow with a board of boss monsters on the first turn is nothing like old-fashioned Yu-Gi-Oh! As a result, there is a unique demand for old Yu-Gi-Oh!
Thanks to a leak, we now know what retro games the new Early Days collection has. This realization found mixed responses.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Games
14 different games have been confirmed to be included in the Nintendo Switch Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days release. While there are definitely some fan-favorites included, some others are also missing, which has led to some disappointed fans. Today, a leak showcased by Twitter user Nintendeal reveals the retail box for the collection. According to that leak, here are the 14 games that are included in the Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days compilation:
- Duel Monsters
- Duel Monsters II: Dark Duel Stories
- Monster Capsule GB
- Dark Duel Stories
- Duel Monsters 4: Battle of Great Duelist
- Dungeon Dice Monsters
- The Eternal Duelist Soul
- Duel Monsters 6 Expert 2
- The Sacred Cards
- Reshef of Destruction
- Worldwide Edition: Stairway to the Destined Duel
- World Championship Tournament 2004
- Destiny Board Traveler
- 7 Trials to Glory: World Championship Tournament 2005
Of course, there is a chance that, since this is not an official reveal, that this leak is fake. That said, it does look like the real deal to us.
Upon seeing this, some Yu-Gi-Oh fans were shocked that Forbidden Memories and The Duelist of the Roses was not included in the compilation. Forbidden Memories is a particularly unique game - as it does not follow the rules of Yu-Gi-Oh whatsoever and is incredibly difficult to beat, especially in a speed-running format. As a result, the game has grown a cult following. Despite the absence of Forbidden Memories, there are other unique games included in the package, namely Dungeon Dice Monsters, based off of a mini-game played against Anime character Duke Devlin.
Some players believe that, since these games are missing, there is a possibility that Nintendo is planning on releasing a second Yu-Gi-Oh Early Days collection if the first one proves to be successful. That, however, is purely speculation.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days releases on February 27th, 2025. You can preorder the game today.