Steel Battalion
Strategy Guide
Collectible? We Think So...
Introduction
Steel Battion, known as Tekki in Japan, is a game that is based around a unique controller and foot pedal combination, and is available only for the XBOX.
The complete set will usually fetch thousands at auction; especially if boxed or factory sealed. It was a limited run, $200 game/controller combination, marketed by Capcom in 2002. Awards include GameSpy's Best of E3 for Controllers, and Gamespot Editors' Choice.
It is currently sold out, with a second game in the works for XBOX Live, which will require the controller to play. So, it is obvious that the original is desirable.
But what of the Strategy Guide that came with it?
Reasoning
As a piece of memorabilia, on its' own, the Strategy Guide will eventually have a decent net worth. This is due to the fact that the moment a limited edition (in this case 10,000) product comes out, there is the risk that the parts become separated.
When they do, finding them on their own becomes difficult, since most people will try to keep their package together as this will drastically improve its' value as a future collectible.
However, some people collect strategy guides that come with games, and so the market for these items, especially limited edition package separates, is potenially one that will bring value to this item.
If all else fails...
People lose things, and will want to buy a replacement, either because the game is hard to learn without the strategy guide (the case here) and they want to sell it on, or because they realize that without it the set is less valuable.
© 2003 Guy W. Lecky-Thompson