Why is Yo-Kai Watch 3 So Expensive?
Yo-Kai Watch 3, the third and final 3DS installment in the popular monster-collecting RPG series, has become an incredibly rare and expensive game. With new copies fetching well over $100 and used copies not far behind, fans and gamers have found Yo-Kai Watch 3 tough to obtain. So what‘s driving the scarcity and high prices? Primarily, hype around the series combined with low print runs in the West has led to Yo-Kai Watch games being in short supply. For a niche series like Yo-Kai Watch, the discontinuation of the 3DS and lack of a true Yo-Kai Watch 4 localization has also bolstered demand among series collectors hoping to complete their collections.
The Yo-Kai Craze and Hype Outpaced Supply
The Yo-Kai Watch games gained quick popularity in Japan when the first title released in 2013. The subsequent anime adaptation and toy line propelled Yo-Kai to phenomenon status across Asia. However, despite strong initial buzz leading up to localized debuts, the western rollout fizzled. Yo-Kai Watch sold well below expectations in North America and Europe.
As a result, print runs were short. Yo-Kai Watch 2 ended up outselling the first game, but Yo-Kai Watch 3 seemingly had production numbers slashed even compared to the modest Western runs of past titles. Exact sales data is unavailable, but the low supply points to the likelihood Level-5 printed few copies of Yo-Kai 3 to minimize risk after soft western reception.
Collector‘s Market for Rare Games Skyrockets Prices
In 2022 and onward, prices for rare, collectible games has grown immensely among resellers and diehard collectors. With retro gaming surging in popularity, ill-produced games at the end of a console‘s life are most vulnerable to price hikes. Much like other late Nintendo 3DS titles Kirby‘s Extra Epic Yarn and Persona Q2, the niche appeal and tiny supply has led to Yo-Kai Watch 3 becoming a "holy grail" game for collectors.
On eBay, new copies have sold recently for as high as $300. Even used copies fetch $100-150 depending on condition. Prices have nearly doubled over the past two years, showcasing the pressures of collectors battling for the few copies in circulation.
The End of a Series Boosts Desirability
As the last Yo-Kai Watch entry for the Nintendo 3DS, some added desirability comes inherently with it being the finale of that era for the franchise. Collectors aiming to amass full sets increase demand for final games in a console generation or series.
While Japan received Yo-Kai Watch 4 for Nintendo Switch, no formal localization plans have emerged in over 2 years since its release. The combination of no Yo-Kai Watch 4 outside Japan and discontinued 3DS production has essentially made Yo-Kai Watch 3 the conclusive entry for English Yo-Kai fans. This has driven prices higher with no assurance of future main franchise titles releasing in the West.
For collectors specifically intent on full sets, the high value is likely acceptable for the sake of completeness. However, for general gamers interested in trying the series, other entries including the original Yo-Kai Watch and Yo-Kai Watch 2 can frequently be found for under $20 used. Those provide a more affordable way to experience the series gameplay. Given the high cost just to play one game, Yo-Kai Watch 3 remains a very expensive proposition compared to other Nintendo 3DS titles. Aside from true completionist collectors, most casual buyers should probably still avoid paying over $100 for Yo-Kai Watch 3.
