Nintendo Selects vs Standard Edition: Only Price & Packaging Differ

Nintendo Selects = Reprint at $19.99 MSRP (later $29.99). Identical game code, identical save data.

Side-by-Side

Aspect	Standard Launch	Nintendo Selects
Price (MSRP)	$49.99 / $59.99	$19.99 / $29.99
Release Timing	Launch window	2–4 years later (sales tail)
Game Code / Title ID	Same (e.g., CTRPA4P)	Same
Save Compatibility	✅	✅ (Identical)
DLC / Updates	✅	✅
Packaging	Standard keep case, color manual	Red "Selects" banner, black/white manual (later), eco-case (Wii)
Collector Value	Higher (launch print)	Lower (reprint)

Why Nintendo Does It

Extend long tail revenue (Nintendo legs are long).
Entry price for late adopters / kids / gift buyers.
Shelf presence alongside new releases.

Not All Games Get Selects

Curated: High Metacritic, broad appeal, evergreen sellers. Mario Kart, Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Animal Crossing, Wii Fit/Sports/Play. Niche titles (Xenoblade, Metroid Prime, Fire Emblem) often skip.

Buy Selects for playing. Buy Launch for collecting.

Nintendo DS