The Complete Guide to Final Fantasy Retro Games: NES, GB, GBA, SNES & Super Famicom

The Final Fantasy franchise is one of gaming's most iconic and enduring series. Since its debut on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987, Final Fantasy has captivated players with epic stories, memorable characters, and revolutionary gameplay mechanics.

For retro game collectors, Final Fantasy titles represent some of the most sought-after and valuable games on classic Nintendo platforms. This comprehensive guide covers every Final Fantasy game released on NES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, SNES, and Super Famicom.

Why Collect Final Fantasy Retro Games?

Cultural Significance: Final Fantasy games are cultural touchstones that defined the JRPG genre and influenced countless games that followed.

Rising Values: Early Final Fantasy releases have seen steady price appreciation as collectors seek complete sets.

Timeless Gameplay: These games remain as playable and enjoyable today as when they were first released.

Complete Story: Each numbered entry tells a standalone story, making them accessible to new collectors.

Developer Evolution: The series showcases Square's evolution from 8-bit to 16-bit mastery.

The Final Fantasy Retro Collection by Platform

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES / Famicom)

Final Fantasy (1987)

Original Japanese Title: ファイナルファンタジー (Final Fantasy)
Release Date: December 18, 1987 (Japan)
North American Release: July 12, 1990

About the Game:
The game that started it all. Created by Hironobu Sakaguchi and his team at Square, Final Fantasy was intended to be the company's final game—hence the name. Instead, it became the foundation of one of gaming's greatest franchises.

Collecting Information:

• NES (North America): $80-$150 loose, $200-$400 CIB
• Famicom (Japan): $30-$80 loose, $100-$200 CIB
• Rarity: Common for Japanese version, moderately rare for North American release
• Notes: The NES version had updated graphics and sound compared to the Famicom original. Box variants exist.

Why It's Special:

• Established core Final Fantasy mechanics (job classes, turn-based combat, world map)
• Memorable soundtrack by Nobuo Uematsu
• Spawned multiple sequels and remakes
• Historical significance as franchise origin

Tips for Collectors:

• Japanese Famicom carts are significantly cheaper if you're region-flexible
• NES version box art is iconic (Warriors of Light artwork)
• Watch for label condition and battery save functionality

Game Boy / Game Boy Color

Final Fantasy Legend (1989)

Original Japanese Title: 魔界塔士 サ・ガ (Makaitoushi Sa•Ga / "Sa•Ga: Warriors of the Demon World")
Release Date: December 15, 1989 (Japan)
North American Release: October 1990

About the Game:
Despite the Final Fantasy name, this is actually the first entry in the SaGa series by Akitoshi Kawazu. It was rebranded as Final Fantasy Legend in North America to capitalize on the Final Fantasy brand recognition.

Collecting Information:

• GB (North America): $20-$40 loose, $60-$120 CIB
• GB (Japan): $10-$30 loose, $40-$80 CIB
• Rarity: Common
• Notes: Original Game Boy release (green screen). Later released on Game Boy Color with minor enhancements.

Why It's Special:

• First portable Final Fantasy-branded game
• Unique stat progression system (no traditional leveling)
• Portable RPG gameplay that proved RPGs could work on handhelds

Final Fantasy Legend II (1990)

Original Japanese Title: サ・ガ2 秘宝伝説 (Sa•Ga 2: Hihō Densetsu / "Sa•Ga 2: Legend of the Secret Treasure")
Release Date: December 14, 1990 (Japan)
North American Release: November 1991

About the Game:
The second SaGa game, again branded as Final Fantasy Legend in North America. Improved upon the first game with better graphics and a more complex story.

Collecting Information:

• GB (North America): $25-$50 loose, $70-$140 CIB
• GB (Japan): $10-$30 loose, $40-$90 CIB
• Rarity: Common to moderately uncommon
• Notes: More refined than the first game

Why It's Special:

• Refined gameplay mechanics from the first game
• Deeper story and character development
• Proved the success of portable RPGs

Final Fantasy Legend III (1991)

Original Japanese Title: サ・ガ3 時空の覇者 (Sa•Ga 3: Jikū no Hasha / "Sa•Ga 3: Ruler of Time and Space")
Release Date: December 13, 1991 (Japan)
North American Release: September 1993

About the Game:
The final SaGa game on Game Boy, featuring time travel as a core mechanic. The last Final Fantasy-branded title in the original Game Boy trilogy.

Collecting Information:

• GB (North America): $30-$60 loose, $80-$160 CIB
• GB (Japan): $15-$35 loose, $50-$100 CIB
• Rarity: Moderately uncommon
• Notes: Time travel mechanic unique to series

Why It's Special:

• Time travel storyline
• Most polished of the GB Final Fantasy Legend trilogy
• Final entry in the portable SaGa trilogy

Final Fantasy Adventure (1991)

Original Japanese Title: 聖剣伝説 ～ファイナルファンタジー外伝～ (Seiken Densetsu: Final Fantasy Gaiden / "Legend of the Sacred Sword: Final Fantasy Side Story")
Release Date: June 28, 1991 (Japan)
North American Release: November 1991

About the Game:
Despite the Final Fantasy branding, this is actually the first game in the Mana series (Seiken Densetsu). It's an action RPG rather than a traditional turn-based Final Fantasy game.

Collecting Information:

• GB (North America): $25-$50 loose, $70-$140 CIB
• GB (Japan): $15-$40 loose, $60-$120 CIB
• Rarity: Common
• Notes: Action RPG gameplay different from main series

Why It's Special:

• First game in the Mana series
• Action RPG gameplay unique among Final Fantasy titles
• Connected to Final Fantasy lore (was originally intended as a spin-off)

Super Nintendo / Super Famicom

The SNES/SFC era represents the golden age of Final Fantasy, featuring the series' most beloved entries.

Final Fantasy II (1991) - SNES

Original Japanese Title: ファイナルファンタジーIV (Final Fantasy IV)
Release Date: July 19, 1991 (Japan)
North American Release: November 23, 1991

About the Game:
This was actually Final Fantasy IV in Japan, but Square renamed it Final Fantasy II for the North American release (since II and III were never released outside Japan). It introduced the Active Time Battle (ATB) system and told a dramatic story of redemption.

Collecting Information:

• SNES (North America): $60-$100 loose, $150-$300 CIB
• SFC (Japan): $20-$50 loose, $80-$180 CIB
• Rarity: Common to moderately uncommon
• Notes: Revolutionary ATB battle system introduced here. Japanese version is Final Fantasy IV.

Why It's Special:

• Introduced Active Time Battle (ATB) system
• Deep character development and dramatic story
• Set the template for SNES Final Fantasy games
• Memorable characters (Cecil, Kain, Rosa, Rydia)

Final Fantasy III (1994) - SNES

Original Japanese Title: ファイナルファンタジーVI (Final Fantasy VI)
Release Date: April 2, 1994 (Japan)
North American Release: October 11, 1994

About the Game:
Arguably the greatest Final Fantasy game ever made. This was actually Final Fantasy VI in Japan. Features 14 playable characters, an epic 40+ hour story, and one of gaming's most memorable villains (Kefka).

Collecting Information:

• SNES (North America): $150-$300 loose, $400-$800 CIB
• SFC (Japan): $40-$100 loose, $150-$400 CIB
• Rarity: Uncommon to rare
• Notes: Considered by many the best Final Fantasy game. Prices have increased significantly in recent years.

Why It's Special:

• Often considered the greatest JRPG ever made
• 14 unique playable characters
• Epic story with mature themes
• Incredible soundtrack (Terra's Theme, Dancing Mad)
• Multiple endings
• No random encounters (visible enemies)

Tips for Collectors:

• Prices have doubled in the past 5 years
• Box condition significantly affects value
• Save files are battery-backed; test battery functionality
• High demand from collectors and players

Final Fantasy Mystic Quest (1992)

Original Japanese Title: ファイナルファンタジー USA ミスティッククエスト (Final Fantasy USA Mystic Quest)
Release Date: October 5, 1992 (North America)
Japanese Release: September 27, 1993 (as "Mystic Quest Legend")

About the Game:
A simplified, beginner-friendly Final Fantasy designed for Western audiences. Features action elements and a rock soundtrack. More accessible but less complex than main series entries.

Collecting Information:

• SNES (North America): $15-$35 loose, $40-$100 CIB
• SFC (Japan): $20-$50 loose, $80-$180 CIB
• Rarity: Very common
• Notes: Simplified gameplay, often dismissed by hardcore fans but has its charm

Why It's Special:

• Designed specifically for Western audiences
• Simplified RPG mechanics for beginners
• Rock soundtrack unique in Final Fantasy series
• Action elements mixed with traditional RPG gameplay

Super Famicom (Japan Only Releases)

These games were only released in Japan on Super Famicom but are essential for any Final Fantasy collection.

Final Fantasy IV (1991) - Super Famicom

Same as Final Fantasy II (SNES), but original Japanese release.
See Final Fantasy II (SNES) entry above.

Final Fantasy V (1992) - Super Famicom

Original Japanese Title: ファイナルファンタジーV (Final Fantasy V)
Release Date: December 6, 1992 (Japan only)

About the Game:
Final Fantasy V wasn't released outside Japan until the PlayStation era. It features the Job System, allowing characters to master multiple job classes. Considered one of the series' best gameplay systems.

Collecting Information:

• SFC (Japan): $30-$80 loose, $100-$250 CIB
• Rarity: Common to moderately uncommon
• Notes: Only available in Japanese on SFC. Not released in English until PlayStation port.

Why It's Special:

• Advanced Job System with 22 job classes
• Deep character customization
• Humerous story with serious moments
• Excellent gameplay mechanics
• Fan translation patches available for English play

Tips for Collectors:

• Must-have for Super Famicom collectors
• Can be played with English fan translations on flash carts
• Often overlooked but highly regarded by series fans

Final Fantasy VI (1994) - Super Famicom

Same as Final Fantasy III (SNES), but original Japanese release.
See Final Fantasy III (SNES) entry above.

Game Boy Advance

The Game Boy Advance received enhanced remakes of several Final Fantasy titles with improved graphics, sound, and additional content.

Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls (2004)

Original Japanese Title: ファイナルファンタジーI・IIアドバンス (Final Fantasy I・II Advance)
Release Date: July 29, 2004 (Japan)
North American Release: November 29, 2004

About the Game:
A compilation of remakes of Final Fantasy I and II, featuring updated graphics, improved sound, and additional content (including bonus dungeons). The best way to play these classics on original hardware.

Collecting Information:

• GBA (North America): $30-$60 loose, $80-$150 CIB
• GBA (Japan): $20-$50 loose, $60-$120 CIB
• Rarity: Common to moderately uncommon
• Notes: Two games in one cartridge. Enhanced versions with bonus content.

Why It's Special:

• Two complete games on one cartridge
• Enhanced graphics and sound
• Additional dungeons and content
• Best portable versions of these classics

Final Fantasy IV Advance (2005)

Original Japanese Title: ファイナルファンタジーIVアドバンス (Final Fantasy IV Advance)
Release Date: December 15, 2005 (Japan)
North American Release: December 12, 2005

About the Game:
An enhanced remake of Final Fantasy IV (originally Final Fantasy II on SNES) with updated graphics, new content, and bug fixes. Includes the "Lunar Ruins" bonus dungeon.

Collecting Information:

• GBA (North America): $40-$80 loose, $100-$200 CIB
• GBA (Japan): $25-$60 loose, $80-$160 CIB
• Rarity: Moderately uncommon
• Notes: Enhanced remake with additional content

Why It's Special:

• Best portable version of Final Fantasy IV
• Additional content (Lunar Ruins dungeon)
• Improved translation
• Can experience the classic story on the go

Final Fantasy V Advance (2006)

Original Japanese Title: ファイナルファンタジーVアドバンス (Final Fantasy V Advance)
Release Date: October 12, 2006 (Japan)
North American Release: November 6, 2006

About the Game:
The first official English release of Final Fantasy V (previously only available in Japanese on Super Famicom). Enhanced remake with bonus content including new job classes and dungeons.

Collecting Information:

• GBA (North America): $50-$100 loose, $120-$250 CIB
• GBA (Japan): $30-$70 loose, $100-$200 CIB
• Rarity: Moderately uncommon to uncommon
• Notes: First English release of Final Fantasy V. Highly sought after.

Why It's Special:

• First official English release of Final Fantasy V
• Enhanced graphics and sound
• Additional job classes and content
• Historically significant for North American collectors

Tips for Collectors:

• First official English version makes this highly collectible
• Prices rising as collectors seek first official English releases
• Consider essential for Final Fantasy collectors

Final Fantasy VI Advance (2007)

Original Japanese Title: ファイナルファンタジーVIアドバンス (Final Fantasy VI Advance)
Release Date: November 30, 2006 (Japan)
North American Release: February 5, 2007

About the Game:
An enhanced remake of Final Fantasy VI (originally Final Fantasy III on SNES) with improved translation, additional Espers, and bonus dungeons. Considered by many the definitive portable version.

Collecting Information:

• GBA (North America): $60-$120 loose, $150-$300 CIB
• GBA (Japan): $35-$80 loose, $120-$250 CIB
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Notes: Enhanced version of the beloved Final Fantasy VI with bonus content

Why It's Special:

• Best portable version of Final Fantasy VI
• Improved translation over SNES version
• Additional Espers and dungeons
• Portable access to the greatest Final Fantasy game

Tips for Collectors:

• Final GBA Final Fantasy release
• Prices steadily increasing
• Considered essential for portable Final Fantasy collections

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance (2003)

Original Japanese Title: ファイナルファンタジータクティクスアドバンス (Final Fantasy Tactics Advance)
Release Date: February 14, 2003 (Japan)
North American Release: September 8, 2003

About the Game:
A tactical RPG spin-off of the Final Fantasy Tactics series. Features grid-based combat, job classes, and a story set in the world of Ivalice. Different from the main series but beloved by strategy RPG fans.

Collecting Information:

• GBA (North America): $30-$60 loose, $80-$160 CIB
• GBA (Japan): $20-$50 loose, $70-$140 CIB
• Rarity: Common to moderately uncommon
• Notes: Tactical RPG spin-off, not a traditional Final Fantasy

Why It's Special:

• Excellent tactical RPG gameplay
• Set in Ivalice (shared with Final Fantasy XII)
• Job system with 34 different jobs
• Deep customization and strategy

Complete Retro Final Fantasy Checklist

NES / Famicom

• Final Fantasy (NES / Famicom)

Game Boy / Game Boy Color

• Final Fantasy Legend (SaGa)
• Final Fantasy Legend II (SaGa 2)
• Final Fantasy Legend III (SaGa 3)
• Final Fantasy Adventure (Seiken Densetsu / Mana)

Super Nintendo / Super Famicom

• Final Fantasy II / IV (SNES)
• Final Fantasy III / VI (SNES)
• Final Fantasy Mystic Quest (SNES)
• Final Fantasy IV (Super Famicom - Japan)
• Final Fantasy V (Super Famicom - Japan only)
• Final Fantasy VI (Super Famicom - Japan)

Game Boy Advance

• Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls
• Final Fantasy IV Advance
• Final Fantasy V Advance
• Final Fantasy VI Advance
• Final Fantasy Tactics Advance

Total Retro Final Fantasy Games: 16 unique titles

Collecting Tips & Strategy

Starting Your Collection

For Beginners:

1. Start with GBA versions - they're modern, affordable, and excellent ports
2. Get Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls (two games in one)
3. Add Final Fantasy III (SNES) or VI Advance for the best entry

For Completest Collectors:

1. Focus on CIB (Complete in Box) copies for maximum value
2. Japanese versions are often cheaper and in better condition
3. Test battery saves on all cartridge games
4. Consider region-free SNES consoles for Super Famicom games

Value Appreciation

Games Seeing Strong Growth:

• Final Fantasy III (SNES) - Prices have doubled in 5 years
• Final Fantasy V Advance - First English release, rare
• Final Fantasy VI Advance - Final GBA release, climbing steadily

Best Values:

• Japanese Super Famicom releases are 30-50% cheaper
• Loose carts are significantly more affordable than CIB
• Game Boy versions are still relatively affordable

Condition Considerations

For Collectors:

• Box condition is critical for SNES/GBA titles
• Label condition matters for loose cartridge collecting
• Battery saves should be tested (can be replaced if dead)
• Manuals and inserts add significant value

For Players:

• Loose carts are fine if you just want to play
• Japanese versions can be played with fan translations on flash carts
• GBA versions are the most modern and feature-complete

Why These Games Matter

The Final Fantasy franchise on retro Nintendo consoles represents:

Historical Significance: These games defined the JRPG genre and influenced decades of game design.

Technical Achievement: Pushed the limits of 8-bit and 16-bit hardware with ambitious storytelling and gameplay.

Cultural Impact: Created memorable characters, stories, and music that remain beloved today.

Collecting Value: Steadily appreciating assets that bring both nostalgic joy and investment potential.

Timeless Gameplay: These games remain as playable and enjoyable today as when first released.

Resources for Collectors

Price Tracking:

• PriceCharting.com for current market values
• eBay completed listings for recent sales
• The 725 Club database for comprehensive game information

Community:

• Final Fantasy forums and subreddits
• Retro game collecting communities
• SNES collecting groups

Game Information:

• Final Fantasy Wiki for detailed game information
• ROMhacking.net for fan translations
• The 725 Club for SNES/SFC collecting resources

Conclusion

Building a complete Final Fantasy retro collection is a rewarding journey through gaming history. From the groundbreaking NES original to the masterpiece that is Final Fantasy VI, these games represent the evolution of one of gaming's greatest franchises.

Whether you're collecting for nostalgia, investment, or pure love of RPGs, these retro Final Fantasy titles offer incredible value and timeless gameplay experiences. Start with the GBA remakes for the best modern experience, then work backward to collect the original releases that started it all.

Happy collecting, and may your journey through Final Fantasy history be as epic as the games themselves!

This guide is part of The 725 Club's comprehensive retro game collecting resources. For more guides, price tracking, and collection management tools, visit The 725 Club.