The digital shift in gaming has made buying and downloading titles easier than ever, but it has also created an unexpected boom in the collector market. When a game is removed from platforms like Steam, PlayStation Store, or Xbox Live, its physical copies instantly become harder to find and more desirable.
Marvel and DC games are especially affected due to complicated licensing agreements between publishers, film studios, and comic rights holders. As a result, collectors are now paying premium prices for games that were once easy to buy digitally.
Why Prices Are Rising
Licensing expiries
Games tied to Marvel or DC often involve multiple stakeholders. Once contracts expire, publishers are forced to pull these games from digital stores, creating immediate scarcity.
Smaller physical print runs
Modern gaming leans heavily toward digital-first releases, meaning many of these titles had limited physical runs. Once stock dries up, prices start climbing fast.
Nostalgia and demand
Fans don’t stop wanting a game just because it’s no longer available. Missed launches and renewed interest from film and TV releases fuel the fear of missing out, driving prices even higher.
Movie and TV crossovers
Whenever Marvel or DC introduces a character in a new film or show, related games surge in value. The hype surrounding Deadpool 3 has reignited demand for Deadpool: The Video Game, causing its market price to spike.
High-Value Delisted Marvel and DC Games
Here’s a snapshot of some of the most sought-after titles and their current collector prices based on recent Australian sales trends:
| Game Title | Platform(s) | Delisted | Approx. Price (AUD) | Notes |
| Deadpool (2013) | PS4, Xbox One, PS3, 360, PC | 2017 | $120–$250 | Prices surged with Deadpool 3 hype |
| Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 1 & 2 | PS4, Xbox One, PC | 2018 | $180–$300 | Bundled editions are especially rare |
| Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions (2010) | PS3, 360, PC | 2014 | $150–$220 | Small physical print run drives scarcity |
| Spider-Man: Web of Shadows (2008) | PS3, 360, Wii | 2014 | $100–$200 | Popular with Venom fans; sealed copies are scarce |
| X-Men: Destiny (2011) | PS3, 360, Wii | 2014 | $250+ | Legal disputes and licence expiry make this extremely rare |
| Marvel vs. Capcom Origins (2012) | PS3, 360 | 2014 | $130–$180 | Limited physical release drives value |
| Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (2011) | PS4, Xbox One, PS3, 360 | 2013 (re-released 2016) | $90–$150 | PS4 editions have risen fastest |
| Batman: The Telltale Series (2016) | PS4, Xbox One, Switch | 2018 | $100–$160 | Delisted after Telltale’s closure |
| DC League of Super-Pets (2022) | PS4, Xbox One, Switch | Expected 2025 | $70–$120 | Prices predicted to increase after removal |
Deadpool Leads the Surge
Deadpool: The Video Game is the standout example of how delistings affect value. Since its removal from digital stores in 2017, prices have steadily climbed, but anticipation for Deadpool 3 has sent demand soaring.
Sealed PS4 and Xbox One copies now regularly sell for more than $200 in Australia, while collector’s editions with steelbooks and bonus items can fetch up to $400. With no confirmed plans for a re-release, prices are likely to rise even further.
The Digital Risk for Collectors
One of the biggest drivers of this trend is the increasing number of digital-only releases. When a game is delisted without a physical version, it effectively disappears for new players. For Marvel and DC games, where licensing complications are common, this makes physical copies the only reliable way to guarantee long-term access.
Tips for Collectors and Investors
- Focus on games with small initial print runs, as they often appreciate fastest.
- Watch for new Marvel and DC film or TV releases, as related games tend to spike around big-screen tie-ins.
- Seek sealed copies wherever possible, as unopened editions hold the highest value over time.
- Keep an eye on rumours of digital re-releases. While they can cause temporary dips in price, physical copies typically regain value in the long term.
Final Thoughts
The rising prices of delisted Marvel and DC games show just how fragile digital ownership can be. Once licensing expires, these titles can vanish without warning, pushing players toward physical editions to ensure long-term access.
For collectors, these games represent more than nostalgia—they are fast becoming an investment opportunity. If you’ve got a sealed copy of Deadpool or Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 sitting on your shelf, you might already be holding a future goldmine.
