Remember digging through your old toy box and pulling out a figure you swore was from a video game—but couldn’t name? Yeah, that’s what we’re talking about. While characters like Mario and Sonic got full-blown toy empires, a lot of beloved video game franchises only got a small run of toys—if any at all. From limited-edition figures to plush companions hidden in preorders, these forgotten video game toys are the overlooked gems of the ’90s and 2000s. If any of these sound familiar, you might be sitting on a piece of gaming history.
Earthworm Jim – Playmates Toy Line (1995)
Jim wasn’t just a worm in a supersuit—he was a whole vibe. Playmates brought the zany side-scroller to life with stretchy, offbeat figures that looked like they’d burst out of the screen mid-level. They nailed the weirdness, right down to the villains like Bob the Killer Goldfish. A true time capsule of ’90s chaos.
Crash Bandicoot PVC Figures (1998–2000)
Crash didn’t get a full-blown action figure line—he got weird PVC statues and cereal box giveaways. If you were lucky, you found one balancing awkwardly on your desk with that classic crooked grin. They were cheaply made, oddly proportioned, and somehow… perfect.
MegaMan.EXE & NetNavi Series (2003)
When Mega Man went digital in the Battle Network series, so did his toy line. These figures leaned heavily into the anime style, featuring sharp colors and modular parts like “Battle Chips.” They weren’t mass-market hits, but they still hit the sweet spot for GBA-era kids.
Jak & Daxter Plush Toys (2001)
Soft, sarcastic, and rare. The Jak & Daxter plush line wasn’t sold in most stores—it slipped through via event exclusives and preorders. Daxter, with his wild expression and oversized ears, was the standout. If you had one, it probably sat on a shelf next to your PS2 collection.
Joanna Dark – Limited Edition Figure (2000)
Long before game merch was everywhere, Perfect Dark got a stealthy little figure drop. Joanna Dark action figures were hard to find—available only through special channels. With sleek details and sharp edges, it felt more like a collectible statue than a toy, especially for fans of the N64 stealth shooter.
Bonus Round: Cereal Toys, Magazine Promos & Preorder Swag
Remember getting a toy in your cereal that made zero sense until you read the back of the box? Yeah, that was the golden age of crossover promotions. From Ratchet & Clank keychains to Spyro finger puppets, these toys weren’t sold—they were discovered. And half the fun was figuring out what game they were even from.
Retro Daddy Says: Check Your Toy Box
Some video game toys were legendary. Others barely made it past the clearance bin. But now? The forgotten ones are the coolest. They’re the kind of collectibles that spark instant memories and remind you of gaming’s golden age—strange proportions, clunky limbs, and all. If you’ve got any of these tucked away in your attic or garage, they might be more than just nostalgic—they might be valuable. That’s why we make it easy at Retro Daddy Gaming to turn your old toys, games, and collectibles into fast cash—with zero hassle and lightning-fast offers. Get started by CLICKING HERE.
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