The Japanese limited Premium Box release of Ninja Gaiden Σ2, issued alongside the standard PlayStation 3 edition with an exclusive soundtrack, metal accessory set and additional printed material.
Release Date
1 October 2009
Platform / Format
PlayStation 3
Region
Japan
Publisher
Tecmo
Catalogue Number
TCM-30001
JAN
4960677140040
Edition / Version
Premium Box / limited edition
Significance
Japanese collector’s edition combining the PS3 game with physical soundtrack, metal accessories and the Premium Starter Set.
Summary
Ninja Gaiden Σ2 is an expanded PlayStation 3 adaptation of Ninja Gaiden II, originally released for Xbox 360 in 2008. Developed by Team Ninja and published by Tecmo, the PS3 version introduced additional playable characters including Ayane, Momiji and Rachel, alongside new enemies, weapons and game modes.
The Japanese Premium Box was released simultaneously with the standard edition on 1 October 2009. Rather than simply using alternative packaging, it assembled several pieces of physical material specifically intended for the limited release.
This example retains the game, dedicated soundtrack CD, metal accessory set, Premium Starter Guide Book, presentation packaging and original wraparound OBI, making it representative of the complete Japanese Premium Box configuration.
Release & Version Details
The Japanese Special Edition launched alongside the standard edition on 12 June 2008 under catalogue number BLJM-67002.
The game itself is housed in a conventional PS3 Blu-ray case with exclusive illustrated cover artwork. Alongside it is a separate SteelBook carrying monochrome Old Snake artwork and containing the Limited Edition Bonus Disc.
The bonus Blu-ray includes approximately 36 minutes of behind-the-scenes material documenting the closing stages of the game’s development and the work of Hideo Kojima and the production staff.
Also included is the substantial 53-page Japanese manual. Rather than functioning solely as an instruction booklet, it incorporates extensive illustrated comic-style material, making it an unusually elaborate example of the printed manuals supplied with major games of this period.
A high-resolution preservation scan of the complete 53-page manual/comic is available for download below.
Why It’s Significant
The Premium Box documents Tecmo’s approach to Japanese collector editions during the PlayStation 3 era, when limited releases frequently combined games with bespoke physical material rather than relying solely on downloadable bonuses.
It is particularly notable for the metal accessory set, which presents character artwork as individual physical pieces, and for its dedicated soundtrack release. Together with the substantial Starter Guide Book and layered presentation packaging, these components make the edition materially different from the standard Japanese release.
It also represents an important transitional release in the series: Sigma 2 substantially reworked Ninja Gaiden II for PlayStation 3 and expanded the playable cast beyond Ryu Hayabusa.
Preservation Notes
Complete examples require considerably more than the PS3 game itself. The soundtrack and its case, five metal character plates, chain/strap components, Starter Guide Book, internal packaging, outer presentation box and OBI should therefore be checked individually.
The large dark-finished outer box is particularly susceptible to visible rubbing, scratches and edge wear. The small metal accessories can also become separated from the set, making their original fitted insert important for maintaining the edition’s intended presentation.
Any original download code should be preserved as part of the printed material even where it is no longer usable.
Trivia & Interesting Facts
The Premium Box originally retailed in Japan for ¥9,980, compared with ¥7,800 for the standard edition.
The Starter Guide Book runs to 82 pages and includes not only gameplay information and artwork but also a prologue comic.
The PS3 version added playable chapters for Ayane, Momiji and Rachel, significantly expanding the playable cast compared with the original Xbox 360 release.
The Premium Box and standard Japanese edition were released on the same day, making this a contemporary collector’s edition rather than a later reissue.
About the Snows Mini Preservation Project
This item has been documented as part of the Snows Mini Preservation Project, an ongoing effort to preserve and catalogue physical media. Our aim is to record releases, variations and their historical significance for collectors and future enthusiasts. Most items featured in the project form part of our archive and may not be for sale.
Photos
Ninja Gaiden Σ2 Premium Box | PS3 | OST CD, Metal Tags & Premium Starter Book | Japan Import
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Introduction: First-press Japanese Premium Box edition of Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 for PlayStation 3. This collector’s release includes the physical game alongside a dedicated soundtrack CD, five-piece character metal accessory set and the substantial Premium Starter Book combining comics, gameplay guidance and artwork.
Platform: PlayStation 3.
Publisher: Tecmo.
Region: Japan (NTSC-J).
Language: Japanese. English gameplay is not guaranteed.
Contents: PS3 game with original case and artwork, official Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 soundtrack CD, Premium Starter Book featuring comics, game guide content and artwork, additional booklet, five character metal tags with chains in their original fitted presentation tray, original Premium Box and OBI. Catalogue number: TCM-30001.
Collectibility notes: Japanese first-press limited Premium Box release with several dedicated physical extras not found with the standard edition. The Premium Starter Book combines illustrated comic sections, gameplay information and artwork, while the five character metal tags are presented in a custom-fitted tray. The official soundtrack CD completes the collector-focused presentation.
Condition: Very Good. Well cared for and highly presentable, with minor signs of handling, use or storage. Consistent with its age and may show some shelving or storage wear.
Disclaimer: This item has not been tested and is sold as a collectible. Please message us before ordering if you have any questions.
This item is part of our preservation project – click here for details.
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