Platinum Hits is a branding used by Microsoft for discounted reprints of Xbox video games. The branding is used for reprints of popular, top-selling games for each console in the Xbox family, which are deliberately sold with a lower MSRP than the original production runs of a game, and feature special branding—colored in platinum since Xbox—on their box art, as well as silver-colored cases on Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S releases (instead of the traditional clear or green-colored casing). The requirement for being a Platinum Hits title was selling at least 400,000 copies and being on the market for at least nine months after release,[1] and have dropped in price from their original MSRP to a lower price, generally that of $19.99,[2] although multi-game packs may sell for $24.99.
A similar budget range in PAL markets is known as Xbox Classics for £19.99 and Best of Classics for £9.99. In Japan, they are known as Platinum Collection games and generally cost ¥2,800, with certain games such as Grand Theft Auto IV and Dynasty Warriors 6 at a higher price point of ¥3,800. Sales requirements may vary by region.
On September 8, 2006, Microsoft announced the Platinum Collection would be extended to the Xbox 360 platform.[3] On September 20, 2006, at Microsoft's Pre-Tokyo Game Show conference, they announced Platinum Hits for the Xbox 360 in North America, priced at $29.99 and Classics in the UK for £24.99.[4] A second wave of titles was released in early 2007, with additional games being added periodically.[5]
Platinum Family Hits are special Platinum Hits that have been designated appropriate for all ages. All current Platinum Family Hits are rated "E" by the ESRB, except for T-rated X-Men Legends and four E10+ rated games – Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Unleashed, Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy and Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. Not all Platinum Hits offerings that receive an E rating are labeled with the Family Hits designation, however.
As with Platinum Hits, the new suggested retail (MSRP) is $19.99.
Best of Platinum Hits are select best-selling Platinum Hits that have a suggested retail price of $9.99 and a slightly different "Best of Platinum Hits" logo on the package design. Best of Platinum Family Hits are chosen from the Platinum Family Hits line.