Without saying your age...

[mo]

Never been a big first day guy unless it’s from a favorite publisher/series, but the earliest game I can remember that I just had to get on release day was San Andreas.

[Zaq "That Guy" Buzzkill]

Not a game specifically but we got an N64 the same year it came out.

[Kalmia]

I think it was probably Final Fantasy VIII. I played games for years before that came out but I never followed release dates. I'd just get (or ask my parents for) a reasonably priced game when necessary, like Christmas/Birthdays/etc. Even now there aren't many games I buy on release.

[Magnus the Magnificent]

We grew up, I wouldn't call it poor, because that would be an insult to those who really did, but not that well off.
My parents didn't care for video games, so we never had any console when I was a child.
I saved and saved and saved every penny I got from chores and gifts from Grandma, and then finally bought a Sega Megadrive (that's Genesis, for you yankees, ).
It had Sonic 2 included as bundle, so that was the first "new" new game I got, even if it wasn't and isn't what OP asked for.
This was 1994 or 1995, I can't remember.

Hmmm, I think Tomb Raider II is the closest to release day game I bought.
That or Resident Evil 2 for PS1, which I know I got within first week of release. Still own, and play it on occasion. Great game.

[lionheart21]

Pokémon Yellow Edition

[UN PLOMBIER NIGHTMARE #blm]

Hmm... I think it was warioware for the GBA?

[darbus alan]

I honestly don't remember. I'm sure I've preordered some games during the fifth and sixth generation of consoles but f*** if I can remember anymore.

[thegreatnodnarb]

It was either Pokemon Silver or Halo 2 for me. Those are the only games I can somewhat remember getting either on release date or a few days later. I think I got Pokemon Stadium within the first week. I never buy games day one now because games are expensive, usually buggy on the first day, and eventually will be released for half the price or better months later.

[Von Wagner's Brownies]

Kirby's Dream Land

[mcmahonfan85]

I think the only games I ever got the day they came out were GTA San Andreas and Modern Warfare 3 (2011)

[Denny Zen is Cooking™]

Seems like it was probably the original Star Fox for me, although it could have been NBA Live 1995 for SNES.

[Lizuka #BLM]

I have no idea. Pokemon Yellow maybe? Don't know if that was a launch thing but it was probably close.

[Toilet Paper Roll]

The day it was actually released? GTA V

[Urn Anderson]

Super Mario Bros. 2

[Timeless Hayterade]

Mortal Kombat for the Sega Genesis.

[Andew9001]

I think the first day 1 purchase would've been SvR2006. I think that was the first game i ever preordered. Came with a poster of Torrie Wilson and a copy of Armageddon 2004.

[Hurbster]

Elite, C64.

[ppl591]

Smackdown here come the pain

[Nr1Humanoid]

Pacman.

[Ultimo Gallos]

That I paid for? Genesis Street Fighter II Champion Edition. I know I got that release day.

That I got but didn't pay for Ms Pacman for the 2600.