Collecting, is becoming less and less of a niche.

How else to explain the prominent lead of “Figurines” in the poll conducted by Street Fighter 4 developers, Capcom? The survey seeks opinions on what should be included in the upcoming “Collector Edition” of the blockbuster title for Xbox 360 and Playstation 3.

It’s huge, the way collectibles are seeping into the mainstream more and more over time. Already a staple in the home video world, they are now becoming commonplace in gaming as well, with successively more elaborate ‘collector editions’ in the pipeline.

Recent examples include Amazon.com exclusive editions of Gears of War 2 (life-size Lancer prop gun) and Fallout 3 (Pip Boy 300 clock). Street Fighter 4 is only the latest confirmation of this trend- if the planet’s #1 online retailer producing its own independent collector’s editions of video games wasn’t confirmation enough.

Amongst hardcore gamers, where collectibles are usually viewed as fluff, its lead over actual game content represents a new paradigm of thinking. If Sideshow’s on the ball, they’d make sure gift cards were in every copy of SF4 to capitalize on this perfect gateway to the Pop Culture Shock Street Fighter statues under their umbrella of distribution.

Other options to fall by the wayside include the more practical staples: t-shirts and strategy guides. To place a vote, hit up Capcom’s Street Fighter 4 home page. I got mine in.