Video game collecting is a much more expensive hobby than it used to be; with more enthusiasts joining in every day, the value of some of the most memorable games of yesteryear has skyrocketed. Many titles for the PlayStation 3 that were fairly common finds at one time are now seeing rising prices as they become rarer and more difficult to find. This is particularly true of any collector’s editions or rhythm games with instruments such as Rock Band.

While the current fixation of most collectors seems to be on the sixth generation of gaming, certain excellent seventh-generation games have seen huge price increases in the past few years. Both avid collectors and people who simply want to relive some of the nostalgia of the past are often looking for many of these games. From niche games released early in the console’s life cycle to games that were canceled but made it to retail anyway, many can now bring several hundreds of dollars in today’s market.

25

Armored Core: For Answer (2008)

Difficult To Find Now Makes It More Expensive

Armored Core: For Answer is a mech battling game with plenty of fast-paced combat and action, making it a popular game for many. These days, the PlayStation 3 edition of the game proves to be a bit elusive and its rarity has been driving the price of the game up whenever it is found.

Armored Core 6 also brought plenty of new fans for the franchise, as some FromSoft acolytes who hadn’t previously branched outside the Soulsborne games or Sekiro finally tried out another FromSoft IP. Following its release, the demand for past titles is likely even higher than before.

According to the PriceCharting website, a new copy of Armored Core: For Answer will sell for up to $148.66 at the time of writing, and a Complete in Box version of the game being resold would be valued at $81.94.

24

Afrika (2008)

A Low North American Print Run

Afrika is the kind of game that tended to show up more often on the Nintendo Wii than the PlayStation 3, focusing on nature photography simulation. In this case, it’s something of a safari tour, with players following missions to capture specific sights and traveling to find the perfect shot.

Afrika wasn’t a critical or financial winner, likely thanks to an overly-structured approach and a number of frustrating elements. Although some import versions don’t command the same prices, a low North American print run means that new copies are currently valued at $241.74 on PriceCharting, while a complete used copy fetches a little over $150.

23

The Last Guy (2008)

Primarily Sold As A Digital Game

The Last Guy is a unique game where players must guide civilians to safety through monster-infested cities, from an overhead viewpoint. Looking at mobs of humans and carefully trying to lead them can be a challenge, but finding a physical copy of the game might be an even bigger one. The game was primarily sold as a digital download on the PlayStation Store, with very few physical copies ever being released.

The PriceCharting website lists that a new copy of The Last Guy for the PS3 is valued at $254.00. Complete in Box copies, meanwhile, are averaging $169.39.

22

Rocksmith Guitar Bundle (2011)

Guitars Don’t Come Cheap

Guitar games are repeat offenders among the most valuable PS3 games, and Rocksmith is no exception. It might not be as hugely popular as Guitar Hero, but the guitar bundle comes with a nice enough guitar to make it an attractive edition. It also has a unique point of appeal, as it’s better for serious guitar learning than the arcade experience of Guitar Hero.

Per PriceCharting, the Rocksmith Guitar Bundle currently commands $260 new, with one sale made at that price this year. A complete used version, meanwhile, will run $220.08 on average.

21

Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch – Wizard’s Edition (2011)

Includes The Game & A 300-Page Book

The Ni No Kuni series is a very popular ARPG with an engaging story and creative characters. When Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch was released, there was a special Wizard’s Edition that essentially was its version of a collectors’ edition. This box set has a 300-page book called The Wizard’s Companion, which is a physical copy of the same in-game book containing a bestiary, spells, history, and more. The Wizard’s Edition of the game also came with a plush doll of Drippy from the game as well as two in-game DLC familiars.

On PriceCharting, the Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch – Wizard’s Edition for the PS3 is listed at $289.52 new. It costs $250 flat when sold Complete in Box. If you want to pick up a Ni No Kuni collectible for a reasonable price, you’ll have much better luck with the premium editions of the sequel, which went on heavy clearances and still hasn’t quite recovered.

20

Grand Theft Auto 4 – Special Edition

An All-Time Classic

It’s hard to say anything about Grand Theft Auto 4 that hasn’t already been said – it was a cultural phenomenon, a moment in video game history more than it was a title for the PS3. This was the sixth main game in the GTA series, and took players to a reimagined version of New York, where they control immigrant Niko Bellic on his quest to escape his past and find revenge.

One of the most highly-anticipated games of all time (perhaps rivaled only by GTA 6), and universally acclaimed at the time of its release, it makes sense that players are willing to pay a premium for this rare edition of GTA 4. It includes a working safety deposit box with the GTA logo on it, a Rockstar logo keychain, a 68-page hardcover artbook, a CD of licensed songs from GTA 4‘s radio, and an orange Rockstar duffel bag. According to PriceCharting, it costs $365.00 new, and $200 Complete in Box.

19

Band Hero Super Bundle (2009)

Full Bundle With Instruments

Band Hero was a spin-off title from the popular Guitar Hero series and plays very similarly to its predecessors. It received some mixed reviews, partly due to it having much less content than the Guitar Hero games but at the same price, and felt geared for a younger audience. The spin-off didn’t really hit the right notes with consumers, and now the game is difficult to find at a reasonable price.

According to PriceCharting, a new copy of the full Band Hero Super Bundle, which includes the instruments as well as the game, is valued at $373.74, at the time of writing. A complete-in-box copy is only a few dollars cheaper on average, so if you’re going to invest, you might as well spring for a new one.

18

Syberia Collection – Adventure Company Version (2009)

A Minor Cover Difference

The Syberia Collection isn’t especially hard to find for the PS3, although it’s not the cheapest collection out there in any form. There are also plenty of other ways to buy Syberia, which is a long-term Steam staple, and the first game received a remaster in the years since. When it comes to the big bucks, however, one minor difference completely changes the value.

The original release of the Syberia Collection, which features only the developer The Adventure Company on the cover, can reach $410.00 new or $273.47 Complete in Box, according to PriceCharting. Reprints have likely lowered the value from its all-time highs, but any later print adds THQ Nordic to the cover, so the game is worth way more if the newer company isn’t referenced.

17

Armored Core: Verdict Day – Collector’s Edition (2013)

Armored Core Is Rarely Cheap

Considering the price that Armored Core: For Answer commands with a standard release, it’s no surprise that the collector’s edition of the later PS3 game Verdict Day goes for even more. This deluxe offering bundles the game with an art book and soundtrack, but the real star of the show is a detailed mech action figure.

According to PriceCharting, Armored Core: Verdict Day‘s collector’s edition can cost $488.13 new, a steep price even for a cool-looking figure. A complete used copy knocks the price down to $187.06, but casual fans might want to stick to the standard release, even if it’s still expensive in its own right. If you must have a mech on your shelf, you’d probably be better off buying a cheap Gundam kit.

16

Dead Space 3 – Greatest Hits (2013)

A Very Uncommon Variant

Buying Dead Space 3 on PS3 doesn’t have to be a challenge, as the standard release of the game is cheap and easy to find. It isn’t much of a fan favorite, as the third entry in the series loses some of the horror strengths of its predecessors. Even so, it can still be a fun action experience in its own right.

Regardless, the Greatest Hits of Dead Space 3 is surprisingly elusive. While the red box will be of little value to most, it could be a major thorn in the side of anyone trying to collect Greatest Hits titles in particular.

According to PriceCharting, Dead Space 3‘s Greatest Hits release is worth $399 new, while a complete used copy fetches $266. It’s unlikely to sell for these prices very often, but considering how hard it is to find at all, anyone who happens to have one on hand could probably make a tidy profit.