15 Rarest PS3 Games (& What They're Worth Right Now)

Summary

• PS3 game values are surging due to rarity, with prices rising significantly for titles with accessories such as
  Rock Band Special Edition
  .
• Collectors are focusing on rare PS3 games like
  Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch – Wizard’s Edition
  , which is increasing demand and value.
• The rarest of titles are hard to find and can fetch over $5,000 due to scarcity.

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 at one time were fairly common finds are now seeing rising prices as they become rarer and more difficult to find. Particularly 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, there are many that can now bring several hundreds of dollars in today’s market.

Current market prices for these PS3 games have been found on the website PriceCharting.com and are noted and linked in each entry.

20 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.

According to the PriceCharting website, a new copy of Armored Core: For Answer will sell for up to $193.54 at the time of writing, and a Complete in Box version of the game being resold would be valued at $83.21.

19 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 $275.39. Interestingly, the Complete in Box copies have sold for $300, likely due to the lack of new copies being available.

18 BlazBlue: Central Fiction (2016)

The Last BlazBlue Game On The PS3

BlazBlue is perhaps the most renowned fighting games series to debut during the seventh console generation. With a total of four mainline titles released on the PlayStation 3, the series was almost inescapable for fans of the genre. Released in 2016, BlazBlue: Central Fiction was one of the final titles to be released on Sony’s PlayStation 3, and, as such, it’s extremely rare. On the PriceCharting website, new copies of the game are shown to be valued at $299.99, while Complete in Box sales of the game go for $201.

17 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 $330.52, at the time of writing, while a Complete in Box version of the game costs $190.15.

16 Rock Band Special Edition (2007)

Many Were Introduced To The Series With This Game

Over the years, since the fad of rhythm games with instruments such as Guitar Hero and Rock Band has subsided, finding these games complete with the necessary instruments has become a struggle for many who wish to own them. The nostalgia has led many who grew up playing the original Rock Band to want to try to find it again. On PriceCharting‘s website, Rock Band Special Edition with instruments for the PS3 is listed at a value of $349 when new, and $295 when sold Complete in Box, at the time of writing.

15 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 $357.46 new. It costs $199 when sold Complete in Box.

14 Fallout 3 – Survival Edition (2008)

A Classic RPG With A Rare Collectible

Fallout 3 was the first title in the landmark RPG series to go 3D, and for many players, that meant it was their first experience with it. It’s hard not to remember that fondly: making a custom character and venturing out into the uniquely retrofuturistic Capital Wasteland for the first time was, for many, a formative experience. Fallout and Bethesda have since become a powerhouse in the industry, in no small part thanks to the subsequent successes of New Vegas, Fallout 4, and the Fallout TV series.

Many collectors seek to return to those simpler times, and the rare collectibles in Fallout 3‘s Survival Edition help justify its price tag. Besides a Vault-Boy bobblehead, a Vault-Tec lunchbox, an artbook, and a behind-the-scenes book, the Fallout 3 Survival Edition also included a replica of a Pip-Boy that worked as a clock. According to PriceCharting, it runs $405.96 new, or $397.80 Complete in Box.

13 Drakengard 3 – Collector’s Edition (2013)

Collector’s Edition With Prequel Novella Was Released With Limited Quantities

Finding a copy of Drakengard 3 is not too difficult, and they are available from many retailers. Finding a Collector’s Edition of Drakengard 3 is a very different story, however. The narrative-rich game is even more immersive in this format, as the Collector’s Edition comes with a 160-page prequel novella, as well as many other physical rewards and in-game DLC. It was only released in limited quantities, though, which is why PriceCharting lists the game as having a price of $425 when new and $315 for a Complete in Box version.

12 The Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition (2009)

Having The Beatles License Makes This Even More Expensive

As was seen above, even the regular versions of Rock Band are hard to come by these days, and have been rising in price because of it. Adding the licensing of one of the most iconic bands to ever hit the stage makes this game even more pricey. The Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition on the PS3 was already priced higher than the normal game at the time of its release, but has since become one of the most expensive PS3 games, particularly as it is becoming more difficult to find and Beatles collectors are also coveting the game.

According to PriceCharting, a new copy of The Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition lists for $434.28, while a Complete in Box version sells for $350. The Limited Edition version includes the game, a Bass controller, The Beatles branded Rock Band Drums, Microphone, Microphone Stand, and more.

11 Rock Band 2 Bundle (2008)

This Set With All The Instruments Is Hard To Find

Finding a complete version of Rock Band 2 is not an easy task in 2024, which is why this PlayStation 3 bundle is now one of the rarest and most expensive games for the console. The bundle comes with the instruments needed to rock out with the game, as well as the disc for the game. While the Rock Band games, and games like them, forever hold a place in gaming history, they are not as widely found as they once were, and the demand is continuing to rise for the few copies available on the market.

At the time of writing, according to PriceCharting, the Rock Band 2 Bundle for PS3 can sell for $467 if new. A Complete in Box version is valued at $194.58, and multiple copies are still sold each year.

10 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 $489.95 new, and $146.14 Complete in Box.

9 Rain – Digitales (2013)

Released Digitally With Very Few Physical Copies

The unique and chilling story told in Rain revolves around the mechanics of invisibility, as two young children are trapped in an alternate world of monsters where they, and the monsters, are only visible in the rain. The game was primarily developed as a digital-only release, with very limited physical copies made that were only ever sold in Japan. Even fewer of those physical releases were made with a translation into English, thereby making the game highly collectible. According to PriceCharting, a new copy of the game can sell for $593.74, while a Complete in Box game is priced at $395.83.

8 Demon’s Souls – Deluxe Edition (2009)

Limited Quantities Of The Deluxe Edition Were Released

The predecessor to the Dark Souls series, Demon’s Souls is a game known for its difficult bosses and mysterious atmosphere. It began life as a niche RPG on the PlayStation 3, but after a major increase in developer FromSoftware’s popularity and a remake of the title on PlayStation 5, the original variant of the game can be much pricier than the average used PS3 title.

The Deluxe Edition, which originally came with a 150-page strategy guide, often goes for hundreds of dollars. PriceCharting shows that a Complete in Box version of the Deluxe Edition of Demon’s Souls for the PS3 will sell for $139.83, while a new version can be valued at $596.26.

7 Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning – Signature Edition (2012)

An Action RPG With A Cult Following

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning could be said to have an all-star development team. Author R.A. Salvatore, responsible for the Drizzt Do’Urden Forgotten Realms tie-in novels, created the setting to introduce his (later canceled) Project Copernicus TTRPG. Amazing Spider-Man artist Todd McFarlane participated in the character design, while Morrowind lead designer Ken Rolston aided in the game design. Composer Grant Kirkhope, who worked on GoldenEye, Banjo-Kazooie, and Perfect Dark, did the soundtrack. So it’s easy to see that there’s a lot to love about Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, which goes a long way towards explaining its high price.

Other than the big names involved in its development, this is a pretty run-of-the-mill action RPG with a fantasy setting. Still, it’s apparent someone’s nostalgic for it, since its signature edition, which also included a parchment map of the game’s world, a dice set and a deck of Destiny Cards that would be used to play the TTRPG, aPrismere Troll figure signed by Todd McFarlane, a lithograph signed by Ken Rolston, and a screen print of a sketch by Todd McFarlane, goes for $875 new, and $583.33 Complete in Box according to PriceCharting.

6 Final Fantasy 13 Deluxe Pack (2009)

Special Limited Edition With Controller

There were many special versions sold for Final Fantasy 13 with different bonuses, including a version bundled with a beautiful PS3 console. This Deluxe Pack for the game seems to have caught the special attention of many. The Final Fantasy 13 Deluxe Pack for the PS3 included a sealed copy of the game, the OST Disc Set, a collectible card, and a limited edition DualShock 3 controller for the PS3 featuring artwork matching the game. This set is a rare find and PriceCharting lists it as selling for $1,314.99 new, and $876.66 when Complete in Box.

5 Aquanaut’s Holiday: Hidden Memories (2008)

English Translation Was Only Released In Asian Markets

Aquanaut’s Holiday: Hidden Memories is an interesting case, as the game was released exclusively on the PS3, and despite an English-translated version of the game being launched, it was seemingly only available in Korea. The beautiful underwater game may not have been earth-shattering in its story or gameplay, and the translation itself is known to be flawed, yet copies of the game can be highly collectible now. Currently, any new copy of the game would be priced at $1,488.88, while Complete in Box copies are selling for $607.22 according to PriceCharting.

4 JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle – Exquisite Edition (2014)

Limited Edition Exclusive Version With Statue

A fighting game based on the famously strange shōnen anime series JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, 2014’s All-Star Battle was released very late in the life cycle of the PlayStation 3. Reminiscent of some of the games in the King of Fighters or Soul Caliber series, it should satisfy the interests of fans of the anime franchise. However, as it boasts only niche appeal in Western territories, it was never destined for major success, and it is now a rare standalone title on the PlayStation 3, even in its standard version.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle – Exquisite Edition is a special, limited edition version of the game that was sold with an accompanying statue. This edition is valued at $2,087.55 when new and $1,391.70 when sold Complete in Box according to PriceCharting, at the time of writing.

3 The Last Of Us – Post-Pandemic Edition (2013)

Growing Popularity

In this day and age, there’s no shortage of copies of The Last of Us. Its enduring popularity has only been boosted by its TV adaptation, and that’s led to a spate of remasters for the survival horror classic on PS4, PS5, and even PC. However, collectors still go feral for the Post-Pandemic Edition, a strictly limited, special release of The Last of Us that sold out before the game was ever released. That likely has nothing to do with the game itself, and more to do with the Post-Pandemic Edition’s add-ons (or maybe its titular irony).

Besides the game and a steelbook cover, the Post-Pandemic Edition also includes a hardcover artbook, a Naughty Dog sticker sheet, and a copy of tie-in comic The Last of Us: American Dreams #1 with a variant cover. Per PriceCharting, a new copy will run players $2,814.17, while a Complete in Box copy comes in at $1,164.53.

2 Uncharted 2: Among Thieves – Fortune Hunter Edition (2009)

An Enduring Classic

Uncharted 2 is in a similar boat: it’s a PS3 classic that remains popular to this day (although its movie adaptation didn’t do nearly as much heavy lifting). First released in 2009, this is the second installment in the Uncharted franchise, and if one game in that series could be said to have cemented its legacy as a PlayStation classic, it’s this one. With series-best action and set pieces that’s only been rivaled by Uncharted 4, Uncharted 2 was beloved on release, and remains that way today.

But much like TLOU, Uncharted 2 is readily available on modern consoles in a remastered form – what makes the Fortune Hunter Edition so valuable is its extra collectibles. It contains an exact replica of the Phurba Dagger, which comes with a stone stand for easy display. Also bundled in is an artbook and a collectible case autographed by over 40 different developers at Naughty Dog. According to PriceCharting, new editions run $2,993.63, while CIBs go for $2,530.50.

Another factor contributing to the Fortune Hunter Edition’s value is that
it was never actually sold
– a very limited run was distributed in sweepstakes and other promotional events.

1 NBA Elite 11 (2010)

Canceled Before Release

Without a doubt, one of the rarest seventh-generation titles in existence, NBA Elite 11, is rare because it should never have even been made available to the public. The game was canceled by its publisher shortly before it was scheduled to be released due to quality issues. Some copies of the game had already been sent to retailers, however, and even managed to land in the hands of some lucky consumers.

The priciest PlayStation 3 game by far, according to PriceCharting, new copies of NBA Elite 11 have sold for $5,479.95. The Complete in Box value of the game is also high, generally being priced at $3,373.30, although in 2022, a copy was sold for $17,500. NBA Elite 11 is so rare that a sale of a loose copy has not been recorded in over a year.

Sources: PriceCharting (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20