Playstation 1 games are gaining value fast, here are a couple that stand out
Games for the original Playstation have been gaining value steadily as the system ages. There is a lot of potential in the 5th generation of gaming consoles, with the Sega Saturn and Nintendo 64 also holding many valuable games. While a many PS1 games still have minimal value, there is a growing number that are starting to look like real investment opportunities. My gut, and the numbers, tell me these 10 smart video game investments for the Playstation will move pretty consistently for the foreseeable future.
I use Price Charting and Game Value Now when checking on pricing. Video game investment is a very fluid market. Please go to the above mentioned sites for up to the moment pricing. These games were selected because they should hold long term value.
Misadventures of Tron Bonne
Our high earner for the Playstation means if you see it affordably available then you should snag it. This game moves for high value and it is no surprise after learning it is a tie-in to the Mega Man game series. Mega Man sells well on all platforms as a rule and since this is an offshoot of the main series, it certainly didn’t see the production run that the main games did. Since rarity adds value, well, you know the rest.
Loose: $169 CIB: $635 New: $900
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Widely regarded as one of the best games for the original Playstation, it doesn’t hurt that it has the name recognition of a big franchise behind it. A 2-D platformer when those were becoming unfashionable, this beloved game sells high and sells well. The first two games on the list shows the power of franchise in relation to game value.
Loose: $72 CIB: $147 New: $276
Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter
Pretty much any Marvel vs. Capcom game can sell well right now, but I have singled this one out as a steady mover. Combining two high powered franchises, the series is filled with fast-paced battles and great matchups. Spider-Man against Blanka, Ryu trying to survive Wolverine, and of course, Captain America against M. Bison. The value reflects the power of these brands, though the New pricing below may not reflect actual value as one big sale sent the number upwards.
Loose: $73 CIB: $145 New: $608
Breath of Fire 3
Another well known series with consistent sales value, the Breath of Fire games are a solid investment for almost any console. RPG’s in general seem to have high resale value and this one is no exception. Being a well received RPG for a beloved system means that this game will continue to sell well.
Loose: $39 CIB: $79 New: $192
Mortal Combat 3
Another fighting game but with a whole different feel, Mortal Combat has a following and name recognition that cannot be challenged. Certain games in the series hold more value than others and Mortal Combat 3 seems to be a smart buy across the board. With the recently released movie putting a spotlight back on the franchise, this game should maintain value.
Loose: $14 CIB: $45 New: $737
Suikoden 2
Another RPG to keep your eyes open for, Suikoden 2 has only been increasing in value. Though the rest of the series sells well, Suikoden 2 seems to contain steady worth. Value for this game rests in a limited initial print run and no reprints being issued. There was also lukewarm excitement for the game initially, even though it did receive good reviews. Combine rarity with a good game and you get a great investment.
Loose: $149 CIB: $313 New: $747
Resident Evil
Resident Evil is a quisessential game series on the Playstation. The first three games were released on it and they all possess value. My focus will be on the first release on the platform. Groundbreaking when it came out, a black label copy is ideal, but Resident Evil holds value at all levels. Resident Evil: Survivor is another notable game from the series, but all of the games for the original PlayStation move.
Loose: $40 CIB: $80 New: $184
MediEvil
Oddball games such as MediEvil tend to hold value due to lower print runs. A known quantity, like Mega Man or Resident Evil will usually see millions of copies being produced. When a game enters the market without that name recognition, developers are usually hesitant to produce a large number of games, fearing a loss. This scarcity leads to value. Whenever I see this game listed, it moves, even though it may not be very well known. The reimaging of it for PS4 recently certainly does not hurt matters.
Loose: $18 CIB: $42 New: $320
Silent Hill
Silent Hill games hold value across multiple versions and platforms. Even the Playstation 2 games hold value when not many games on that platform have attained it yet. This beloved survival horror series is a smart grab if you can find it at a reasonable price. They move fast and consistently on eBay. Your best bet would be to get your hands on a black label version of the first game.
Loose: $45 CIB: $160 New: $187
Vandal Hearts
Another RPG on the list, but I can’t help that the people love them! Vandal Hearts received good reviews and was another quality RPG on a console that had many. This game moves quickly and consistently when selling online.
Loose: $42 CIB: $61 New: $172
Final Thoughts
There are a couple of things to look out for when deciding whether to invest in some of these games. One thing is to look for is “black label” or original print games. A Greatest Hits copy, identified by the green bar on the left side that says “greatest hits”, tends to draw much less money than an original run copy. Also be wary of the fact that you are purchasing CD’s, a notoriously easy data medium to damage. If you’re window shopping, be sure to try and see an image of the underside of the disk to look for scratches.
Location of manufacture is also another thing to consider. If you are selling collectables in a North American market, then you will want to make sure you are getting a copy of a North American game. Games from other countries will just not hold the same value and you will end up facing disappointment.
PlayStation is a giant in the gaming industry now, so seeing the nostalgia start to accumulate for its humble beginnings makes me excited to see what the future has to hold for investment on the PlayStation. It has one of the largest game libraries of any system, so there is huge potential for growth.
CollecTech 