Summary
The PlayStation 3 has officially entered that strange middle ground between “modern console” and “retro gaming system.” For years, the PS3 felt too new to be considered retro, but with the system now nearly two decades old, collectors are starting to look at it differently.
The PS3 has a massive library, physical games are still relatively affordable, many titles are not easily available on modern platforms, and nostalgia for the Xbox 360, Wii, and PS3 era is growing fast. If you are thinking about starting or expanding a PS3 collection, now is a great time to pay attention.
At Power Up Gaming, we carry a large selection of used PS3 games in Canada, along with PS3 systems, PS3 accessories, and other retro and modern video game products.
Is the PS3 Actually Retro Now?
That depends on how you define “retro.”
For some collectors, retro gaming means cartridge-based systems like the NES, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Nintendo 64, and Game Boy. For others, it includes anything old enough to feel nostalgic, discontinued, and separated from the current gaming generation.
The PlayStation 3 launched in North America on November 17, 2006. That means the PS3 is now old enough that many people who grew up with it are adults with their own jobs, homes, collections, and nostalgia. The same thing happened with the PlayStation 2, GameCube, and original Xbox. At one point, those systems still felt “too new” to be retro too.
Now the PS3 sits in a very interesting spot. It is old enough to feel nostalgic, but not so old that every game has become expensive or impossible to find. That makes it one of the more exciting collecting platforms right now.
Why PS3 Collecting Is Heating Up
There are a few major reasons PlayStation 3 collecting is becoming more popular.
First, the PS3 library is huge. It includes action games, RPGs, fighting games, racing games, horror games, sports titles, shooters, music games, and tons of exclusive titles. Whether you want common budget games or harder-to-find collector pieces, there is a lot to explore.
Second, many PS3 games are still affordable compared to older retro systems. NES, SNES, N64, GameCube, and PlayStation 2 collecting have all seen major price increases over the years. PS3 still has plenty of games that are inexpensive, especially if you are buying to play rather than chasing only rare collector titles.
Third, the PS3 is part of a generation that still feels different from modern gaming. Physical discs mattered. Manuals still existed for part of the generation. Couch co-op was still common. Many games released complete on disc before massive patches, digital storefronts, and live-service models became the norm.
Fourth, nostalgia is starting to hit. Players who spent evenings with games like Uncharted, LittleBigPlanet, Resistance, Killzone, MotorStorm, Infamous, Metal Gear Solid 4, and the early HD collections are now looking back at the PS3 era with fresh appreciation.
The PS3 Library Has Something for Almost Everyone
One of the biggest strengths of the PS3 is the variety of its game library.
If you like cinematic action, the PS3 has major franchises like Uncharted, God of War, Assassin’s Creed, Batman Arkham, and Tomb Raider. If you like RPGs, there are games like Ni no Kuni, Fallout 3, Fallout New Vegas, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and a wide range of Japanese RPGs.
For racing fans, the system has Gran Turismo, MotorStorm, Need for Speed, Burnout Paradise, Split/Second, Blur, and more. Fighting game fans can chase titles from Street Fighter, Tekken, Mortal Kombat, Soulcalibur, BlazBlue, and Marvel vs. Capcom. Horror fans can look for Dead Space, Resident Evil, Silent Hill, F.E.A.R., and other darker titles from the era.
The PS3 is also a great system for collectors who like oddball games, licensed games, rhythm games, special editions, HD remasters, and titles that may never get modern re-releases.
You can browse our current selection of PlayStation 3 games online. Since our inventory is live, availability changes as games sell and new trade-ins arrive.
Why Physical PS3 Games Still Matter
Physical game collecting is a big part of why the PS3 is becoming more interesting.
A physical PS3 game can be displayed, traded, sold, gifted, collected, or played without relying entirely on a digital storefront. That matters more as older digital stores change, online services shut down, and certain games become harder to access legally.
Physical PS3 collecting also gives players a way to preserve a specific era of gaming. The PS3 generation was the bridge between older offline console gaming and the modern digital ecosystem. It had physical discs, online multiplayer, DLC, digital stores, trophies, patches, and HD graphics all living together in one generation.
That makes PS3 collecting feel different from collecting for older systems. It is not just about nostalgia. It is about preserving the first major HD PlayStation generation.
If you want more background on why older games and systems continue to matter, you may also enjoy our article on the rise of retro gaming.
PS3 Games Are Still Reasonable Compared to Older Retro Systems
One of the best things about PS3 collecting right now is that you do not have to spend a fortune to start.
Many PS3 games are still very affordable, especially common titles, sports games, shooters, racing games, and high-print-run franchises. This makes the PS3 a good choice for new collectors who want to build a physical game library without jumping straight into the higher prices of GameCube, Nintendo 64, Saturn, Dreamcast, or rare PlayStation 2 titles.
That does not mean every PS3 game is cheap. Some titles have already become expensive due to low print runs, niche demand, collector interest, or limited availability. Horror games, RPGs, special editions, certain anime titles, and late-generation releases can climb quickly.
The key is to collect smart. Buy the games you actually want to play first. Then add harder-to-find titles when they show up at a fair price.
The Best Types of PS3 Games to Collect
If you are just starting a PS3 collection, here are a few categories worth watching.
1. PS3 Exclusives
PS3 exclusives are a natural place to start because they help define the system. Games like Uncharted, Infamous, Resistance, Killzone, LittleBigPlanet, Heavenly Sword, MotorStorm, and Metal Gear Solid 4 are closely tied to the PlayStation 3 era.
Some of these franchises have modern ports or sequels, but the original PS3 versions still matter to collectors.
2. HD Collections
The PS3 was famous for HD collections. These brought older PlayStation 2-era games forward with upgraded visuals and multiple games on one disc. Examples include God of War Collection, Sly Cooper Collection, Jak and Daxter Collection, Ratchet & Clank Collection, Metal Gear Solid HD Collection, and others.
These collections are especially appealing because they often preserve several classic games in one package.
3. RPGs and JRPGs
RPG collectors often help drive long-term demand. PS3 has a strong lineup of Western RPGs, Japanese RPGs, tactical RPGs, and niche titles. Some are still easy to find, while others have already become more collectible.
If you see RPGs in good condition, they are often worth a closer look.
4. Horror Games
Horror is one of the most collectible genres across almost every console generation. PS3 horror titles can already be harder to find, especially complete copies in good shape.
Games from franchises like Silent Hill, Resident Evil, Dead Space, F.E.A.R., and other horror or horror-adjacent titles are worth watching.
5. Late-Generation Releases
Games released late in a console’s life can sometimes become collectible because fewer people bought them at the time. By the end of the PS3 era, many players had already moved on to PS4, which means some late PS3 titles may have had lower physical sales.
That does not automatically make every late PS3 game valuable, but it does make them worth paying attention to.
Should You Buy a PS3 Console Today?
If you want to play physical PS3 games, buying original hardware is still the most straightforward way to do it.
A PS3 console gives you access to the original discs, original controllers, original menus, and the real feel of the system. For collectors, that matters. Emulation and streaming can be useful, but they do not fully replace owning the hardware and physical games.
When shopping for a used PS3 system, check for the model, hard drive size, controller condition, disc drive function, cosmetic condition, and whether the system has been properly tested.
At Power Up Gaming, we carry used PS3 systems when available. Inventory changes often because consoles sell and trade-ins arrive regularly.
Do You Need Original PS3 Accessories?
Original accessories are becoming more important as the system gets older.
A good controller can make a huge difference. Loose sticks, worn buttons, weak batteries, or damaged charging ports can make a PS3 frustrating to use. If you are building a proper setup, it is worth having reliable controllers, charging cables, power cables, AV or HDMI cables, and other accessories.
You can check our current selection of PS3 accessories for controllers, cables, and other useful items.
PS3 Is Great for Budget Collectors
The PS3 is one of the best systems right now for people who want to collect physical games without spending huge money.
A lot of people are priced out of certain older retro libraries. GameCube, Nintendo 64, Sega Saturn, Dreamcast, and some PlayStation 2 titles can get expensive fast. PS3 still has a much lower barrier to entry.
That makes it a great system for people who want to build a playable collection instead of just buying display pieces. You can still find excellent games, weird games, multiplayer games, and hidden gems without needing to chase only high-end collector titles.
Our video game sale section is also worth checking, especially when PS3 games are included in current promotions.
Is PS3 a Good System for New Retro Collectors?
Yes, PS3 is a great starting point for new retro collectors.
It has a large library, familiar modern controls, HDMI support, wireless controllers, physical discs, and many games that still feel very playable today. It is old enough to be nostalgic, but not so old that it feels difficult for newer players to understand.
For someone who grew up with PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, or Nintendo Switch, the PS3 is much easier to jump into than some older systems. You still get trophies, modern-style menus, 3D graphics, online-era game design, and many franchises that are still popular today.
What Makes PS3 Different From PS4 and PS5?
The PS3 has a very specific personality.
It was the generation where HD gaming became normal. It was also the generation where developers were experimenting heavily with cinematic storytelling, motion controls, online multiplayer, downloadable content, and larger open worlds.
Compared to PS4 and PS5, the PS3 feels more experimental. Some games are rough around the edges, but that is part of the charm. Many franchises were still figuring out what modern HD gaming was supposed to be.
That gives the PS3 era a unique identity. It is not as polished as the PS4 and PS5 era, but it often feels more varied, strange, and ambitious.
What Should You Look for When Buying Used PS3 Games?
When buying used PS3 games, condition matters.
Check the disc surface, case condition, cover art, manual if applicable, and whether the game is complete. Some PS3 games included manuals, inserts, maps, codes, bonus discs, or special packaging. Not every copy will have everything, so collectors should always look carefully at the listing photos and description.
At Power Up Gaming, our used PS3 discs are cleaned and inspected. Discs with marks may be professionally refinished using our robotic disc refinishing system. Our used PS3 games are also backed by our standard used game warranty.
If you want to browse across multiple PlayStation generations, you can also check our broader PlayStation games collection.
Is PS3 Collecting Going to Get More Expensive?
Most likely, some parts of PS3 collecting will get more expensive over time.
That does not mean every PS3 game will become valuable. Common sports games, high-print-run titles, and extremely common releases may stay inexpensive for a long time. But specific categories are more likely to rise, including RPGs, horror games, niche titles, complete copies, special editions, and games that are difficult to access on modern platforms.
Collectors often move in waves. When older systems become too expensive, people start looking at the next generation. PS2 collecting got hotter. GameCube collecting got very expensive. Original Xbox has gained more attention. Now PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii U are moving into that same conversation.
Final Thoughts: PS3 Is Retro Enough to Start Taking Seriously
The PlayStation 3 may not feel “ancient,” but it is absolutely entering retro territory.
It has nostalgia, discontinued hardware, physical media, a massive library, exclusive games, collectible genres, and a growing audience of players who want to revisit the HD era. The best part is that PS3 collecting is still approachable compared to many older systems.
If you are thinking about building a PS3 collection, now is a good time to start. Focus on the games you actually want to play, watch for exclusives and harder-to-find titles, and do not ignore affordable commons. A great collection does not need to be built out of expensive games. It just needs to be built around games you care about.
You can shop our current selection of used PS3 games, PS3 systems, and PS3 accessories at Power Up Gaming. We ship across Canada from our Barrie, Ontario store.
FAQ
Is the PS3 considered retro now?
Many collectors now consider the PS3 to be retro or at least modern-retro. The system launched in North America in 2006, which means it is now old enough to have a strong nostalgia cycle, discontinued hardware, and a growing collector market.
Is PS3 collecting worth it?
Yes, PS3 collecting can be very worth it, especially if you enjoy physical games, PlayStation exclusives, HD-era games, RPGs, horror games, racing games, and affordable collecting. Many PS3 games are still reasonably priced compared to older retro systems.
Are PS3 games going up in value?
Some PS3 games are going up in value, especially RPGs, horror games, niche titles, late-generation releases, special editions, and games that are not easily available on modern platforms. However, many common PS3 games are still affordable.
What are the best PS3 games to collect?
Good PS3 games to collect include exclusives, HD collections, RPGs, horror games, fighting games, racing games, and unusual titles that may not have been re-released. The best games to collect are the ones you actually want to play and keep.
Should I buy loose or complete PS3 games?
Complete PS3 games are usually better for collectors, especially if they include the original case, cover art, manual, inserts, or bonus content. Loose discs can still be fine for players, but complete copies are usually more desirable long term.
Is the PS3 store still available?
The PS3 digital store has changed over time, and digital access can be more limited than it once was. This is one reason many collectors prefer physical PS3 games. Physical discs are easier to collect, display, trade, and preserve.
Can PS5 play PS3 discs?
No, the PS5 does not natively play physical PS3 discs. This is one of the reasons original PS3 hardware still matters for collectors and players who want to use their physical PS3 game library.
What should I check before buying a used PS3 console?
When buying a used PS3 console, check whether the disc drive works, whether the system has been tested, the hard drive size, controller condition, cosmetic condition, ports, cables, and whether it includes the accessories you need.
Are PS3 controllers hard to find?
Original PS3 controllers can be harder to find in good condition because batteries, sticks, buttons, and charging ports wear over time. If you find a clean, working controller, it is worth grabbing for your setup.
Where can I buy used PS3 games in Canada?
You can buy used PS3 games in Canada from Power Up Gaming. We carry a large rotating selection of PlayStation 3 games, PS3 systems, and PS3 accessories online and from our retail store in Barrie, Ontario.
