Growing up in Brazil, I was fortunate enough to receive various gaming consoles as gifts from my incredibly supportive parents. My journey began with the Super Nintendo, followed by the PlayStation 1, and the Nintendo 64. Each new generation of consoles saw me upgrade in tandem with market developments.
In Brazil, purchasing game consoles and their accompanying titles was no small feat. My father often dedicated a significant portion of his earnings to buy me the latest devices and games, leading us to occasionally rely on the gray market for more affordable options. It wasn’t until much later that I acquired my first original game, and even then, I had never laid eyes on a genuine PS1 title until I set out to expand my collection of JRPGs. To my surprise, I discovered that these games commanded exorbitant prices.
The realm of physical games as an investment can be unpredictable; however, there are older titles whose values could cover several months of tuition for my child. Today, I want to highlight the ten rarest PS1 games and their current market prices, based on data from PriceCharting.
Considering the considerable variations across loose, complete-in-box (CIB), and new game conditions, I’ve averaged the prices for this list, focusing on titles with publicly disclosed sales data.
10. Klonoa: Door to Phantomile
More Expensive Than Mario
| Loose | $175.50 |
|---|---|
| Complete-In-Box | $399.99 |
| New | $520.70 |
Before venturing into JRPGs, platformers were initially my favorite gaming genre. Surprisingly, I had never played Klonoa: Door to Phantomile, which is now recognized as one of the rarest and priciest PS1 titles.
Its rarity stems from its strong sales in Japan, alongside dismal performance overseas, leading to a cease in physical production. This combo of a cult classic and limited supply logically results in exorbitant prices. Even with the release of Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series, a remastered version featuring both games, the original Door to Phantomile remains a treasured collectible.
9. Clock Tower 2: The Struggle Within
The True Terror Is Paying for It
| Loose | $200.97 |
|---|---|
| Complete-In-Box | $412.28 |
| New | $586.41 |
Despite its negative reception and classification as the series’ lowest point, Clock Tower 2: The Struggle Within remains a high-value collectible. It’s baffling why this game, particularly a poorly received installment, commands such high prices; it hints at the peculiarity of horror fan bases.
Its uniqueness lies in its rarity — a point-and-click horror game that surprisingly generated a dedicated following. However, if you’re not a hardcore collector, you might want to consider grabbing the enhanced port, Clock Tower: Rewind, made available on modern systems.
8. Persona 2: Eternal Punishment
Eternal Financial Punishment
| Loose | $239.98 |
|---|---|
| Complete-In-Box | $349.01 |
| New | $600.00 |
The price surge for Persona 2: Eternal Punishment has its roots in the heightened appreciation for the Persona franchise since the 2020 release of Persona 5. This title, focusing on Maya Amano’s journey, is particularly valuable, partially due to the lack of alternative versions available outside Japan for its predecessor.
Eternal Punishment has consistently shown at least three sales weekly, highlighting a flourishing interest in the series and reflecting the continued engagement of an ardent fanbase.
7. Tail Concerto
Furry Lover Dream
| Loose | $214.90 |
|---|---|
| Complete-In-Box | $401.25 |
| New | $601.14 |
For fans of furry-centric games, Tail Concerto serves as an essential precursor, paving the way for subsequent titles like Fuga: Melodies of Steel. Despite its charm, the game faced challenges leading to limited overseas distribution, which contributes to its rarity today.
6. Revelations: Persona
Federal Student Aid Required
| Loose | $195.56 |
|---|---|
| Complete-In-Box | $384.55 |
| New | $1, 000.00 |
As one of the first entries in the Persona series, Revelations: Persona has also witnessed remarkable price increases. Following its peak between 2020 and 2021, the CIB version’s value skyrocketed, solidifying its status among collectors.
5. The Misadventures of Tron Bonne
Capcom, Bring Back Mega Man Legends
| Loose | $255.00 |
|---|---|
| Complete-In-Box | $540.00 |
| New | $1, 070.00 |
Despite Capcom’s initial intentions to let the Mega Man Legends series fade, The Misadventures of Tron Bonne, featuring the beloved antagonist, has achieved legendary status among collectors. Its initial poor performance has not deterred the dedicated fan base, who show continuous interest in securing its limited copies.
4. Rayman 2: The Great Escape [Watch Bundle]
Ironically, Rayman Can’t Wear This Watch
| Loose | $288.36 |
|---|---|
| Complete-In-Box | $499.99 |
| New | $1, 300.00 |
Rayman 2: The Great Escape’s exorbitant prices can be attributed to its themed watch bundle rather than the game itself. Though the game offers a remarkable experience, selecting this bundle might leave you questioning its value compared to other editions.
3. Mortal Kombat 3 [Jewel Case]
It’s Just A Jewel Case
| Loose | $529.41 |
|---|---|
| Complete-In-Box | $900.00 |
| New | $2, 340.00 |
Mortal Kombat 3 holds a special place in my gaming memories, although I couldn’t justify paying steep prices for it. What notably elevates its market value is the rarity of its jewel case edition, shifting its worth far beyond most others.
2. Syphon Filter 3 [911 Edition]
Well, That’s Awkward
| Loose | $576.73 |
|---|---|
| Complete-In-Box | $999.99 |
| New | $2, 600.00 |
Many fondly remember playing Syphon Filter, but the original 911 Edition stands out for its unusual history. Originally slated for a cover that was deemed inappropriate after the September 11 attacks, a few unofficial copies still made their way into the market, which drastically increased their desirability and value.
1. NFL Blitz 2000 [Greatest Hits]
For The Love Of Football
| Loose | $3, 027.81 |
|---|---|
| Complete-In-Box | $5, 250.00 |
| New | $13, 650.00 |
While the highest recorded price for a new version of NFL Blitz 2000 Greatest Hits soared to over $13, 000, the last transaction reportedly fell around $2, 500. Nevertheless, its market value remains extraordinary, primarily driven by scarcity.
This installment’s unique status derives from its limited edition release that wasn’t initially intended for mass production. Despite being recalled, some copies made it to retailers, making NFL Blitz 2000 Greatest Hits a treasured rarity in gaming history.
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