How Much is a PS2 Worth Today?

If you still have your old PlayStation 2 console tucked away in storage, you may be wondering what it could be worth today. While not reaching the astronomical values of some retro platforms, a used PlayStation 2 generally sells for $50 to $300 depending on the edition, condition, included games and accessories. Read on for a deep dive analysis into PS2 resale values and collecting!

Brief History of the Iconic PlayStation 2

Before we examine current used pricing, let‘s briefly recap the history of the PS2:

Release Date: October 26, 2000 (North America)

Original MSRP: $299

Units Sold: Over 155 Million worldwide as of 2012

With over 1,800 games released during its lifespan, the PlayStation 2 remains the highest selling video game console ever produced according to Guinness World Records. What enabled such meteoric success and market dominance?

For a reasonable $299 launch price, the PS2 delivered bleeding-edge technology like its 294 MHz "Emotion Engine" CPU + 150 MHz GPU combo that left competitors in the dust. This allowed the PS2 to render expansive 3D worlds and visuals never seen before in a home console.

Another key factor was built-in DVD playback. The PS2 helped introduce DVD movies to the mainstream as one of the most affordable players at the time. This transformed the console into an entertainment system rather than just a gaming box.

But it was the sheer depth and quality of the software library that cemented the PS2‘s status as an all-time great console. While featuring plenty of arcade style experiences, the PS2 began ushering in more immersive cinematic games and emergent genres like survival horror. Masterpieces like Shadow of the Colossus, God of War, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and Resident Evil 4 demonstrated the artistic and technical heights possible on the platform.

Let‘s look at some key sales milestones that underline the PS2‘s dominance:

• Reached 100 million units sold faster than any other console – just 5 years and 9 months from launch.

• Outsold the Xbox nearly 6:1 globally – 154 million PS2s vs 26 million Xbox consoles.

• Remained the top selling console in North America for 8 consecutive years from 2000 – 2008.

• Monthly sales actually increased year-over-year in the latter half of the PS2 lifecycle due to aggressive budget pricing.

• Sold nearly 70 million more units than its closest competitor, the Nintendo DS.

Used Pricing Factors

With the PS2‘s legacy firmly established, what factors influence its used values today?

• Condition – Used prices directly correlate to cosmetic and functional condition. A pristine case commands premium pricing. Minor scuffs can reduce value while broken units are only worth a few dollars for parts/repair.

• Cables + Accessories – Having the original controller, memory card and cables can add $20+ compared to loose consoles. Boxed units with manuals are ideal for collectors.

• Games – Including titles like GTA, Final Fantasy and Metal Gear Solid can increase bundle value $10-$30 each. Especially rare or niche Japanese titles also draw interest.

• Modifications – PS2s with optical drive upgrades or internal hard drive mods for loading games from HDD sell for higher prices.

• Special Editions – Limited edition color variants and branded models like Final Fantasy or Kingdom Hearts editions command huge premiums for collectors.

Now let‘s explore typical used pricing for standard and special edition PS2 models.

Loose vs. Bundled Standard Pricing

For regular black, silver or white PS2 models, here are the going rates:

Condition	Loose Console	With Controllers/Cables	With Games Bundle
Faulty / Parts Only	$10 – $20	$20 – $40	$30 – $60
Good	$40 – $60	$60 – $80	$70 – $120
Like New	$60 – $90	$90 – $120	$120 – $180

Bundles including the original box, manuals and especially rare/exclusive games can sell for $200+ depending on titles and condition.

For comparison, current values for other sixth generation consoles:

• Xbox: $40 – $60 loose, $60 – $100 bundled

• GameCube: $50 – $70 loose, $80 – $150 bundled

• Dreamcast: $50 – $100 loose, $100 – $250 bundled

So the PS2 holds its value very well against contemporaries besides the cult classic Dreamcast. Now let‘s explore the highly coveted limited editions.

Most Valuable PS2 Models

For collectors seeking truly rare PS2 variants, these tend to be the most expensive:

Ceramic White

• Released only in PAL territories (Europe/Australia)
• Estimated 5,000 units produced
• Fetches over $800 factory sealed

Final Fantasy VII Edition (PAL Exclusive)

• Silver console with FFVII imagery
• Produced in very limited quantities
• Sealed units can approach $1,000

Dragon Quest Slime Edition

• Light blue system released only in Japan
• Quirky console modeled after DQ enemy
• Sealed consoles valued at $600+

Devil May Cry Edition (PAL)

• Red with white trim styled after Dante‘s coat
• Much rarer than the US version
• Sealed units valued at $600+

Kingdom Hearts II (Japan Exclusive)

• Aqua blue console with ornate KHII motifs
• Released alongside KHII to commemorate sequel
• Sealed systems exceed $400

For collectors seeking a centerpiece, these ultra-rare PS2 editions are the pinnacle. But even loose working units still sell for $150+ given small supplies.

Game Values

Including certain PS2 games when selling a bundle can significantly increase the perceived value. Here are some of the heavy hitters:

• Action/Adventure – God of War 1 & 2, Shadow of the Colossus, Okami
• JRPGs – Final Fantasy X, XII, Persona 3 & 4, Dragon Quest VIII
• Horror – Rule of Rose, Haunting Ground, Silent Hill 2 & 3, Fatal Frame II & III
• Shooters – Metal Gear Solid 2 & 3, SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs
• Racing/Driving – Gran Turismo 3 & 4, Need for Speed: Most Wanted

Mint condition black label copies of these titles generally sell for $15 – $40 each depending on rarity. But truly scarce games like Rule of Rose can fetch over $300! Bundling 5+ popular games can easily add $100+ to a PS2 lot value.

PS2 Resale Value Outlook

Like most retro consoles, PS2 prices are likely to gradually increase over the next decade as supply dwindles. As one of the last massively popular pre-HD systems, the PS2 offers a window into an important era in gaming history.

While unlikely to skyrocket like the rarest 80‘s Nintendo games, collectors and nostalgic gamers will likely continue seeking PS2s. This steady interest should support modest but consistent price growth.

I predict valuedwill increase an average of 5 – 10% annually for reasonably clean PS2 bundles. Poor condition and faulty units will be valued only for parts/repair potential.

For a data point, PS2 sales are still brisk on eBay – over 5,000 consoles sold in the past month alone! Compare that to just 344 Sega Saturn sales in the same period. This demonstrates there is far more demand for PS2 hardware and games.

How PS2 Compares to Other Retro Systems

Let‘s examine how PS2 games and consoles compare to other classic systems using current resale prices:

Console	Avg. Game Value	Avg. Console Value	Top Game Values
NES	$15 – $150	$60 – $150	$2,000+ (Stadium Events)
SNES	$15 – $70	$80 – $200	$300+ (Earthbound)
N64	$20 – $60	$60 – $120	$350+ (Conker‘s Bad Fur Day)
GameCube	$15 – $60	$50 – $150	$200 (Gotcha Force)
PlayStation	$10 – $100	$40 – $100	$300+ (Suikoden II)
PlayStation 2	$10 – $50	$50 – $150	$300 (Rule of Rose)
Xbox	$5 – $30	$40 – $60	$200 (Conker: Live & Reloaded)
Dreamcast	$10 – $100	$50 – $250	$350+ (JoJo‘s Bizarre Adventure)

So the PS2 sits in an interesting middle ground – far more affordable and available than older retro consoles, but with greater breadth and depth than other early 2000s systems. This helps explain its continual strong demand among collectors.

Expert Tips for Building Your PS2 Collection

For retro enthusiasts focused on the PS2, here are my expert tips for curating your collection:

• Seek black label versions for display consistency and value. Greatest Hits reissues are very common.

• Try obtaining cases and manuals for disc-only games you already own to complete them for your shelves.

• Use high quality component video cables rather than basic composite to experience the PS2‘s maximum analog output quality.

• Consider installing a hard drive adapter to install your library digitally and eliminate disc swapping.

• For local multiplayer, go wireless with Bluetooth controllers – no more tangled cords!

• Participate in online PS2 groups to stay informed on must-have titles and community events. Great place to buy/sell and chat all things PS2.

• Display your collection together in a cabinet or shelves. Keep like-new condition items in protective cases.

• Follow limited print companies like Limited Run Games that still produce special PS2 titles. Excellent collector‘s items.

Conclusion

As one of gaming‘s most legendary consoles, the PlayStation 2 remains an icon of the early 3D era that is still a joy to collect and play today. While not reaching the astronomical values of older platforms like the NES and SNES, used PS2 prices present a great value for retro collectors. With versatile hardware, a staggeringly deep library, and plenty of affordable games, the PS2 is sure to find a home in any gaming room. I hope this guide gave you some helpful tips and perspective on PS2 value. Game on and enjoy this classic console for years to come!