Is It Worth Keeping Your Old PS2 Games? Yes, Here‘s Why:

With over 3,800 games released and 155 million consoles sold, the Sony PlayStation 2 has an enormous library that is growing more valuable for collectors as nostalgia builds and vintage games become harder to find in good condition. For gaming enthusiasts who have built up a PS2 collection, holding onto cherished titles and mint condition rarities can be incredibly worthwhile long-term as their resale value trends upwards. Let‘s take a detailed look at what makes PS2 games worth money, how to preserve your collection, and tips for deciding what titles to keep versus selling.

PS2 Game Values Are Rising

The PS2 era (2000-2013) was a landmark time for gaming, marking the transition from earlier 3D titles to the more modern cinematic masterpieces. Iconic and highly acclaimed franchises like Grand Theft Auto, God of War, Final Fantasy, and Metal Gear Solid all had landmark PS2 releases. High demand combined with scarcity makes many of these games increasing in value.

According to PriceCharting.com, average resale prices for PS2 games have risen steadily over the past decade. Well-regarded titles now sell for between $20-60 on average compared to $10-20 a decade ago. Mint condition copies can fetch far higher prices – especially for rarities.

As an example, the cult classic horror game Rule of Rose now sells for $300+ compared to under $100 a few years ago. With only about 25,000 copies produced worldwide, its rarity combined with strong demand from survival horror fans produces sky-high prices.

Identifying Valuable PS2 Games

When evaluating your PS2 collection, keep an eye out for these indicators of potentially valuable titles:

• Limited Print Runs – Anything with under 50-100k copies tends to be rare. Check for series with multiple entries as print runs often declined over time.

• Special and Limited Editions – These extra collectible versions of games sell for much more. Examples are .Hack Outbreak Limited Edition ($750+) and Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+ ($400+)

• Late Releases – Games released in the PS2‘s last years (2008-2013) tend to have smaller productions making them harder to find.

• Strong Reviews/Popularity – Well received exclusives and iconic franchises retain collector demand long-term.

• High-Priced eBay Sales – Check price history and current sold listings on eBay to identify pricey titles.

• Survival Horror/RPG Genres – These retain cult followings versus sports games which hold value less.

Caring For Your PS2 Games

To maintain your PS2 collection in pristine condition:

• Store games upright in a cool, dry place away from heat, humidity, and direct light. Ideal conditions are around 65°F and 45% relative humidity.

• Use high quality cases made of archival plastics like acrylic instead of PVC to prevent chemical damage long-term.

• Clean discs regularly with a microfiber cloth and gentle, straight strokes from center to outer edge. For deeper cleaning, use specially formulated disc cleaner fluids and cloths.

• Inspect each disc thoroughly under light for any signs of rot, cloudiness, or scratches. Damaged discs can often be repaired via professional resurfacing.

• For scratched but working games, a quick buff with a very fine grit polishing compound can reduce surface noise and skipping.

• Replace any cracked, damaged, or poor quality cases that could stress discs. Aftermarket replacement cases are sold by retailers like Lukie Games.

To Sell or Not To Sell?

Deciding whether to cash out common PS2 games now versus holding for potential increased value later takes some consideration:

Pros of Selling Soon

• Make money now from common games unlikely to gain much value

• Save space and prevent items from being damaged over time

• Use profits to invest in other hobby expenses

Pros of Holding Long-Term

• Nostalgia and enjoyment of replaying retro games

• Potential for increased prices based on rarity

• Preserving gaming history and beloved titles

For those short on space, selling cheaper common discs that can be easily found again later often makes practical sense. But holding onto cherished games with sentimental value that could become rare is usually worth it long-term, barring any unexpected financial needs leading to downsizing. Additionally, selling valuable titles you no longer play frees up funds to invest in your dream PS2 games or upgraded accessories like HD retro cables.

In Conclusion

PS2 games are absolutely worth keeping, especially those titles that hold nostalgic significance or rarity value. Curating a collection of your favorites to replay and enjoy the retro experience is highly recommended. Proper care for disc preservation will maintain playability and collection value over time. With some games rising significantly in price, holding mint condition PS2 titles of acclaimed and rare games as investments is a smart move. Just be sure to catalog your collection and safeguard it from damage. Reliving childhood gaming memories while watching your collection accrue value over the years can be incredibly rewarding.