9 Oldest PlayStation Games Still in Demand (GOT Picked)

These vintage PlayStation games continue to capture the hearts of gamers and collectors alike.

When the PlayStation debuted in 1994, it revolutionized gaming. Now, decades later, some of the earliest games are still highly sought after, both by nostalgic players and collectors. Whether for their gameplay innovation or rarity, these games remain as popular as ever.

Key Takeaways

• PlayStation launched in 1994 and has since become one of the most iconic gaming consoles.
• Classic titles, such as Castlevania and Spyro the Dragon, are valued by both players and collectors.
• Sealed copies of vintage games can fetch prices in the hundreds, showcasing their lasting demand.
• PlayStation’s historical significance, including its milestone of shipping 100 million units, has only increased the allure of these timeless classics.

The Allure of PlayStation’s First Games

When PlayStation burst onto the gaming scene, it quickly established itself as a leader in the industry. Titles like Crash Bandicoot and Metal Gear Solid set the standard for gaming excellence, influencing future generations of games. Even with advances in technology, many of these early PlayStation titles have endured.

Some of the rarest games from this era, like King’s Field and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, are now collectibles. These games, whether in mint condition or well-loved, command high prices on the market. Their rarity and the nostalgia they evoke continue to make them desirable.

9 Oldest PlayStation Games in Demand

Here are some of the oldest PlayStation games that remain popular to this day:

Game Title	Release Date	Genre
Ridge Racer	1993	Racing
Motor Toon Grand Prix	1994	Racing, Psychedelic
King’s Field	1994	Role-Playing Game
Kikuni Masahiko: Warau Fukei-san	1994	Slot Machine Sim
1Xtreme (ESPN Extreme Games)	1995	Sports, Racing
Ace Combat 2	1997	Action, Simulation
Final Fantasy VII	1997	Action, RPG
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night	1997	Action-Adventure, Metroidvania
Metal Gear Solid	1998	Action-Adventure, Stealth

These games are carefully picked up by GameonTrend (GOT) team. Each game is unique and these games have not only survived the test of time but have become integral to the history of gaming, influencing future developments in mechanics and narrative.

1. Ridge Racer (1993)

Genre: Racing
Why It’s Still Popular: Ridge Racer was one of the PlayStation’s earliest games and a defining title in the racing genre. Released alongside the console in Japan, this fast-paced arcade racing game was known for its smooth handling and adrenaline-pumping action. It introduced players to drifting mechanics, a feature that would become a staple in future racing games.

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Today, Ridge Racer is beloved not just for its gameplay but for its nostalgic value. Original sealed copies can sell for upwards of $150 in mint condition, making it a sought-after item among collectors. The series continued on later PlayStation consoles, but the original remains a testament to the PlayStation’s impact on the racing genre.

2. Motor Toon Grand Prix (1994)

Genre: Racing, Psychedelic
Why It’s Still Popular: Created by Kazunori Yamauchi, who would later go on to design the famous Gran Turismo series, Motor Toon Grand Prix brought a quirky, cartoonish style to racing games. With its psychedelic visuals and lighthearted approach, it became an early favorite on the PlayStation, offering something different from the more serious racers of its time.

Though not as commercially successful as other titles, its limited release and connection to the Gran Turismo legacy have made it a collector’s item. Sealed versions have been known to sell for around $200 due to their rarity.

3. King’s Field (1994)

Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)
Why It’s Still Popular: Before FromSoftware became famous for games like Dark Souls and Elden Ring, they created King’s Field, a first-person RPG that laid the groundwork for their future titles. Known for its punishing difficulty and dark atmosphere, King’s Field was one of the earliest games on the PlayStation and introduced a style of gameplay that would define FromSoftware’s reputation for challenging experiences.

With FromSoftware’s current success, many fans have revisited King’s Field as the starting point of the studio’s journey. This has significantly increased demand for the game, especially for original copies in good condition, which can now sell for $300 or more.

4. Kikuni Masahiko: Warau Fukei-san Pachi-Slot Hunter (1994)

Genre: Slot Machine Simulation
Why It’s Still Popular: Though lesser-known outside Japan, Kikuni Masahiko: Warau Fukei-san Pachi-Slot Hunter was an early simulation game that captured the essence of Japanese pachinko and slot machines. Its appeal today lies in its collectibility as one of the more obscure PlayStation titles from the console’s early days.

For hardcore collectors of Japanese PlayStation games, its rarity and unique cultural significance have pushed the value of original copies to around $150 to $250.

5. 1Xtreme (ESPN Extreme Games) (1995)

Genre: Sports, Racing
Why It’s Still Popular:
1Xtreme (also known as ESPN Extreme Games) was a sports racing game that featured rollerblading, biking, skateboarding, and street luge races through urban environments. The mix of extreme sports and racing proved to be a hit during the rise of extreme sports culture in the mid-90s.

The game’s niche appeal has kept it relevant among collectors who appreciate both its unique premise and its tie-in with ESPN. While not as rare as others on this list, original copies of 1Xtreme in mint condition can fetch around $100.

6. Ace Combat 2 (1997)

Genre: Action, Simulation
Why It’s Still Popular: The Ace Combat series has grown into one of the most respected names in aerial combat games, and Ace Combat 2 was the title that laid the foundation for its success. Released in 1997, it delivered intense dogfighting action and some of the best visuals seen on the PlayStation at the time.

Collectors and fans of the series now hunt for original copies of Ace Combat 2, with sealed versions often selling for $250 or more. Its legacy in the simulation genre has solidified its place as a key title for fans of aerial combat games.

7. Final Fantasy VII (1997)

Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)
Why It’s Still Popular:
There’s no doubt that Final Fantasy VII is one of the most iconic and beloved games of all time. Released in 1997, it introduced players to Cloud Strife, Sephiroth, and a rich world filled with complex characters and an emotionally charged story. The game’s shift to 3D graphics and its use of pre-rendered backgrounds marked a significant leap in the RPG genre.

Even today, Final Fantasy VII continues to be a favorite among collectors, with sealed copies easily surpassing $500. The game’s historical importance, combined with a devoted fan base, ensures its lasting appeal.

8. Metal Gear Solid (1998)

Genre: Action-Adventure, Stealth
Why It’s Still Popular: Metal Gear Solid redefined what video games could achieve in terms of storytelling and cinematic presentation. Created by Hideo Kojima, the game introduced players to Solid Snake and delivered a narrative experience that felt more like a movie than a typical action game.

Sealed copies of Metal Gear Solid can sell for $450 or more, and even opened copies retain significant value. Its legacy as one of the most innovative games of all time continues to make it a must-have for collectors.

9. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997)

Genre: Action-Adventure, Metroidvania
Why It’s Still Popular: Widely regarded as one of the best games in the Castlevania series, Symphony of the Night took the franchise in a new direction by embracing exploration and RPG elements. The game is known for its non-linear gameplay, stunning visuals, and atmospheric soundtrack.

Collectors often seek out original copies of Symphony of the Night, with sealed versions reaching prices of $600 or more. Its influence on the Metroidvania genre has cemented its place as one of the most important games in PlayStation history.

The Value of Collectibles

The price tags on some of these old games have soared. The demand is especially high for sealed copies, which can reach hundreds of dollars. For example, a sealed copy of Metal Gear Solid can fetch around $450, while an opened copy might be worth only $55. This price gap shows how condition affects a game’s value.

Why Collectors Seek Out These Games

Collectors aren’t just buying these games for nostalgia’s sake. There’s significant financial motivation, too. These games are rare, and many were produced in limited quantities. Titles like Spyro the Dragon and Crash Bandicoot remain in high demand due to their legacy as PlayStation icons.

Conclusion: Why These Games Still Matter

Even in the face of next-gen consoles and modern gaming technology, these oldest PlayStation games are more than just relics of the past. They represent the early spirit of PlayStation, laying the groundwork for the gaming experiences we enjoy today. Their continued demand, from both collectors and nostalgic gamers, underscores their lasting impact on the world of gaming.