Shopping for PS3 video games in 2026 is less complicated than you suppose

Again within the late 2000s, I selected an Xbox 360 over a PS3, largely as a result of all my buddies have been getting 360s and I wished to play Halo 3 with them. After that, I skipped the subsequent two Xbox generations in favor of the PS4 and PS5, due to video games like Spider-Man and God of Warfare. However even all these years later, I nonetheless regretted by no means proudly owning a PS3. So final 12 months, I fastened that by choosing one up from my native retro recreation retailer, a journey I wrote about right here on Pocket-lint.

I went with a PS3 Slim, and it has been implausible for revisiting classics I by no means received to play of their authentic type, like The Sly Cooper Assortment, the Uncharted trilogy, and Metallic Gear Strong 4: Weapons of the Patriots.

One of many greatest surprises for me, although, was simply how simple it nonetheless is to purchase PS3 games — even in 2026. Each new and used titles are on the market, and so they’re not loopy costly both.

So, for those who’re fascinated by choosing up a PS3 — or if you have already got one and need to begin constructing your assortment once more — discovering the video games you need is less complicated than you may anticipate. And with recreation costs nowadays skyrocketing ( you, $80 Swap 2 titles), an inexpensive journey down reminiscence lane could be precisely what you want. Here is how I began constructing my very own PS3 assortment from scratch and the way you are able to do the identical.

There are just a few totally different locations I am going to

You will get video games from a neighborhood recreation retailer and even brand-new ones from Amazon

The primary place I tracked down PS3 video games was at my native retro recreation retailer. From my expertise, there are tons of retro recreation shops within the US, Canada, and the UK (and different nations, I am positive), so for those who’re seeking to get your palms on each a console and a few video games simply, this can be a great way to take action and help native companies. If you do not know if there are any shops round you, a fast Google search ought to level you in the fitting route, as that is how I discovered the shop I go to often to get PS3 video games.

In fact, there are downsides to native recreation shops, one being that stock drastically varies, as a number of these shops rely on trade-ins, so it may not all the time be the simplest place to search out the precise video games you are in search of, particularly if it is a title that occurs to be extra in-demand or uncommon. Additionally, price can range, too, so maintain that in thoughts.

The second place I have been capable of reliably get video games from is none apart from Amazon itself. I’ve not too long ago began taking part in via all of the Metallic Gear Strong video games, and once I was in search of a replica of MGS4: Weapons of the Patriots, Amazon was the simplest and most cost-effective place to search out it. I used to be capable of get a sealed, brand-new copy for simply $20 (it wasn’t bought by Amazon, simply shipped by Amazon). Not each PS3 recreation is out there on Amazon these days, however there are tons you will discover new for affordable costs, such because the Ratchet & Clank Collection, the Jak & Daxter Collection, Red Dead Redemption, Borderlands 2, and The Sly Collection, so it is price a glance to see if there are video games of curiosity to you on Amazon at costs you are okay with.

One other place I usually verify for PS3 video games is eBay. I normally flip to eBay once I’m trying to find harder-to-find titles, since there is a good probability somebody someplace is attempting to promote a replica. Moreover, I have never personally used it, however just a few of my buddies have additionally had luck discovering low-cost used PS3 video games on Fb Market — although your mileage will range relying on what’s obtainable in your space.

PS3 PlayStation Retailer

You’ll be able to nonetheless purchase PS3 video games digitially

One actually superior factor about proudly owning a PS3 in 2026 is that the PlayStation Retailer remains to be surprisingly up and working. Not like Microsoft, which shut down the Xbox 360 Market in 2024, Sony has saved the PS3 PlayStation Retailer alive, and you’ll nonetheless purchase video games and DLC digitally.

For those who’re targeted on constructing a bodily assortment, the net retailer will not be fairly as helpful. However for video games I do not actually care about proudly owning a bodily copy of, it has been a terrific useful resource. With the ability to purchase a recreation and begin taking part in it the identical day can also be an enormous plus.

One recreation I not too long ago picked up this fashion was Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith. It was initially launched on PS2, but it surely’s additionally obtainable on PS3 via the PlayStation Retailer, so I jumped on the probability to replay it.

Not each PS3 recreation is out there digitally, however there are nonetheless loads of stable choices, together with The Sly Assortment, LittleBigPlanet, Murderer’s Creed, God of Warfare HD, Purple Lifeless Redemption, and Grand Theft Auto 4.

There’s one caveat price mentioning, although. To purchase video games on the PS3 PlayStation Retailer, you first have so as to add funds to your PlayStation account via the PlayStation Store website, since you may not use a bank card straight on the console. I am undecided why it really works this fashion — it simply does. Nonetheless, if that is the worth of with the ability to maintain shopping for PS3 video games digitally in 2026, I can reside with it.

Total, for those who’re fascinated by taking part in the PS3 once more in 2026 (or for the primary time) and constructing a recreation library, you’ve got received a number of choices, every with its personal professionals and cons. Personally, I all the time begin with my native retro recreation retailer, then verify Amazon, and use the PS3 PlayStation Retailer as a final resort if what I am in search of is there.