Shopping for PS3 video games in 2026 is simpler than you suppose

Again within the late 2000s, I selected an Xbox 360 over a PS3, largely as a result of all my pals had been getting 360s and I needed to play Halo 3 with them. After that, I skipped the following 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 yr, I mounted that by selecting 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 unbelievable for revisiting classics I by no means obtained to play of their unique type, like The Sly Cooper Assortment, the Uncharted trilogy, and Steel Gear Strong 4: Weapons of the Patriots.

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

So, if you happen to’re fascinated by selecting up a PS3 — or if you have already got one and wish to begin constructing your assortment once more — discovering the video games you need is simpler than you would possibly count on. And with recreation costs today skyrocketing ( you, $80 Change 2 titles), an inexpensive journey down reminiscence lane is perhaps 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 a number of completely different locations I’m 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 international locations, I am certain), so if you happen to’re trying to get your palms on each a console and a few video games simply, this can be a great way to take action and assist native companies. If you do not know if there are any shops round you, a fast Google search ought to level you in the best course, as that is how I discovered the shop I go to incessantly to get PS3 video games.

After all, there are downsides to native recreation shops, one being that stock significantly varies, as numerous these shops rely on trade-ins, so it won’t at all times be the simplest place to seek out the precise video games you are on the lookout for, particularly if it is a title that occurs to be extra in-demand or uncommon. Additionally, value can differ, too, so hold that in thoughts.

The second place I have been in a position to reliably get video games from is none aside from Amazon itself. I’ve lately began enjoying by way of all of the Steel Gear Strong video games, and after I was on the lookout for a replica of MGS4: Weapons of the Patriots, Amazon was the simplest and most cost-effective place to seek out it. I used to be in a position to get a sealed, brand-new copy for simply $20 (it wasn’t offered by Amazon, simply shipped by Amazon). Not each PS3 recreation is on the market on Amazon these days, however there are tons you could find 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 typically test for PS3 video games is eBay. I often flip to eBay after I’m attempting to find harder-to-find titles, since there is a good likelihood somebody someplace is attempting to promote a replica. Moreover, I have never personally used it, however a number of of my pals have additionally had luck discovering low cost used PS3 video games on Fb Market — although your mileage will differ 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 continues 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 may nonetheless purchase video games and DLC digitally.

If you happen to’re targeted on constructing a bodily assortment, the web 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 an ideal useful resource. With the ability to purchase a recreation and begin enjoying it the identical day can also be a giant plus.

One recreation I lately picked up this manner was Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith. It was initially launched on PS2, however it’s additionally obtainable on PS3 by way of the PlayStation Retailer, so I jumped on the likelihood to replay it.

Not each PS3 recreation is on the market digitally, however there are nonetheless loads of strong choices, together with The Sly Assortment, LittleBigPlanet, Murderer’s Creed, God of Warfare HD, Crimson Useless Redemption, and Grand Theft Auto 4.

There may be 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 by way of the PlayStation Store website, since you’ll be able to not use a bank card instantly on the console. I am undecided why it really works this manner — it simply does. Nonetheless, if that is the worth of having the ability to hold shopping for PS3 video games digitally in 2026, I can stay with it.

General, if you happen to’re fascinated by enjoying the PS3 once more in 2026 (or for the primary time) and constructing a recreation library, you’ve got obtained a number of choices, every with its personal professionals and cons. Personally, I at all times begin with my native retro recreation retailer, then test Amazon, and use the PS3 PlayStation Retailer as a final resort if what I am on the lookout for is there.