Whether you are looking to buy or sell, it’s imperative to know what a PlayStation 3 (PS3) is worth. But with all of the different models – standard PS3, PS3 Slim, and even the PS3 Super Slim – it might be a bit difficult to discern how much the console is actually selling for.
How much is a PS3 worth today? On average (based on sold eBay listings over the past few months), the original PS3 sells for $220 for consoles with a 20GB hard drive, $80 for a 40GB version, $250 for the 60GB model, and $84 for an 80GB unit. The redesigned PS3 Slim sells for $89 (120GB), $90 (160GB), $85 (250GB), and $100 (320GB). Lastly, the final redesign, the PS3 Super Slim, sells for $94 (12GB), $95 (250GB), and $100 (500GB).
| Model | Loose (average price sold) | Complete-In-Box (average price sold) |
| PS3 (20GB) | $220 | N/A |
| PS3 (40GB) | $80 | N/A |
| PS3 (60GB) | $250 | $450 |
| PS3 (80GB) | $84 | $120 |
| PS3 Slim (120GB) | $89 | $120 |
| PS3 Slim (160GB) | $90 | $208 |
| PS3 Slim (250GB) | $85 | $150 |
| PS3 Slim (320GB) | $100 | $180 |
| PS3 Super Slim (12GB) | $94 | $140 |
| PS3 Super Slim (250GB) | $95 | $154 |
| PS3 Super Slim (500GB) | $100 | $175 |
As you can see, PS3 prices can vary quite significantly, and this is based on a few key factors – the model, the condition the console is in, the retailer, and whether or not the console ships with its original packaging. In particular, the original models vary in price depending on whether or not the console is backward compatible with the PS2 library of games as only the 20GB, 60GB, and some 80GB models are. As this feature is a pretty big selling point for the console, these backward-compatible units will command significantly more money than their non-backward-compatible counterparts.
When it comes to new units, there isn’t really a going rate as sealed, complete-in-box PS3 consoles are extremely rare today. That being said, expect to see new PS3 units going for hundreds of dollars (if not more) on retail sites like Amazon and eBay.
(Please note: Prices and information below are accurate as of January 20, 2023. This article has been and will continue to be updated to reflect current rates, but prices can fluctuate. Additionally, the information provided is based on the models released in the United States. Models released in other regions may differ from the prices shown below.)
What Is A PS3 Worth?
Price Overview:
- Used (loose): $80-$250
- Used (complete-in-box): $120-$450
- New: ~$900+ (60GB), ~$1500+ (80GB)
Pricing At Popular Retailers:
- eBay (average price sold): $220 (20GB), $80 (40GB), $250 (60GB), $84 (80GB)
- Complete-In-Box Price: N/A (20GB), N/A (40GB), $450 (60GB), $120 (80GB)
- GameStop (Trade-in): N/A
Note: Consoles vary in hard drive storage. Generally speaking (but not always), larger hard drives will command more money, and less storage will accompany lower asking prices. This however differs with the PS3 as only some models are backward compatible with the PS2 library of games, as the 20GB, 60GB, and some 80GB models are the only backward compatible units.
The eBay prices above are calculated using the retailer’s data of units sold within three months previous to when this article was last updated (January 20, 2023).
What Is A PS3 Slim Worth?
Price Overview:
- Used (loose): $89-$100
- Used (complete-in-box): $120-$208
- New: ~$760+
Pricing At Popular Retailers:
- eBay (average price sold): $89 (120GB), $90 (160GB), $85 (250GB), $100 (320GB)
- Complete-In-Box Price: $120 (120GB), $208 (160GB), $150 (250GB), $180 (320GB)
- GameStop (Trade-in): N/A
Note: Consoles vary in hard drive storage. Generally speaking (but not always), larger hard drives will command more money, and less storage will accompany lower asking prices. That said, pricing between different hard drives usually varies by only $10-$20.
The eBay prices above are calculated using the retailer’s data of units sold within three months previous to when this article was last updated (January 20, 2023).
How Much Is A PS3 Super Slim Worth?
Price Overview:
- Used (loose): $94-$100
- Used (complete-in-box): $140-$175
- New: ~$320+
Pricing At Popular Retailers:
- eBay (average price sold): $94 (12GB), $95 (250GB), $100 (500GB)
- Complete-In-Box Price: $140 (12GB), $154 (250GB), $175 (500GB)
- GameStop (Trade-in): N/A
Note: Consoles vary in hard drive storage. Generally speaking (but not always), larger hard drives will command more money, and less storage will accompany lower asking prices. That said, pricing between different hard drives usually varies by only $10-$20.
The eBay prices above are calculated using the retailer’s data of units sold within three months previous to when this article was last updated (January 20, 2023).
What Are The Differences Between The PS3, PS3 Slim, And PS3 Super Slim?
Not only do all of the PS3 consoles differ cosmetically, but they also have functional differences that are important to note for prospective buyers and sellers.
PS3
- Original model
- 20GB and 60GB launch models backward compatible with PS2 games
- More prone to overheating than Slim and Super Slim
- Backward compatible with most PS1 games
PS3 Slim
- Slimmer redesigned model
- More reliable and less overheating issues than the original model
- More hard drive storage than original model
- Backward compatible with most PS1 games
PS3 Super Slim
- Final PS3 redesign
- Top-loading disc tray
- Quieter fans and uses less power
- Backward compatible with most PS1 games
As you can see, not all of these differences are obvious at first glance, but certain aspects (like backward compatibility) are major selling points that should definitely be taken into consideration when buying or selling.
What About Limited Editions And Color Variants?
The PS3 isn’t exactly known for its various limited edition consoles or color variants (at least not in North America). That being said, the PS3 Super Slim did feature a couple of different color variants – red, white, and blue most notably (color availability varies by region). Still, these different colors, while visually striking in their own right, don’t really move the price tag in one direction or the other.
If you’re a prospective buyer, pick whichever color you like the best as it isn’t likely to sway pricing significantly in either direction. If you’re a seller, this won’t likely be a factor in your starting price.
Is It Still Worth Buying A PS3 Today?
Lastly, you might be wondering if it’s even worth purchasing one of the PS3 models today. Well, the answer to that is: it depends. Is the PS3 worth owning today? Absolutely. But various buyers might have different expectations of the third-generation PlayStation console, so it’s definitely a personal preference sort of thing.
Firstly, if backward compatibility with the PS2 is important to you, then the original 20GB or 60GB model is right for you. That said, all PS3 consoles are backward compatible with most PS1 titles. Still, if you value reliability more so than playing games from older generations, either the Slim or Super Slim are generally considered to be better options.
At the end of the day, the PS3 is an underrated machine with an excellent gaming library. And with game prices being as low as they are currently, there might not be a better time to jump in.
