What happens to games released late in a console's lifespan?

[Droid party]

3 words IKARUGA BITCHES!!!! oh wait?

[GSZX1337]

I think that games released late in a console's life span (or even as soon the next console comes out) are usually written off as quick cash-ins and are given no attention by most gamers. Shame really, that's usually when the best games come out.

[enderfall]

In general, games at the end of console lifespans, particularly those consoles that originally underperformed or had been replaced by newer technology, have higher prices. The PS2 on the other hand is not your typical console. It is still selling a couple million units per year, so I'm not sure how accurate the previous statement would apply in this instance. Further, both of those games are available on PSP, so I don't know how that will affect value long-term.

I would enjoy the games for what they are rather than as a collector's item. Maybe they'll increase in price over time...maybe they'll drop like a rock...who knows. Definitely don't expect a Dragon Force or Panzer Dragoon Saga type ascension in price. Those were limited print runs to begin with and the Saturn was dead in the water.

[the7k]

Quality games released late into a console's lifespan tend to go up in value. It's a combination of low print-runs, and general disinterest by the gaming community because it's for an outdated system.

Certainly, not everything made late in the game is going to skyrocket, but they tend to be more than obvious. For example - Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love. I can guarantee you that game is going to be a Holy Grail for the PS2, especially the collector's edition.

[AlienBanshee]

3 words IKARUGA BITCHES!!!! oh wait?

I know what you're saying and it is a valid point. But I think it is important to point out that the vast majority of games will never get re-released as a digital download like that game was, causing it's value to plummet.

[J T]

Persona 4? Devil Summoner King Abaddon?

I think Persona 4 is the PS2 Swan Song- the last great original title that people will remember for years to come (nothing against Devil Summoner, but Persona 4 is the bigger better title).

A few ported sequel of Jak and Motorstorm probably won't be held in the same high regard, but they might be worth something for their rarity. Even Sakura Wars is going to be released on the Wii as well as the PS2.

Thanks for the linked article. I do remember a few games released late, like Conker's Bad Fur Day (N64) and Mighty Final Fight (NES). They were good games, but didn't quite get the amount of attention they deserved. It's good to know that they at least hold some value on the market beyond a typical used title.

I'm not really interested in selling my copies of these or collecting. I like Jak & Daxter games and I've been wanting to try a Motor Storm game, but don't have a PS3. I bought them to play them. I just don't want to be in a used game shop a few months from now and see them at clearance prices and feel like I shouldn't have spent the money. I'm also thinking of spending extra for Silent Hill: Shattered Memories and Sakura Wars on the PS2.

[the7k]

Sakura Wars may be going to the Wii, but look at the value of Samurai Shodown Anthology on the PS2 compared to the Wii. Also take into account that the PS2 version will have both English and Japanese voices, while the Wii version only has English. Looking at Sakura Wars's target audience, I think it's obvious which one is going to be more in demand.

[wilsona26]

I remember buying Magic Knight Rayearth and Burning Rangers for the sega saturn when everything to do with that system was going into the bargain bins. Im so glad I bought alot of those games back then. I paid about 20$ a game, and now look at how much they are worth. But on the other hand, its hard to tell what will be a valuable asset this many years from the end of a console's life sometimes. But for that little money, I think its worth the chance as long as you enjoy the game.

[Luke]

There are plenty of games for the NES that I never knew about, simply because they came out in the last year or two of production.

Shatterhand and Shadow of the Ninja, are two of those games. Both of them are incredible games. As far as the value, I don't think their release date had anything to do with it.

[the7k]

There are plenty of games for the NES that I never knew about, simply because they came out in the last year or two of production.

Shatterhand and Shadow of the Ninja, are two of those games. Both of them are incredible games. As far as the value, I don't think their release date had anything to do with it.

Yes, both of those are incredible games, but I do think the release date had something to do with their value.

Just like you said, many didn't even know about them because they were produced so late. Then, they don't hear about them until years later, when they are no longer in bargain bins and instead are in the hands of a small group of collectors. Happens all the time.

I know a lot of people actually flat-out ignored Persona 4 because it wasn't on a next-gen system. If a title that big and well-known is ignored, how many obscure-but-good games do you think get the boot from people's consciousness?