PlayStation 3 prices range from $40 to $300 depending on condition, storage capacity, and whether it includes controllers and games

A used PlayStation 3 typically sells for $80 to $150 if it is in working condition with the standard controller and cables. A console in excellent condition with the original box can reach $200 to $300. A broken unit or one missing parts might sell for $20 to $50. The price depends on the model (the original fat model, the slim, or the super slim), how well it has been maintained, and what you are selling it alongside.

The PS3 stopped production in 2017, so all units on the market now are used. Unlike newer consoles, there is no official retail price. Instead, value is set by what buyers are actually paying on sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and local classifieds. Prices shift based on demand, the time of year, and how many similar listings are active at once.

Key Takeaways

  • A working PS3 in average condition typically sells for $80 to $150, while excellent condition units with original packaging can reach $200 to $300.
  • The original fat model, slim model, and super slim model have different resale values, with the slim generally commanding the highest price among collectors.
  • Storage capacity matters: the 20 GB and 60 GB models are rarer and worth more, while the 250 GB and 320 GB models are more common and worth less.
  • A console with all original accessories, controllers, and games sells for significantly more than one with only the bare minimum to power on.
  • Local sales on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist often yield higher prices than shipping to a buyer, because the buyer avoids shipping risk and cost.

How the PS3 model affects what it is worth

The PlayStation 3 came in three main designs over its 11-year run. The original fat model (2006–2008) had a curved black case and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It is now the rarest and most sought by collectors, especially the 20 GB version, which had no hard drive. A fat model in good condition can sell for $150 to $250.

The slim model (2009–2012) was smaller, lighter, and cheaper to manufacture. It removed the backwards compatibility with PS2 games that the fat model had, which actually made some collectors prefer the fat version. A slim in working condition typically sells for $100 to $180. The super slim (2012–2017) was the last revision and is the most common on the market, so it usually sells for $80 to $150.

Storage capacity also shifts the price. The 20 GB and 60 GB models are harder to find and worth more. The 250 GB and 320 GB models are common and worth less because many were sold late in the console's life. A 20 GB fat model in good shape might sell for $180 to $250, while a 320 GB super slim in the same condition might sell for $80 to $120.

What condition means for resale value

Condition is the single biggest factor after model and capacity. A console that powers on, reads discs, and has no visible damage is considered good condition and sits in the middle of the price range. One with a clean case, all original cables, a working controller, and no disc read errors is excellent condition and commands the top price. One that powers on but has a sticky controller, a scratched case, or occasional disc errors is fair condition and sells for the lower end.

A console that does not power on, has a yellow light of death (a hardware failure), or has a broken disc drive is broken or parts only and sells for $20 to $50. Some buyers purchase these to repair them or harvest parts, but most people looking for a working console will not bid on them.

Cosmetic damage matters less than function. A PS3 with a scratched case but a working disc drive and no controller issues will still sell for $100 to $150. A PS3 with a pristine case but a broken disc drive will sell for $40 to $80 because the buyer has to pay for repairs.

How many controllers and games affect the price

A PS3 sold with just the console, one controller, and cables is the baseline price. Adding a second controller adds $15 to $30. Adding games adds $5 to $15 per game, depending on the title. Popular games like The Last of Us, Metal Gear Solid 4, or Uncharted series titles add more value than less common games.

A bundle with the console, two controllers, cables, and three to five popular games might sell for $150 to $220 instead of $100 to $150 for the console alone. A bundle with a controller, cables, and ten games might sell for $180 to $250. The more complete the package, the easier it is to sell, because a buyer does not have to hunt for controllers or games separately.

Original accessories also raise the price. A PS3 with the original box, manuals, and all original cables sells for $20 to $50 more than one without them. Collectors specifically seek original packaging, so if you have it, mention it in your listing.

Where you sell it affects the price you get

Local sales on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp usually bring in the highest price because the buyer avoids shipping costs and the risk of damage in transit. A buyer meeting you in person can test the console before handing over money. Expect to get 90 to 100 percent of the market value locally.

eBay and other online marketplaces let you reach more buyers but take a cut of the sale. eBay charges a final value fee of about 12 percent, plus you pay for shipping. A console worth $120 locally might net you $95 to $105 after fees and shipping. Shipping a PS3 safely costs $15 to $25 because it is heavy and fragile.

Game stores like GameStop buy used PS3 consoles but offer significantly less than the market rate—typically $40 to $80 for a working unit. They buy at a discount because they resell at a markup and assume the risk of unsold inventory. Selling to GameStop is fast and requires no shipping, but you will receive less money than selling privately.

Checking current prices before you sell

Before listing your PS3, search eBay's sold listings to see what similar consoles actually sold for in the past 30 days. Do not look at asking prices—look at completed sales. Filter by model, storage capacity, and condition, and note the range. A fat 60 GB model in excellent condition might have sold for $220 last week, while a super slim 320 GB in fair condition might have sold for $95.

Check Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist in your area to see what is currently listed and at what price. If ten super slim models are listed at $120 and none are selling, you may need to price yours at $100 to move it. If only one is listed and it is priced at $150, you have room to price competitively.

Prices also shift seasonally. During the winter holidays, demand for retro consoles rises and prices climb. During summer, fewer people are shopping for used electronics. If you are not in a hurry to sell, waiting until October or November may bring a higher price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a PS3 with a yellow light of death worth anything?

A console with a yellow light of death (a hardware failure that prevents it from powering on) is worth $20 to $50 as parts only. Some buyers repair them, but most people looking for a working console will not bid on it. If you have the skills or tools to repair it, fixing it first will increase the resale value to $80 to $150.

Does the 20 GB PS3 really sell for more than other models?

Yes. The 20 GB fat model is the rarest because it was only sold for about two years and had no hard drive, making it less useful for many games. Collectors seek it specifically. A working 20 GB in good condition typically sells for $180 to $250, compared to $80 to $150 for a super slim 320 GB in the same condition.

Should I sell my PS3 with games or without them?

Selling with games increases the total price you receive, but only if the games are popular titles people actually want. Three copies of The Last of Us or Uncharted will add $30 to $50 to your sale. Three obscure games might add only $10. If you have games you want to keep or sell separately, you can sell the console alone and list the games separately.

What is the best way to ship a PS3 safely?

Pack the console in its original box if you have it, or wrap it in bubble wrap and place it in a sturdy box with at least two inches of padding on all sides. Use a carrier that offers signature confirmation and insurance, like UPS or FedEx. Shipping typically costs $15 to $25 depending on distance and weight. Always photograph the console before packing and document its condition in case the buyer disputes the sale.

Can I sell a PS3 with a broken disc drive?

Yes, but it will sell for much less—typically $40 to $80 instead of $100 to $150. Be clear in your listing that the disc drive does not work. Some buyers purchase broken consoles to repair them or use them for digital games only. Honesty about the condition will prevent disputes and returns.