Trash Then, Treasure Now
Back in the 2000s, you probably tossed some games aside, like old gum wrappers, thinking that they were too weird or glitchy to deserve a spot on your shelf. But guess what? Those bizarre digital oddities you left behind are now worth a fortune. So, let’s take a look at 20 bizarre games from the 2000s that have turned into serious money-makers.
FRANCESCO TOMMASINI on Unsplash
1. Rule Of Rose (PS2, 2006)
Developed by Punchline and published by Atlus, this game follows a disturbing narrative set in 1930s England, where a young girl is trapped in an orphanage. Despite its initial obscurity, a complete-in-box (CIB) copy can fetch around $689, while a brand-new sealed copy has been sold for over $1,200.
RULE OF ROSE 👻 4K/60fps 👻 Longplay Walkthrough Gameplay No Commentary by SHN Survival Horror Network
2. Kuon (PS2, 2004)
Kuon is a survival horror game known for its eerie atmosphere and unique blend of Japanese folklore and psychological horror. Set in the Heian period, the game follows multiple protagonists. Today, its brand-new sealed copy has been listed for over $1,333.
3. Haunting Ground (PS2, 2005)
Due to its limited release and growing demand, Haunting Ground has become one of the most valuable PS2 horror games, as its sealed copy can fetch up to $973. It is the game’s rarity and strong fan following that have contributed to its rising market value.
Haunting Ground PS2 Gameplay HD (PCSX2) by xTimelessGaming
4. Chibi-Robo! (GameCube, 2005)
This quirky and charming adventure game follows a tiny robot named Chibi-Robo, whose mission is to bring happiness to a human family. The scarcity of physical copies has driven up its value significantly, with graded copies reaching $500+.
Chibi-Robo! Plug Into Adventure (International) | Longplay by KillinCat
5. Fire Emblem: Path Of Radiance (GameCube, 2005)
Tactical mastery meets emotional storytelling in Ike’s origin story, as Path of Radiance mixed permadeath mechanics with anime-style drama. Released late in the GameCube lifecycle, it’s now one of the most sought-after titles from the console, regularly selling above $500 in mint condition.
6. Mother 3 (GBA, 2006)
Despite never receiving an official English localization, Mother 3 has developed a cult following, with fans clamoring for a Western release. The game’s rarity and demand have made it a valuable collector’s item, with graded or sealed copies typically selling for around $900.
Mother Encore Demo - Full Playthrough by Crystal Longplays
7. Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 (PS2/Xbox, 2002)
If you’ve got a copy of Marvel Vs. Capcom 2, you might be sitting on a goldmine, as the graded versions can skyrocket to $2,100. Due to licensing issues, physical copies became scarce, which made this game a highly sought-after collector’s item.
8. Castlevania: Aria Of Sorrow (GBA, 2003)
Dracula may be long gone, but his legacy lives on in Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, one of the finest entries in the franchise. Generally, its sealed or graded copy sells for more than $1,000. This Game Boy Advance gem introduced a protagonist with the ability to absorb enemy souls.
9. Shantae (GBC, 2002)
Released just as the Game Boy Color faded out, Shantae nearly vanished. Its gorgeous sprites and advanced mechanics were overshadowed by poor timing. But today, its rarity is a legend and loose cartridges typically sell for $530.
Shantae (GBC) - Gameplay by Retro Pixel Lizard & Sally's Retro Game Dungeon
10. The Misadventures Of Tron Bonne (PS1, 2000)
A Mega Man spin-off starring a loveable anti-heroine, this game fused action, puzzle, and RPG. It tanked commercially but grew a cult following. Now, collectors snap its graded version for $1,349. Quirky charm plus low print numbers make it a classic case of too-weird-too-soon.
[PS1] The Misadventures of Tron Bonne - No Commentary Full Playthrough by Silent Longplays
11. Silent Hill 2 (PS2, 2001)
This psychological horror masterpiece is known for its eerie atmosphere, deep storytelling, and unsettling soundtrack. Over the years, its limited availability and cult following have turned it into a prized possession among collectors. The game fetches almost $973 for a graded copy.
12. Futurama (Xbox/PS2, 2003)
Forgotten almost as quickly as it launched, Futurama still became a collector’s miracle. This game featured original voice acting and a new storyline. Even after middling reviews, its graded editions have sold for around $2,500, purely because of scarcity and show nostalgia.
Futurama (2003) Microsoft Xbox Gameplay in HD (xemu) by Lot Lot Gaming Channel
13. Digimon Rumble Arena 2 (PS2, 2004)
Forget Pokémon—Digimon had its own chaotic brawling stage. Rumble Arena 2 allowed fans to pit monsters in colorful battles. And with limited reprints, sealed copies hover near $500 and climbing. Fans of early-2000s anime gaming won’t let this oddball slip through their fingers.
Digimon Rumble Arena 2 - All Special Attacks [PS2] by Yoosh
14. TMNT 3: Mutant Nightmare (PS2, 2005)
Cowabunga chaos returns with four-player action and cel-shaded art. Released in low quantities, Mutant Nightmare was overlooked during peak franchise fatigue. Yet today, boxed versions can bring $250 thanks to fans of Konami’s beat-‘em-up formula and early 2000s cartoon lovers.
15. Ultimate Spider-Man (Limited Edition) (PS2, 2005)
Before Spider-Verse, Ultimate Spider-Man brought comic books to life. The limited edition included a bonus DVD and lenticular cover. As collectors hunt it down, complete copies go for $200+. It’s a time capsule of cel-shaded cool and peak Marvel video game design.
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN | PS2 Gameplay by Benedict
16. God Of War Collection (PS3, 2009)
While the collection for PS3 brought enhanced graphics and smoother gameplay, it was far from essential—especially with God of War III looming on the horizon. Nevertheless, this release has grown in value, with sealed copies selling for around $393 among collectors.
PS3 God of War Collection Volume 1 BCUS98229 HACK MARK by Ali-mk
17. Tekken 4 (Special Edition / PS2, 2002)
Iron Fist turned fancy with Tekken 4’s Limited Edition. Featuring a bonus DVD and striking packaging, this fighter shook up mechanics with uneven arenas and movement changes. Special editions bring up to $291, especially unopened, rewarding long-time fans of brutal 3D combat.
2002 PS2 Tekken 4 All Characters by Replay Burners
18. Cubivore: Survival Of The Fittest (GameCube, 2002)
Cubivore: Survival of the Fittest was originally developed for the Nintendo 64 before being moved to the GameCube. Its quirky mechanics, niche appeal, and scarcity have turned it into a highly sought-after collector’s item (graded copy for $934).
Longplay of Cubivore: Survival of the Fittest by LongplayArchive
19. Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem (GameCube, 2002)
Being a psychological horror game, Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem was ahead of its time. It had a sanity meter that caused eerie hallucinations, like fake game crashes and distorted visuals. Despite critical acclaim, it was a commercial flop. Yet, its physical copies are valued at $278.
Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem - GameCube - FULL GAME with Commentary by RiledKitty
20. Conker’s Bad Fur Day (N64, 2001)
Conker’s Bad Fur Day, featuring a foul-mouthed squirrel, was a financial failure due to its humor and late release in the N64’s lifecycle. However, over the years, the game's scarcity and dedicated fanbase made it a major sought-after collector’s item. It fetches around $979 (graded copy).
Conker's Bad Fur Day FULL GAME Longplay (N64 - XBOX One) by ★WishingTikal
