The PlayStation 1 launched in the UK in September 1995 and changed gaming forever. It brought CD-ROM storage, 3D graphics, and a new wave of developers to the medium — and in doing so, created one of the most diverse and beloved game libraries in history. Over 7,700 titles were released for the platform worldwide, which means finding the good stuff can feel overwhelming.
We've been buying, selling, and playing PS1 games for years. Here are the 10 titles we think every collector should own — a mix of iconic must-haves, underrated gems, and games that represent the PS1 era at its absolute best.
Complete-in-box (CIB) PS1 games — disc, case, and manual — are worth significantly more than disc-only copies. If you're collecting to hold value, always aim for CIB. If you just want to play, disc-only is perfectly fine and much cheaper.
The List
Final Fantasy VII
The game that proved JRPGs could be mainstream. Cloud, Sephiroth, Aerith — the characters and story of FF7 have embedded themselves into gaming culture in a way few titles have managed. The three-disc epic still holds up remarkably well, and the pre-rendered backgrounds look genuinely beautiful. A must-own for any serious PS1 collector.
What to pay: Disc only — £15–25. Complete in box — £35–60. Black Label (original print) CIB commands a premium.
Budget pick: disc only ~£20Crash Bandicoot (original trilogy)
Naughty Dog's mascot platformer defined the PS1 era for an entire generation of UK gamers. The original, Cortex Strikes Back, and Warped are all excellent — and all very affordable. Buy all three and you have a complete platformer collection that will keep you busy for weeks. The original is the rarest of the three and worth seeking out CIB.
What to pay: Each game disc only — £5–12. CIB — £15–30 per game.
Great value · All three under £40Metal Gear Solid
Hideo Kojima's masterpiece. A cinematic stealth game that pushed the PS1 hardware to its absolute limits and told a story more complex than most films. The codec conversations alone contain hours of dialogue. If you've only played the HD remasters, the original PS1 version has a raw, chunky charm that's entirely its own. Two discs, unforgettable.
What to pay: Disc only — £10–18. CIB — £25–45. The original "Solid Snake" cover variant is the one to look for.
Mid-range · CIB ~£35Tekken 3
Widely considered one of the greatest fighting games ever made. Tekken 3 added Eddy Gordo, Jin Kazama, and a roster of 23 characters to one of the smoothest, most satisfying fighting engines of the era. The Tekken Force and Tekken Ball modes add replay value beyond the main game. Extremely common, extremely cheap, and still brilliant.
What to pay: Disc only — £3–8. CIB — £10–18. One of the best value games on this list.
Budget pick · CIB under £15Silent Hill
Konami's psychological horror masterpiece. Where Resident Evil scared you with jump scares and limited ammo, Silent Hill got inside your head with fog, radio static, and a town that felt genuinely wrong. The graphics haven't aged gracefully, but the atmosphere is completely intact. This is one of the PS1's most important games — and it's getting harder to find CIB.
What to pay: Disc only — £20–35. CIB — £50–80. Prices have risen sharply in the last two years.
Investment pick · Buy now before prices rise furtherSpyro the Dragon (original trilogy)
Insomniac Games' purple dragon is the other great PS1 mascot platformer alongside Crash. The original trilogy — Spyro, Ripto's Rage, and Year of the Dragon — are all excellent, with Year of the Dragon being the high point. Colourful, charming, and with some of the best music on the platform (Stewart Copeland of The Police composed the soundtrack).
What to pay: Each game disc only — £5–10. CIB — £12–25 per game.
Great value · All three under £50 CIBCastlevania: Symphony of the Night
The game that defined the "Metroidvania" genre. An enormous, non-linear castle to explore, a deep RPG system, and some of the most iconic music in gaming history. The PAL version is rarer than the NTSC version and commands a significant premium. If you find a CIB PAL copy at a reasonable price, buy it immediately.
What to pay: Disc only — £25–40. CIB PAL — £80–150+. One of the most valuable common PS1 games.
Premium pick · Prices rising year on yearResident Evil 2
The pinnacle of the original Resident Evil formula. Two campaigns, two protagonists, and a city overrun with zombies. The 2019 remake is excellent, but the original has a completely different feel — slower, more methodical, and with a tension that the remake can't quite replicate. Two discs (Leon A/B and Claire A/B), essential PS1 horror.
What to pay: Disc only — £8–15. CIB — £20–35.
Mid-range · CIB ~£25Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2
The greatest sports game ever made. Two minutes per level, a perfect soundtrack, and a trick system so satisfying that people are still playing it today. THPS2 defined a generation and soundtracked a thousand school lunch breaks. It's dirt cheap, universally available, and still holds up completely. An essential purchase.
What to pay: Disc only — £3–6. CIB — £8–15. Possibly the best value on this entire list.
Budget pick · CIB under £12Vagrant Story
Our hidden gem pick. Vagrant Story is a dark, complex action-RPG from Square that flew under the radar on release and remains criminally underplayed today. The weapon crafting system is deep, the story is genuinely mature, and the art direction is stunning for a PS1 game. CIB copies are increasingly hard to find — this one is worth hunting down.
What to pay: Disc only — £15–25. CIB — £35–60. Prices have been climbing steadily.
Hidden gem · Buy before prices climb furtherWe stock a rotating selection of PS1 games here at Your Chill Games, all tested and honestly graded. Browse our current PS1 stock →
Final Thoughts
The PS1 is one of the best platforms to collect right now. Prices are still accessible for most titles, the hardware is reliable and easy to find, and the library is enormous. Whether you're after the big-name classics or hunting for obscure JRPGs and import titles, there's always something new to discover.
Our advice: start with the cheap, universally beloved titles (Tekken 3, Tony Hawk's, Crash) to get a feel for the platform, then work your way up to the more expensive collectables as your budget allows. And always buy CIB where you can — it makes a real difference to long-term value.
Happy collecting. Got games to trade in? Get a quote here.
