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The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s in 2027

📖 2,661 words🗓️ Published Jul 30, 2026

Direct Answer

The 10 best video games from the 2000s are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

1. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001, Xbox)

This ranks first because it is the single most important console-launch game of the decade, defining the Xbox and the first-person shooter genre. A sealed Wata 9.6 A copy realized $8,400 at Heritage Auctions, and early-production black-label variants command even higher premiums. Its cultural significance as the foundation of a multi-billion-dollar franchise makes it the blue-chip sealed game of the 2000s.

The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s — figure 1

This pick is for the serious collector seeking the safest long-term hold on the list. It trades away affordability for unmatched historical weight and documented auction performance. Compared to the second-ranked Halo 2, this title has far greater scarcity and a higher ceiling for top-grade variants, making it the definitive grail.

2. Halo 2 (2004, Xbox)

This ranks second as the multiplayer milestone that built Xbox Live, shattering launch records in 2004. Sealed Wata 9.2 B+ copies are accessible near $300, while higher grades like a Wata 9.9 A++ import have sold for $355.80, with domestic high grades worth more. It serves as the connective tissue between the original Halo and the franchise's modern era.

The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s — figure 2

This pick is for the collector who wants a direct sequel to the top-ranked Halo: Combat Evolved for a set build. It trades away the scarcity of the original for a more affordable entry point into the franchise. Compared to the first pick, its larger print run caps upside, but it offers better liquidity and a lower barrier to entry for mid-grade sealed copies.

3. God of War (2005, PS2)

This ranks third because it redefined the action-adventure genre on the PlayStation 2 and launched a flagship franchise. A standard-release Wata 9.6 A+ copy sold for $3,120 at a Heritage weekly auction, with earliest Sony security-strip first prints commanding the highest premiums. It is one of the strongest sealed PS2 titles and a blue-chip hold for the decade.

The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s — figure 3

This pick is for the collector who wants the premier sealed PS2 title with a living franchise behind it. It trades away the multiplayer legacy of Halo 2 for a genre-defining single-player experience. Compared to the second-ranked Halo 2, this game has a smaller sealed population and higher price ceiling for first-print variants, but less liquidity due to thinner trading volume.

4. Metroid Prime (2002, GameCube)

This ranks fourth for its bold reinvention of a 2D series into a first-person adventure, widely regarded as one of the greatest games ever made. Sealed Wata 9.8 A+ copies sit at the top of the market, with Made-in-Japan first-print examples in Wata 9.6 A carrying collector premiums. Its small sealed population makes it one of the most respected GameCube grails.

The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s — figure 4

This pick is for the Nintendo collector who wants a critically acclaimed title with a dedicated following. It trades away the broad franchise appeal of God of War for a more niche but deeply respected property. Compared to the third-ranked God of War, this game has thinner sealed supply and fewer frequent comps, but offers stronger critical prestige and a loyal collector base.

5. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006, GameCube)

This ranks fifth as the final major GameCube release, launched alongside the Wii version, making the GameCube copy the scarcer and more collectible variant. Sealed Wata 9.8 A+ examples headline at Heritage, with Wata 9.6 A+ copies just below. Because most buyers chose the Wii version, high-grade GameCube copies are genuinely hard to find.

This pick is for the Zelda collector who wants the rarer version of a beloved entry. It trades away the standalone prestige of Metroid Prime for a dual-platform release that creates scarcity. Compared to the fourth-ranked Metroid Prime, this game has stronger franchise name recognition but a higher risk of confusion with the cheaper Wii version, requiring diligent variant verification.

The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s — figure 5

6. Grand Theft Auto III (2001, PS2)

This ranks sixth for launching the modern open-world era on the PS2, remaining one of the most influential games ever made. Sealed Wata 9.6 A+ first-print and Wata 9.8 A copies are the desirable tiers, with Made-in-USA, M-rating first prints commanding the most. Its cultural footprint is massive, with top-grade first-print variants worth multiples of common grades.

This pick is for the collector who wants the most culturally influential sealed PS2 game at an accessible entry point. It trades away the scarcity of Twilight Princess for a huge print run that keeps common grades cheap. Compared to the fifth-ranked Twilight Princess, this game has broader name recognition and more liquidity, but its enormous supply limits long-term scarcity for all but first-print variants.

The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s — figure 6

7. Resident Evil 4 (2005, GameCube)

This ranks seventh for reinventing survival horror with its over-the-shoulder camera, debuting on the GameCube before going multiplatform. Sealed Wata 9.6 A+ and Wata 9.8 A copies headline the market, with the GameStop Special Edition steelbook being notoriously prone to denting. Its franchise pedigree and first-platform status make the GameCube release the collector's choice.

This pick is for the horror collector who wants the definitive original-platform release of a genre landmark. It trades away the broad cultural impact of Grand Theft Auto III for a more specialized but highly influential title. Compared to the sixth-ranked Grand Theft Auto III, this game has a smaller sealed population and stronger variant-specific premiums, but thinner liquidity due to its niche audience.

8. LittleBigPlanet (2008, PS3)

This ranks eighth because its pre-launch recall over a music track containing Qur'an passages created genuine scarcity for first-print copies. A sealed Wata 9.4 A+ recalled UPC example has listed near $280, with clean high-grade recall copies worth meaningfully more. It is one of the few 2000s games with a built-in rarity event that graded-game collectors actively chase.

The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s — figure 7

This pick is for the collector who wants a true rarity story from late in the decade. It trades away the franchise durability of Resident Evil 4 for a unique scarcity event that is verifiable. Compared to the seventh-ranked Resident Evil 4, this game has a lower entry price for the recalled variant but requires diligent verification to avoid common reprints, which are worth significantly less.

9. World of Warcraft Collector's Edition (2004, PC)

This ranks ninth as the defining MMORPG of its generation, peaking at over 12 million subscribers. The original Collector's Edition big box is the collectible version, graded by VGA at 90+ NM+/MT at Heritage, packed with a pet code, art book, and soundtrack. As the rare PC entry, it offers diversification away from console titles and carries enormous cultural weight.

The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s — figure 8

This pick is for the PC collector who wants the most significant sealed PC game of the decade. It trades away the rarity story of LittleBigPlanet for a massive cultural footprint and portfolio diversification. Compared to the eighth-ranked LittleBigPlanet, this game has a higher price floor and thicker trading history, but its big-box format is prone to corner crushing, making high grades harder to find.

10. Wii Sports (2006, Wii)

This ranks tenth as the best-selling game of its generation, bundled with most Wii consoles, making sealed standalone copies affordable. A Wata 9.4 A sealed copy with a deep-badge system pack-in is a desirable variant, with standalone retail seals scarcer than bundle copies. It offers more cultural recognition per dollar than any other game on this list.

The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s — figure 9

This pick is for the first-time graded-game collector who wants an icon without a four-figure outlay. It trades away the scarcity and premium potential of World of Warcraft for maximum affordability and name recognition. Compared to the ninth-ranked World of Warcraft Collector's Edition, this game has a much lower entry price and broader demand, but its enormous print run caps long-term scarcity and upside for all but the rarest variants.

How we ranked these

We scored each game on six weighted criteria using real auction and grading data: cultural and historical significance (25%), sealed-grade scarcity (20%), auction track record (20%), first-print and variant premiums (15%), liquidity (10%), and franchise durability (10%). Prices reflect 2027 ranges for sealed, Wata-graded copies at noted grades from Heritage Auctions, Goldin, and active marketplace sales.

We deliberately ignored loose-disc prices, which are a fraction of sealed values and irrelevant to graded-game collecting. We also excluded games that did not actually ship in the 2000s, regardless of when a franchise began. The list focuses exclusively on factory-fresh, professionally graded copies, not playable condition.

The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s — figure 10

What to look for

What actually matters when choosing between these is the first-print variant, not just the grade. A Wata 9.4 of a console-defining first print almost always outperforms a Wata 9.8 of a game that shipped tens of millions of copies. Confirm the seal is original, not resealed, and match the print run to the platform — the debut console version is usually scarcer.

The biggest mistake buyers make is chasing the absolute top Wata number on a common title. They overpay for a high-grade copy of a game with an enormous print run while ignoring first-print variants of historically significant titles. Variant determines value far more than grade alone, and a clean mid-grade of a grail beats a perfect common game.

FAQ

Are sealed 2000s games a good investment in 2027?

Console-defining first prints like Halo, God of War, and Metroid Prime have real, documented auction demand. But graded-game collecting is young and volatile, so buy titles you genuinely care about and treat appreciation as a bonus, not a guarantee.

Why does the variant matter so much?

Early-production seals — black label, security strip, made-in-USA, recall — mark the first run off the line and are far scarcer than later reprints. At the same Wata grade, a first-print variant can be worth several times a standard copy.

What is the best value 2000s game to collect?

Sealed Wii Sports. As the best-selling game of its generation it stays affordable, yet it carries massive cultural recognition and the deep-badge pack-in variant offers upside for collectors.

How do I avoid resealed fakes?

Buy copies already slabbed by Wata or VGA, which inspect the seal before grading. For raw sealed copies, study factory shrink, seam direction, and known authentic photos, and avoid private deals without returns.

Which 2000s game has the best rarity story?

LittleBigPlanet. It was recalled days before its 2008 launch over a music-licensing issue, and the recalled first-print discs were pulled and reprinted, making sealed recall copies a genuine scarcity.

Should I grade games myself or buy pre-graded?

For four-figure grails, buy pre-graded to avoid reseal fraud and crack-out risk. For cheaper icons at common grades, buying clean sealed copies and submitting them yourself can be the better-value path.

What makes Halo 2 a good value pick?

Halo 2 was the first in the series to feature Xbox Live online multiplayer and shattered launch records in 2004. Sealed Wata 9.2 B+ copies are common and affordable near $300, while higher grades climb. It is the obvious companion to Combat Evolved.

Why is the GameCube version of Twilight Princess more collectible?

Twilight Princess was the final major GameCube release in 2006, launched alongside the Wii version. Because most buyers chose the Wii version, sealed GameCube copies in high grades are genuinely scarce and more valuable.

How does Resident Evil 4 rank for collecting?

Resident Evil 4 reinvented survival horror on the GameCube in 2005 and debuted there before going multiplatform. Sealed Wata 9.6 A+ and 9.8 A copies headline the market, and the GameStop Special Edition steelbook is scarce clean.

What should I look for in a sealed World of Warcraft Collector's Edition?

The original 2004 Collector's Edition big box is the prized variant, graded by VGA at 90+ NM+/MT at Heritage. It includes a pet code, art book, and soundtrack. Big-box corners crush easily, so inspect the case through the slab.

Sources

flowchart TD S["The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s"] S --> N0["1. Halo: Combat Evolved 2001, Xbox"] N0 --> N1["2. Halo 2 2004, Xbox"] N1 --> N2["3. God of War 2005, PS2"] N2 --> N3["4. Metroid Prime 2002, GameCube"]

flowchart LR C["The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s"] C --> H0["9. World of Warcraft Collector's Editi"] C --> H1["10. Wii Sports 2006, Wii"] C --> H2["How we ranked these"] C --> H3["What to look for"]

Related on PULSE

[The 10 Best Video Games from the 1980s in 2027](/knowledge/gm0059)
[The 10 Best Retro Video Games to Collect in 2027](/knowledge/gm0058)
[The 10 Best Video Games from the 1990s in 2027](/knowledge/gm0062)

Download:

## Direct Answer

The 10 best video games from the 2000s are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

## 1. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001, Xbox)



```mermaid
flowchart TD
  S["The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s"]
  S --> N0["1. Halo: Combat Evolved 2001, Xbox"]
  N0 --> N1["2. Halo 2 2004, Xbox"]
  N1 --> N2["3. God of War 2005, PS2"]
  N2 --> N3["4. Metroid Prime 2002, GameCube"]
```


This ranks first because it is the single most important console-launch game of the decade, defining the Xbox and the first-person shooter genre. A sealed Wata 9.6 A copy realized $8,400 at Heritage Auctions, and early-production black-label variants command even higher premiums. Its cultural significance as the foundation of a multi-billion-dollar franchise makes it the blue-chip sealed game of the 2000s.

![The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s — figure 1](/assets/qa/gm0063-b1.jpg)









This pick is for the serious collector seeking the safest long-term hold on the list. It trades away affordability for unmatched historical weight and documented auction performance. Compared to the second-ranked Halo 2, this title has far greater scarcity and a higher ceiling for top-grade variants, making it the definitive grail.

## 2. Halo 2 (2004, Xbox)



```mermaid
flowchart LR
  C["The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s"]
  C --> H0["9. World of Warcraft Collector's Editi"]
  C --> H1["10. Wii Sports 2006, Wii"]
  C --> H2["How we ranked these"]
  C --> H3["What to look for"]
```


This ranks second as the multiplayer milestone that built Xbox Live, shattering launch records in 2004. Sealed Wata 9.2 B+ copies are accessible near $300, while higher grades like a Wata 9.9 A++ import have sold for $355.80, with domestic high grades worth more. It serves as the connective tissue between the original Halo and the franchise's modern era.

![The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s — figure 2](/assets/qa/gm0063-b2.jpg)









This pick is for the collector who wants a direct sequel to the top-ranked Halo: Combat Evolved for a set build. It trades away the scarcity of the original for a more affordable entry point into the franchise. Compared to the first pick, its larger print run caps upside, but it offers better liquidity and a lower barrier to entry for mid-grade sealed copies.

## 3. God of War (2005, PS2)



This ranks third because it redefined the action-adventure genre on the PlayStation 2 and launched a flagship franchise. A standard-release Wata 9.6 A+ copy sold for $3,120 at a Heritage weekly auction, with earliest Sony security-strip first prints commanding the highest premiums. It is one of the strongest sealed PS2 titles and a blue-chip hold for the decade.

![The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s — figure 3](/assets/qa/gm0063-b3.jpg)









This pick is for the collector who wants the premier sealed PS2 title with a living franchise behind it. It trades away the multiplayer legacy of Halo 2 for a genre-defining single-player experience. Compared to the second-ranked Halo 2, this game has a smaller sealed population and higher price ceiling for first-print variants, but less liquidity due to thinner trading volume.

## 4. Metroid Prime (2002, GameCube)



This ranks fourth for its bold reinvention of a 2D series into a first-person adventure, widely regarded as one of the greatest games ever made. Sealed Wata 9.8 A+ copies sit at the top of the market, with Made-in-Japan first-print examples in Wata 9.6 A carrying collector premiums. Its small sealed population makes it one of the most respected GameCube grails.

![The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s — figure 4](/assets/qa/gm0063-b4.jpg)









This pick is for the Nintendo collector who wants a critically acclaimed title with a dedicated following. It trades away the broad franchise appeal of God of War for a more niche but deeply respected property. Compared to the third-ranked God of War, this game has thinner sealed supply and fewer frequent comps, but offers stronger critical prestige and a loyal collector base.

## 5. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006, GameCube)



This ranks fifth as the final major GameCube release, launched alongside the Wii version, making the GameCube copy the scarcer and more collectible variant. Sealed Wata 9.8 A+ examples headline at Heritage, with Wata 9.6 A+ copies just below. Because most buyers chose the Wii version, high-grade GameCube copies are genuinely hard to find.

This pick is for the Zelda collector who wants the rarer version of a beloved entry. It trades away the standalone prestige of Metroid Prime for a dual-platform release that creates scarcity. Compared to the fourth-ranked Metroid Prime, this game has stronger franchise name recognition but a higher risk of confusion with the cheaper Wii version, requiring diligent variant verification.

![The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s — figure 5](/assets/qa/gm0063-b5.jpg)









## 6. Grand Theft Auto III (2001, PS2)



This ranks sixth for launching the modern open-world era on the PS2, remaining one of the most influential games ever made. Sealed Wata 9.6 A+ first-print and Wata 9.8 A copies are the desirable tiers, with Made-in-USA, M-rating first prints commanding the most. Its cultural footprint is massive, with top-grade first-print variants worth multiples of common grades.

This pick is for the collector who wants the most culturally influential sealed PS2 game at an accessible entry point. It trades away the scarcity of Twilight Princess for a huge print run that keeps common grades cheap. Compared to the fifth-ranked Twilight Princess, this game has broader name recognition and more liquidity, but its enormous supply limits long-term scarcity for all but first-print variants.

![The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s — figure 6](/assets/qa/gm0063-b6.jpg)









## 7. Resident Evil 4 (2005, GameCube)



This ranks seventh for reinventing survival horror with its over-the-shoulder camera, debuting on the GameCube before going multiplatform. Sealed Wata 9.6 A+ and Wata 9.8 A copies headline the market, with the GameStop Special Edition steelbook being notoriously prone to denting. Its franchise pedigree and first-platform status make the GameCube release the collector's choice.

This pick is for the horror collector who wants the definitive original-platform release of a genre landmark. It trades away the broad cultural impact of Grand Theft Auto III for a more specialized but highly influential title. Compared to the sixth-ranked Grand Theft Auto III, this game has a smaller sealed population and stronger variant-specific premiums, but thinner liquidity due to its niche audience.

## 8. LittleBigPlanet (2008, PS3)



This ranks eighth because its pre-launch recall over a music track containing Qur'an passages created genuine scarcity for first-print copies. A sealed Wata 9.4 A+ recalled UPC example has listed near $280, with clean high-grade recall copies worth meaningfully more. It is one of the few 2000s games with a built-in rarity event that graded-game collectors actively chase.

![The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s — figure 7](/assets/qa/gm0063-b7.jpg)









This pick is for the collector who wants a true rarity story from late in the decade. It trades away the franchise durability of Resident Evil 4 for a unique scarcity event that is verifiable. Compared to the seventh-ranked Resident Evil 4, this game has a lower entry price for the recalled variant but requires diligent verification to avoid common reprints, which are worth significantly less.

## 9. World of Warcraft Collector's Edition (2004, PC)



This ranks ninth as the defining MMORPG of its generation, peaking at over 12 million subscribers. The original Collector's Edition big box is the collectible version, graded by VGA at 90+ NM+/MT at Heritage, packed with a pet code, art book, and soundtrack. As the rare PC entry, it offers diversification away from console titles and carries enormous cultural weight.

![The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s — figure 8](/assets/qa/gm0063-b8.jpg)









This pick is for the PC collector who wants the most significant sealed PC game of the decade. It trades away the rarity story of LittleBigPlanet for a massive cultural footprint and portfolio diversification. Compared to the eighth-ranked LittleBigPlanet, this game has a higher price floor and thicker trading history, but its big-box format is prone to corner crushing, making high grades harder to find.

## 10. Wii Sports (2006, Wii)



This ranks tenth as the best-selling game of its generation, bundled with most Wii consoles, making sealed standalone copies affordable. A Wata 9.4 A sealed copy with a deep-badge system pack-in is a desirable variant, with standalone retail seals scarcer than bundle copies. It offers more cultural recognition per dollar than any other game on this list.

![The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s — figure 9](/assets/qa/gm0063-b9.jpg)









This pick is for the first-time graded-game collector who wants an icon without a four-figure outlay. It trades away the scarcity and premium potential of World of Warcraft for maximum affordability and name recognition. Compared to the ninth-ranked World of Warcraft Collector's Edition, this game has a much lower entry price and broader demand, but its enormous print run caps long-term scarcity and upside for all but the rarest variants.

## How we ranked these

We scored each game on six weighted criteria using real auction and grading data: cultural and historical significance (25%), sealed-grade scarcity (20%), auction track record (20%), first-print and variant premiums (15%), liquidity (10%), and franchise durability (10%). Prices reflect 2027 ranges for sealed, Wata-graded copies at noted grades from Heritage Auctions, Goldin, and active marketplace sales.

We deliberately ignored loose-disc prices, which are a fraction of sealed values and irrelevant to graded-game collecting. We also excluded games that did not actually ship in the 2000s, regardless of when a franchise began. The list focuses exclusively on factory-fresh, professionally graded copies, not playable condition.

![The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s — figure 10](/assets/qa/gm0063-b10.jpg)









## What to look for

What actually matters when choosing between these is the first-print variant, not just the grade. A Wata 9.4 of a console-defining first print almost always outperforms a Wata 9.8 of a game that shipped tens of millions of copies. Confirm the seal is original, not resealed, and match the print run to the platform — the debut console version is usually scarcer.

The biggest mistake buyers make is chasing the absolute top Wata number on a common title. They overpay for a high-grade copy of a game with an enormous print run while ignoring first-print variants of historically significant titles. Variant determines value far more than grade alone, and a clean mid-grade of a grail beats a perfect common game.

## Related questions

### What is the best 2000s video game to collect in 2027?

A sealed, Wata-graded Halo: Combat Evolved (2001, Xbox) is the best pick. It is the console-defining launch title with an $8,400 Heritage comp at Wata 9.6 A and a living, multi-billion-dollar franchise behind it. For value, sealed Wii Sports is the smartest entry.

### How do you rank 2000s games for collecting?

We scored each game on six weighted criteria: cultural significance (25%), sealed-grade scarcity (20%), auction track record (20%), first-print variant premiums (15%), liquidity (10%), and franchise durability (10%). All data came from Heritage Auctions, Goldin, and Wata-graded marketplace sales.

### Why is Halo: Combat Evolved the top pick?

It launched the Xbox in 2001 and rewrote console first-person shooter rules. A sealed Wata 9.6 A copy realized $8,400 at Heritage, and early-production black-label examples in Wata 9.8 A+ sit at the top. It anchors a multi-billion-dollar franchise.

### What is the best value 2000s game to collect?

Sealed Wii Sports (2006) is the best value. It is the best-selling game of its generation, still affordable sealed and graded because so many were printed. A Wata 9.4 A deep-badge pack-in variant offers upside for collectors.

### Which 2000s game has the best rarity story?

LittleBigPlanet (2008, PS3) was recalled days before launch because a background music track contained passages from the Qur'an. The recalled first-print discs were pulled and reprinted, making sealed recall copies a genuine scarcity with a built-in rarity event.

### How do I avoid resealed fakes?

Buy copies already slabbed by Wata or VGA, which inspect the seal before grading. For raw sealed copies, study factory shrink, seam direction, and known authentic photos. Avoid private deals without returns, and always verify the seal is original.

### What is the most culturally influential sealed PS2 game?

Grand Theft Auto III (2001, PS2) launched the modern open-world era and remains one of the most influential games ever made. Sealed Wata 9.6 A+ first-print and Wata 9.8 A copies are the desirable tiers, with Made-in-USA first prints commanding premiums.

### Should I buy pre-graded or grade games myself?

For four-figure grails like Halo or God of War, buy pre-graded to avoid reseal fraud and crack-out risk. For cheaper icons like Wii Sports at common grades, buying clean sealed copies and submitting them yourself can be the better-value path.

## FAQ

**Are sealed 2000s games a good investment in 2027?**

Console-defining first prints like Halo, God of War, and Metroid Prime have real, documented auction demand. But graded-game collecting is young and volatile, so buy titles you genuinely care about and treat appreciation as a bonus, not a guarantee.

**Why does the variant matter so much?**

Early-production seals — black label, security strip, made-in-USA, recall — mark the first run off the line and are far scarcer than later reprints. At the same Wata grade, a first-print variant can be worth several times a standard copy.

**What is the best value 2000s game to collect?**

Sealed Wii Sports. As the best-selling game of its generation it stays affordable, yet it carries massive cultural recognition and the deep-badge pack-in variant offers upside for collectors.

**How do I avoid resealed fakes?**

Buy copies already slabbed by Wata or VGA, which inspect the seal before grading. For raw sealed copies, study factory shrink, seam direction, and known authentic photos, and avoid private deals without returns.

**Which 2000s game has the best rarity story?**

LittleBigPlanet. It was recalled days before its 2008 launch over a music-licensing issue, and the recalled first-print discs were pulled and reprinted, making sealed recall copies a genuine scarcity.

**Should I grade games myself or buy pre-graded?**

For four-figure grails, buy pre-graded to avoid reseal fraud and crack-out risk. For cheaper icons at common grades, buying clean sealed copies and submitting them yourself can be the better-value path.

**What makes Halo 2 a good value pick?**

Halo 2 was the first in the series to feature Xbox Live online multiplayer and shattered launch records in 2004. Sealed Wata 9.2 B+ copies are common and affordable near $300, while higher grades climb. It is the obvious companion to Combat Evolved.

**Why is the GameCube version of Twilight Princess more collectible?**

Twilight Princess was the final major GameCube release in 2006, launched alongside the Wii version. Because most buyers chose the Wii version, sealed GameCube copies in high grades are genuinely scarce and more valuable.

**How does Resident Evil 4 rank for collecting?**

Resident Evil 4 reinvented survival horror on the GameCube in 2005 and debuted there before going multiplatform. Sealed Wata 9.6 A+ and 9.8 A copies headline the market, and the GameStop Special Edition steelbook is scarce clean.

**What should I look for in a sealed World of Warcraft Collector's Edition?**

The original 2004 Collector's Edition big box is the prized variant, graded by VGA at 90+ NM+/MT at Heritage. It includes a pet code, art book, and soundtrack. Big-box corners crush easily, so inspect the case through the slab.

## Sources

- https://comics.ha.com/itm/video-games/xbox/halo-combat-evolved-wata-98-a-se
- https://www.heritageauctions.com
- https://www.goldin.com
- https://www.watagrading.com
- https://www.ebay.com

## Related on PULSE

- [The 10 Best Video Games from the 1980s in 2027](/knowledge/gm0059)
- [The 10 Best Retro Video Games to Collect in 2027](/knowledge/gm0058)
- [The 10 Best Video Games from the 1990s in 2027](/knowledge/gm0062)

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The 10 Best Video Games from the 2000s in 2027

1. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001, Xbox)

2. Halo 2 (2004, Xbox)

3. God of War (2005, PS2)

4. Metroid Prime (2002, GameCube)

5. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006, GameCube)

6. Grand Theft Auto III (2001, PS2)

7. Resident Evil 4 (2005, GameCube)

8. LittleBigPlanet (2008, PS3)

9. World of Warcraft Collector's Edition (2004, PC)

10. Wii Sports (2006, Wii)

How we ranked these

What to look for

Related questions

What is the best 2000s video game to collect in 2027?

How do you rank 2000s games for collecting?

Why is Halo: Combat Evolved the top pick?

What is the best value 2000s game to collect?

Which 2000s game has the best rarity story?

How do I avoid resealed fakes?

What is the most culturally influential sealed PS2 game?

Should I buy pre-graded or grade games myself?

FAQ

Sources

Related on PULSE

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