I’ve heard the argument many times that video games are not a good investment. Well, for the most part, that statement is true. Most titles lose value over time. Even RPGs lose value about 50% of the time — Video Game Price Charts has the empirical data. What are my bets for the titles you should be looking out for? Here goes:

• Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence — MGS is an eternally popular series with a hardcore fan base. This one looks all set to follow Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance in terms of high demand for a relatively low print title.
• Grandia III — Used copies are already fetching over $30 on eBay. There was no European release for Grandia III, which is pushing a lot of the demand. If you do flip one of these, be prepared to ship to Europe.
• Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth — The original Valkyrie Profile for the PS1 is notorious for being the most valuable title on the console, often tying with Suikoden II. While the Lenneth re-release sold much better, demand seems to be once again on the rise. New copies have gotten as much as $60 on eBay. Valkyrie Profile 2: Simeria doesn’t currently seem to be following in demand (hmm, could it be because it was frustrating as hell?), but it may be worth picking up as an investment since it’s only $16.96 on clearance at Circuit City right now.

The common thread with all 3 titles — if you haven’t guessed it yet — is that all 3 went out of print this year, which means that new copies are disappearing off store shelves and are nowhere to be found online.