PSM: 100% Independent PlayStation 2 Magazine - Issue 45, Vol. 5
Imagine Media / PSM Magazine · Books & Media > Magazines
Era / Decade
Early 2000s (Cover date: May 2001)
Material
Glossy paper periodical with staple binding; feature cover art by Joe Madureira.
Condition
Good to Very Good. The front cover shows distinct corner wear and slight creasing near the spine. The mailing label is still attached, which can slightly detract from collector value compared to newsstand copies, but the cover remains vibrant.
Demand Level
Moderate. Retrogaming nostalgia is currently high, especially for the PS2 era. PSM was known for its unique 'cool' aesthetic and Joe Mad cover art, making it more collectible than standard official magazines.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
Low: $12.00 | Mid: $20.00 | High: $35.00
Estimated Retail Value
$6.99 (Original 2001 MSRP)
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for PSM issues from 2001-2002 range from $15 to $25 depending on condition. Issues with specific popular game covers (like MGS2 or GTA) tend toward the higher end.
Description
Retro PSM (PlayStation Magazine) Issue #45 from May 2001. Features iconic cover art by renowned comic book artist Joe Madureira (Battle Chasers/X-Men) featuring characters from Sega's Virtua Fighter 4. Content includes previews for Metal Gear Solid 2, WWF SmackDown! 3, and Zone of the Enders. This issue represents a major historical moment when Sega shifted to third-party publishing for the Sony PS2.
Key Features
Joe Madureira collectible cover art; Sega-on-PS2 historical reveal; Metal Gear Solid 2 coverage; nostalgia for the peak PS2 era.
Authenticity Indicators
Original April 2002/May 2001 date stamps; 3-digit zip code routing on mailing label; specific paper texture. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
Original mailing label on the bottom right corner; edge wear and corner blunting; light spine stress marks. It is missing the original various 'swag' (stickers or demo discs) that typically came with PSM.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the primary market for vintage gaming media. Mercari is also a strong secondary choice for video game collectors.
Selling Tips
Mention 'Joe Madureira cover' in the title to attract comic art collectors as well as gamers. Use high-resolution scans of the front and back. Ship in a plastic sleeve with a rigid cardboard backing (stay-flat mailer) and list as 'Media Mail' to keep shipping costs low for the buyer.