For the main monkey-catching adventures, play Ape Escape, then Ape Escape 2, then Ape Escape 3. That release order is the clearest way to follow the numbered games; Ape Escape Academy and Ape Academy 2 are optional minigame spin-offs, not prerequisites.
Recommended order for the main Ape Escape games
- Ape Escape — the original PlayStation game, released in 1999.
- Ape Escape 2 — the PlayStation 2 sequel, later converted for PS4.
- Ape Escape 3 — the third numbered PlayStation 2 adventure.
Play them in release order if you want a straightforward, spoiler-safe path through the numbered adventures. This recommendation is not a claim that every spin-off fits into a confirmed franchise-wide story chronology; a definitive chronology covering all branches is not established.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Ape Escape | $104.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Ape Escape - Playstation (Renewed) | $56.44 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Ape Escape 2 - PlayStation 2 | $109.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Ape Escape On The Loose PSP (Renewed) | $32.27 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Ape Escape On The Loose PSP | $10.21 | Buy on Amazon |
Are the Ape Escape Academy games required?
No. Ape Escape Academy and Ape Academy 2 are optional PSP-origin minigame spin-offs. You can skip them and still follow the numbered adventure sequence.
- Ape Escape Academy: Sony describes it as a school built around 50 minigames.
- Ape Academy 2: Sony describes a collectible card game and more than 100 minigames.
They are side trips for players who want a different, minigame-focused take on the series, rather than steps between the numbered adventures.
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- Requires Dual-Shock Analog Controller to play
Where to play the games now
Store listings and compatibility vary by region and can change. The following details refer to Sony’s US PlayStation Store pages; check your local storefront and the target console before buying.
| Game | US PlayStation Store listing and compatibility | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Ape Escape | Sony lists the converted game for PS4 and PS5. Its page describes up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and video filters, and says it works with DualSense and DUALSHOCK 4 controllers. Original PlayStation console peripherals are not supported. Sony US PlayStation Store | Confirm local storefront availability and use a supported modern controller for the converted release. |
| Ape Escape 2 | Sony lists a PS4 conversion of the PS2 release, dated August 2, 2016. The page warns that the game may exhibit errors or unexpected behavior on PS5, and that some PS4 features may be absent. PS2 peripherals are not supported. Sony US PlayStation Store | It is listed for PS4; if you plan to play on PS5, account for Sony’s compatibility warning. |
| Ape Escape 3 | A current official digital listing was not verified. | Check your local store and compatible physical options; do not assume availability is the same in every region. |
| Ape Escape Academy and Ape Academy 2 | Sony’s current US listings identify both as PSP-origin games converted for PS4/PS5. Sony US PlayStation Store Sony US PlayStation Store | Availability, catalog membership, price, and language support can differ by storefront and change over time. |
Choosing between original hardware and converted releases
If you have original PlayStation or PlayStation 2 hardware, compatible physical copies are another way to play older entries. Check that the disc and console region match and that the hardware and controller are compatible. The original Ape Escape was designed around dual-analog control, while Sony’s converted PS4/PS5 release specifies support for DualSense and DUALSHOCK 4 controllers. The converted releases do not support the original PlayStation or PS2 peripherals noted on their store pages.
Rank #2
- Catch 'Em All: Hunt down over 200 unique monkeys, each with their own distinct personalities, alert levels, and hilarious behaviors.
- Innovative Gadgets: Master a creative arsenal of tools—including the Stun Club, Time Net, Monkey Radar, Sky Flyer, and RC Car—to outsmart your primate foes.
- Time-Traveling Adventure: Explore massive, colorful levels spanning across different time periods, from the prehistoric dinosaur age to the Great Wall of China.
- Revolutionary Controls: Fully utilizes the DualShock controller's twin analog sticks for immersive 360-degree movement and gadget control (Dual-Shock Analog Controller required to play).
For a digital purchase, verify the listing on the storefront for your region and the console you intend to use. In particular, Sony’s US listing for Ape Escape 2 includes a PS5 compatibility warning, and a confirmed current official digital listing for Ape Escape 3 is not established here.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Capture over 200 Monkeys
- Eight different worlds
- Over 20 levels
- Single-player and Multiplayer via Wireless connection
Rank #4
- Capture over 200 Monkeys
- Eight different worlds
- Over 20 levels
- Single-player and Multiplayer via Wireless connection
Rank #3
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
