What Is My Retro Video Game Worth? How to Price Old Games
Found a box of old games in the closet? Here is how to figure out what they are really worth, the same way we do it.
1. Look at what it sold for, not what people are asking
Anyone can list a game for any price. What matters is what buyers actually paid. On eBay, search the exact title and system, then turn on the "Sold items" filter. Price-tracking sites like PriceCharting average recent sales for you, split by condition.
Match the exact version: the same system, the same region, and the same edition. A reprint or a different region can be worth a lot less, or occasionally a lot more.
2. Know your condition
Value jumps with completeness. A loose cartridge or disc is worth the least. Complete in box (CIB), meaning the box, manual, and game together, is worth more. Factory sealed is worth the most, and sealed games that have been professionally graded are their own market. See our guide to loose vs. CIB vs. sealed.
Then the details: a clean label versus a torn one, a crisp box versus a crushed one, a manual with or without writing in it.
3. Make sure it works
A tested, working game is worth more than an untested one. If a game saves, test the save too. Dead save batteries can be replaced, but a buyer will factor that in.
4. Selling it yourself vs. selling to a buyer
If you sell it yourself, you get closest to the sold price, but you pay the selling fees and shipping, you take the photos, answer the questions, and handle any returns.
If you sell to a store or a reseller, the offer will be below the sold price. That is not a trick. The buyer is covering the fees, the testing, the risk, and the time it takes to sell. What you get in return is cash today and no hassle. Any buyer who won't explain their offer is one to walk away from.
5. Big collection? Sort it first
In most boxes of old games, a few titles carry most of the value. Pull out anything that is complete in box, anything for older systems, and any role-playing games, and price those one by one. The common sports titles usually sell as a bundle.
Want a straight number?
Send us a message with the system, the titles, and a few photos. We'll give you a fair offer and tell you how we got there. Cash or trade, your call.
Common questions
Are old sports games worth anything?
Usually only a little each, because so many copies were made. They tend to sell in bundles. There are exceptions, so check sold prices before you toss anything.
Why is a store's offer lower than eBay?
Sold prices are before fees, shipping, and returns. A buyer also has to test, photograph, and hold the game until it sells. The gap pays for that work and that risk.
Selling, or hunting for a game?
Send us the system, the titles, and a few photos. Straight offers, tested games, real photos.
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