How to sell a video game collection
By the DeKlutterNow team. Last updated . General information, not an appraisal.
Short answer: To sell a video game collection, sort by system, note whether each game is complete in box, loose, or sealed, and test consoles and controllers. Photograph the shelves so titles are readable, keep manuals and cables with their games, and send a buyer the full list or clear photos.
How do I organize a video game collection for sale?
Sort by system, then by title. A quick list or a clear photo of each shelf is enough. Titles must be readable, so photograph the spines or the front of each case.
What does complete in box mean?
Complete in box, often shortened to CIB, means the game comes with its case, the disc or cartridge, and the manual and inserts. Loose means only the disc or cartridge. Sealed means still in factory wrap.
These three conditions can make a very large difference to value, so tell a buyer which one applies to each title.
How do I test consoles and controllers?
Plug in the console and check that it powers on, reads a game, and outputs video. Test every controller port and button if you can. Note anything that does not work and do not attempt repairs.
- Keep power supplies and cables with the matching console
- Check for sticky buttons and stick drift on controllers
- Look for corrosion in battery compartments
- Note any missing memory cards or accessories
How do I avoid fake or reproduction games?
Reproduction cartridges and bootlegs exist for many retro systems, and they are not worth the same as originals. Look for odd labels, wrong fonts, and mismatched cases, and be honest if you are unsure.
How do I check what my games might be worth?
Start with the exact title and platform, then look at completed sold listings rather than asking prices. Match the condition: loose, complete in box, or sealed. A sold complete copy tells you little about your loose copy.
Region and edition matter too. Special editions, regional releases and reprints are not the same item as the standard game, so check the label or box before you compare.
- Common sports titles and shovelware matter little one at a time
- Sealed and graded games are looked at individually
- Cardboard box condition matters for NES, SNES, N64 and Game Boy
- Missing manuals, writing on labels and sticker residue can all change an offer
What about modded, untested or non working consoles?
Say what is true. If you have not tested a system, call it untested. If it was modded, with a mod chip, custom firmware or a jailbreak, say so, because many buyers decline modded systems.
A non working console can still have value as parts or repair stock. Do not open it or try risky repairs, and never ship a handheld or controller with a swollen battery.
Where can I sell a game collection?
Options include a local game store, an online marketplace, or a buyer who takes whole collections. A whole collection sale is faster, while selling single titles can take more time.
DeKlutterNow buys video games in Southern California and has a page with a photo upload form. See our video games page, our page on selling retro video games and collections, or text photos to (858) 247-2017.
Quick questions
Are digital download codes worth anything?
Usually not. Codes are often used or expired, and most buyers focus on physical games and hardware.
Should I clean old cartridges?
A light wipe of the outside with a dry cloth is fine. Skip harsh cleaning, since it can damage labels and contacts.
What is the difference between loose, CIB and sealed?
Loose is only the cartridge or disc. CIB, or complete in box, is the game with its box or case and manual. Sealed is never opened and still in factory wrap. Tell any buyer which applies to each title.
Does a buyer want the original box if the game works?
Often yes. For cardboard box systems like NES, SNES, N64 and Game Boy, a box in good condition can matter a lot. Keep boxes, manuals and inserts with the matching game.
Can I sell a console that does not turn on?
Sometimes. A non working system can still be useful as parts or repair stock. Say plainly what it does and does not do, and do not try risky repairs first.
Will a buyer take a modded console?
Many will not. Mod chips, custom firmware and jailbreaks are commonly declined, so tell any buyer exactly what was changed before you send anything.
Should I sell my games one at a time or all at once?
One at a time can take more effort, while a single offer for the whole collection is faster. Sort your list first so you can compare any offer to what you have.
How do I check what my games might be worth?
Search the exact title and platform in completed sold listings, not asking prices, and compare the same condition. A sold complete copy does not tell you what a loose copy is worth.
Want an honest look at what you have?
Text photos and we will tell you whether it is a fit. You can say no at any time.
Related pages
- Sell Video Games for cash
- Sell video games in San Diego
- Sell video games in Orange County
- Sell video games in Long Beach
- Sell video games in Southern California
- Sell retro video games and collections
- What we buy and what we do not
- About DeKlutterNow and how we buy