A game that loads isn't always a game we can resell at full price. Stickers, writing, scratches, and worn artwork all affect what collectors will pay, and since we resell the games we buy, those same factors shape our offer.
Here's how we grade condition, and what we look for when we test each game.
Retro Video Game Condition Grading Scale
- Disc Games: Must include the original disc and artwork in a case. A missing manual results in a 40% deduction on most platforms, while PS1 and Philips CD-i games without a manual are rejected. Inspected for scratches, foil label damage, case condition, and completeness.
- Cartridge Games: Inspected for label condition, shell integrity, writing, stickers, and surface scratches.
- All Games: Must load and play. Counterfeit or bootleg copies are rejected. Games our customers won't purchase at any reasonable price are rejected.
| Condition | Disc Games | Cartridge Games |
|---|---|---|
| Very Good | Minimal disc scratches. Case may have a sticker but artwork and manual are clean. | Minimal surface scratches. No writing, stickers, or markings on label or shell. |
| Good | Visible scratches or smudges on disc. Artwork or manual may have a flaw. Case may have a sticker. | Visible surface scratches. May have a sticker, sticker residue, or minor writing. Label intact. |
| Acceptable | Noticeable disc scratches that don't affect play. Multiple cosmetic flaws to manual or artwork. | Excess stickers or writing that need removal, or a small tear or bend in the label. Game may still be purchased with a 35% deduction. |
| Rejected | Heavy or deep scratches, foil label damage, mold, water damage, or cosmetic flaws so extensive buyers won't purchase. | Cracked or chipped shell, badly torn label, stickers or marker covering the label, heavily soiled or filthy cartridge. |
The Table of Contents
How We Test and Grade Retro Video Games
These are the things I always look at when a box of games comes into our shop.
How we test disc games
Disc games need the original disc and artwork to be accepted. To receive the full quoted value, they also need the manual.
- We go through each game, visually inspecting the scratches and making sure the games are not loose. Games with heavy or deep scratches go in a rejection pile, and those that pass the disc scratch test go in a testing pile.
- While checking for scratches, we also separate out any games missing their original manuals. Depending on the platform, a missing manual means a 40% deduction or a rejection.
- Next, we check each game for cosmetic flaws, including the case and artwork. We look for bends, creases, water damage, and mold. Nobody wants to buy a retro video game with black mold on the artwork. We don't deduct for Blockbuster or 3rd-party cases.
- Now that we have the games ready to test, we play each one to ensure it loads and plays. We play the game until we can interact with it, like moving the characters. Then, we double-check the disc surface for scratches and inspect the foil label for any damage.
- Foil label damage: is scratches on the top of the disc where all the game data is stored. For older games, data rot is a big issue, especially on systems like the Sega Saturn and Sega CD. The easiest way to check for data rot or foil label damage is to hold the disc up to a light and see if any light comes through from small holes or scratches.
How we Grade Complete Games
Completeness doesn’t automatically mean value.
Just because a Nintendo NES game from 1987 is complete in the box doesn’t mean it’s mint. I don’t want to buy this NES boxed game if it looks like someone has stepped on it. Neither do the collectors to whom I sell games.
Having the box and manual doesn’t help much if they’re in rough shape. Collectors want to buy a complete copy of the game that looks as close to the condition it was in when it was sitting on store shelves in 1987.
Every wrinkle, crease, bend, and small tear reduces the value. Then it gets to the point: is it worth buying said game in this condition, or is it going to sit on my store shelf for a year or more?
How we inspect cartridge games
We check every cartridge for label condition, shell damage, writing, stickers, and surface scratches. A small name or number written in marker is fine. Excess stickers or writing that need removal, or a small tear in the label, mean a 35% deduction.
Cartridges with badly torn labels, cracked or chipped shells, or stickers or marker covering the front label are rejected. Games that are heavily soiled or just plain filthy are also rejected.
The Bottom Line
Every game that comes through our door gets evaluated against these standards. It's not personal, it's just how we keep our reputation and quality standards in place.
A game that falls into acceptable condition isn't a bad game; it's just priced accordingly. And a rejected game isn't necessarily garbage; it's just something our buyer pool won't buy at any price that makes sense for either of us.
Ready to Sell Your Collection?
Now that you know what we look for when a box of games comes through our door, you have a better idea of where your games might land on our grading scale. Condition matters because our buyers expect consistency, and we've built our reputation on delivering that for 15+ years.
If you have a collection you're looking to sell, head over to our sell page and get a quote. Whether it's a single game or a garage full of cartridges, we've seen it all. We'll be straight with you on what we can take and what we can pay.
Ready to find out what your games are worth? Start by searching for your titles in our catalog and get a quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about how we grade your games.
▶ What condition do video games need to be in to sell?
Games need to load and play. Beyond that, condition affects what we pay. Very Good and Good condition games get full or near-full value. Acceptable condition games are bought at a reduced price. Games with foil label damage, cracked shells, badly torn labels, or mold are rejected.
▶ What is foil label damage on a disc game?
Foil label damage is scratching on the top surface of a disc where the game data is stored. The easiest way to check is to hold the disc up to a light. If light comes through, the foil is compromised. We reject discs with foil label damage immediately.
▶ Will you buy games that came in Blockbuster cases?
Yes, as long as the game has its original disc and artwork. We don't deduct for Blockbuster or 3rd-party cases.
▶ Does writing on a cartridge affect its value?
It depends on how much. A small name or number written in marker is fine, with no deduction. Excess writing that needs removal receives a 35% deduction, and writing that covers the label results in rejection.
▶ Does a complete box automatically mean a game is worth more?
No. Condition matters just as much as completeness. A boxed NES game from 1987 with crushed corners, torn artwork, and a bent manual is still graded on its condition. Collectors want complete games that look close to how they sat on store shelves originally.
