We've come across nearly every cartridge condition, and we accept loose cartridges for many retro systems, so you usually don't need the box or manual for most classic games.
The Table of Contents
Do I need the box and manual to sell game cartridges?
It depends on the platform. The Old School Game Vault buys most classic cartridges loose, with prices listed for the cartridge only, while a few platforms need the original case to get full value.
Cartridge Only, No Box or Manual Needed
For these systems, you don't need the original box or manual. The prices on our site are for the cartridge only.
- Nintendo NES
- Super Nintendo (SNES)
- Nintendo 64
- Sega Genesis, 32X
- Nintendo Virtual Boy
- Original Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance
- Atari Jaguar, Atari Lynx
- Neo Geo Pocket
Platforms That Need the Original Case
For these systems, you'll need the original case to get full value. Here's how we adjust quotes if something is missing:
- Nintendo DS & 3DS
- Cartridge only (loose): 50% deduction
- With case but missing manual: 40% deduction
- Nintendo Switch
- Cartridge only (loose): 50% deduction
- Manual not required, since many Switch games never included one
- PlayStation Vita
- Cartridge only (loose): 50% deduction
- Manual not required, since many Vita games never included one
- TurboGrafx-16
- HuCard only (loose): 50% deduction
- With case but missing manual: 40% deduction
Can my cartridge have marker or stickers on it?
Yes, within limits. A name or small number written in marker is fine, and we will not deduct any value.
- Stickers are okay as long as they do not cover or damage the original game label.
- Excess stickers or marker that we need to remove are accepted with a 35% deduction.
- If marker or stickers cover, block, or damage the label, we cannot accept the cartridge.
- If you are not sure, email us a photo and we will review it before you submit your order.
Do you buy cartridges I haven't tested?
Yes. We clean the contacts on every cartridge and can get about 90% of older games working, so don't worry if you cannot test them yourself.
Will you buy a cartridge with a torn label?
It depends on the tear. Small tears in the label are accepted with a 35% deduction, but we cannot accept games with badly torn front or end labels.
We need the label intact so we can verify authenticity and make sure the game is in good enough shape to sell.
What Our Customers Say
"Brandon was very prompt with reviewing and was very fair with the estimate! I'm so happy I found his site!"
SunnyOpal, USA, ★★★★★ (May 17, 2025)
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"Brandon was a pleasure to do business with, always kept in touch by email to update the progress of my order... Fast, Easy Process, with great communication & prompt payment!"
Rich G, USA, ★★★★★ (Jan 8, 2025)
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Our customers are real, our reviews are verified, and there are no surprises. That's what The Old School Game Vault is all about.
