Trying to figure out what your used games are worth? Whether you’re selling a few titles or clearing out your collection, understanding the resale value is the first step to getting a fair deal.
As the founder of The Old School Game Vault, I’ve spent over 18 years pricing, buying, and selling retro video games across nearly every platform.
🎯 TL/DR – What Impacts Your Used Game’s Value?
- Condition is critical – Scratches, missing manuals, or torn labels drop value fast.
- Rarity drives price – Limited prints and late releases usually fetch more.
- Know the market – Use eBay and PriceCharting to set fair expectations.
This guide reflects insights from real-world transactions and thousands of used game appraisals—so you can confidently estimate what your collection is worth.
Want to know what your used video games are worth? Prices depend on condition, rarity, and platform. Retro games in great shape can still fetch strong resale value.
This guide breaks down the key factors that impact used video game prices—like rarity, condition, demand, and platform popularity. You'll also learn where to research prices and how to get more for your games.
The Table of Contents
What Affects Video Game Resale Value?
✅ Condition
Scratched discs, torn labels, or missing cases/manuals will significantly lower a game’s value.
Tips:
- Clean discs and remove stickers.
- Include original cases, manuals, and inserts.
- Make sure cartridge labels are clean and intact.
✅ Rarity
Games released late in a console's life or in limited quantities are often more valuable.
Example: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters for NES is worth far more than its SNES version due to rarity.
- According to longtime collectors and community discussions on GameFAQs, only about 25,000 copies were produced for the NES—compared to 2.5 million on SNES and 2.2 million on Sega Genesis.
- This limited print run is part of why the NES version commands significantly higher value today. (Source: GameFAQs Forum)
✅ Popularity
Popular doesn’t always mean valuable. Mass-produced games like Super Mario Bros. are common and tend to have lower resale value.
✅ Platform Demand
Nintendo consoles (NES, SNES, N64, GameCube) tend to hold value better than others.
✅ Supply and Demand
High-demand, low-supply games increase in value. If thousands of copies are listed online, expect lower prices.
Video games depreciate quickly—most lose about 70% of their value within a year. Franchise titles like Madden and Call of Duty often drop to 20% of their original price soon after new releases.
How to Research Game Value
To price your used video games, start by checking sold listings on eBay. Use the “completed listings” filter to see recent sale prices. Adjust for your game’s condition and whether it’s complete.
Buyers prefer games with original cases and manuals. Incomplete or scratched games are harder to sell. Be honest about the condition to build trust and reduce returns. Allowing offers can also lead to faster sales.
Clean, undamaged games with complete packaging will attract more attention and better prices.
🔍 Use eBay Sold Listings
- Search your game on eBay.
- Filter results by "Sold Items."
- Review recent sale prices.
🌐 Use PriceCharting
Check PriceCharting for average prices based on condition (loose, CIB, sealed). This resource is widely used by collectors and resellers to track real-time value trends.
⏳ Time Your Sale
Sell during holidays, anniversaries, or when demand spikes.
🔍 Example: Lunar 2 Eternal Blue (PS1)
- Complete with extras: ~$225
- Discs only: ~$85
What Retro Games Are Worth the Most?
Games that hold value well include:
- N64: Mario Party, Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Pokémon Stadium 2
- SNES: Chrono Trigger, EarthBound, Mega Man X3
- NES: Little Samson, Panic Restaurant
- PS1: Suikoden II, Lunar 2 Eternal Blue
- GBA: Pokémon Emerald, Fire Emblem, Metroid Fusion
What Lowers Game Value?
Physical condition is a major factor. Scratches, torn labels, and missing cases or manuals reduce resale value. Games with price sticker residue or damage appear neglected and less trustworthy.
Market saturation also plays a role. Popular franchises like FIFA and Call of Duty are overproduced, which drives down prices. New releases make older versions less appealing.
- Scratches or disc rot
- Missing case or manual
- Damaged or torn labels
- Sticker residue or fading
- Overproduced titles (e.g. FIFA, Call of Duty, NBA 2K)
How to Increase Your Game’s Trade-In Value
To get top dollar, focus on condition and completeness. Clean your games, include all original
materials, and present them well. Quality photos help attract buyers. Honest descriptions build trust.
Timing matters too—sell during high-demand periods like the holidays. Be flexible on price by allowing offers, and focus on in-demand titles that still retain value.
- Clean and test everything
- Include manuals, cases, and inserts
- Mark items as complete-in-box (CIB) if applicable
- Take clear, well-lit photos
- Be honest about flaws
- Sell during peak times
- Accept offers to speed up sales
Want a Fast Quote?
If you want a fast, fair offer without the hassle, sell your games to us at The Old School Game Vault. We offer:
- Instant quotes
- No barcode required
- Free shipping for $100+ orders
- Payments via Zelle, PayPal, or check (Read our Payment Policy Guide)
The Old School Game Vault was also featured in Well Kept Wallet’s top picks for the best places to sell video games—recognized for fair pricing and fast payments.
🔗 Sell Your Video Games Online →
Thousands of collectors have trusted The Old School Game Vault for honest appraisals and reliable payouts. Verified reviews on Trustpilot and direct customer testimonials highlight our commitment to fair trade-in values and responsive support.
Final Thoughts
The resale value of used games depends on condition, rarity, and demand. With a bit of research and care, you can get more for your collection.
Before you sell, ask: is your game clean, complete, and in demand? If yes, you’re in a strong position to earn good money.
Selling Video Games & Consoles FAQ
Should I sell my old video games?
- Yes—especially if they’re in good condition and you no longer play them.
- Many retro titles retain strong value, and selling them can free up space and earn you quick cash.
How much should I sell my video games for?
- Prices vary by condition, rarity, and platform. Check eBay sold listings or use PriceCharting to estimate value.
- Rare and complete-in-box games can fetch much higher prices.
Where can I sell my video games for cash?
- You can sell games for cash through trade-in services like The Old School Game Vault, which offers instant quotes and free shipping on qualifying orders.
Where can I sell my video game console?
- The Old School Game Vault buys retro consoles like NES, SNES, N64, GameCube, PS1, and PS2. Clean, complete systems typically bring better offers.
