If you’re thinking about selling, you could earn more than you'd expect. This Quick Answer guide will help you find the best places to sell old video games and consoles, both online and locally.
The Table of Contents
Why Sell Vintage Video Games?
Before diving into the where, let’s explore the why. Retro games bring a sense of nostalgia and charm that modern titles often lack. From simple graphics to timeless gameplay, they hold a deep emotional value for many gamers.
With the rise of video game trade-in platforms, it's easier than ever to sell your collection. Unlike crowded marketplaces, these niche sites attract buyers who truly understand the value of old games.
Platforms like these offer:
- Fast quotes and payments
- Options for selling single games or large collections
- Fair prices based on current demand
If you have rare games, complete-in-box items, or consoles in great shape, your collection could fetch serious cash. Plus, selling through trusted trade-in sites adds peace of mind thanks to their reputation and customer support.
Who Buys Old Video Games?
Online Marketplaces
Selling online connects you to a passionate community of retro gaming fans:
- eBay: Ideal for auctions or fixed-price sales with global reach. Use clear photos and detailed descriptions for the best results.
- Amazon: While Amazon has a vast marketplace, its trade-in program doesn’t support classic titles like Pokémon Emerald, NES, SNES, or other retro games.
- Etsy: Great for rare or unique titles. Etsy buyers often look for nostalgia and collectability.
- Specialized Marketplaces: Sites like The Old School Game Vault and Cash for Gamers focus solely on retro games and consoles. These platforms attract serious collectors and make selling fast and easy.
- Social Media (Instagram, TikTok): Build a following by showing off your collection. Use hashtags and engage through DMs for private sales.
Using a combination of these platforms can increase your visibility and help you get the best results.
Local Selling Options
Prefer to avoid shipping or want cash fast? These local options can help:
- Local Game Stores: Many buy retro games and offer cash or trade-in credit. Policies and pricing vary — call ahead to compare offers.
- Pawn Shops: Provide instant cash but often offer lower payouts. Negotiation is key.
- Flea Markets & Swap Meets: Great for selling in person to collectors. You can talk directly with buyers and get better prices.
- Craigslist & Facebook Marketplace: List games for free and sell locally. Easy to arrange meetups, no platform fees.
Understanding the Retro Gaming Market
Some games — like Super Mario Bros., Zelda, GoldenEye 007, and Pokémon Emerald — remain fan favorites decades later. Titles like Pokémon Emerald earned critical acclaim and still carry collector value today.
Key tips:
- Condition matters: Complete games with boxes/manuals sell for more.
- Timing counts: Sell near gaming conventions or during holidays to catch buyers when demand peaks.
- Stay informed: Join retro gaming groups to track market trends and high-value titles.
How the Platforms Stack Up
To help you sell vintage video games, we compared prices for five classic games:
- The Legend of Zelda – Nintendo NES
- Super Mario Kart – Super Nintendo
- GoldenEye 007 – Nintendo 64
- Jet Set Radio – Sega DreamCast
- Pokémon Emerald – Game Boy Advance
We focused this research on platforms that offer cash payouts (not just store credit), as explained in our.
What We Discovered:
- Gameflip and Swappa promote themselves as retro-friendly, but both function more like peer-to-peer marketplaces (think eBay). None of these five games could be traded in during this research. This means sellers have little chance on those platforms.
We checked both platforms to see if retro games like GoldenEye 007 and The Legend of Zelda were actually supported for trade-in.
Swappa had no active listings for GoldenEye, and GameFlip only had one overpriced NES Zelda listing for $1,000 — clearly not serious options for retro sellers.
- GameStop offered prices for most games — except The Legend of Zelda (NES) — but the offers were minimal. For example, they quoted Pokémon Emerald at $11.50, a steep drop from the game's actual market trade in value.
- GameStop offered prices for most games — except The Legend of Zelda (NES) — but the offers were minimal, see their trade-in portal here.
- The Old School Game Vault stood out by accepting all five titles and delivering the highest trade-in payouts across the board. Pokémon Emerald alone was valued at $108.10 — nearly 10x higher than GameStop.
The Bottom Line:
If you're a retro game collector or seller who wants real value for your classics, The Old School Game Vault is the logical choice.
Ready to Sell Your Retro Games for Cash?
Get fast quotes, real cash offers, and fair values from a platform built for collectors.
👉 Start Selling with The Old School Game Vault
The Wrap-Up — Why Try The Old School Game Vault?
Know what your games are worth, clean them up, and choose your platform wisely. At The Old School Game Vault, we’ve been buying retro games for over 18 years. We offer:
- Instant online quotes
- Fast payments via Zelle, PayPal, or check
- Friendly support for collectors and sellers
Whether you're selling a few games or a large collection, we make it simple.
Connect with Us
Have questions or want to share your experience selling retro games? Please contact us, we would be happy to hear from you!
- Twitter: @TheOSGVault
- Instagram: @theosgvault
- Facebook: The Old School Game Vault
Let’s build a community of retro gaming enthusiasts!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I sell vintage video games?
- eBay, Amazon, Etsy, and specialty sites like The Old School Game Vault are all solid options. Local stores and flea markets work too.
How much are old video games worth?
- It depends on rarity, condition, and demand. Research recent eBay sales or use a quote tool to estimate value.
Who buys used games?
- Collectors, gamers, resellers, and local stores.
- Specialty sites often pay the most for retro titles.
How do I sell games online?
- Pick a platform, write a clear listing, take great photos, set a fair price, and ship securely.
- Or use a trade-in site to skip the hassle.
