We wrote this article because the most common question we get is some version of "I can't find my game." The answer is almost always the same; our database matches exact titles, so a small typo or abbreviation is enough to return zero results. Here's how to search it the right way.
Why "Exact" Keywords Matter
Our system matches games by exact title; not abbreviations, nicknames, or slang. If the cartridge says Cruis'n USA, searching "Cruisn USA" won't find it. The apostrophe matters. The spacing matters. Search the way the title is actually written, and you'll get results every time.
Common Mistakes That Return Zero Results
| Mistake Type | Correct Entry | Incorrect Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviations | Call of Duty | COD |
| Numbers vs. Roman Numerals | Grand Theft Auto IV | GTA 4 or GTA IV |
| Punctuation Errors | Cruis'n USA | Cruisn |
| Ampersands | Ratchet & Clank | Ratchet and Clank |
The Console + Keyword Trick
If you're looking for a whole series rather than a specific game, combine the console abbreviation with the franchise name. It's a faster way to browse everything we carry in one search.
- Type PS2 Call of Duty to see every game in the series we buy for that platform
- Type Mario to pull up all the Mario titles across Nintendo systems
- Type PS2 Tony to see every Tony Hawk game we carry for PS2
The Official Keyword Abbreviation List
| PlayStation Systems | Nintendo Systems | Sega Systems |
|---|---|---|
| PS1 – PlayStation | NES – Nintendo Entertainment System | Genesis – Sega Genesis |
| PS2 – PlayStation 2 | SNES – Super Nintendo | Dreamcast – Sega Dreamcast |
| PS3 – PlayStation 3 | N64 – Nintendo 64 | Saturn – Sega Saturn |
| PS4 – PlayStation 4 | GameCube – Nintendo GameCube | Type full console name |
| PS5 – PlayStation 5 | GBA – Game Boy Advance | Exception: Use 32x for Sega 32X titles |
| Vita – PlayStation Vita | DS – Nintendo DS | |
| PSP – PlayStation Portable | 3DS – Nintendo 3DS | |
| Game Boy – Game Boy / Game Boy Color (Type “Game Boy” as one phrase) |
One note on annual sports titles: We generally don't accept yearly releases dated before 2026. That includes franchises like Madden and FIFA, as well as titles such as Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2013 and Dance Dance Revolution 2012.
If You Still Can't Find Your Game
- Double-check spelling and punctuation. Did you use IV or 4?
- Verify the console abbreviation. Is it GBA or Game Boy Advance?
- Look for special editions or alternate naming formats.
If it's still not showing up, get in touch with us. Our support team gets back to you within 24 hours.
