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Where to Sell Used Video Games for the Most Cash

By Underpriced Editorial Team

For retro, rare, or complete-in-box games, start with eBay sold listings and compare the likely net with a store’s cash offer. Facebook Marketplace is worth trying for local console bundles; Mercari and PriceCharting offer other ways to reach buyers online. For common games that are not worth listing separately, compare a local game-store quote with selling a bundle yourself.

Decluttr is closed. Its official website displayed a closure notice when checked on September 12, 2026. It is no longer a route for new game buyback orders.

Game type Best first platform What to check
Retro cartridges, CIB games, rare variants eBay Sold copies with the same region, edition, and condition
Current-gen games and console bundles Facebook Marketplace Local demand, safe pickup, and payment before handover
Bulk low-value modern games Local game store or a Marketplace bundle Cash quote for the exact titles versus the work of selling a lot
Graded, sealed, or very high-value games eBay or PriceCharting Marketplace Matching grade, edition, seller eligibility, and insured shipping

A collection can contain both valuable singles and games that make more sense in a lot. Check the unusual titles before accepting a quote for the whole box. A barcode or title match is only the start: missing manuals, damaged boxes, different regions, and reproductions can make two apparently identical games worth very different amounts.

This guide compares the selling routes, then covers completeness, console bundles, condition, pricing, and packing. The platform and fee examples below are for U.S. sellers; check your country’s terms if you sell elsewhere.


Quick Comparison Table: Where to Sell Used Video Games

Platform Best For Seller cost or offer basis Timing to consider
eBay Retro, CIB, and individual collectible games U.S. no-Store Video Games: 13.6% up to $7,500, plus $0.30/$0.40 per order; see fee base below Finding a buyer, handling, delivery, and any payout hold
Facebook Marketplace Local games and console bundles Local cash pickup avoids checkout and shipping fees Depends on finding a buyer who can actually collect
Mercari Shippable singles and small lots 10% of item price plus buyer-paid shipping Sale, delivery, transaction completion, then withdrawal
GameStop Eligible games you want to trade in person Item-specific cash or credit quote, subject to inspection Check acceptance and store hours before travelling
PriceCharting Catalogued games sold to collectors No listing or selling fee; PayPal processing still applies Depends on buyer demand and payment processing
Retro Game Stores Collections and low-value lots Store-specific offer for the titles and condition Call ahead about buying hours and accepted inventory
Amazon Eligible catalog listings for established sellers 15% referral, $1.80 media closing fee, selling-plan charges, and fulfillment costs Account eligibility, sale, fulfillment, and disbursement

For a rare single, compare online net proceeds. For a box of common games, compare a store’s cash offer with the time and costs of selling a bundle. Store credit is useful only if you already intend to spend it. Use the eBay sold link generator to check completed sales before accepting an offer.


Platform Deep-Dives

eBay: The Gold Standard for Used Video Game Sales

Best for: Retro games (NES through Wii/PS2 era), complete-in-box titles, sealed/graded games, high-value singles, console bundles, rare variants

eBay is a useful starting point for a collectible game because you can research completed sales and describe the exact copy you own. Compare matching editions and condition, then subtract selling costs before deciding whether listing it is worth your time.

Why eBay works for video games:

  • Searchable listings for retro games across many consoles
  • Sold comps show what comparable copies sold for; check dates and condition
  • Category-specific search filters (platform, condition, region) help buyers find exactly what you’re listing
  • Best Offer feature lets you negotiate without lowering your public price
  • Check whether your listing qualifies for eBay International Shipping before offering it abroad
  • Optional promoted listings have additional costs; include them in your margin calculation

Fee structure:

  • For a U.S. seller without a Store, the Video Games category uses 13.6% on the total sale up to $7,500 per item, then 2.35% on the portion above that amount.
  • Add $0.30 for an order of $10 or less, or $0.40 above $10.
  • The fee base includes the item price, buyer-paid shipping and handling, sales tax, and other applicable amounts. Tax collected by eBay is not seller income, but it still affects the fee.
  • Payment processing is included. Advertising, international fees, seller-performance charges, and insertion fees can add costs. Store subscriptions and other categories can use different rates.

Source: eBay’s U.S. selling-fee schedule, checked October 1, 2026.

What sells best on eBay:

  • Complete-in-box retro games (SNES, N64, GameCube): $30–$1,000+
  • Sealed retro games: $100–$50,000+ for graded copies
  • Pokémon titles across all generations: $20–$500
  • GameCube games (Melee, Twilight Princess, Path of Radiance): $50–$300
  • PS1 RPGs (Suikoden II, Valkyrie Profile, Xenogears): $80–$400
  • Game Boy and GBA titles with boxes: $30–$200
  • Limited edition and special variant cartridges: $50–$2,000

Example to research: For Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance on GameCube, compare disc-only sales separately from copies with the original case and manual. Match the region and edition, and exclude listings with extra games or accessories. Those differences matter more than a single price attached to the title.

Tips for selling video games on eBay:

  1. Always check sold comps first. Use the eBay sold link generator to see actual sale prices for your exact game, not just what people are asking. A game listed at $200 with no sales tells you nothing. A game that sold 12 times at $85–$95 tells you everything.
  2. Specify condition precisely. State whether you have the game only, its original box, manual, and inserts. For a collectible title such as EarthBound, compare each completeness level separately. Photograph what is included rather than relying on the label CIB alone.
  3. Photograph the label, pins, and board. Retro buyers check for fakes. Photograph the front label, back label, and cartridge pins. For disc games, photograph the disc surface and any manual/inserts.
  4. Choose an auction only when the downside is acceptable. Scarcity does not guarantee several bidders will show up that week. For a valuable game, set terms you can afford to accept or use a researched fixed price with offers.
  5. Ship games properly. Loose cartridges in bubble mailers. CIB and boxed games in cardboard boxes with corner protection. Disc games in padded mailers with disc secured. Damaged-in-transit claims destroy your margins.

Before listing, run the numbers through the flip profit calculator to make sure the sale is worth the effort after eBay’s fee cut and shipping costs.


Facebook Marketplace: Fastest Cash, Zero Fees Locally

Best for: Current-gen games (PS5, Xbox Series, Switch), console bundles, bulk lots, anything under $30 where eBay fees eat your margin

A local cash sale avoids postage and online checkout fees. That can matter more than the headline sale price on a common game. Let the buyer inspect the item and agree on the contents and condition before payment; a face-to-face sale does not eliminate disputes or every possible return obligation.

Why Facebook Marketplace works for video games:

  • Zero fees on local pickup sales
  • Massive local buyer pool, nearly every gamer is on Facebook
  • Instant cash transactions
  • No packing or delivery when the buyer collects in person
  • Great for moving bundles that would be complex to list individually
  • Buyers can message and meet same-day

Fee structure:

  • This comparison assumes local cash pickup, with no Marketplace checkout fee.
  • Electronic payment services may charge their own fees. Check the terms of the payment method you actually use.
  • Confirm receipt of payment yourself before handing over the games.

What sells best on Facebook Marketplace:

  • PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch games: $15–$55
  • Console + game bundles: $150–$400
  • Large lots (“50 PS4 games” or “complete N64 collection”): $50–$500
  • Games that just came out (within 1–2 months of release): $35–$55
  • Accessories (controllers, headsets, charging docks): $15–$50

Tips for selling video games on Facebook Marketplace:

  1. Price 10–15% below eBay sold comps. Marketplace buyers expect a deal. If eBay sold comps show $40, price at $35 on Marketplace for a quick sale.
  2. Bundle aggressively. “PS5 + 2 controllers + 5 games, $380” sells faster and more profitably than listing each item separately.
  3. Meet at public locations. Police station parking lots, coffee shops, or busy retail parking lots. Never invite strangers to your home for a gaming console transaction.
  4. Post in local buy/sell/trade gaming groups. Dedicated gaming groups on Facebook have higher conversion rates than general Marketplace listings.
  5. Respond fast. The first person to reply often gets the sale. Enable notifications and respond within minutes, not hours.

For a deeper guide on maximizing your Marketplace sales, check out our complete Facebook Marketplace selling guide.


Mercari: The Easy Middle Ground

Best for: Mid-range single games ($10–$200), retro games where you want less competition than eBay, Switch and PS4/PS5 titles

Mercari is another option for a game or small lot that is practical to ship. Photograph the exact contents, describe scratches and missing inserts, and compare the buyer’s total cost with competing listings. A lower selling fee alone does not establish which platform will sell your copy faster or leave you more money.

Why Mercari works for video games:

  • Simple, fast listing process, 3 minutes from photos to live listing
  • Smart pricing suggestions based on sold data
  • Built-in shipping with prepaid labels
  • Strong buyer base for gaming items, especially Nintendo titles
  • Seller protection through Mercari’s rating and payment system

Fee structure:

  • Mercari’s U.S. selling fee is 10% of the item price plus buyer-paid shipping for new or updated listings under its current fee structure.
  • There is no separate payment-processing charge at checkout under that structure. Label and withdrawal costs are separate considerations.
  • Check the current Mercari fee terms before setting your price.

What sells best on Mercari:

  • Nintendo Switch games: $15–$50
  • PS4/PS5 games: $10–$50
  • Retro cartridge games (loose): $10–$100
  • Small game lots (3–5 games bundled): $20–$80
  • Gaming accessories: $10–$40

Tips for selling video games on Mercari:

  1. Use the “Make Offer” feature. Mercari buyers love to negotiate. Price 15% above your floor and accept reasonable offers.
  2. Compare the delivered price. If you cover shipping, include it in your margin calculation. Mercari describes several search factors; do not assume free shipping guarantees better placement.
  3. Use Mercari’s Smart Pricing. The auto-price-drop feature keeps your listing fresh in search without manual adjustments.
  4. Cross-list with eBay. List the same game on both platforms and delist from whichever doesn’t sell first. Use the fee calculator to compare your net payout on each platform.

Decluttr: Bulk Liquidation for Current-Gen Games

This former option is closed. Decluttr’s closure notice was live on September 12, 2026. The remaining support contact is for existing orders, not new buybacks. Do not pack or send games based on an old quote guide.

For the same job today, separate collectible singles from common games, then ask a local game store or GameStop which exact titles it accepts. Compare the cash quote with listing a bundle by console on Facebook Marketplace. Include a clear photo of every title and identify any missing cases or damaged discs. No buyer should be assumed to accept the entire collection.


GameStop Trade-Ins: A Reality Check

Best for: Eligible games you can take to a store when avoiding listings and shipping matters.

GameStop’s trade-in page lets you check eligible titles and current offers. Final acceptance and value depend on condition and the store’s inspection. Cash and credit can differ, and promotions can change the comparison. Check the specific title before making the trip.

Compare the cash offer with what you would keep from a direct sale after fees, postage, packing, and the time involved. Compare credit separately: $30 of store credit is not $30 available for bills. For a valuable retro title, check matching sold copies before trading it. For several common games, a lower store offer can still be reasonable if selling each one would leave very little extra after costs.


PriceCharting: The Collector’s Marketplace and Pricing Bible

Best for: Researching values, selling graded/high-value retro games, tracking collection value over time

PriceCharting is primarily known as the definitive price guide for video games, it aggregates sold data from eBay, Amazon, and other marketplaces to give you real-time market values for nearly every game ever released. But PriceCharting also operates its own marketplace where collectors buy and sell directly, and it tends to attract serious, knowledgeable buyers who know exactly what they’re looking for.

How PriceCharting helps sellers:

  • Price research: Before listing anywhere, check PriceCharting.com for the current loose, CIB, and sealed prices for your game. This takes 10 seconds and prevents you from underpricing a valuable title.
  • Marketplace sales: PriceCharting lets you list games in its catalog directly. Check that your exact game and edition are supported before listing.
  • Collection tracking: If you’re building a flipping inventory, PriceCharting’s collection tracker lets you monitor the total value of your stock in real time.

PriceCharting marketplace fees:

  • PriceCharting’s seller page states that listing and selling are free.
  • PayPal processing still applies. Use the rate for your account and actual payment flow; there is no single 8% PriceCharting fee.
  • Compare net proceeds and buyer demand rather than assuming a lower fee guarantees a better sale.

When to use PriceCharting’s marketplace vs. eBay:

  • Games over $100: list on both simultaneously
  • Graded games: PriceCharting’s audience understands and values grading, list here
  • Common retro games under $30: stick with eBay for the larger buyer pool

Local Retro Game Stores: Convenience at a Cost

Best for: Bulk collection liquidation, games you don’t want to individually list, instant cash

Ask a local retro game store whether it is buying your consoles and titles before making the trip. A store can save you the work of listing and shipping, but there is no universal percentage of market value that it will pay.

What to expect from retro game stores:

  • Ask for a cash quote and distinguish it from store credit
  • Confirm which titles, regions, and consoles the store accepts
  • Identify missing cases, manuals, and damaged or untested games
  • Ask whether the offer is itemized or covers the collection as a whole
  • Compare valuable singles with matching sold copies before accepting a bulk offer

When retro game stores make sense:

  • You have a large collection (50+ games) and don’t want to spend weeks listing individually
  • You’ve already pulled out the high-value items to sell on eBay and want to liquidate the rest
  • You value immediate cash and zero effort over maximum return

Before visiting, research the unusual titles and write down the contents of the collection. You can accept an offer for the common games while keeping a valuable single for a separate listing.


Amazon: Volume Play for Current-Gen Titles

Best for: Sellers with eligible catalog listings who have calculated their fulfillment costs

Amazon occupies a niche in the used video game market: it works well for current-gen titles where buyers default to Amazon out of habit, and its FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) program lets volume sellers ship inventory to a warehouse and forget about it. For individual sellers moving a few games, Amazon’s fee structure and complexity make it inferior to eBay and Mercari.

Amazon fee structure for video games:

  • 15% referral fee on the total sale price
  • $1.80 closing fee per media item, in addition to the referral fee
  • Monthly Professional seller subscription: $39.99/month (or $0.99/item for Individual plan)
  • Fulfillment, storage, shipping, and other applicable charges depend on how you sell. Use the Amazon pricing page and revenue calculator for the exact listing.

When Amazon works for video games:

  • You’re already an FBA seller with other inventory
  • You have 50+ copies of current-gen titles (buyout deals, retail arbitrage)
  • The game is highly ranked on Amazon and will sell quickly through FBA
  • Separately, check the current Amazon Trade-In catalog if you want credit for an eligible item; an old game listing is not proof of buyback eligibility

When to skip Amazon:

  • Retro games, Amazon’s catalog is poorly organized for vintage titles
  • Individual game sales, the fees are too high and the process too complex
  • Games under $15, FBA fees consume your entire margin

Retro vs. Current-Gen: Routing Your Games to the Right Platform

Not all used video games are equal, and the platform that maximizes your return depends heavily on whether you’re selling retro or current-gen. Here’s how to route your inventory.

Retro Games (NES, SNES, N64, GameCube, GBA, PS1, PS2, Dreamcast, and older)

Default platform: eBay.

Retro games are collectibles, and collectors shop on eBay. The entire retro game market is built on eBay’s sold comps, PriceCharting pulls its data from there, game stores price their inventory against it, and collectors set their buying budgets based on it. If you sell a retro game anywhere other than eBay, you’re almost certainly leaving money behind.

Exceptions:

  • Bulk retro lots with mostly common titles ($2–$8 games): Sell locally on Facebook Marketplace or to a retro game store. The per-item effort of eBay listing isn’t worth it for low-value retro titles.
  • Graded or sealed retro games: List on both eBay and PriceCharting’s marketplace. These items attract specialist buyers who monitor both platforms.
  • Japanese imports and region-specific titles: eBay’s international buyer pool makes it the only serious option.

Current-Gen Games (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch)

Default platform: Facebook Marketplace (local) or Mercari (shipped).

Current-gen games are commodities, not collectibles. A copy of Hogwarts Legacy on PS5 is identical to every other copy. Buyers are price-sensitive, and fees matter more because margins are thinner. Facebook Marketplace’s zero fees on local sales make it the clear winner for current-gen titles over $15. For shipped sales, Mercari’s simpler process and slightly lower fees edge out eBay.

Exceptions:

  • Limited editions, steelbooks, and collector’s editions: List on eBay. These are quasi-collectible items where eBay’s collector audience pays premiums.
  • Brand-new sealed copies: eBay or Amazon. Sealed current-gen games command a premium over used, and eBay/Amazon buyers are more willing to pay full price for sealed copies.
  • Bulk current-gen liquidation (20+ games): Compare a store quote with a bundled Marketplace listing. Pull out valuable titles first.

Complete-in-Box vs. Loose vs. Digital: The Pricing Gap That Changes Everything

The single biggest factor affecting your used video game’s price, beyond the title itself, is completeness. The gap between a loose cartridge and a complete-in-box copy can be 2x, 5x, or even 10x for certain titles.

Understanding Completeness Levels

Condition What It Means Price Impact
Sealed/New Factory sealed, never opened 3–50x loose price
CIB (Complete In Box) Box + cartridge/disc + manual + inserts 2–5x loose price
Boxed (no manual) Box + cartridge/disc, missing manual 1.5–3x loose price
Loose Cartridge or disc only, no box or manual Baseline price
Disc Only Disc without original case/artwork 50–70% of loose price
Digital Code Download code, no physical media Varies, often 60–80% of physical

Real-World Completeness Pricing Examples

Game Loose CIB Sealed
Super Mario 64 (N64) $40 $145 $1,774
Pokémon Emerald (GBA) $225 $735 $790
Chrono Trigger (SNES) $284 $962 $1,564
Conker’s Bad Fur Day (N64) $150 $370 $730
Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64) $49 $185 $600

These are PriceCharting’s loose, complete-in-box and new prices for each game, checked Oct 1, 2026 and rounded to the dollar (Pokémon Emerald, Chrono Trigger).

How Completeness Affects Your Platform Choice

  • Sealed/graded games: eBay auction format or PriceCharting marketplace. These are investment-grade items that need maximum exposure to competitive bidders.
  • CIB retro games: eBay fixed-price listing. CIB buyers are patient and search-driven, they’ll find your listing through specific searches.
  • Loose cartridges under $20: Facebook Marketplace or Mercari. Not worth the effort of an eBay listing at this price point.
  • Disc-only games: Compare sold disc-only copies, then consider an accurately described local lot or an individual listing for a valuable title. Ask a store about case requirements before taking loose discs in.
  • Digital codes: r/GameSale (Reddit), CDKeys-style marketplaces, or eBay. Digital codes are high-risk for buyers (scam potential), so established platforms with buyer protection are preferred.

Protecting Your Boxes and Manuals

If you have boxes and manuals, they are worth real money, sometimes more than the game itself. A manual for Earthbound sells for $50–$80 standalone. An empty box for Pokémon Crystal can sell for $70+. Never throw away video game boxes or manuals without checking their value on PriceCharting or eBay sold comps.

Store cartridge boxes in clear plastic box protectors (available on eBay and Amazon for $1–2 each). These protect the box from shelf wear and significantly increase the perceived value of your CIB listing.


Console Hardware: When to Sell the System, Not Just the Games

Used consoles can be surprisingly profitable, especially when bundled with games and accessories. But the approach differs by generation.

Retro Consoles (NES through PS2/GameCube era)

  • Sell on eBay. Retro console buyers are collectors who pay premiums for complete setups.
  • Bundle with cables and at least one controller. A “console only” listing attracts lowball offers. A “console + OEM controller + AV cables + power supply” listing commands 30–50% more.
  • Test before listing. Confirm the console reads games, controllers work, and all ports function. “Tested and working” in the title adds value and buyer confidence.
  • Popular bundles: N64 + controller + 5 games = $120–$200. GameCube + controller + 3 games = $100–$180. SNES + controller + 5 games = $130–$220.

Current-Gen Consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch)

  • Sell on Facebook Marketplace for speed. Current-gen consoles sell within hours locally if priced right.
  • Timing matters. Console values dip before new model announcements and holiday seasons (when new stock floods the market). Watch confirmed manufacturer announcements when deciding when to list.
  • Include the original box if possible. A PS5 in its original box with all cables sells for $30–$50 more than one sold loose with a generic power cable.
  • Factory reset before selling. Remove your account, game saves, and payment methods. This is a security must.

Modded and Special Edition Consoles

  • Modded consoles (jailbroken, chipped, softmodded): Sell on eBay or Facebook groups. These are niche items that attract informed buyers. Note that listing modded consoles can sometimes violate platform policies, eBay generally allows hardware modifications but not pirated software.
  • Special/limited edition consoles: Always sell on eBay. The Pikachu N64, Halo Xbox, Zelda GameCube, these are collector items where eBay’s global audience maximizes your price. Use eBay auction format for truly rare editions.

Condition and Grading: How Wear Affects Your Price

Video game condition matters enormously for pricing, and buyers at different platforms have different expectations.

Cartridge Games

Condition Factor Impact on Price
Clean, bright label with no tears Full price
Label fading or sun damage -20 to -40%
Label tear or peeling -30 to -50%
Permanent marker on label -15 to -30%
Missing label -50 to -70%
Dirty pins (game doesn’t read) -40 to -60% (but often fixable)
Cracked shell -30 to -50%

Quick restoration tips:

  • Clean cartridge pins with 91% isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab, this fixes most “doesn’t read” games and costs $0.02 per game
  • Remove permanent marker with dry-erase marker (draw over it, wipe off) or a small amount of Goo Gone
  • Never use abrasive cleaners on labels

Disc Games

Condition Factor Impact on Price
Mint disc, no scratches Full price
Light scratches (play fine) -5 to -10%
Moderate scratches (may skip) -20 to -40%
Deep scratches (unplayable) -60 to -80%
Resurfaced disc -10 to -20%
Missing manual -15 to -30% (varies by title)
Replacement/generic case -10 to -20%

Disc resurfacing: Many retro game stores and some libraries offer disc resurfacing for $2–$5 per disc. A scratched PS2 game worth $15 that doesn’t play becomes a clean $15 game minus the $3 resurfacing fee. Always worth it for games over $10.


Pricing Your Games: A Step-by-Step System

Pricing used video games accurately is the difference between a fast sale at a fair price and either leaving money on the table or sitting on stale inventory. Here’s the system:

Step 1: Check PriceCharting

Go to PriceCharting.com and search for your game. Note the current loose, CIB, and sealed prices. These are aggregate averages based on recent sold data.

Step 2: Verify with eBay Sold Comps

PriceCharting averages can lag or be skewed by outliers. Use the eBay sold link generator to pull up actual recently sold listings for your specific game and condition. Look at the last 10–20 sales and identify the median price, not the highest, not the lowest.

Step 3: Factor in Your Condition

Adjust the median sold price based on your game’s specific condition using the tables above. A loose cartridge with a torn label is not worth the same as a loose cartridge with a pristine label, even though PriceCharting shows one price for “loose.”

Step 4: Calculate Your Net After Fees

Use the flip profit calculator with your actual costs. Here is an illustrative U.S. no-Store eBay Video Games sale, with no advertising or other additional fees:

Amount Example
Item price; seller pays shipping $25.00
Buyer sales tax, assumed for this example $2.00
eBay fee base $27.00
Final value fee: $27 × 13.6% + $0.40, rounded $4.07
Seller’s shipping cost, assumed $4.50
Net before acquisition cost: $25 − $4.07 − $4.50 $16.43
Acquisition cost $5.00
Profit before other expenses $11.43

A $20 local cash sale of that same $5 game leaves $15 before travel and other expenses. The lower sale price produces more profit in this example. Replace the assumed tax and shipping with the actual order amounts; the $2 tax is collected for the tax authority, not paid to you.

Step 5: Choose Your Platform Based on the Math

  • Net payout highest on eBay and game is worth the listing effort? → eBay
  • Net payout similar across platforms but Marketplace is faster? → Facebook Marketplace
  • Game worth under $10 and you have 30 of them? → Compare a local store quote with a bulk lot on Marketplace
  • Rare, graded, or sealed? → eBay auction

Shipping Video Games Safely

Protect the item first, then price the packed shipment. USPS Ground Advantage includes tracking and has replaced the old First-Class Package option. Video games do not qualify for Media Mail.

Loose cartridges (GBA, N64, SNES, NES):

  • Wrap in a small piece of bubble wrap
  • Ship in a padded bubble mailer (4x8 or 6x10)
  • Get a USPS Ground Advantage quote using the packed weight and destination
  • Weight: usually under 4 oz including packaging

CIB/boxed games (cartridge era):

  • Place the boxed game inside a clear plastic box protector
  • Wrap in bubble wrap
  • Ship in a small cardboard box (not a mailer, cardboard boxes protect better)
  • Compare Ground Advantage and Priority Mail using the packed box dimensions
  • Never ship a boxed retro game in a padded mailer, the box will get crushed

Disc games (PS1–PS5, Xbox, etc.):

  • Secure the disc inside the case (tape the case shut if the hinge is loose)
  • Wrap case in bubble wrap
  • Ship in a padded bubble mailer or small box
  • Weigh the packed game and check the current Ground Advantage label price

Console hardware:

  • Original box: ship in the original box inside a larger shipping box with padding
  • No original box: wrap console in bubble wrap, fill a sturdy box with packing paper, add fragile labels
  • Compare carrier quotes for the fully packed console; follow battery-shipping rules where applicable
  • Check included insurance and purchase additional coverage when needed for the shipment value

Timing Your Sales: When Video Game Prices Peak

Timing is worth checking against completed sales for your exact game. There is no dependable annual gain or holiday percentage that applies to an entire collection.

Best times to sell:

  • Before a buying occasion: If you are targeting gift buyers, allow enough time for the sale and delivery. Check current demand before raising the price.
  • When you have a complete listing ready: Clear photos, testing notes, and accurate contents can be more useful than waiting for a supposedly ideal month.
  • Around a confirmed sequel or remake: Compare sales before and after the announcement. Do not assume attention to the franchise raises the value of every older title.

Worst times to sell:

  • When your price is based on old evidence: Refresh the sold comparisons if the listing has been sitting for months.
  • When a deadline forces a rushed sale: Compare an immediate cash offer with the realistic net and timing of selling online. Waiting also has a cost if you need the money now.

Avoiding Scams and Fakes

The retro game market has a significant counterfeit problem, particularly for high-value GBA and DS Pokémon titles. As a seller, you need to verify your games are authentic, selling a counterfeit, even unknowingly, destroys your reputation and can result in returns and account penalties.

Common counterfeit targets:

  • Pokémon FireRed, LeafGreen, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire (GBA)
  • Pokémon HeartGold, SoulSilver (DS, check for IR sensor in cart)
  • Mother 3 (GBA, fan translation repos are common)
  • Earthbound (SNES)
  • Fire Emblem titles (GBA)

How to verify authenticity:

  1. Identify the exact release. Match the console, region, label, and edition before comparing photos.
  2. Document the copy you own. Take clear photos of the front, back, contacts, packaging, and any signs of replacement parts. A screw type or label mark alone is not enough to authenticate a game.
  3. Get qualified help when uncertain. Do not force open a cartridge or sealed item with the wrong tool. For a valuable game, ask someone experienced with that exact release to inspect it.
  4. Test function separately. Check loading and saving, and record faults. A game that runs successfully is not necessarily authentic.

eBay’s counterfeit policy requires sellers to be certain an item is authentic. An authenticity disclaimer does not make a counterfeit or uncertain copy acceptable to list. Resolve the uncertainty before offering the game for sale.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best website to sell used video games?

Start with eBay for retro or collectible games so you can compare sold copies of the same edition and condition. Mercari is another option for shippable singles, and Facebook Marketplace works for local bundles. For less listing work, compare current GameStop or local-store cash offers. Decluttr is closed and no longer accepts new buyback orders. Choose by the money left after costs and the work you are prepared to do.

How should I ship video games I sell online?

Protect loose cartridges with padding and use a rigid box for valuable or crushable items. Secure discs inside their cases; pack CIB games so the original box cannot be crushed. Weigh and measure the parcel before comparing shipping quotes. USPS Ground Advantage includes tracking; check insurance coverage for valuable shipments. Video games are not eligible for Media Mail.


How much can I get for my used video games?

Check recent sold copies of the same title, platform, region, and edition. Compare disc-only or cartridge-only games separately from copies with original packaging and manuals; sealed or graded copies need their own comparisons. Use PriceCharting as a starting point and inspect the individual sold listings before setting a price. Subtract fees and shipping to estimate what you will actually keep.

Should I sell retro games individually or as a lot?

Sell high-value retro games individually and low-value games in lots. Games worth $20+ should always be listed individually on eBay, you’ll net significantly more per game from targeted collector buyers than from lot buyers looking for a bundle deal. For games worth $2–$15, bundling them into curated lots by console or genre is more efficient. A “10 N64 Games Lot” listing at $60 takes the same effort as listing one $60 game but moves 10 items at once. The key is cherry-picking: pull out the valuable titles for individual listing, then lot the remainder. A collection of 50 N64 games might contain 5 games worth $30–$80 each (sell individually on eBay) and 45 games worth $3–$10 each (lot on eBay or sell as a bundle on Marketplace).

Start Selling Your Games for What They’re Actually Worth

Start with the titles most likely to need individual research: unusual editions, complete retro games, and sealed copies. Check eBay sold comps, compare the condition, and use the flip profit calculator to subtract the full cost of selling. Then compare a store’s cash offer or a local bundle price for the remaining games.

For more on flipping electronics for profit, or other items you may have to sell, see our guide to the best things to flip for profit in 2026.

Selling-route availability and the fee corrections above were checked September 12, 2026. Individual game-price ranges elsewhere in this guide are not live quotes. Check recent matching sales and the current platform terms before listing.

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