How Much Is My Game Worth? Find Out

How Much Is My Game Worth?

Figuring out how much your video game is worth can feel like a fun treasure hunt! It’s not always as simple as looking at the price tag on a store shelf. Many different things can make a game more or less valuable. Let’s explore all the exciting things that go into deciding the value of your game.

The Condition of Your Game: It Matters!

Just like a car or a book, the condition of your game plays a big part in its worth. Think about it: would you rather buy a brand-new car or one that’s been in a few fender-benders? The same goes for games.

The Game Disc or Cartridge

First, let’s check out the actual game itself. Is it a shiny disc or a sturdy cartridge? Here’s what to look for:

• Scratches: Are there a lot of scratches on the disc? Deep scratches can make a game hard to play, and those games are worth less. If it’s a cartridge, look for any cracks or damage to the plastic.
• Cleanliness: Is the game dirty or dusty? A quick cleaning can sometimes make a big difference.
• Damage: Any broken or chipped parts will lower the game’s value. For cartridge, broken or cracked parts will greatly affect the worth.

The Game Case and Artwork

The outside packaging is important, too! Here are some case and artwork things to check:

• Case Condition: Is the case cracked or broken? Are the hinges in good shape, or are they loose? Cases in bad condition lower the game’s value.
• Artwork Condition: Is the artwork ripped, faded, or wrinkled? Crisp, clean artwork is a plus.
• Instructions and Inserts: Does the game still have the original instruction manual? How about any other cool inserts or posters? All of these add value if they are in good condition.

The Age of Your Game: Is It an Oldie but Goodie?

Age can be a big factor in a game’s value. Sometimes, older games are worth more than new ones. Why? It’s like how people collect old toys or comic books. Some games become classics! Older game can be considered a “vintage game”, which can add value to the game.

The Classic Factor

• Rarity: Some games were not made in big numbers, which can make them harder to find and therefore worth more. If not many copies were created, and if the game is in-demand, then this can increase the value of game.
• Popularity: If a game was super popular when it came out and still has a fanbase, it might be worth more.
• Nostalgia: Many older games are worth a lot because they bring back happy memories for people who played them when they were younger. This feeling can make people want to buy a game.

Newer Games

Newer games usually start out with a higher price because they are new. However, their worth can change fast. Here’s how:

• Demand: If a new game is a hot seller, it will hold its value better for a while.
• Sales: As a game gets older, it might go on sale and become less valuable.
• Sequels and Updates: If there is a newer version or a sequel that is released, the previous version might drop in value.

The Game Platform: What System Is It For?

The game system, or platform, the game is for can also affect its value. Some platforms are more popular than others, and games for these platforms tend to be in demand.

Popular Platforms

• Current Generation Consoles: Games for the latest PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo consoles tend to hold their value better when they first come out.
• Retro Consoles: Older systems like the NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis can have very valuable games, especially if the games are rare or popular.
• PC Games: PC game values can change depending on how popular the game is, but mostly PC games are not usually collected like Console games.
• Handheld Consoles: Handheld games for systems like the Game Boy, Nintendo DS, and PSP can also be valuable, especially if they are complete and in good condition.

Rarity and Collectibles: Is It Special?

Some games are more than just entertainment – they are collectibles! Here’s what makes a game special:

Special Editions and Limited Releases

• Collector’s Editions: These editions often come with special items like art books, soundtracks, or figures, and these items increase their value.
• Limited Editions: If a game was released in a small batch, it can be much more valuable.
• Promotional Items: Games given out for special promotions or events can also be very desirable among collectors.

Signed Copies

• Developer Signatures: If the game is signed by the developers or key people who worked on it, that can add a lot of value.
• Voice Actors Signatures: Games signed by voice actors are also highly sought after by fans.

Sealed Games

• New in Box: A game that is still sealed in its original packaging can be worth more to collectors, especially if it’s rare or old.
• Factory Sealed: Games that are in pristine condition and have never been opened can be very valuable.

Where to Look Up Game Values: Doing Some Research

Now that you know all the things that affect a game’s value, how do you actually find out how much your game is worth? Here are some helpful places to check:

Online Marketplaces

• eBay: This is a great place to see what people are actually paying for games. Look at completed listings to see what games are selling for, not just what people are asking for.
• Amazon: While not as much of a marketplace as eBay, you can still find used games being sold.
• Facebook Marketplace: People sell locally in this site, and sometimes you can find a good bargain, but the prices are not always accurate.

Specialized Game Websites

• PriceCharting: This website tracks the prices of video games. It’s a helpful tool to check the average value of games across different platforms.
• GameValueNow: Similar to PriceCharting, this site can provide up-to-date pricing information for video games.

Game Stores

• Local Game Shops: Sometimes local game stores are good to look for the game prices, and they may provide a fair price for your games, if they are willing to buy them.
• Pawn Shops: If you want to sell your game quickly, pawn shops may give an offer, but do not expect the best price as they need to sell the game to gain a profit.

The Impact of Demand: What People Want

One thing to always remember is that a game’s value can change because of demand. If lots of people want a game, its value will probably increase, but if a game is not popular, it may drop in value.

Factors That Increase Demand

• Popularity: Games that are very popular or trending right now will tend to have a higher value.
• Limited Availability: If it becomes hard to find the game in stores or online, it will likely become more valuable.
• Media Hype: If a game gets a lot of attention in the media, such as on social media or on news programs, it will likely drive the demand up.

Factors That Decrease Demand

• New Releases: If a new version of the game or a sequel is released, the older game may decrease in value.
• Reprintings: If the company makes more copies of the game, it will become easier to find, which may drop the value.
• Changing Trends: If people’s tastes change and they are not interested in a game anymore, it will become less valuable.

How to Protect Your Game’s Value

Want to keep your game in good shape and valuable? Here are some easy tips:

• Keep it Clean: Dust and dirt can scratch a disc and make the case look dingy. Always keep your game clean.
• Store it Properly: Store your games in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent damage.
• Handle with Care: Always handle the disc or cartridge by the edges to avoid scratches or damage.

Understanding Game Grading

For serious game collectors, there’s something called game grading. Professional grading companies will look at your game, check its condition carefully, and give it a grade. This grade can help determine its value.

Common Grading Scales

• CGC: CGC is a well-known company that grades games based on their condition and quality.
• WATA: WATA is another popular game grading company. They are known for grading retro games.
• VGA: VGA is also a grading company that assigns grades based on the condition and quality of games.

Benefits of Grading

• Authentication: Grading can help prove a game is authentic and not a fake.
• Value Increase: A high grade can make a game much more valuable, especially if it’s a rare or sought-after title.

Selling Your Game: What You Need to Know

If you decide to sell your game, it is important to know how to get the best price for it. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Where to Sell

• Online Marketplaces: Selling on eBay, Amazon, or Facebook Marketplace can be a good option if you want to reach a bigger audience of potential buyers.
• Local Game Stores: Selling to local stores can be a quick option, but you may not get the highest price.
• Pawn Shops: Similar to game stores, selling at pawn shop is the quickest way to get money for your game, but they will offer the lowest price.
• Online Game Forums: Game forums and collector groups are the great places to find buyers who are passionate and appreciate games, and sometimes you can get a higher price from these groups of people.

How to Price Your Game

• Do Your Research: Always compare your game’s condition with other similar items sold online to make sure you are asking for a fair price.
• Be Realistic: Do not over price the game, as most people will look for a good price before buying it, otherwise it may not sell.
• Negotiation: Be open to negotiation, and if you are willing to negotiate, you might get a better price in the end.

Tips for Selling

• Take Good Pictures: Make sure to show all angles of the game, so the buyer has a good idea of the condition of the game.
• Write a Detailed Description: Make sure to highlight the condition of the game and any special features or collector editions.
• Pack Properly: Package your game carefully when you ship it to make sure it does not get damaged in transit.

Determining the value of your game is a complex puzzle with many pieces. By checking the condition, age, platform, rarity, and demand, you’ll have a much better idea of what your game is worth. Remember to research thoroughly, use the resources available, and keep your games in great shape, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a game value expert!