Where To Sell Nes Games Best Options

You can sell NES games on online marketplaces like eBay and Mercari, or at local retro game stores.

Dusting off those old NES cartridges? You’re probably wondering where to sell nes games. Finding the right place can turn your gaming treasures into cash. This article will guide you through some options.

The internet provides a great avenue for selling. Online platforms reach a vast audience, boosting your potential sales. Local shops provide a more direct approach.

Consider your priorities when deciding where to sell nes games. Do you want the convenience of online or the quick sale from a local store? Each avenue has its unique advantages.

Where to Sell NES Games: A Retro Gamer’s Guide

Okay, you’ve got a pile of old NES games gathering dust in your closet, and you’re thinking it’s time to let them go. Maybe you need some extra cash, or maybe you just want them to find a new home with someone who will really appreciate them. But where do you even start? Selling retro video games, especially classics like NES games, can seem a little confusing at first. Don’t worry, we’re going to go through all the best places you can sell your beloved Nintendo Entertainment System games and get a good price for them.

Online Marketplaces: Reaching a Wide Audience

Selling online is a fantastic way to reach lots of potential buyers. People all over the world might be looking for the very games you have! Let’s explore some popular online options:

eBay: The Auction Giant

eBay is a big name when it comes to selling almost anything, and NES games are no exception. It works like an auction, where people bid on your items. Here’s how it works:

Setting up Your Listing: You’ll need to take good photos of your games, showing their condition. Write clear descriptions mentioning if they have boxes, manuals, or any damage. Be honest about scratches, stains, or label wear. This helps build trust with buyers.
Pricing: You can set a starting bid or choose a “Buy It Now” price. It’s a good idea to look at other similar listings to get an idea of what your games are worth. Researching prices of individual games is very important. Some games are worth just a few dollars, while others can fetch hundreds or even thousands!
Shipping: You’ll need to figure out shipping costs and how you will package your games to protect them during delivery. Remember to add tracking information to your packages so that you and your buyer can both know where the games are.
Fees: eBay does charge a fee when your item sells, so consider this when figuring out your pricing.

Amazon: Another Marketplace Option

Amazon is another huge marketplace where you can sell your NES games. It’s a bit different from eBay because it’s more focused on fixed prices rather than auctions.

Setting Up Your Listing: You’ll list your games, usually by matching them to existing product pages on Amazon. If there isn’t a page for the specific version of your game, you might need to create a new listing (which is a bit more work). Again, make sure your photos and descriptions are accurate.
Pricing: You have control over the price you set. Research the prices for your games on Amazon and other places to ensure you are priced competitively.
Shipping: Amazon allows you to handle shipping yourself, or you can use their fulfillment service where they ship your items for you (this costs more).
Fees: Like eBay, Amazon also takes a cut of your sale, so factor that in when pricing your games.

Etsy: For a Unique Marketplace

Etsy is known for handmade and vintage items, and this includes retro games! It might be a good option if you have games with original packaging or some unique items.

Focus on presentation: Etsy buyers often appreciate a more boutique or curated experience, so good photos and thoughtful packaging can help you sell your games.
Pricing: Research is essential here too, but you can sometimes find buyers willing to pay a bit more for something they feel is special.
Community: Etsy has a strong community aspect, so interacting with your buyers is often part of the experience.

Facebook Marketplace: Local and Easy

Facebook Marketplace is a great option if you want to sell locally. You can reach people in your community who are looking for NES games.

Easy to use: Creating listings is very simple, and you can share your listings with friends and groups.
Local Pickup: You can arrange for buyers to pick up games in person, saving you the trouble of shipping.
Negotiation: Buyers may try to negotiate the price, so be ready for that!
Safety first: Be cautious when meeting up with people for in-person transactions. A public place with people around is always a good idea.

Specialized Retro Game Websites: A Niche Audience

There are websites specifically dedicated to buying and selling retro games. These sites can be great for reaching hardcore collectors who know what they are looking for.

Example Websites: Some websites to look at include PriceCharting, DKOldies, and eStarland. Do some research to see if they’re a good fit for your games.
Targeted Audience: Buyers on these sites are often very knowledgeable about game values.
May buy directly: Some of these companies might offer to buy your games directly, which can be faster than selling on your own.
Careful with pricing: Be sure you know the current market value of your games, as some sites may offer lower prices for immediate purchase.

Local Options: Selling in Your Community

Sometimes, selling in person is the way to go. It can be faster, and you don’t have to worry about shipping.

Game Stores: The Classic Option

Many local game stores buy used games. This can be a good option if you want to sell your games quickly.

Convenience: Game stores will often assess and offer you a price on the spot.
Lower Prices: Game stores need to make a profit, so you might not get as much as you could selling directly to a buyer.
Consider Store Credit: Some stores might offer more for your games in store credit, which can be useful if you are looking to buy other games.
Know Your Value: Have a general idea of what your games are worth before you go to the store, so you know if you are getting a fair deal.

Pawn Shops: Quick Cash but Lower Returns

Pawn shops are another option for selling your games quickly, but keep in mind that they usually offer the lowest prices.

Instant Cash: Pawn shops offer you cash immediately for your games.
Lower Prices: They need to make a profit, so you won’t get the best price, but it’s fast.
Negotiate: You might be able to negotiate a better price, but don’t expect a huge return.
Consider it carefully: This might be a good last resort if you need quick cash, but usually not the best idea to get a good price.

Flea Markets and Garage Sales: A Fun Day Out

Selling at a flea market or garage sale can be a fun way to clear out your games and make a little money.

Casual setting: People browsing garage sales are usually looking for deals, so you might sell quickly.
Negotiation is key: Be ready to haggle a bit on your prices.
Atmosphere: You can enjoy the fun, social side of selling, and connect with buyers in person.
Preparation: Make sure to display your items nicely, and consider having some change on hand for transactions.

Local Gaming Events: Meet Fellow Collectors

Attending local video game events or conventions can be a great place to sell your NES games. You will be surrounded by other game collectors.

Targeted Buyers: These events draw people who love retro games.
Meet other collectors: It can be great for networking and learning more about retro games.
Some events have booths for selling: You can rent a table and display your games.
Prepare to negotiate: Be prepared to talk about your games and possibly negotiate a little on the prices.

Preparing Your Games for Sale: Getting the Best Price

No matter where you sell your games, preparing them properly will help you get the best price.

Cleaning Your Games: A Good First Step

Give your games a good cleaning before you try to sell them. It can make a big difference in how they look!

Remove dust: Use a soft brush or a clean, dry cloth to remove any dust or dirt from the game cartridges.
Clean labels gently: Be very careful when cleaning the labels, especially if they’re old. Use a slightly damp cloth and gently wipe any dirt. Avoid using anything that is too wet or has harsh chemicals, as this might damage the label.
Use rubbing alcohol carefully: You can use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to clean any stubborn grime, but do this carefully and avoid getting it on the label.
Show that you care: Clean games are more appealing to buyers! They show that you have taken care of them.

Condition Grading: Honesty is the Best Policy

When you sell your NES games, be honest about their condition. Potential buyers will appreciate it.

Mint condition: This is like the game has never been used. The game, box, and manual should be perfect.
Near mint condition: The game is in excellent shape, with only minor flaws such as tiny wear marks. The box and manual may also have only tiny flaws.
Excellent condition: The game will have some minor scratches or wear, but still looks great overall. The box and manual may have some minor wear as well, such as a tiny crease or bend.
Good condition: The game will show some noticeable wear, like scratches or label wear. The box and manual will likely have more wear, creases, or maybe a tear.
Fair condition: The game has significant wear and might have visible damage like label tears, or stains. The box and manual might also be very worn and damaged.
Poor condition: The game will be very damaged, perhaps with pieces missing or not working correctly. The box and manual will likely be very torn, damaged, or missing.

Providing Photos: Show What You’re Selling

Good photos are a must when you sell online. They help buyers see what they are getting.

Clear and well-lit photos: Take photos of the game from multiple angles in good light. Show the front, back, sides, and any potential wear spots.
Close-ups of damage: If there is any wear or damage, take clear close-up photos so that buyers are aware of it. This is important for building trust.
Include the box and manual: If you have them, show them in your photos. These things increase value.
Use a clean background: Try to photograph your games against a clean, neutral background so that your games are the focus.

Pricing Your Games: Knowing the Market

Pricing your games correctly is key to making a sale. Do a bit of research to get a good idea of value.

Check Sold Listings: Look at recently sold listings on sites like eBay to see what others have sold similar games for.
PriceCharting: This website is a great resource for checking the current prices of video games.
Factor in Condition: Adjust your prices based on the condition of your games.
Be Competitive: If you’re selling on marketplaces like eBay or Amazon, check what similar sellers are charging and price your games reasonably.

Shipping Your Games: Packaging and Safety

If you are selling online and shipping your games, make sure you pack them well to keep them safe.

Use bubble wrap: Wrap each game individually in bubble wrap to protect it from damage during transit.
Sturdy box: Pack the wrapped games into a sturdy cardboard box that is big enough to accommodate them.
Packing peanuts: Use packing peanuts or paper to fill the empty spaces in the box, preventing the games from shifting.
Tape it securely: Make sure the box is well sealed with strong packing tape.
Tracking: When you ship your games, get tracking, so you and the buyer know where the package is.

Selling your NES games can be a great way to make some extra cash and find new homes for your classic games. Whether you choose to sell online, locally, or at a game event, just remember to prepare your games, be honest about their condition, and price them competitively. You’ll be ready to go and have those retro cartridges flying off to new homes in no time.

I Need to Sell 200 NES Games…

Final Thoughts

Selling your NES games is simpler than you think. Online marketplaces such as eBay and dedicated retro gaming sites provide broad reach. Local game stores and conventions are other good options for quick sales.

Consider the condition of your games when choosing a platform. Where to sell nes games will greatly depend on the price you expect. Think about convenience against potential profit margins before listing.