If you’ve built up a collection of Nintendo games over the years, there may come a time when you want to sell them to make room for new titles or just earn some extra cash. Whether you’re upgrading to the latest console or simply decluttering, knowing how to sell your Nintendo games for the best price is crucial.
Thankfully, there are several reliable marketplaces where you can list your games and maximize the return on your investment. This guide will walk you through the steps to ensure you get the most cash when selling your Nintendo games.
1. Select the Best Marketplace for Your Nintendo Games
The platform you choose to sell your Nintendo games can greatly impact how much money you make. There are various options available, each with its own pros and cons. Let’s look at some of the most popular and reliable marketplaces where you can sell your games:
a. Online Marketplaces
Selling through online marketplaces is an effective way to reach a broad audience. Here are a few platforms to consider:
- eBay: eBay is one of the largest online auction sites, allowing you to sell your Nintendo games either through auction or at a fixed price. Auctions can be especially useful if you’re selling rare or limited edition games, as they can fetch higher prices when multiple buyers are interested. Keep in mind that eBay charges seller fees and you’ll need to handle shipping, but it’s a great platform for maximizing your sale.
- Amazon: Another popular option for selling used games is Amazon. While you don’t auction your games on Amazon, you can list them as used and set your price. The advantage of selling on Amazon is the platform’s trusted reputation and large audience. However, you may face some competition from other sellers, so be sure to price your games competitively.
b. Specialized Game Resale Platforms
If you’re looking for a faster and easier way to sell your Nintendo games, specialized game resale platforms are an excellent choice. These services often offer a quick and straightforward process with the convenience of instant offers and free shipping.
- Decluttr: Decluttr is a hassle-free platform that allows you to get an instant offer for your Nintendo games. All you have to do is enter the title and condition of your game, and you’ll receive a quote. Once you accept the offer, you ship the game to Decluttr for free using a prepaid label, and they send your payment quickly via PayPal or check. While the payout may not be as high as selling directly to a buyer, Decluttr ensures a reliable and straightforward process.
- PayMore – Fast, Fair, and Hassle-Free: PayMore makes it really easy to sell your Nintendo games without any stress. Just go to their site, look up the games you want to sell, and get an instant offer. If the price works for you, they’ll send you a free shipping label. Once they receive and inspect your games, you’ll get paid through PayPal, direct deposit, or check—whichever you prefer.
Plenty of people say the process is fast and smooth. Some even mentioned they got better deals here than at local shops. While a few users noted slower responses from support or offers that were a bit lower than expected, most still found it a reliable place to sell your Nintendo games quickly and with minimal effort.
- GameStop: GameStop is another option if you prefer to sell your Nintendo games in person or online. You can trade your games at a local GameStop store, where you’ll receive either cash or store credit. While this method is quick and convenient, you may not get the highest price for your games. However, if you plan to use the store credit for future purchases, this can be a solid option.
c. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist
If you prefer to sell locally, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are great platforms to connect with potential buyers in your area. Selling locally eliminates shipping hassles and fees, and you get the full sale price.
- Facebook Marketplace: This platform allows you to list your Nintendo games for free and connect with buyers nearby. You can negotiate the price directly with interested buyers and arrange for a safe, in-person exchange. Since there are no listing fees, this can be a good choice if you want to keep all the money from the sale.
- Craigslist: Similar to Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist lets you post free ads for your Nintendo games. It’s especially useful for local transactions, and you can meet buyers in a public place to ensure a safe exchange. Just like with Facebook Marketplace, be cautious when meeting strangers, and verify the payment before handing over the game.
d. Auction Websites
For rare and collectible Nintendo games, auction websites can help you secure the best price. If you’re selling limited edition titles or vintage games, these platforms can attract buyers willing to pay top dollar.
- Heritage Auctions: Heritage Auctions specializes in rare collectibles, including vintage video games. If you own valuable Nintendo games that are in high demand, auctioning them here can potentially bring in a much higher price than through traditional resale platforms.
- Catawiki: Another specialized auction site, Catawiki is a great place to sell rare or limited edition games. The site caters to collectors and offers a more curated marketplace for valuable items.
2. Prepare Your Nintendo Games for Sale
The condition of your games plays a big role in determining their resale value. Here’s how to prepare your Nintendo games for sale to ensure you get the best cash offer:
a. Clean Your Games and Packaging
Before you list your Nintendo games for sale, take the time to clean them. For physical cartridges, use a microfiber cloth to wipe off any dust or grime. For discs, use a soft cloth to remove fingerprints and smudges. Clean packaging, including the game case and manual, will make your listing more attractive and can help you fetch a better price.
b. Inspect the Condition of Your Games
Take a close look at your games to assess their condition. Look for scratches, cracks, or other damage on the cartridge or disc. Be honest about the condition when listing your games, as buyers appreciate transparency. If your game has minor cosmetic damage but is still functional, be sure to mention it in your description. Games in excellent condition (especially those with original packaging and manuals) will fetch a higher price.
c. Include Original Packaging and Manuals
Nintendo games that come with their original packaging, artwork, and manuals tend to sell for more. If you have the original box and instructions, be sure to include them with the game. A complete set can make a big difference in the final sale price, especially for collectors.
3. Set the Right Price for Your Nintendo Games
Pricing your games correctly is essential for a successful sale. You want to set a price that reflects the market value of your games while still being competitive. Here’s how to price your games:
a. Research the Current Market Value
Check the prices of similar games online by browsing listings on eBay, Amazon, or other marketplaces. Pay attention to the condition of the games in the listings to make sure you’re comparing like-for-like. Sites like PriceCharting also provide current market values for video games, so you can see what similar Nintendo games are selling for.
b. Compare Offers from Different Platforms
If you’re using a platform like Decluttr or GameStop, compare the offers you receive for your games to those on other platforms. Sometimes, a local store or a different trade-in site may offer a higher payout, so it’s worth shopping around before committing.
c. Be Open to Negotiation
If you’re selling on a marketplace like Facebook or Craigslist, be prepared for buyers to negotiate the price. Setting a slightly higher price than what you’re willing to accept allows room for bargaining, and you may still get close to your target price.
4. Finalizing the Sale
Once you’ve found a buyer for your Nintendo games, it’s time to finalize the sale. Here’s how to make sure the transaction goes smoothly:
a. Secure Packaging and Shipping
If you’re selling your games online, make sure to package them securely before shipping. Use a padded envelope or box to protect the games from damage during transit. For discs, consider using a protective case or sleeve to prevent scratching. If you’re selling locally, arrange to meet the buyer in a safe, public location to exchange the game and cash.
b. Receive Payment
When selling locally, you’ll typically receive cash on the spot. If selling online, make sure you receive payment before shipping the game. Most platforms like eBay and Amazon provide secure payment methods, such as PayPal, which protects both buyers and sellers.
Conclusion
Selling your Nintendo games for cash can be a rewarding way to make money while freeing up space for new titles. By choosing the right platform to sell your Nintendo games, preparing your games properly, and setting a competitive price, you can ensure a smooth transaction and get the best possible payout. Whether you sell through eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or specialized resale platforms, following these steps will help you get the most cash for your used games.
