Yes, You Can Definitely Sell Your Old Nintendo Games!

The short answer is – absolutely! There is an active and thriving market for old Nintendo games and consoles. With the right games in good condition, you can make substantial money reselling your unused Nintendo collection. Read on for an in-depth guide on valuing and selling your vintage Nintendo items.

How to Know Which Nintendo Games Are Valuable

As an avid Nintendo fan and gaming historian, I‘ve been amazed at how much certain classic Nintendo games can sell for these days. But it‘s important to understand that not all old Nintendo games are valuable – you need to know which specific titles collectors covet.

Generally speaking, the most iconic Nintendo franchises fetch premium prices – Zelda, Mario, Metroid, etc. But condition is also paramount. A complete in box Super Mario Bros. from 1985 in pristine condition could sell for $10,000 or more, while a loose well-worn cartridge may only bring $5.

Let‘s analyze some of the top franchises and games using recent sales data:

Legend of Zelda

This magical adventure series has captured gamers‘ hearts since the late 80s. Here are values for some of the classics:

• The Legend of Zelda (NES, 1987)
  • Loose: $25-$35
  • Complete: $150-$200
  • Sealed: $3,000+ (Gold variant)
• Ocarina of Time (N64, 1998)
  • Loose: $35-$45
  • Complete: $150-$250
• Wind Waker (GameCube, 2003)
  • Complete: $60-$90
  • Sealed: $500-$600

As you can see, complete copies with manuals and cases command big premiums. But even loose cartridges of classics like Ocarina still sell very well.

Super Mario Bros.

Everyone‘s favorite plumber has been the face of Nintendo for over 35 years. Top Mario games include:

• Super Mario Bros. (NES, 1985)
  • Loose: $10-$25
  • Complete: $75-$250
  • Sealed: $100,000+ (Wata 9.6 copy)
• Super Mario World (SNES, 1990)
  • Loose: $15-$25
  • Complete: $50-$75
• Super Mario 64 (N64, 1996)
  • Loose: $25-$35
  • Complete: $60-$90
• Mario Kart 64 (N64, 1996)
  • Loose: $25-$35
  • Complete: $45-$70

Interestingly, the older titles like the original Super Mario Bros. sell for much more even loose due to their milestone status. But complete in box copies of any core Mario titles fetch great prices.

Key Factors Affecting Value

Beyond that top franchises, here are some key factors that can significantly increase or decrease value:

• Condition – Complete in box, good condition cartridges are ideal. Damage, writing or wear reduces value.
• Rarity – Some lesser known games are valuable due to small production runs. Research print numbers.
• Special variants – Gold cartridges, special editions or re-releases can increase value for collectors.
• Grading – For ultra rare games, professional grading/slabbing can boost value exponentially.
• Franchise – Mario, Zelda and other major Nintendo IP drives higher prices.

This should give you a good idea of which Nintendo games are likely to fetch top dollar. Now let‘s explore the best options for actually selling your collection.

Where to Sell Your Nintendo Games & Consoles

Once you‘ve identified your gaming gems, it‘s time to sell. Here are some top options to safely turn your old Nintendo items into profit:

Online Marketplaces

Selling through online auctions or classifieds allows you to reach the most buyers nationally or even globally.

• eBay – Still one of the best venues, but beware fees of 10-15%. Price competitively.
• Facebook Marketplace – List locally with no fees. Meet in safe public spaces for exchanges.
• Etsy – Caters to collectors. Focus on product photos and descriptions.
• OfferUp – Popular for local pickups. Check user reviews carefully.
• WhatNot – Live auctions for collectibles with a strong gaming subset.

I‘ve had great experiences selling high-value items through carefully monitored eBay auctions. But for quick local sales, Facebook and OfferUp are easy to use with no fees.

Online Buyers & Resellers

For convenience, many collectors sell to online resellers that will buy your games and consoles outright. Just be aware the convenience comes at lower profit margins for you.

• DKOldies – One of the largest retro game buyers. Free shipping but lower quotes.
• Decluttr – Quick and easy selling experience. Instant valuation of your games.
• GamerCandy – Specializes in candy-colored Japanese console imports.
• Newegg – Primarily a tech marketplace but offers some trade-ins for games.

These buyers cater to those looking to quickly liquidate their collections in bulk rather than taking the time to individually list titles. Definitely compare quotes between services to maximize value.

Local Retro Stores

In most mid-size to larger cities, nostalgic local game stores are popping up to pay cash for used games and consoles.

• Pink Gorilla – Awesome Pacific Northwest chain with great retro selection.
• Next Level Games – Various locations across the Midwest.
• Play N Trade – Game and electronics stores primarily on the East Coast.

The benefit of local stores is you get paid immediately. Just know that you‘ll get 30-50% less overall than selling yourself for full market value online. But for sheer convenience, they can‘t be beat.

Auction Houses

For ultra rare and valuable Nintendo items in immaculate condition, auction houses let you tap into wealthy high-end collectors.

• Heritage Auctions – Leading collector auction house. Video games saw $1.4M in sales in 2020.
• eBay Auctions – For cheaper listing fees than Buy It Now, plus no final value commissions.
• ComicConnect – Top auction house for vintage video games and other collectibles.

For a truly rare game like a sealed Stadium Events, an auction house can maximize your profit. But they are best suited for the top Nintendo rarities worth $1,000+.

Nintendo Buyback Programs

Wouldn‘t it be nice if Nintendo themselves bought back their old games? Unfortunately Nintendo does not offer any official buyback or trade-in programs currently. However, I think a first-party vintage Nintendo game trade-in program could prove wildly successful if they offered reasonable quotes. Hopefully it‘s an idea they consider down the line for fans!

Should You Grade Your Games?

For pristine condition vintage Nintendo games, getting them professionally graded and sealed can significantly boost value with collectors. Grading services like Wata Games and VGA provide condition assessments and ratings, then seal the games in tamper-proof acrylic cases.

Here are some key grading factors to consider:

• Costs $18-$50 per game depending on service level
• Only makes financial sense for games worth $250+ already
• Grades range from Wata/VGA ratings of 1.0 (poor) to 10 (gem mint)
• Adds 2-4X+ value for the highest mint ratings
• Timelines range from 2 weeks to 6+ months

The cost can be prohibitive for cheap games. But for a rare title you feel confident would grade highly, grading can be a smart investment. Just don‘t expect quick turnarounds during busy times.

Nintendo Hardware Values

Beyond games, Nintendo‘s classic consoles, controllers and accessories are also sought after by collectors:

Consoles

System	Loose	Complete
NES	$40-$60	$100+
SNES	$50-$80	$150-$300
N64	$60-$100	$200-$400
GameCube	$40-$60	$100-$150

Controllers

Controller	Loose Price
NES Zapper	$10-$20
N64 Controller	$15-$25
Game Boy Advance SP	$40-$60

Nintendo hardware prices vary widely based on cosmetic condition and if original boxes/packaging materials are included. But the prices above give you a good starting benchmark for valuation.

Spotting Ultra Rare Nintendo Prototypes

On very rare occasions, an unknown Nintendo prototype surfaces that can command insane prices from collectors. Here are signs to look for:

• No matching title in databases like Prototypes.com
• Handwritten text/notes on cartridge
• Generic/non-glossy printed label
• Unusual plug shapes or molds
• Odd pre-release box art

While most discoveries end up being common test carts, every so often a one-of-a-kind unreleased game emerges. Thoroughly research any oddities before selling. While there are fakes, finding even a lesser known Nintendo prototype can bring huge dollar signs.

Is It Legal to Resell Used Nintendo Games?

When selling used games and consoles, some people have concerns over legality. Here is the consensus from lawyers:

• Reselling games and consoles you legally own is completely legal under the first sale doctrine.
• Downloaded games get tricky with licensing issues – best to only sell physical media.
• Be sure not to sell any unauthorized reproductions or bootlegs.
• For super rare items, be prepared to show ownership history.
• Declare items properly as used goods when shipping to avoid tax problems.

Stick to selling only games you physically own, accurately represent their condition, and you‘ll stay on the right side of the law. Game on!

Safely Packaging Your Games for Shipping

Properly packing your sold Nintendo items prevents damage in transit:

• Individually wrap each game in bubble wrap or tissue paper.
• Use padded envelopes/boxes with bubble wrap or newspaper for cushioning.
• Include cardboard inserts to prevent shifting of boxes and manuals.
• Seal all openings thoroughly with packing tape.
• Insure valuable shipments and require signature confirmation.
• Note any condition issues so buyers know exactly what they‘re getting.

Taking time on packaging pays off with buyer satisfaction and avoiding damaged item claims.

Conclusion

With the right knowledge and preparation, you can turn your old Nintendo collection into a nice source of extra cash. Iconic first-party franchises, rare variants, and complete in box condition are key factors that drive top dollar prices. Compare selling options carefully to maximize profits while avoiding legal risks. And invest time into safely packing sold items – your buyers will appreciate it!

Hopefully this guide gives you confidence that yes, you can absolutely sell those unused Nintendo games and consoles collecting dust. Now go grab a wand, strap on a power glove, and whip out your laptop. It‘s time to bring your vintage Nintendo memories to market!