Ever dream of replaying GoldenEye 007 on N64, decades after your cousin never returned the cartridge? Or maybe you’ve beaten Final Fantasy VII for the tenth time and want a copy in pristine condition as your trophy.
Plenty has changed in the tech world in recent years, but one thing hasn’t. eBay is one of the best places to hunt down retro video games.
Sure, it’s possible some lucky individual just got the deal of the century on Streets of Rage 2 at a garage sale, but you can’t beat the convenience of eBay. The platform’s huge global marketplace makes it possible to find almost any game that’s currently hitting your nostalgia button the hardest, if you know how to look.
But here’s the thing: there’s more to buying collectibles than clicking “Buy It Now.” It takes a little skill, patience, and strategy to score the best deals. Whether you’re chasing a few favorites or building a serious collection, these 10 tips will help you win more auctions and stretch your dollars further.
1. Be Well-Informed on Price Going In
Before you bid, dive deep into the “Sold Listings” filter. It shows what games have actually sold for, not just what sellers are asking. That’s how you know if Pokémon Red Version really goes for $60, or if someone’s just dreaming big.
To get broader data on prices, also have a look at PriceCharting. It aggregates data from completed sales on Amazon and eBay and separates them according to condition. If you look at collecting as an investment and want to understand where the games market is moving, the historical price charts are invaluable.
2. Save Searches and Use Your Watchlist
One of eBay’s most underrated tools is the “Saved searches” feature. It’ll ping you whenever new listings match your criteria, so you can act fast. Whether you’re after Castlevania: Symphony of the Night or just searching “SNES lot,” alerts help you catch new deals before anyone else.
Sometimes, memory doesn’t serve us as well as we think it will when doing a comprehensive search. It can be tricky to find certain auctions again. What’s available on eBay is always evolving, so it’s a good idea to add listings to your Watchlist so you have an overview of your options.
3. Experiment with Search Terms
Different sellers list items in wildly different ways. One might post Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES), while another just adds Mario 3 to their title and calls it a day.
Try variations, abbreviations, and common misspellings. You’d be surprised how often a “Zelda Occarina of Time” listing slips under the radar. TypoHound automatically generates the most common spelling mistakes for you. Give it a go here!
You can also mix and match phrases like “CIB,” “manual,” or “bundle” to see what surfaces. Experimenting with your searches can uncover hidden gems that other buyers never even see. Plus, auctions with fewer views are more likely to sell for less.
4. Auctions Usually Offer the Best Deals
If you don’t mind a little suspense, auctions are where the best deals often live. Some buyers skip them in favor of instant purchases, which means less competition for you.
Keep an eye out for auctions that end at odd hours, like midnight on a Tuesday, when fewer people are online. That’s when you might score Donkey Kong Country for a steal.
5. Study Photos Like a Detective
A game’s photos tell the real story. Zoom in on labels, corners, and cartridge edges. Look for sun fading, scratches, or signs of fake labels. Listings that only show stock photos? That’s usually a red flag. Always go for clear, well-lit images shot from multiple angles.
Keep in mind that the condition that the seller chooses in their listing doesn’t always align with the expectations of collectors. This becomes even more evident when you search with terms that describe the games’ condition. Take it with a grain of salt and take the time to look at listings with titles that aren’t salesy about being cleaned, authentic, or in excellent shape.
6. Read Descriptions Carefully
Descriptions on eBay are all over the map in terms of length and the usefulness of the information. Policies regarding returns, refunds, and combined shipping differ from seller to seller.
It’s easy to miss details like “reproduction box” or “manual not included.” Read everything. Ask the seller questions if something isn’t clear. It’s worth the few extra minutes to avoid disappointment later.
7. Check the Seller’s Feedback
High feedback scores and a history of selling collectibles are good signs. A few negatives aren’t the end of the world, but if you see multiple buyers mentioning fake games or bad packaging, it’s best to steer clear.
You may want to give new sellers a shot! Collectors have reported good luck with buying from new sellers as many are looking to move their inventory for a good price and build their reputation by getting feedback from happy customers.
8. Be Patient with “Buy It Now” Prices
Some sellers list high and wait. Don’t bite right away. Add the listing to your watch list. If it doesn’t sell, the seller may drop the price or send you a private offer later. A little patience can save you a lot of cash.
Waiting also opens the possibility of new auctions popping up, and auctions typically offer better prices. It’s easy to fall for the trap that a rare game in great condition must be snapped up now, but one just like it might appear before you expect.
9. Look for Game Lots
Game bundles, often called “lots” on eBay, are perfect if you’re building your collection fast. In many cases, these sellers are looking to unload their entire collection in one go.
You might grab a stack of Genesis or Game Boy Advance games for less than buying them individually. Instead of paying shipping on every game, you’ll get a starter set that only needs to be shipped once. You’ll get duplicates sometimes, but those can easily be resold or traded.
Some collectors enjoy the hunt more than playing the games! However, if you just want to dive into reliving your childhood memories, game lots are a great option.
10. Always Factor in Shipping and Condition
That $20 deal can lose its shine when the shipping costs as much as the game or the disc arrives so scratched it looks like Freddy Krueger used it as a frisbee. Double-check the total cost and the item’s region before you buy. Sometimes it’s worth paying a little more for a seller who ships securely and quickly.
Again, PriceCharting is your friend. If you are wondering whether to go with a game in very good or excellent condition, check PriceCharting to confirm if the premium is worth it.
Build Your Dream Collection, One Game at a Time
Hunting for retro games on eBay is half treasure hunt, half nostalgia trip. When you mix patience with smart searching, you’ll unlock memories that make your inner kid smile.
Whether you’re tracking down Chrono Trigger, rebuilding your old GameCube library, or chasing the thrill of finding a rare edition of a PS2 game, remember — there’s no rush. You can build your dream collection one score at a time. Plus, you may find that winning eBay auctions is a fun game itself.