If you have a collection of old video games gathering dust, you’re not alone. Whether you’re upgrading to a new console or simply cleaning out your gaming space, there’s a great way to turn your unused games into cash. It’s not as difficult as it sounds! Selling your video games is a quick and easy way to make money, and the best part is you can get paid fast. If you’re wondering how to sell video games for cash, here’s the scoop on the best ways to do it.
Trade in Your Old Video Games to a Game Store
One of the most straightforward ways to trade in your old video games is by heading to your local video game store. Many retailers, like GameStop, offer trade-in programs where you can exchange your used games for store credit or cash. This is probably the fastest and easiest option if you’re looking to get money quickly.
If you’re thinking about selling video games to a store, make sure to call ahead or check online for their current trade-in policies. Some stores may even offer a bonus if you trade in your games for a new release. Plus, most stores make the process simple and quick—you just hand over your games, and they’ll give you an instant quote based on the game’s condition and market demand. It’s a hassle-free way to trade in your old video games.
Sell Video Games Online for a Wider Reach
For a higher payout, selling your video games online might be the way to go. Websites like eBay, Amazon, and Decluttr make it easy to list your games for sale and reach a much larger audience. The beauty of selling online is that you’re not limited to the small customer base of your local game store.
On platforms like eBay, you can auction your games or set a fixed price. This gives you more control over the sale and the potential to get more cash, depending on the demand for the game. Plus, with online sales, you can often reach buyers who are specifically looking for rare or older games that local stores might not even carry. Just remember that selling online does come with shipping costs and fees, but these are often outweighed by the higher prices you can fetch.
If you’re interested in selling your games to a platform with a more streamlined process, websites like Decluttr allow you to trade in your old video games without much effort. You simply enter the game’s barcode or name on their website, and they’ll offer you a price. If you accept, you send the game to them, and they pay you promptly—usually through PayPal or direct deposit.
Sell Games to Local Consumers
Sometimes, the best way to get fast cash for your video games is by selling them directly to local consumers. Online platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace allow you to list your games and connect with local consumers. The major advantage here is that you don’t have to worry about shipping—just arrange a time to meet up and exchange the game for cash.
This is a great way to trade in your old video games if you want immediate payment. Plus, there’s usually no middleman, so you keep more of the cash. Just make sure to meet in a safe, public location to avoid scams and ensure the transaction goes smoothly.
Consider Game Trade-in Websites
If you want the ease of online selling without dealing with auctions or waiting for a buyer, websites like Gazelle, GameFlip, and GameStop’s online trade-in service allow you to trade in your old video games quickly. These websites typically offer fast payments once they receive your game, and the process is as simple as entering the game’s information, sending it in, and getting paid.
These services usually offer competitive rates, but it’s important to check multiple platforms to ensure you’re getting the best deal. They might give you more cash than a local store, but it can depend on the game’s popularity and condition.
Sell to Pawn Shops
Another option to consider is selling your video games to a pawn shop. While not always the most lucrative option, pawn shops can be a quick and easy way to get cash for your games. The downside is that you may not get top dollar for your items, and the pawn shop may offer you less than what you could get from a specialty store or online sale.
If you’re in a hurry and just need quick cash, though, pawn shops can be a convenient place to trade in your old video games. Just keep in mind that the value offered may be lower than other options.
Don’t Forget About Bundle Deals
If you have several games that you’re looking to get rid of, consider bundling them together and selling them as a lot. You might not get as much per game, but selling a bundle can attract more buyers. People often look for game bundles when they want to get a variety of titles at a lower price.
You can easily list a bundle of games on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Another advantage of bundling is that it can save you time—you only need to list and ship one listing rather than several individual ones.
Look for Local Swap Meets and Flea Markets
If you like the idea of meeting potential buyers in person, local swap meets, flea markets and yard sales can be great places to sell your video games. These events often draw people looking for deals on everything, including video games.
While this method requires a bit more effort on your part, it can be worth it if you’re looking to clear out a large collection. You can trade in your old video games at these events and get cash on the spot. It’s an easy way to turn your games into money, but make sure you price them competitively to sell fast.
Give Away or Donate Your Games
If you’re not too concerned about making a profit and just want to declutter, you might consider giving away or donating your video games. Charities, thrift stores, or local libraries often accept video games as donations, and some may even offer a tax deduction receipt.
While you won’t make cash this way, you’ll be helping others while freeing up space in your home. Plus, you could use the donation as a charitable deduction when filing your taxes!
Keep Your Games in Good Condition
No matter which method you choose to trade in your old video games, it’s always important to take care of your games. A well-kept game, in its original case, will usually get you a better price than one that’s scratched up or missing the cover art. Clean your games before selling them, and check to make sure they’re fully functional. A well-maintained game will stand out and attract more buyers, whether you’re selling locally or online.
Know Your Games’ Value
Before you start selling, do a little research. Knowing the value of your games will help you make an informed decision and avoid getting lowballed. Websites like PriceCharting and VGPriceCharting allow you to look up the current value of your games so you have a good idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that demand can change over time, so it’s important to stay updated on what’s hot in the gaming world.
Be Prepared to Negotiate
Especially if you’re selling directly to buyers, be prepared for some negotiation. Buyers may try to haggle, and you’ll need to decide if you’re willing to lower the price to make the sale. If you’re trading in at a store, they may also offer you less than you expected. It’s important to stay flexible but also know your lowest acceptable price.
Conclusion
Selling your video games for cash doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you choose to trade in your old video games at a local store, sell online, or go the direct-to-buyer route, there are plenty of options available. By keeping your games in good condition, doing some research on their value, and using the right platform, you can quickly turn your unused games into cash. So, if you’re ready to declutter and make some money, it’s time to trade in your old video games and get paid fast!