1st Feb 2025
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Clearing your clutter can be hard especially when you’re looking at everything you’ve spent money on. But we are here to make it easier for you by showing you how to make money from your old belongings. Today we want to share with you how to make money from your old video games. We’ve told you how to make from old CDs, VHS tape and cassettes so it’s only fair video games get mentioned. Keep reading to find out how to collect and sell video games as well as the big players when it comes to earning money.
Collecting Video Games
Most people nowadays tend to have some form of games console – anything from a Nintendo switch to a vintage N64. There’s a big range of consoles and games that appeal to most people across the globe. With the Video Gaming Industry estimated to be worth around $178.73 Billion in 2021, it is clear to see that people are putting their money into it. It grew by 14.4% from 2020 and it is predicted to be worth $268 Billion by 2025 so it seems to be the perfect time to get investing.
Like with most things, nostalgia plays a part in the popularity of gaming but there is always interest from younger audiences – so what should you be investing in? Well, that’s up to you – you could go for vintage games or maybe just start collecting what you like to play. The market is unpredictable, something you deem to be a popular game might have fewer cartridges purchased so it may be worth more in the long run.
Selling Video Games
There are a lot of choices when it comes to selling video games so we’re going to give you the run-down on your best options.
eBay
eBay is a good choice when it comes to selling anything on the internet – it’s easy to join, easy to sell, easy to make money. You have the option to sell your games individually or as a collection, the choice is up to you.
Music Magpie
Music Magpie allows you to type in the barcode of your game to find out how much they’ll pay you for it. All you have to do then is post it off to them and wait for the money to appear in your bank account. This is easier than selling on eBay, but you might not make as much money. People often get us confused with Music Magpie, but we’re not affiliated in any way!
Car boot sales
Maybe your games aren’t worth loads – but don’t despair. You can still get some of that cash back by selling at car boot sales. You can sell job lots or individual games – either way, you’ll recuperate some losses.
CEX
Most towns and cities have a CEX but even if yours doesn’t, you can send your stuff by post to sell to them, too. You might get a few quid for older games or more for recent ones – and can choose between cash or vouchers. Cash is a lower amount, so if you plan to buy more games or technology it is often worth opting for vouchers for the best trade in value.
Big Players
We’ve put together a list of the top 5 most expensive games sold at auction just in case you have any lurking in your attic.
Nintendo Campus Challenge
Made for Nintendo systems, this game was designed to be played on college campuses. With three games in one, it works as a triathlon. It was designed to be a marketing tool to sell more consoles and encourage competitive gaming. It sold in 2009, at an American auction for $20,100.
PowerFest ‘94
Again, this game was designed for a gaming competition. 4 teams competed to get the highest score possible on three Nintendo games. Originally 35 cartridges were produced but only 2 remain. Whilst they are yet to be sold, one seller is asking for $25,000.
Air Raid
Made for Atari 2600, this unique T-Shaped cartridge game was released on January 1st, 1982. Similar to space invaders, users fight in the skies to defend the earth from invaders. In 2012, a copy of the game sold for a whopping $33,433.30 – worth checking your attic for.
1990 Nintendo World Championships
Another competition game, this game was produced in 1990, with a limited run of 116 cartridges. 26 of the 116 were encased in gold with the remaining in the traditional grey. In 2014, a gold cased game sold for $100,088 on eBay.
Sealed Super Mario Bros
Made for the original Nintendo, this sealed copy of Super Mario Bros, from 1985 is the most expensive video game ever sold. You can get your hands on it for an eyewatering $2,000,000! This copy has its extreme price tag due to it still being brand-new and a “limited print run”.
Why not have a look through your loft now you know how to make money from old video games!
