Retro video game collecting has changed a lot over the years.
What used to mean checking garage sales, flea markets and local game stores can now involve searching thousands of listings online for the exact game, console or collectible you’re trying to find.
For Canadian collectors, online marketplaces such as eBay have made it much easier to track down everything from common childhood favourites to harder-to-find retro games.
But having more options also means knowing what to look for.
If you’re trying to buy retro video games in Canada, here are some things worth considering before making your next purchase.
Where can Canadians buy retro video games?
There are several ways to find retro games in Canada.
Local video game stores
Local independent game stores are still one of the best places to see games in person.
You can inspect the condition yourself and sometimes discover something you weren’t specifically looking for.
The limitation is inventory. A local shop might have hundreds of games but still not have the particular title, variant or condition you want.
Collectible shows, conventions and markets
Gaming conventions, collectible shows and vendor markets can be another great source of retro games.
They’re especially fun if you enjoy hunting through inventory and talking with other collectors.
Again, selection depends heavily on which vendors happen to attend.
eBay
For collectors searching for something specific, eBay offers access to a much larger selection.
You can often compare several copies of the same game based on:
- Price
- Condition
- Completeness
- Seller reputation
- Photos
- Shipping costs
This is particularly useful when searching for older Nintendo games on our eBay store (opens in a new tab), PlayStation games on our eBay store (opens in a new tab), Xbox games on our eBay store (opens in a new tab), Sega games on our eBay store (opens in a new tab) and other retro titles.
At Save Point Shop, eBay is our primary marketplace.
We sell video games, consoles, trading cards and collectibles through our eBay store (opens in a new tab), giving customers the protections and familiar purchasing experience of the eBay platform while still buying from a Canadian collector-run business.
Look at the actual item you’re buying
When shopping for used or collectible games online, photos matter.
Whenever possible, look for listings that show the actual item instead of relying entirely on stock photographs.
For cartridge games, check:
- Front and back label condition
- Cartridge shell condition
- Writing or stickers
- Discolouration
- Damage around the cartridge
For disc-based games, check:
- Disc surface condition
- Case condition
- Artwork
- Manuals and inserts
- Centre ring damage
A listing should give you enough information to understand what you’re purchasing before it arrives.
Understand common retro game conditions
Retro games can be sold in several different forms.
Loose
A loose game generally means you’re purchasing the game without its original retail packaging. For Nintendo 64, SNES or Game Boy games, that normally means the cartridge by itself.
Complete in box — CIB
You’ll frequently see collectors use the abbreviation CIB, meaning Complete in Box. Exactly what is considered complete can vary depending on the game, so always check the listing. It could include the game, the original box or case, the manual and any inserts.
For cartridge-based systems that originally used cardboard boxes, complete copies can be considerably more collectible than loose cartridges.
Boxed
A boxed game includes its original packaging but isn’t necessarily complete. Always check what’s actually included.
Be careful with reproduction games
One of the biggest things newer retro collectors should learn about is reproduction cartridges.
A reproduction is a newly manufactured copy designed to resemble an original game.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with owning one when it’s clearly identified as a reproduction.
Problems occur when reproduction cartridges are represented as authentic originals.
This is especially important with more valuable games, where the difference between an authentic cartridge and a reproduction can represent a significant amount of money.
Some things collectors examine include:
- Label quality
- Cartridge shell
- Screws
- Printed markings
- Internal circuit board
- Manufacturing details
Read next
How to tell if a retro video game is authentic or a reproduction — a closer look at labels, shells, screws and boards, and the tells that separate an original from a very good copy.
Check the seller
The seller can be just as important as the game.
When buying retro video games on eBay, consider things such as:
- Seller feedback
- Number of completed transactions
- Listing photographs
- Item descriptions
- Return policies
- Packaging reputation
- How long the seller has been active
Save Point Shop operates as an eBay Top Rated Seller, and our inventory includes video games, consoles, trading cards and collectibles.
We also photograph and describe our inventory so collectors can make an informed decision before purchasing.
Selling since 2013, from Norfolk County, Ontario.
Every cartridge and disc is cleaned, tested on original hardware and photographed as the copy you actually receive.
Should you buy loose or complete games?
There’s no correct answer. It depends on why you’re collecting.
If you mainly want to play games on original hardware, buying loose cartridges can often be a much more affordable option.
If you enjoy displaying your collection, original boxes, cases and manuals may be more important.
Many collectors do both. You might buy most games loose while spending more for complete copies of a few childhood favourites.
Retro consoles require a little more research
Buying a 20- or 30-year-old console isn’t quite the same as buying a game.
Before purchasing, look for information about:
- Whether the console has been tested
- Included power supply
- Included video cables
- Controller condition
- Disc drive operation
- Cartridge slot operation
- Cosmetic wear
- Missing covers or doors
Older consoles aren’t expected to look brand new, but the listing should accurately represent their condition.
Shipping matters in Canada
Canadian collectors know that shipping can make a significant difference to the final cost of an online purchase.
When comparing listings, don’t only compare the item price. Consider the total cost after shipping.
If you’re buying several games from the same seller, it can also be worth checking whether combined shipping is available.
What should you collect first?
If you’re just starting a retro game collection, don’t worry about chasing whatever happens to be expensive.
Start with games that mean something to you. That could mean:
- Games you played growing up
- Your favourite console
- A particular franchise
- Games you always wanted as a kid
- Titles you’ve never had the chance to play
Someone who grew up with Nintendo 64 might start with titles from franchises like Mario, Zelda or Pokémon. Someone who had a PlayStation 2 might begin rebuilding the collection they remember having years ago.
Collect what you enjoy.
Buying retro games from Save Point Shop
Save Point Shop is a Canadian collector-run eBay store specializing in video games, trading cards and collectibles.
Our inventory regularly includes:
- Nintendo games on eBay (opens in a new tab)
- PlayStation games on eBay (opens in a new tab)
- Xbox games on eBay (opens in a new tab)
- Sega games on eBay (opens in a new tab)
- Retro consoles on eBay (opens in a new tab)
- Controllers and accessories
- Modern video games
- Pokémon cards on eBay (opens in a new tab)
- Graded trading cards on eBay (opens in a new tab)
- Funko Pops on eBay (opens in a new tab)
- Other collectibles
Because much of our inventory comes from individual collections, what’s available changes constantly.
Browse our current inventory through the Save Point Shop eBay store (opens in a new tab) to see what’s available now.
Have games or collectibles to sell?
Finding new inventory is a major part of what we do.
If you have video games, consoles, trading cards or collectibles you no longer want, Save Point Shop also offers ways to turn your collection into cash.
Sell your collection directly to Save Point Shop
If you’d rather sell everything without listing, photographing, shipping and dealing with individual buyers yourself, you can submit your collection to us for consideration.
This can be a good option for people who value simplicity and want to sell their collection directly.
Visit our Sell Your Collection page to learn more or submit your collection.
Want to get more from your collection? Consider consignment
Selling directly isn’t the only option.
Save Point Shop also offers eBay consignment services for customers who want us to handle the selling process for them.
Depending on the items involved, consignment can allow your collectibles to be marketed directly to the large audience already shopping on eBay without requiring you to:
- Create listings
- Photograph every item
- Answer buyer questions
- Package orders
- Ship individual sales
- Manage the selling process yourself
We handle the work while your items are sold through our established eBay presence.
Visit our consignment section to learn how Save Point Shop consignment works.
Buying, selling and collecting
Retro gaming isn’t only about owning expensive games.
For many people, it’s about finding the titles they remember, discovering games they missed and preserving a piece of gaming history.
Whether you’re looking for the next addition to your shelf or you’ve decided it’s time to part with part of your collection, there are more options available to Canadian collectors than ever before.
At Save Point Shop, we’re collectors too.
You can shop our inventory on eBay (opens in a new tab), sell your games and collectibles directly to us, or use our consignment service and have us handle the selling process for you.
By collectors, for collectors & gamers.
