Video game reselling is one of the most consistent and profitable niches in the flipping world. Retro games from the NES, SNES, N64, GameCube, and PlayStation eras are more valuable than ever, and new games can be flipped within days of release. Here's how to turn video games into a reliable income stream.
Why Video Games Are Perfect for Reselling
- Small and lightweight — Cheap to ship ($3-5 for most games)
- Easy to verify condition — Test them or look up the label
- Huge collector market — Retro gaming is a massive, growing hobby
- Stable demand — Games don't go out of style like clothing trends
- High margins — $2 thrift store finds that sell for $30-$100+
What to Look For
Most Valuable Consoles & Games
NES (Nintendo Entertainment System)
- Rare titles: Little Samson, Stadium Events
- Common valuable: Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!, Mega Man 5
- Average game value: $5-$20
SNES (Super Nintendo)
- Rare titles: EarthBound, Hagane, Aero Fighters
- Common valuable: Super Metroid, Chrono Trigger
- Average game value: $10-$30
N64 (Nintendo 64)
- Rare titles: Conker's Bad Fur Day, Sculptors Cut
- Common valuable: Super Smash Bros., Paper Mario
- Average game value: $10-$25
GameCube
- Rare titles: Cubivore, Gotcha Force, Chibi-Robo
- Common valuable: Super Smash Bros. Melee, Mario Kart Double Dash
- Average game value: $15-$40
PlayStation 1 & 2
- Rare titles: Suikoden II, Rule of Rose
- The PS2 library is massive — focus on RPGs and horror games
- Average game value: $5-$20
What Makes a Game Valuable?
- Low print run — Limited production = higher price
- Genre — RPGs and horror games command premiums
- Complete in box (CIB) — Game + manual + case is worth 2-3x loose
- Sealed/new — Graded sealed games can be worth thousands
- Regional exclusives — Japanese imports can be valuable
Where to Source
- Thrift stores — Best source for underpriced games
- Garage sales — Parents selling kids' old games for $1 each
- Facebook Marketplace — People selling lot bundles
- Pawn shops — Often priced below market value
- Flea markets — Hit or miss, but the hits can be huge
Pricing Your Games
This is where most new video game resellers struggle. Prices fluctuate based on condition, completeness, and market trends.
Quick Pricing Method
- Check eBay sold listings (not active listings)
- Note the condition (loose, CIB, sealed)
- Price at or slightly below the average sold price for a quick sale
- Price above average if your copy is in better-than-average condition
Flip Press Video Game Pricer
Flip Press includes a built-in Video Game Pricer tool that shows you real-time market values across platforms. Scan a game or search by title, and instantly see what it's selling for — loose, CIB, and sealed. This eliminates the guesswork and helps you make confident pricing decisions.
Listing Tips for Video Games
- Include the platform in the title (e.g., "Nintendo GameCube" not just "GameCube")
- Specify completeness — Loose, CIB, Sealed
- Note condition details — Label condition, manual condition, case scratches
- Test everything — "Tested and working" increases buyer confidence
- Photograph the cartridge/disc, label, case, and manual separately
Shipping Video Games Safely
- Loose cartridges — Bubble mailer with bubble wrap ($3-4 shipping)
- CIB games — Small box with bubble wrap, protect corners ($5-6 shipping)
- Sealed games — Rigid mailer or small box, insure valuable shipments
- Multiple games — Flat rate padded envelope for 2-4 games
Building a Video Game Reselling Business
Start by specializing in one or two consoles you know well. Learn the valuable titles, develop sources, and build a reputation for accurate descriptions and fast shipping. As you scale, use tools like Flip Press to list faster and cross-list to multiple marketplaces automatically.
The video game market rewards knowledge. The more you learn about specific consoles and rare titles, the better deals you'll spot in the wild.