Tower of Fantasy
Astra Shelter Gameplay

Tower of Fantasy: Astra Shelter
Level 10

Tower of Fantasy Gameplay Clues in the Ruin

Tower of Fantasy Gameplay Clues in the Ruin

Tower of Fantasy First Launch & First Outfit

Tower of Fantasy First Launch & First Outfit

Streets of Rage 4
Streets of Rage 4 Hitting the Dojo – Training Mod

Streets of Rage 4 Hitting the Dojo – Training Mod

Streets of Rage 4 Blaze Beats Diva – Now She's in the Precinct

Streets of Rage 4 Blaze Beats Diva – Now She's in the Precinct

Streets of Rage 4 Blaze Cleans Up The Streets (Stage 1)

Streets of Rage 4 Blaze Cleans Up The Streets (Stage 1)

Resident Evil 3
Resident Evil 3 Remake Substation Infestation – D

Resident Evil 3 Remake Substation Infestation – D

Resident Evil 3 Remake The Dream Sequence Jill's

Resident Evil 3 Remake: The Dream Sequence (Jill's Apartment)

Resident Evil 3 Remake Drugstore Owner's Journal – Downtown

Resident Evil 3 Remake Drugstore Owner's Journal – Downtown

How to Earn Cash for Your
Used Video Games

Gaming is a blast, but it's not a cheap hobby. Most video games cost $60 each (plus tax), and that's a hefty sum when there are a ton of titles you want to play. Selling your unwanted games nets you a bit of cash to spend on other titles, so it's a great way to enjoy the newest releases on the cheap. Here's how you can get the most money back.

Prepare Your Game for Sale

Before you put a game up for sale, determine its condition so you'll get a better idea of its value.

Inspecting video game disc condition with magnifying glass and game case

Do you have the game's case, instruction manual, and all original artwork? Are any of these things damaged in any way? Missing or torn items can significantly lower a game's trade-in value. If everything is in perfect condition, on the other hand, you can ask top dollar for the game. Check the disc for scratches or scuff marks. If possible, make sure that the game disc still plays in your console. If the game skips or won't play, consider having it professionally resurfaced at a movie-rental store or electronics shop. Most stores charge a small fee for this, typically about $2 to $5 per disc.

What's It Worth?

Some games hold their value well, so they'll still cost $60 months after release.

Video game price tracking chart showing value changes over time on computer screen

This includes role-playing games (RPGs) and popular multiplayer titles. Others drop to $40 or less in just a few weeks. It's tricky to guess your game's worth, but knowing that info can help you earn a better trade-in price. A free online tool, CamelCamelCamel, tracks the price of games over time. It takes results from Amazon as well as third-party sellers. Search for a game, and you'll see a month-by-month or day-by-day breakdown of price changes. The service also tells you the game's highest and lowest-ever price. When you know a game's value, you'll be less tempted to trade it in for a low-ball offer.

Craigslist

Craigslist connects you with local folks who are looking for a deal on your old games.

Local meetup exchanging video games for cash with handshake between two people

On Craigslist, you can either sell games for cash or offer up a trade. In your ad, for example, list the games you're willing to take in a trade. Be reasonable here - if you're getting rid of last year's Madden football game, don't expect to get a hot new release that's worth a lot more. Craigslist is an ideal trading venue for gamers on a budget. You don't pay a fee for listing or selling any item. As a downside, Craigslist isn't heavily monitored for fraud, so keep an eye out for scams.

Local Game Stores

Brick-and-mortar game stores, such as GameStop, make it easy to trade in your old titles. GameStop gives you the choice of cash or store credit for your games. Other stores, including Best Buy and Toys "R" Us, offer gift cards usable for store merchandise only. GameStop regularly holds trade-in promotions - get an extra 20 percent cash back or earn a discount on a new game console, for example. If you're a PowerUp Rewards Pro member, you'll also get an extra 10 percent more credit per trade-in game. It costs $14.99 per year to join the program, though. To get the most money or credit back, check the store's circular weekly and don't trade in any games until you see a promo that you like. Trading titles in at a local shop is your least profitable option. Many stores pay only a fraction of what a title is really worth. GameStop may pay you $5 for a used copy of Call of Duty: Black Ops, for example, then sell the same game to another customer for $20. If you're willing to do a bit more work to sell your game, you can keep all the profit for yourself.