Let’s be honest, we all thought video games were just for fun. Hours spent saving princesses, shooting pixelated aliens, or furiously button-mashing through Mortal Kombat? Time well spent. But here’s something you might not know: those old games gathering dust in the loft could actually be worth a few quid.
So, before you toss that old console or donate your stack of scratched-up cartridges, here’s how to tell if your vintage or retro video games are worth anything.
Some gaming systems are more collectable than others. If you spot any of the following names, pay attention:
If the words "blowing into the cartridge and hoping for the best" resonates with you, you may be in possession of some valuable games.
As with most collectables, condition plays a part. Games in their original boxes, with manuals and inserts intact, tend to be worth more. But don’t worry if your collection is more "loose cartridges and tangled wires" than "mint in box."
Plenty of collectors still buy unboxed or slightly battered games, especially if they’re rare or hard to find.
Just because a game is old doesn’t mean it’s valuable. But some titles have become cult favourites or were released in limited numbers, making them highly collectable.
Games that could be worth more include:
Tip: Games with strange titles or obscure publishers can sometimes surprise you.
Some games are sought after simply because they’ve stood the test of time. If you’ve got any of the following, you might be in luck:
And yes, even a PlayStation 2 or original Xbox collection can fetch a decent return, especially for complete sets or rare titles.
Sorting through your old games and gear? Before you list anything online or leave it at the car boot, let our team take a look.
At Vintage Cash Cow, we make it easy to find out what your old video games are worth. No guesswork, no faff. Just pop your items in a box, send them to us for free, and we’ll give you a fair valuation.
If you accept the offer, great! We’ll send you the money. If not, no problem. We’ll send everything back to you, no strings attached.
Often, where there's one collection, there's another. That same loft or garage that holds your old Mega Drive might also have a box of vintage toys, a forgotten film camera, or even some old coins from a childhood collection.
As you’re gathering your games, keep an eye out for other treasures to maximise your offer. We buy a huge range of vintage items, and you can include them all in the same box for a single, simple valuation.
That console you thought was useless? That game you haven’t played since 1999? They could still be worth something. So, before you pack it all away or give it to the nearest teenager, check with us first.
👉 Order your free selling pack and press start on turning your old games into extra money.