Where to Buy Retro Games Online: Best Marketplaces and Tips

The internet has revolutionized retro game collecting, making it easier than ever to find rare titles and build your collection. However, with so many options available, knowing where to buy retro games online can be overwhelming.

This comprehensive guide covers the best marketplaces for buying retro games, what to look for, and how to avoid scams.

Why Buy Retro Games Online?

Online marketplaces offer:

• Wider selection - Access to games from around the world
• Better prices - Compare prices across multiple sellers
• Convenience - Shop from home, delivered to your door
• Authentication - Many platforms verify game authenticity

Best Online Marketplaces for Retro Games

1. MainMarket.com

Best for: Authenticated games, collector-focused marketplace

MainMarket.com specializes in retro game collecting with a focus on authentication and quality. Every game is verified before listing, ensuring you receive authentic games.

Pros:

• All games authenticated before listing
• Collector-focused community
• Detailed condition descriptions
• Secure escrow system
• Excellent customer support

Cons:

• Smaller selection than larger marketplaces
• May have slightly higher prices due to authentication

Best for: Serious collectors who prioritize authenticity

2. eBay

Best for: Largest selection, auction format

eBay remains the largest marketplace for retro games, offering millions of listings from sellers worldwide.

Pros:

• Massive selection
• Auction format for deals
• Buyer protection program
• International shipping options
• Price comparison tools

Cons:

• Risk of reproductions and fakes
• Varying seller quality
• Need to carefully read listings
• Some sellers use stock photos

Best for: Finding rare games, auctions, price research

3. Amazon Marketplace

Best for: Convenience, Prime shipping

Amazon's marketplace offers retro games with the convenience of Prime shipping and Amazon's return policy.

Pros:

• Prime shipping available
• Easy returns
• Amazon customer service
• Convenient checkout

Cons:

• Higher prices than specialized marketplaces
• Less collector-focused
• Mixed seller quality
• Limited rare game selection

Best for: Common games with fast shipping

4. Mercari

Best for: Mobile-first shopping, deals

Mercari's mobile app makes it easy to browse and buy retro games on the go.

Pros:

• Mobile-friendly interface
• Good deals available
• Easy to use
• Buyer protection

Cons:

• Smaller selection than eBay
• Less collector-focused
• Varying seller quality

Best for: Mobile shopping, casual collecting

5. Facebook Marketplace

Best for: Local deals, no fees

Facebook Marketplace connects you with local sellers, often offering better prices without platform fees.

Pros:

• No platform fees
• Local pickup available
• Direct seller communication
• Good deals possible

Cons:

• Limited to your area
• No buyer protection
• Need to verify authenticity yourself
• Varying seller quality

Best for: Local deals, bulk purchases

6. Reddit (r/GameSale, r/GameSwap)

Best for: Community, direct deals

Reddit's game trading communities offer direct deals with fellow collectors.

Pros:

• Community-focused
• Good prices
• Direct communication
• No platform fees

Cons:

• Need to verify seller reputation
• No built-in buyer protection
• Requires PayPal Goods & Services for protection
• Smaller selection

Best for: Experienced collectors, community deals

7. Specialized Retro Game Stores

Best for: Expertise, curated selection

Online retro game stores like Lukie Games, DK Oldies, and GameStop offer curated selections with expertise.

Pros:

• Expert knowledge
• Curated selection
• Quality assurance
• Customer service

Cons:

• Higher prices
• Smaller selection
• May not have rare titles

Best for: Beginners, guaranteed quality

What to Look for When Buying Online

Authenticity Indicators

Cartridge Games (NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy):

• Proper label quality and printing
• Correct cartridge shell color and texture
• Official Nintendo logos and markings
• Proper screw types (security screws, not Phillips)
• Weight and feel match authentic games

Disc Games (PlayStation, Sega CD, etc.):

• Official disc manufacturing markings
• Proper weight and thickness
• Holographic security features
• High-quality printing
• Official publisher logos

Condition Descriptions

Look for detailed condition descriptions:

• New/Sealed - Factory sealed, never opened
• Complete-in-Box (CIB) - Game, manual, box, inserts
• Loose - Game only, no box or manual
• Tested/Working - Seller has tested the game
• Untested - Game condition unknown

Seller Reputation

Check seller ratings and reviews:

• High ratings - 95%+ positive feedback
• Transaction count - More transactions = more reliable
• Detailed feedback - Read recent reviews
• Response rate - Quick responses indicate good service

Photos

Good listings include:

• Multiple angles - Front, back, sides
• Close-ups - Labels, connectors, condition issues
• Actual photos - Not stock images
• Clear lighting - Easy to see condition

Red Flags to Avoid

Warning Signs

• Too good to be true prices - Rare games at unusually low prices
• Stock photos only - No actual photos of the item
• Vague descriptions - Missing condition details
• New seller accounts - No feedback history
• Pressure tactics - Urging quick purchase
• Payment outside platform - Asking for direct payment

Common Scams

Reproduction Cartridges:

• Unusually low prices for rare games
• Wrong label materials or fonts
• Incorrect cartridge shell colors
• Modern flash memory instead of ROM chips

Counterfeit Discs:

• Lightweight or thin discs
• Missing security features
• Poor print quality
• Incorrect center ring markings

Comprehensive Buying Tips and Strategies

Research Before Buying

Thorough research is essential for successful online retro game purchases:

Price Research:

• Check recent sold listings - Use eBay's "Sold Listings" filter to see actual sale prices
• Use price tracking sites - PriceCharting, GameValueNow provide historical data
• Compare across platforms - Prices vary significantly between marketplaces
• Factor in all costs - Shipping, fees, and taxes affect total price

Game Research:

• Know what you're buying - Research the game's release history and variants
• Understand condition grading - Learn what "mint," "excellent," "good" mean
• Check authenticity markers - Know what to look for in authentic games
• Read reviews - Check what other collectors say about the game

Seller Research:

• Check seller feedback - Look for 95%+ positive ratings
• Read recent reviews - See what buyers say about recent transactions
• Transaction count - More transactions generally means more reliable
• Response rate - Quick responses indicate good customer service

Asking the Right Questions

Don't hesitate to ask sellers detailed questions before purchasing:

Essential Questions:

• Can you provide more photos of the game from different angles?
• Has the game been tested and confirmed working?
• What's the exact condition of labels/manual/box?
• Are there any issues, damage, or wear I should know about?
• Is this an authentic original game, not a reproduction?
• Where did you acquire this game?
• Can you provide close-up photos of any damage or wear?

For Complete-in-Box Games:

• Are all inserts included (registration cards, advertisements, etc.)?
• What's the condition of the manual (any tears, writing, missing pages)?
• Is the box in good condition (corners, edges, any crushing)?

For Rare Games:

• Can you verify authenticity (photos of internal components if possible)?
• Why are you selling this game?
• Do you have proof of purchase or provenance?

Using Buyer Protection

Always prioritize buyer protection when purchasing online:

Payment Methods with Protection:

• PayPal Goods & Services - Offers buyer protection for unauthorized transactions and items not as described
• Credit cards - Additional protection layer, can dispute charges
• Platform escrow - MainMarket.com and some platforms hold funds until delivery
• Secure payment methods - Avoid wire transfers, Venmo, or Cash App for valuable items

What Buyer Protection Covers:

• Items not as described (condition, authenticity, completeness)
• Items not received
• Unauthorized transactions
• Counterfeit or reproduction items sold as authentic

How to File Claims:

• Document everything (photos, communications, listings)
• File claims promptly (usually 30-180 day time limits)
• Provide evidence of issues
• Be professional and clear in communications

Starting Your Collection Safely

For new collectors, start small and build experience:

Beginner Strategy:

• Start with common games - Lower risk, easier to verify authenticity
• Build seller relationships - Repeat sellers become trusted sources
• Learn authentication skills - Study authentic examples, compare to reproductions
• Gradually move to rare games - Gain confidence before expensive purchases

Learning Resources:

• Study our authentication guide
• Join collector communities (Reddit, forums)
• Compare authentic examples in person when possible
• Ask experienced collectors for advice

Price Comparison and Negotiation

Research Tools and Resources

Price Tracking Websites:

• PriceCharting - Comprehensive price database with historical trends
• GameValueNow - Price tracking and collection management
• eBay sold listings - Real-world sale prices (filter by "Sold Items")
• Marketplace comparisons - Compare prices across multiple platforms

How to Use Price Data:

• Check recent sales (last 30-90 days) for current market value
• Look at sold prices, not asking prices
• Factor in condition when comparing prices
• Consider shipping costs in total price comparison

Understanding Price Factors

Prices vary significantly based on multiple factors:

Condition Impact:

• Loose cartridge - Base value
• Cartridge + Manual - 1.5-2x loose value
• Complete-in-Box (CIB) - 3-5x loose value
• Sealed/New - 10-20x loose value for rare titles

Rarity Factors:

• Limited print runs command premium prices
• Regional exclusives are often more expensive
• Late-generation releases are typically rarer
• Blockbuster exclusives are highly sought after

Demand Factors:

• Popular franchises (Pokémon, Mario, Zelda) command higher prices
• Critical acclaim increases demand
• Nostalgia drives prices for certain titles
• Market trends affect prices over time

Completeness Factors:

• Missing manuals reduce value by 20-30%
• Missing inserts reduce value by 10-20%
• Damaged boxes reduce value significantly
• Original packaging adds substantial value

Negotiation Strategies

When Negotiation Works:

• Multiple items from same seller (bundle discounts)
• Items listed for extended periods
• Sellers open to offers
• Local pickup (saves shipping costs)

How to Negotiate:

• Be respectful and professional
• Reference recent sold listings to justify offers
• Offer fair prices based on market research
• Consider seller's perspective and costs

What Not to Do:

• Lowball offers that insult sellers
• Pressure tactics or aggressive negotiation
• Demanding unrealistic discounts
• Ignoring seller's stated policies

International Buying Considerations

Shipping and Costs

Shipping Considerations:

• Shipping costs - Can be expensive for international orders
• Shipping time - International shipping takes longer (1-4 weeks)
• Tracking - Always use tracked shipping for valuable items
• Insurance - Consider insurance for items over $100

Import Duties and Taxes:

• Customs fees - May apply depending on destination country
• Import taxes - Varies by country and item value
• Documentation - Proper customs forms required
• Total cost - Factor in all fees when comparing prices

Region Compatibility

Console Region Locks:

• Nintendo systems - Generally region-locked (NTSC vs. PAL)
• PlayStation - Some region locking, varies by generation
• Sega - Varies by system and region
• PC games - Generally region-free

What to Check:

• Console compatibility before purchasing
• Language options (some imports are Japanese-only)
• Power requirements (different voltages)
• Physical compatibility (cartridge/disc formats)

Best Practices for International Buying

Communication:

• Confirm shipping methods and costs upfront
• Understand return policies (international returns are expensive)
• Clarify any language or region requirements
• Establish clear expectations

Payment:

• Use PayPal for international protection
• Factor in currency conversion rates
• Understand exchange rate fluctuations
• Use secure payment methods only

Documentation:

• Keep all shipping documentation
• Save tracking numbers
• Document package contents and value
• Keep communication records

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Red Flags and Warning Signs

Pricing Red Flags:

• Too good to be true - Rare games at unusually low prices
• Bulk quantities - Multiple copies of rare games from one seller
• Round numbers - Prices ending in .00 instead of odd amounts
• Fire sale pricing - "Must sell" listings with rare games

Listing Red Flags:

• Stock photos only - No actual photos of the item
• Vague descriptions - Missing condition or authenticity details
• Generic descriptions - Copy-paste text across multiple listings
• Missing information - No mention of condition, completeness, or authenticity

Seller Red Flags:

• New seller accounts - No feedback history
• Negative feedback - Recent complaints about fakes or issues
• Pressure tactics - Urging quick purchase or limited time offers
• Payment outside platform - Asking for direct payment methods

Common Scams to Avoid

Reproduction Cartridges:

• Unusually low prices for rare games
• Wrong label materials, fonts, or colors
• Incorrect cartridge shell colors or textures
• Modern flash memory instead of original ROM chips
• Missing Nintendo logos or licensing

Counterfeit Discs:

• Lightweight or thin discs
• Missing security features (holograms, center ring markings)
• Poor print quality on disc surface
• Incorrect disc colors or formats
• Missing publisher logos or licensing

Resealed Games:

• Aftermarket shrink wrap instead of factory sealing
• Missing or incorrect security stickers
• Incorrect sealing patterns
• Price manipulation (selling used as new)

Condition Misrepresentation:

• Hiding damage in photos
• Vague condition descriptions
• Not mentioning known issues
• Overstating condition quality

For detailed information on spotting fakes, see our complete authentication guide.

Building Trust with Sellers

Establishing Relationships

Benefits of Seller Relationships:

• Access to rare games before public listing
• Better prices through repeat customer discounts
• Priority on new inventory
• Trusted source for authentic games

How to Build Relationships:

• Make purchases from reputable sellers
• Leave positive feedback for good experiences
• Communicate professionally and respectfully
• Be a reliable buyer (pay promptly, communicate clearly)

Seller Verification

What to Look For:

• Established history - Long-term sellers are generally more reliable
• Specialization - Sellers focused on retro games often have better knowledge
• Positive feedback - Consistent positive reviews indicate reliability
• Professional listings - Detailed descriptions and photos show care

Verification Steps:

• Check seller's other listings for consistency
• Read recent feedback for patterns
• Verify seller specializes in retro games
• Check for authentication guarantees or policies

Conclusion

Buying retro games online offers incredible convenience and selection, but requires knowledge, caution, and research. Choose marketplaces that match your priorities—whether that's authentication, price, selection, or convenience.

Always research before buying, verify authenticity, check seller reputation, and use buyer protection. Start with trusted marketplaces like MainMarket.com for authenticated games, or use eBay for the largest selection. As you gain experience, you'll develop the skills to spot deals, avoid scams, and build relationships with trusted sellers.

Remember: The goal isn't just to buy games—it's to build a collection of authentic, high-quality games that bring joy and potentially appreciate in value. Take your time, do your research, and prioritize authenticity and condition over speed or lowest price.

For more guidance on buying and collecting, check out our complete guide to buying retro games online and our authentication guide.

Ready to start your collection? Browse our authenticated selection of retro games on MainMarket.com marketplace, where every game is verified for authenticity and condition before listing.