All questions / Trading cards and toys

Are old video game consoles worth money?

Working older consoles with their original controllers and cables are wanted; complete boxed systems sell best. Untested consoles sold for parts, and very common recent models, usually sell for less.

Our verdict IT DEPENDSIt depends on the piece: maker, date, model and condition make a real difference. Check before selling.

Live listings on eBay

A few current listings, United States. Asking prices, not sold prices.

What to look for

Check what applies to yours:

The model number on the label underneath, such as NES-001 for the original Nintendo Entertainment System.
Tested and working: picture, sound, controllers and the cartridge or disc slot.
Original controllers, power supply and video cables; the box and manuals add more.
Handhelds such as the Sony PSP and PS Vita and the Nintendo 3DS, and home consoles such as the Wii and PlayStation 2, are popular with players and collectors.
Limited editions and less common colors stand out.

Before you sell

Compare with items that actually sold, not only with asking prices.
Take clear photos in daylight: front, back, marks and any damage.
Do not clean coins, and do not repaint or polish old items: it often lowers the value.
For anything that might be valuable, get an opinion from a certified appraiser or a specialist dealer.

How we decide

The verdict is our own, written from public sources (coin specifications, maker histories, collector guides). It is not computed from eBay listings. OLD: a typical one found at home is worth little; rare dates, errors or editions are the exception. IT DEPENDS: maker, date, model and condition make a real difference. GOLD: even ordinary ones are worth real money, usually for their precious metal. The eBay listings we show are a few current asking prices, not sold prices and not an appraisal. For anything valuable, ask a certified appraiser.