Retro-gaming has exploded in popularity recently. A lot of this has to do with the availability of single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi that makes video game emulation easy. However, if you’re a retro-gaming purist, you probably want to avoid emulation. But how do you get your hands on old, authentic game cartridges and discs? Fortunately, there are a number of online retailers that can help you start or continue your collection.
DKOldies
DKOldies is a family-run shop based in Pennsylvania that specializes in Nintendo games and consoles from the 80s and 90s. That being said, they also carry Sega, Playstation and Xbox titles. The best thing about DKOldies is the robust quality-control measures that they have put in place.
Unfortunately, with game ROMs being easy to find online, there are many fake cartridges being produced and passed off as the real deal. DKOldies recognizes that retro-gaming enthusiasts want genuine, authentic products. To that end, the team at DKOldies inspects each and every game that comes their way before reselling to ensure that it is not a fake or reproduction.
In addition to inspecting and cleaning each game, DKOldies backs up their products with an impressive 120-day warranty. If your game isn’t working properly, you can rest assured that DKOldies will make it right. As well as selling old games, they also professionally clean and repair them. Customers can mail their games to DKOldies, and the refurbishment team can clean old cartridge contacts and resurface scratched discs. Furthermore, they even replace the batteries that allow gamers to save their progress. Thanks to DKOldies you won’t have to play through The Legend of Zelda in one sitting ever again.
Old School Game Vault
Like DKOldies, the Old School Game Vault has a large selection of games for sale online, with their stock ranging from the early 80s to today. While they tend to focus on the heavy hitters, like Nintendo and Sega, you will also find titles from other consoles that weren’t as popular in North America, such as the NeoGeo and the Turbo Grafx-16.
In addition to selling retro games, Old School Game Vault specializes in buying your old video games. The site features an extensive database that catalogs games and displays how much Old School Game Vault pays for them. This makes it incredibly easy to see the trade-in value of any retro games you’re thinking about selling. Furthermore, they offer payment in three different ways. Sellers can opt for a traditional check or instant payment via PayPal or Amazon gift cards.
Game Over Videogames
The banner image on Game Over Videogames‘ website proudly proclaims, “Everything from Atari to Xbox.” They’re not joking. Game Over Videogames has everything you would normally expect and so much more. They have one of the most extensive retro game selections available, including some that are really obscure. In the market for one of the 65 titles available for the Nokia N-Gage? Game Over Videogames has you covered.
In addition to games, Game Over Videogames has tons of gamer merchandise available. You can find everything from T-shirts to plush dolls to videogame soundtracks on vinyl. Furthermore, Game Over Videogames also has a buy-back program where collectors can sell their unwanted games. Like Old School Game Vault, simply search their game database to get a quote and simply ship your games to them.
JJGames
JJGames has an impressive selection of retro games and consoles available through their website. All of the usual suspects are here, from Nintendo to Sega to Sony. However, there are some glaring omissions. JJGames doesn’t seem to stock much before the 8-bit era of video games. So if you’re looking for Atari 2600 or Commodore 64 games, you won’t find much here. Furthermore, if you are looking for titles from more obscure consoles, such as the Turbo Grafx-16 or the Philips CD-i, you’re better off looking elsewhere.
In addition to games, JJGames has a section of their website devoted to toys and collectibles, as well as digital copies of Retro Magazine for sale. Furthermore, like Old School Game Vault, JJGames buys old games. The process at JJGames is a bit clunkier, as they do not offer a searchable database of titles. That being said, if you are interested in selling some of your collection, inquiries are conducted via email.
Lukie Games
Looking for a wide range of retro games? Look no further than Lukie Games. Consoles and games from all of the big names in gaming can be found at Lukie Games, including Nintendo, Sega, Sony and Microsoft. Additionally, you’ll find titles from more obscure systems like the NeoGeo, Vectrex, Atari Jaguar and ColecoVision. Lukie Games inspects and tests every game that they sell and backs them up with a 90-day warranty.
In addition to selling games, they also sell various gaming accessories. You’ll even find old strategy guides and instruction manuals to replace the ones you misplaced years ago. Furthermore, Lukie Games has a page dedicated to highly collectible games. This makes finding that super-rare copy of Earthbound or Star Fox Super Weekend a breeze, provided you have some deep pockets.
With these sites, you can truly amass an impressive retro game collection. Now that you have your favorite classic titles in hand, it’s time to connect that ancient game console to your modern TV and start playing!
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