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Video games, consoles, controllers, and gaming accessories can still be worth money after you are done using them. The trick is choosing the right place to sell. Craigslist can be a good option when you want a local cash sale, especially if you are selling a console bundle, retro system, game lot, or larger gaming item that a buyer can pick up in person.
That does not mean Craigslist is always the best place for every video game sale. A single common used game may be easier to trade in, sell on eBay, or take to a local game store. But if you have a Nintendo Switch bundle, PlayStation or Xbox console, old Nintendo system, Game Boy games, controllers, racing wheel, VR headset, arcade cabinet, or a larger lot of games, Craigslist may be worth trying.
In this guide, I’ll cover how to sell video games on Craigslist for cash, what types of gaming items usually work best, how to price your listing, what details buyers want to see, and how Craigslist compares with other places to sell video games.
If you are new to local selling, start with my full sell on Craigslist guide. You may also want to review these tips for staying safe while selling on Craigslist and avoiding Craigslist spammers and scammers.
Can You Still Sell Video Games on Craigslist?
Yes, you can still sell video games on Craigslist, but results depend on your city, your price, your photos, and what you are selling. Craigslist usually works better for local bundles and physical gaming gear than for one cheap, common game.
For example, someone may not drive across town to buy one used sports game for $8. But they may be interested in a PS4 console with two controllers and 12 games, a Nintendo Switch bundle with extra accessories, or a box of retro cartridges from an older system.
Craigslist is strongest when the buyer can see the item, test it if needed, pay cash, and take it home the same day. That makes it useful for consoles, bundles, gaming furniture, arcade machines, and larger lots where shipping would be expensive or inconvenient.
What Types of Video Games Sell Best on Craigslist?
The best Craigslist video game listings are usually items with enough value to justify a local meetup. These tend to include:
- Console bundles with games, controllers, and cables
- Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox systems
- Retro systems and cartridges, including Nintendo, Sega, PlayStation, Xbox, and handheld systems
- Game lots organized by system
- Controllers, headsets, charging docks, racing wheels, fight sticks, and VR gear
- Arcade cabinets, gaming chairs, steering wheel stands, and other larger gaming items
- Collector’s editions, sealed games, or older complete-in-box games
Bundles often work better than individual games because buyers feel like they are getting a complete setup. A parent shopping for a kid, a college student looking for a used console, or a collector hunting for older games may all be more interested in a ready-to-go package than a single loose disc.
When Craigslist May Not Be the Best Option
Craigslist is not always the easiest or most profitable choice. In some cases, another selling method may make more sense.
Craigslist may not be worth the effort for:
- Single common games under $10 to $20
- Scratched, damaged, or untested discs
- Digital-only games, account transfers, or download codes
- Rare games with strong national collector demand
- Items where convenience matters more than getting the highest possible price
For a common game with low resale value, a trade-in site, local store, or buyback service may be easier. For a rare sealed game, complete-in-box retro title, or collector’s edition, eBay may expose your listing to more serious collectors. Craigslist is best when local pickup and cash payment are real advantages.
How Craigslist Compares to Other Places to Sell Video Games
Utilizing the power of the internet, you can list your used games on online classifieds sites like Craigslist and other selling platforms. The best choice depends on what you are selling and how much effort you want to put into the sale.
The Old School Game Vault can be worth checking for older games, retro systems, and classic gaming items.
Swappa may be useful for selling consoles and gaming hardware in a more structured marketplace.
OfferUp is another local selling option and can be compared with Craigslist if you want to reach more nearby buyers.
Gameflip is focused on gaming-related items and may be useful for certain game sales.
GameStop can be useful as a trade-in or buyback baseline. You may not always get the highest price, but it can tell you what a quick trade-in option is worth.
eBay and Amazon can reach a larger national audience, but they may involve fees, shipping, returns, account rules, and more competition. If you want to compare Craigslist with eBay, you can learn how to sell on eBay right here on my site.
The simple way to think about it is this: Craigslist is often better for local cash sales of consoles, bundles, accessories, retro lots, and bulky gaming items. eBay may be better for rare collector games. Trade-in services may be better when speed and convenience matter more than squeezing out every dollar.
How to Price Video Games Before Listing Them on Craigslist
Pricing is one of the biggest factors in whether your Craigslist video game listing gets serious replies or sits ignored. Buyers on Craigslist are usually looking for a fair local deal, not a retail price.
Before listing your games or console, check a few different pricing sources:
- Other Craigslist listings in your city or state
- eBay sold and completed listings for collector value
- GameStop or other buyback offers as a low-end baseline
- Local game store offers
- Current prices for similar bundles on OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace
Do not price every cheap game separately if you are selling a lot. It is usually easier to price the bundle as a package. For example, instead of listing 18 older Xbox One games one by one, you might list them as “Xbox One Game Lot — 18 Games” and price the whole lot at a discount.
If you are selling a console bundle, break down what is included in your own mind before setting the price: console, storage size, controllers, cables, games, headset, charging dock, and any extras. Then compare your bundle against similar local listings.
How to Write a Good Craigslist Video Game Listing
A good Craigslist title should be clear, specific, and searchable. Avoid vague titles like “games for sale” or “PlayStation stuff.” Buyers are more likely to click when they know exactly what you are offering.
Here are a few title examples:
- “Nintendo Switch Bundle with 6 Games and Extra Controller”
- “PS4 Console with 2 Controllers and 12 Games”
- “Original Nintendo NES Console with Games — Tested”
- “Xbox One Game Lot — 20 Games”
- “PlayStation VR Headset Bundle with Camera and Controllers”
- “Nintendo 64 Console with Controllers and Games”
The goal is to make the listing easy to understand at a glance. Include the system name, number of games, important accessories, and whether the item has been tested.
Video Game Listing Details Buyers Want to Know
The more complete your listing is, the fewer back-and-forth messages you will need to answer. Buyers want to know what they are getting before they agree to meet.
Include details such as:
- Console model and version
- Storage size, if applicable
- Included controllers, power cables, HDMI cables, chargers, and accessories
- Full list of game titles
- Disc or cartridge condition
- Whether everything has been tested
- Any missing cases, manuals, covers, or cables
- Whether the price is firm or negotiable
- Your general pickup area
Be honest about condition. If a controller has stick drift, a disc is scratched, a cartridge label is torn, or a console is missing a cable, say so in the listing. Surprises during the meetup can kill the sale.
Photos to Include in a Craigslist Video Game Listing
Clear photos can help your video game listing stand out. You do not need professional pictures, but buyers should be able to see what is included and what condition it is in.
Good photos to include are:
- One photo of everything included in the bundle
- Close-up photos of the console
- Photos of controllers and accessories
- Photos of game cases, discs, cartridges, or labels
- A photo showing the console powered on, if possible
- Close-ups of any damage or wear
Make sure the photos are clear and well-lit. It might be hard to find a buyer if your game lot is as blurry as Bigfoot.
Should You Sell Video Games Individually or as a Bundle?
In many Craigslist situations, bundles are easier to sell than individual games. A buyer may not want to make a trip for one inexpensive game, but they may be interested in a complete setup or a discounted lot.
Bundles work especially well when the items naturally go together, such as:
- A console with controllers, cables, and games
- A group of games for the same system
- A retro system with cartridges and accessories
- A VR headset with camera, controllers, and games
- A racing wheel with pedals, stand, and compatible games
You can still mention that you may split the bundle if the buyer makes a fair offer, but starting with a package price is usually simpler.
Craigslist Safety Tips for Selling Video Games
Video game listings can attract serious buyers, but they can also attract lowballers, resellers, younger buyers, and scam messages. A few basic safety rules can help you avoid problems.
- Meet in a public place when possible.
- Use a police station safe exchange zone if your area has one.
- Accept cash for local sales.
- Do not accept overpayments.
- Do not share verification codes.
- Do not ship items to someone who contacted you through a local Craigslist listing.
- Do not click suspicious links from buyers.
- Do not hold items for someone without a clear meetup plan.
- Bring another adult with you for higher-value sales if possible.
- Trust your gut if a message feels strange or rushed.
For expensive consoles, retro collections, or large bundles, choose your meeting place carefully. If the buyer wants to test a console, consider meeting somewhere safe where power is available, or provide a clear video showing the system working before the meetup.
How to Handle Lowball Offers
Lowball offers are common on Craigslist. Some buyers are resellers. Some are bargain hunters. Some send the same low offer to everyone.
You do not need to respond to every bad offer. If your price is fair, you can simply say, “Thanks, but I’m firm at this price for now,” or “I can come down a little if you can pick it up today.”
If you want a faster sale, build a little room into your asking price. For example, if you would be happy getting $180 for a console bundle, you might list it for $200 and be willing to negotiate.
Example Craigslist Description for a Video Game Bundle
Here is a simple example you can adapt:
Nintendo Switch bundle for sale. Includes console, dock, power cable, HDMI cable, Joy-Con controllers, extra wireless controller, carrying case, and 6 physical games. Everything has been tested and works. Console has normal light wear from use. Games include [list game titles here]. Cash only. Local pickup near [your area]. Price is firm unless the listing has been up for a while.
That kind of listing gives buyers the main information without making them guess what is included.
Final Thoughts About Selling Video Games on Craigslist
Selling video games for the most money depends on condition, pricing, and choosing the right selling method. Craigslist can work well for local cash sales, but it is not the perfect answer for every game.
Use Craigslist when you have a console bundle, retro system, gaming accessories, a larger game lot, or bulky gaming gear that makes sense for local pickup. Consider eBay, trade-in services, buyback sites, or local game stores when you are selling a single common game, a rare collector item, or something you want to move quickly with less messaging.
If you have a collection of video games, you can list them and sell on Craigslist for cash. Just research prices first, take clear photos, describe the condition honestly, and follow basic safety rules when meeting buyers.
Remember, take care of your game discs, cartridges, controllers, and systems. The better the condition, the easier it is to get a fair price. There are many games I wish I had kept in the original packaging that would be worth more money today. Oh well.
With some thoughtful preparation, Craigslist can still be a useful place to turn old video games and gaming gear into cash.