The Nintendo 64 turned 30 in 2026. Nintendo launched the console in Japan on June 23, 1996. If the anniversary has prompted you to dig out a box of old cartridges, take some time to check what you have before selling the whole collection.
Some games may be worth listing individually, while others may be easier to sell together. The main difference is who buys them. Online marketplaces connect you with individual buyers, while buyback services and retailers purchase eligible games directly.
Here are five options for U.S. sellers, depending on what you’re selling and how much work you’re willing to do.
1. eBay: for selling games individually
If you have a game worth looking up separately, you might want to create a separate listing, especially if you have the original box and manual.
eBay allows sellers to set asking prices, upload photos and sell to individual buyers. You can do either a fixed-price listing or an auction.
Check what similar copies are selling for before you list a game. eBay’s Product Research tool provides historical sales data, including accepted offer prices, and sellers can filter by condition and sales format.
Make sure you are comparing the same version. Loose Nintendo 64 games are not full copies with the box.
Selling individually also means dealing with photographs, buyer questions, packaging, shipping and possible returns. eBay charges sellers fees, so factor those in when pricing an item.
This route makes sense for collectible games where you want to control the asking price and don’t mind waiting for a buyer.
2. The Old School Game Vault: for a direct collection sale
If you would rather avoid managing separate buyer conversations, The Old School Game Vault buys retro games through a mail-in service. Operating since 2008 with an A+ BBB rating, it buys Nintendo 64 games alongside other Nintendo, Sega, PlayStation and Xbox titles.
You search for each game, see the current cash offer upfront, add it to a trade-in cart, and submit the order before shipping. Nintendo cartridges, including N64 games, are priced as cartridge only, so a loose cart without its box or manual still gets the full listed offer. That gives you a practical starting point for deciding whether to sell the collection together or set a few games aside for individual listings.
Condition matters. Stickers are fine as long as they don’t cover or damage the label, and a small name written in marker is OK, but heavily marked cartridges are not accepted. The company tests items and checks their condition before issuing payment. Describe any problems before sending your collection. If you have not tested something, say so rather than assuming it works.
There is a $100 minimum order, and orders of $100 or more receive a free shipping label. Offers are cash-based rather than store credit, with no seller fees. Choose PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, Apple Cash, check, or Amazon Gift Card and receive payment within 3 to 4 business days after your order is received and processed. This route suits someone who wants an itemized offer from one buyer without creating a public listing for every game.
3. GameStop: for an in-store trade
GameStop will buy qualified games, consoles and accessories for cash or store credit. There is a retro gaming category in its trade-in program, but not every older game will qualify.
Verify estimated trade-in values online before visiting a participating store. GameStop buys items directly so you don’t have to worry about individual buyer negotiations or shipping.
The final offer will depend on the product’s condition and eligibility. GameStop sets trade-in values and states that completed trade-ins are final.
Before you accept an offer, compare the cash and store-credit amounts. Credit can be useful if you’re looking to buy another game or console, but cash gives you more flexibility.
This option is excellent for sellers who want to do a face-to-face transaction and want to know what a store will give them before they say goodbye to their games.
4. Mercari: for selling games individually online
Mercari is another option for selling used video games directly to individual buyers. You create a listing, set your price, and wait for someone to purchase it.
You can list a single Nintendo 64 cartridge or group several games into a bundle. Each listing should include clear photographs, an accurate description and details about the item’s condition.
Creating a listing is free. Mercari charges sellers a 10% selling fee on the combined item price and any shipping paid by the buyer. You can use a Mercari prepaid shipping label or arrange shipping yourself.
Once an item sells, Mercari asks sellers to ship it within three business days. The buyer has three days to evaluate the order after it has been delivered. Payment becomes available in your Mercari balance when the transaction is completed, provided there is no unresolved issue.
Unlike a direct buyback service, Mercari requires you to manage each sale. You’ll need to prepare listings, answer questions, package orders and handle any return requests.
It’s worth considering if you want to set your own prices and are comfortable selling games individually.
5. Facebook Marketplace: for local bundles
Facebook Marketplace connects buyers and sellers in the local community, including those looking to buy used games and consoles.
It can be helpful when you want to sell several things together. For example, instead of selling a Nintendo 64 console, 4 controllers and a selection of games separately, you could sell them all together.
Take pictures and write a thorough description of what you have. Put a price on it. Questions or offers can be messaged to you by potential buyers.
You can meet buyers locally instead of shipping. But you will have to coordinate with buyers, and a message of interest is no guarantee a sale will be made.
If you are meeting someone, please choose a busy public place and ensure payment is confirmed before handing over the items. Be wary of shoppers who send you a screenshot of a payment, ask for a verification code, or try to move the conversation to websites you’re unfamiliar with.
This is a beneficial way for sellers with console bundles or larger items who would rather deal locally.
Compare the Selling Routes
Each option involves a different amount of work. Use this comparison to decide which selling process fits your collection.
| Selling option | Consider it when | Check before selling |
| eBay | You want to price and list games individually | Completed sales, selling fees and shipping costs |
| The Old School Game Vault | You want to sell a collection directly to one business | Minimum order, condition requirements and payment options |
| GameStop | You prefer an in-store trade | Product eligibility and cash versus store credit |
| Mercari | You want to set your own prices and sell to individual buyers | Selling fees, shipping and payment terms |
| Facebook Marketplace | You want to sell games or console bundles locally | Buyer arrangements, payment and meeting safety |
Before You Sell Your Retro Games
A little planning may save you from accepting an offer that doesn’t fit your collection.
· Check each game: Note title, platform and condition. Confirm that the original box and manual are present.
· Research completed sales: Compare similar-condition games rather than asking prices.
· Read the terms: See shipping fees, seller charges, payment options and what happens if an item is refused or returned.
· Decide what you will receive: Think of how much you have left after spending. Think about how long it will take to sell.
You don’t have to sell everything via the same provider.
A valuable game can be worth selling individually, but a bigger collection would be simpler to sell straight to a dealer. If you’re rocking a console with a handful of games, a local package can be more convenient.
The 30th anniversary of the Nintendo 64 is an excellent chance to dust off your old haul. Do your homework before you sell. Know what you have, assess your alternatives and choose the approach that works for you.