The short answerFor video games, be exact about two things: what is included (game only, game and case, or complete in box with manual and inserts) and whether it was actually tested. Then check disc scratches, label damage and cartridge contacts, and photograph model and serial labels on hardware.

From our inventory: a loose Sega Genesis cartridge with label wear and sticker residue, and a game case shown next to a loose cartridge and a loose disc — Be precise about what is actually included.Photo: our own inventory

Tested vs untested

What it is: "Tested" means you ran it on working hardware and it played. Untested means you did not.
How to spot it: If you cannot test it, say so.
Why it matters: Buyers and we both price in the risk of untested items. An honest "untested" avoids disputes.
What to photograph: A photo of the game running, if tested.
When it becomes serious: Calling something working when it was not tested.

Disc scratches

What it is: Scratches and scuffs on the data side of a disc.
How to spot it: Tilt the shiny side under a bright light. Circular scratches that follow the tracks are the most harmful.
Why it matters: Scratches can stop a disc from loading.
What to photograph: The data side, angled to show scratches.
When it becomes serious: Deep or circular scratches, or cracks near the center hole.

Label damage

What it is: Torn, faded, written-on or peeling labels on cartridges and discs.
How to spot it: Check for old rental or price stickers and residue.
Why it matters: Label condition is a big part of how loose cartridges are judged.
What to photograph: The label front, close up.
When it becomes serious: Missing or heavily torn labels.

Cartridge corrosion

What it is: Dark, dull or green contact pins on the cartridge board.
How to spot it: Look into the cartridge opening with a light.
Why it matters: Dirty or corroded contacts can cause read errors.
What to photograph: The contacts, if visible.
When it becomes serious: Green corrosion or pins that are pitted.

Battery leakage

What it is: Leaked residue from internal save batteries or from batteries left in handhelds and controllers.
How to spot it: Battery compartments and, where visible, internal boards.
Why it matters: Leakage damages electronics and can spread.
What to photograph: Inside any battery compartment.
When it becomes serious: Any leakage in hardware sold as working.

Missing manuals and inserts

What it is: The instruction booklet, posters, registration cards and other paper that came in the box.
How to spot it: Compare with a complete reference.
Why it matters: These pieces decide whether a game counts as complete.
What to photograph: Everything laid out.
When it becomes serious: Missing manual on a game sold as complete.

Complete in box vs loose

What it is: Loose means the cartridge or disc only. Complete in box (CIB) generally means the game, its original box or case, and its manual and inserts.
How to spot it: Check each piece is original and matches the same game and region. CGC's complete-in-box guide explains why matched components matter.
Why it matters: A case alone is not "complete". Mismatched parts should be disclosed.
What to photograph: Every component together.
When it becomes serious: Parts from different copies described as a matched set.

Controller and accessory completeness

What it is: Controllers, cables, power supplies and other items that came with hardware.
How to spot it: Compare with what the console originally shipped with.
Why it matters: Missing power supplies and cables make hardware hard to test and sell.
What to photograph: Everything laid out.
When it becomes serious: Missing the power supply.

Serial and model labels

What it is: The sticker on consoles and handhelds with model and serial numbers.
How to spot it: Usually on the bottom or back.
Why it matters: Identifies the exact model and region; a missing or tampered label raises questions.
What to photograph: The label, readable.
When it becomes serious: Missing, scratched-off or replaced labels.

Illustrations of a scratched disc under light and cartridge contact pins with dark corrosion — Check the parts that decide whether the game works.Illustration: generated instructional image

An open game case with a disc but an empty manual clip — Open every case: missing manuals are common.Illustration: generated instructional image

Is my cartridge a reproduction?

Reproduction and pirated cartridges exist for many popular systems. Nintendo's own piracy FAQ lists warning signs such as blurry printing, faded colors, poor packaging and prices far below normal. If something looks off, say so rather than guessing - see our authenticity guide.

Common video game mistakes

Calling a game-and-case "complete"Check for the manual and inserts.
Mixing regionsA US game in a European case is a mismatched set.
Listing accessories as gamesBags, cases and skins are accessories - describe them that way.