Video games condition guide
We encourage sellers to take detailed pictures of their video games and consoles: images are the main way for buyers to assess the condition of any listing, in addition to any text description provided. This is the single most important thing that sellers should do to make sure buyers understand the state of the product they're buying.
This game condition guide only tries to establish some basic rules and common ground regarding expected condition and how sellers should grade their items.
Basic rules
1Take good pictures of your listings! Sorry to insist on this, but this is the most helpful thing you can do. Some tips:
- Clearly capture any defects. It's only normal that used, second-hand video games and consoles have wear or scratches, and you want to be very transparent about them.
- Only show items included in the listing.
- Display all items included: cartridge or CD, box, manual, console, cables, etc.
- Another good practice is to include a picture where the actual game is shown on screen, so it's clear it's fully operational.
2If your console or game is missing any of its original components (e.g., the original box or the manual), please state that in the description of your listing, and use the grading ladder below to evaluate the condition of what's included (e.g., the cartridge only).
3Items that don't work should not be listed on Mage. Please test your games and consoles beforehand, all listings must be fully functional.
4Cleanliness. Please carefully clean your items, this will make them look nicer in your images, and buyers will have a better experience.
5Disputes. We don't take part in disputes to do with an item's condition, because, despite our guidance, condition is often subjective. However, sellers must ship items as per their listings. Intentionally sending an item different from the one listed, in worse condition, is not allowed.
Grading
If your console or game is missing any of its original components (e.g, the manual or the box are missing), please still use this grading ladder to evaluate the condition of what's included (e.g., the cartridge only), and clearly state in the pictures & description of your listing what's missing.
Brand new - Unused, unopened in its original packaging, like it came off a shelf at Game.
Mint - It looks like new, as if it hadn't been used, with no signs of wear. Item in excellent condition.
Used - The item is in good overall condition, and might have some signs of small or moderate cosmetic wear, such as scratches or dirt, affecting any of its elements (case, manual, cartridge, etc). Please include these signs in your pictures.
Example #1
Example #2
Heavily used - The item has heavy wear from years of being played. Cracks, chips, dents, scratches or dirt are quite obvious and/or numerous. Please include clear pictures and a description, so buyers aren't disappointed.
Example #1
