Video game shipping & packaging guide
This guide aims at providing some tips to the community when it comes to the shipping method and packaging options for new and second-hand video games. Bottom line, we all want to:
- Send games using the cheapest shipping method (that still offers tracking for expensive items and enough compensation if the parcel gets lost in transit); this is also why we normally recommend second class options, understanding that saving a bit of cash on postage is always nice and that waiting 1 or 2 more days to receive the games isn't a big deal.
- Ensure games are packed the right way to protect them and avoid any damage. We encourage you to take extra care with retro games or collectible games of high value.
These are just recommendations that we hope can help you as a seller. We also recommend that sellers use Royal Mail as the postal provider.
Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, PS3, PS2, Xbox, Sega Saturn, GameCube and similar
You should be able to fit all these as a Large Letter. Usually you can put them in a padded envelope of the right size (even adding some extra bubble wrap around for extra protection).
For example, PS2 or Sega Saturn games are often quite large, whereas Switch ones are thinner and smaller. You'll need envelopes of different sizes if you're selling games for various platforms.
Cartridges (Nintendo 64, Mega Drive, Game Boy and similar)
Likewise, these should be fine sent as a Large Letter, inside a padded envelope (maybe with some extra bubble wrapping).
By the way, for further protection, you can find rigid plastic cases which perfectly fit cartridge games online. Probably only worth doing for high value items though.
Playstation (PS1), Dreamcast and similar
These are tricky. You might think they can be sent as a Large Letter, but the cases crack very easily. Our advice is that sellers use a fair amount of wrapping paper and send these in a Small Parcel. Only this way you can make sure the item is not damaged in transit.
Royal Mail Tracked 48 works great for small parcels - this option requires you to buy the postage online (and you can either print the label yourself or at the post office).
Boxed SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, Mega Drive, Master System or similar
You definitely want to send these as a Small Parcel, using lots of bubble wrapping to protect them.
Royal Mail Tracked 48 works great for small parcels - this option requires you to buy the postage online (and you can either print the label yourself or at the post office).
Combined orders
If you're sending several games to the same buyer, you can put all of them together in the same parcel. You can stack them, protect them with wrapping paper and put them in a suitable box. Usually, these would go as a Small or Medium Parcel. Depending on the value of the items, Royal Mail Tracked 48 or Special Delivery can be the best options.
