I wanted to start tracking the values of common console and handheld hardware variations in our retro game collecting guides, because we often focus primarily on the games themselves. As part of this guide, I will update the Retro Console Hardware Price Guide (which I plan to update within the next few months).
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My goal with these price guides is to give everyone an easy-to-access price listing of mainstream retro hardware so that it is easy to survey the console landscape, see what you might expect to pay for hardware you have been considering, or find out what you might be able to get for a console you’re selling.
Price guides are categorized according to three major conditions:
Loose:
A lower-priced handheld system may only include the console itself and some minimal accessories, such as a power adapter. Although the machine may be in poor shape at the low price, it should still work. If a unit is for parts only, it should be valued lower. A high-range loose handheld should come with charging cables and be in excellent cosmetic condition. Some older hardware may even be restored at this higher price range.
Complete in Box (CIB):
A console is in good working order, and the original packaging is also included. There may be a few items missing from the original shipment (such as manuals or inner packaging) or the cardboard box may be in poorer condition (older boxes usually show a lot of wear). There should be most of the items in the original retail box in excellent cosmetic condition in the higher price ranger.
New (Unopened):
We give a single price range estimate for units that have never been opened from their retail packaging or used. Since this grouping is less common, we simply offer a single price range estimate. Although, there may be some variations due to packaging condition and such.