
Summary
Selling retro games in Canada can be a great way to clear space, upgrade your collection, or turn unused games and consoles into cash. The best place to sell depends on what matters most to you. Do you want the highest possible private sale price? Do you want the fastest and easiest option? Do you want trade-in credit toward something new? Or do you just want to avoid the nonsense that comes with online selling?
For most people, Power Up Gaming is one of the easiest and most reliable places to start. We have been buying, selling, testing, cleaning, grading, and restoring used video games since 2012, and we understand the retro market in a way that casual buyers usually do not. Whether you are selling a few loose games, a complete boxed collection, old consoles, controllers, handhelds, or a massive trade-in pile, Power Up Gaming can help you turn your collection into cash or store credit.
You can visit us in person at our Barrie, Ontario store or start your trade-in online at powerupgaming.ca.
Thinking About Selling Your Retro Games?
Retro gaming is not just nostalgia anymore. For a lot of people, it is collecting, preservation, childhood memories, and the thrill of finding something that has not been sitting on a regular retail shelf for decades.
That is why older video games can still hold real value. Nintendo, PlayStation, Sega, Xbox, Game Boy, GameCube, Wii, DS, 3DS, PSP, PS Vita, and many other systems still have strong collector demand. Some games are worth only a few dollars, some are worth a lot more, and some collections can add up quickly when everything is sorted properly.
The tricky part is figuring out where to sell them.
Selling retro games is not as simple as saying, “I have old games, who pays the most?” The best selling option depends on your time, your patience, the condition of your items, how rare they are, and whether you want cash or trade-in value.
That is where Power Up Gaming comes in.
At Power Up Gaming, we deal with retro video games every single day. We know the difference between common sports titles, sought-after RPGs, complete-in-box collector pieces, resurfaced discs, damaged labels, aftermarket cases, missing manuals, fake cartridges, and consoles that need proper testing before they can be resold.
That experience matters.
Best Overall Place to Sell Retro Games in Canada: Power Up Gaming
If you want a simple, trustworthy, Canadian option for selling retro games, Power Up Gaming should be your first stop.
Power Up Gaming is based in Barrie, Ontario and has been serving Canadian gamers since 2012. We buy and sell retro games, modern games, consoles, accessories, handheld systems, controllers, and gaming collectibles. Our website, powerupgaming.ca, serves customers across Canada with live inventory, shipping options, and a massive selection of used and retro video game products.
Selling to Power Up Gaming gives you a few major advantages:
| Why Sell to Power Up Gaming? | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Cash or store credit options | Choose the option that works best for you |
| Trade-in credit may offer better value | Great if you are upgrading your collection |
| Experienced retro game buyers | Your items are evaluated by people who understand the market |
| No listing fees | You do not lose money to platform fees |
| No online haggling | Skip the endless “is this available?” messages |
| No sketchy meetups | Avoid the risks of private selling |
| In-person or online options | Sell from Barrie or start through powerupgaming.ca |
| Professional disc restoration | Scratched discs are handled with proper equipment, not guesswork |
| Wide retro knowledge | We understand games, consoles, variants, accessories, and condition |
If you are looking for the best mix of convenience, trust, and fair value, Power Up Gaming is the strongest option.
Cash vs. Trade-In Credit: Which One Should You Choose?
One of the biggest decisions when selling retro games is whether you want cash or store credit.
Cash is straightforward. You sell your items, you get money, and you are done.
Store credit is often better if you are planning to buy more games, upgrade your console, replace a broken system, or put the value toward something else in the store. Since store credit keeps the value within Power Up Gaming, it may offer a better return than cash depending on the items, demand, condition, and current inventory needs.
That means if you are selling an old pile of games because you want to grab a Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, more retro games, accessories, controllers, or gift cards, trade-in credit may be the smarter move.
The simple version:
| Choose Cash If... | Choose Store Credit If... |
|---|---|
| You want money immediately | You plan to buy games or consoles |
| You are clearing out clutter | You want better value where available |
| You are not shopping right now | You are upgrading your collection |
| You want the simplest payout | You want to stretch your trade further |
At Power Up Gaming, we can help you understand both options so you can make the best choice for your situation.

What Makes Retro Games Valuable?
Not every old game is valuable, and not every valuable game looks impressive at first glance. Some games are expensive because they are rare. Some are expensive because they are popular. Some are valuable because collectors want complete copies with the box and manual. Some are valuable because they are hard to find in good condition.
The biggest value factors are condition, completeness, demand, rarity, authenticity, and whether the item needs cleaning, testing, repair, or restoration before it can be resold.
1. Condition
Condition is one of the biggest things that affects trade-in value, especially with disc-based games.
At Power Up Gaming, our resale standards are extremely high. Every disc we sell is expected to be completely spotless. That means scratches, scuffs, haze, fingerprints, ring marks, or surface wear will always affect the value of a trade-in.
For CD and DVD-based games, scratched discs may still have value, but we factor in the time, labour, and resurfacing process required to bring them up to our selling standard. We use a professional robotic disc refinisher to restore discs to a clean, glass-like finish before they are put out for sale.
Blu-ray format discs are held to an even stricter standard. PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, and other Blu-ray-based discs cannot have marks on them if they are going to meet our resale expectations. Even light marks can reduce the trade-in value because we only want spotless discs going back out to customers.
This is part of why buying used games from Power Up Gaming is different. We are not just tossing scratched discs onto a shelf and hoping for the best. We inspect, clean, test, and refinish discs properly so customers can buy with confidence.
For cartridge games, condition still matters in a different way. Torn labels, writing, sun fading, cracked shells, corrosion, dirt, missing screws, battery issues, and signs of tampering can all affect value.
For boxed games, the condition of the box can make a huge difference. A clean complete copy with the original box and manual is usually worth more than a loose copy, especially for older Nintendo, Sega, and PlayStation titles.
2. Completeness
A loose game is usually worth less than a complete copy.
A complete game usually includes:
| Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Original case or box | Collectors want original packaging |
| Manual | Missing manuals can reduce value |
| Inserts | Registration cards, maps, posters, and bonus materials can matter |
| Original artwork | Reprinted covers are not the same as original artwork |
| Correct disc or cartridge | Mismatched parts can lower value |
Complete-in-box retro games often bring stronger value, especially for systems like Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, GameCube, PlayStation, Sega Genesis, and other collector-heavy platforms.
That does not mean loose games are worthless. Many loose cartridges and loose discs still have value. It simply means that complete copies usually perform better with collectors and can result in a stronger offer.
3. Demand
Some games are valuable because everyone still wants them.
Popular franchises, RPGs, horror games, Nintendo classics, limited print titles, unusual late-release games, and sought-after multiplayer games often perform better than common titles. Demand can shift over time too. A game that sat quietly for years can suddenly spike because of a sequel, remake, YouTube video, collector trend, or nostalgia cycle.
The Canadian market can also behave differently from other markets. Availability, shipping costs, exchange rates, and local demand can all affect what a game is worth here.
4. Rarity
Rarity is different from age.
A game can be old and still common. A game can be newer and surprisingly hard to find. A title that was printed in smaller numbers, released late in a console’s life, or overlooked at launch may be more desirable today.
That is why experience matters. Power Up Gaming sees these items constantly and understands which titles are actually in demand versus which ones are simply old.
5. Authenticity
Fake retro games are a real issue, especially with cartridge-based systems and handheld games.
Some reproduction cartridges are obvious. Others are much harder to spot unless you know what to look for. Label quality, screw type, circuit boards, shell colour, fonts, weight, and even save behaviour can all matter.
Selling to a professional retro game store like Power Up Gaming helps remove some of that uncertainty. We inspect products carefully and understand the difference between authentic items, replacement parts, reproductions, and aftermarket accessories.

Top Places to Sell Retro Games in Canada
There are several ways to sell retro games in Canada, but not all of them are equal. Some are faster. Some may pay more if you are patient. Some are safer. Some are a giant time-sucking goblin hole where you spend three weeks answering messages from people who vanish immediately after asking for a discount.
Here is the practical breakdown.
1. Power Up Gaming
Best for: Overall value, convenience, trust, cash, trade-in credit, expert evaluation, and professional game restoration.
Power Up Gaming is the best starting point for most sellers because it removes the friction from the process. You do not need to photograph every item, write listings, calculate shipping, chase buyers, negotiate endlessly, or deal with chargebacks and meetup risks.
You can bring your items to our Barrie store or start online through powerupgaming.ca.
Power Up Gaming is a strong choice if you are selling:
| We Buy | Examples |
|---|---|
| Retro games | NES, SNES, N64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, Game Boy, DS, 3DS, Sega, PlayStation, Xbox, and more |
| Modern games | Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, and more |
| Consoles | Working systems, handhelds, bundles, and accessories |
| Controllers | Original controllers, specialty controllers, and accessories |
| Large collections | Great if you are clearing out a basement, storage room, or long-time collection |
| Collector items | Complete games, limited editions, sealed items, and harder-to-find pieces |
| Disc-based games | CD, DVD, and Blu-ray format games that can meet our quality standards |
| Accessories | Cables, memory cards, adapters, chargers, and other gaming extras |
Power Up Gaming is especially useful if you do not know what you have. A random box of games can include a mix of common titles, hidden gems, valuable accessories, low-value filler, and items that need testing. Sorting that yourself can take hours. We do this every day.
2. Private Local Sales
Best for: Sellers who want to try for the highest possible price and do not mind doing the work.
Private local selling can sometimes get you more money than selling to a store, but it comes with trade-offs. You have to take photos, research prices, write listings, respond to messages, negotiate, arrange pickup times, and hope the person actually shows up.
You also have to be careful. Meet in a public place, avoid giving out personal information, be cautious with payment methods, and trust your instincts if something feels wrong.
Private selling works best when:
| Private Selling Works Best If... |
|---|
| You have time to wait |
| You are comfortable negotiating |
| You know how to price your games |
| You can take good photos |
| You are willing to deal with no-shows |
| You are selling a few desirable items instead of a huge mixed pile |
Private selling is not bad. It is just more work. For a lot of people, the extra effort is not worth the small difference they may or may not get.
3. Online Marketplaces
Best for: Patient sellers with rare items, strong photos, and shipping experience.
Online selling can be powerful because it gives you access to more buyers. If you have rare games, complete boxed items, or collector pieces, this can sometimes help you reach someone specifically looking for that exact item.
The downside is that online selling can be a hassle. You need to deal with shipping, packing, tracking, buyer disputes, payment holds, returns, fees, and sometimes people who expect collector-grade condition from three blurry photos and vibes.
Online selling works best if you are organized and willing to treat the process seriously.
Before listing games online, make sure you:
| Online Selling Checklist |
|---|
| Take clear photos of the front, back, spine, disc, manual, cartridge label, and any damage |
| Mention missing manuals, damaged artwork, stickers, scratches, cracks, fading, or writing |
| Test games and consoles when possible |
| Use sturdy packaging |
| Ship with tracking for valuable items |
| Keep records of messages, payments, and shipping |
| Understand the platform rules before selling |
Online selling can get results, but it is not passive. It is basically a small side business once you are doing it properly.
4. Collector Groups and Hobby Communities
Best for: Specific items, niche collectors, and people who enjoy the community side of selling.
Collector groups can be great if you have unusual items, variants, imports, boxed games, console bundles, or harder-to-find pieces. The buyers in these groups often know what they are looking at, which can be helpful.
The downside is that knowledgeable buyers can also be very picky. They may ask for detailed photos, board pictures, condition notes, authenticity proof, and price justification. That is fair, but it can take time.
Collector communities are best if you already enjoy talking games and do not mind the back-and-forth.
5. Game Conventions and Collector Shows
Best for: Sellers with large collections, vendor experience, or rare items.
Game shows, collector events, and conventions can be fun places to sell, but they are not always practical for the average person. Vendor tables can cost money, setup takes time, and you need to price and display your items properly.
This option makes more sense if you have a large amount of inventory or you already enjoy doing events. If you just have a box of old games from your closet, selling to Power Up Gaming is probably much easier.
6. Selling as a Full Collection
Best for: People who want everything gone at once.
Selling a full collection can be a smart move if you do not want to piece everything out one item at a time. The biggest mistake people make is assuming that every game in the box has equal value.
A collection usually has a mix of:
| Collection Type | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Heavy hitters | Valuable or in-demand titles |
| Mid-range games | Solid sellers but not rare |
| Common games | Lower-value titles that still add up |
| Accessories | Controllers, memory cards, cables, adapters |
| Condition issues | Scratched discs, damaged labels, missing manuals |
| Untested hardware | Consoles that may need cleaning, parts, or repair |
At Power Up Gaming, we evaluate collections with the full picture in mind. A big collection is not just “how many games are there?” It is about sell-through, condition, demand, authenticity, missing parts, testing time, cleaning time, refinishing time, and current inventory levels.

Why Selling to Power Up Gaming Makes Sense
There is a reason many people choose a trusted game store instead of selling everything themselves.
Power Up Gaming gives you a smoother process. You are not gambling on strangers, chasing replies, eating seller fees, estimating shipping, or trying to figure out whether a game is real, complete, damaged, rare, or common.
You are dealing with a Canadian retro gaming business that lives and breathes this stuff.
We Know Retro Games
Retro games are not just “old games.” There are variants, print runs, accessories, compatibility issues, save batteries, disc resurfacing needs, controller problems, fake cartridges, missing inserts, and condition differences that can seriously affect value.
We understand that.
We Professionally Refinish Disc-Based Games
Disc condition matters, and we take it seriously.
Power Up Gaming uses a professional robotic disc refinisher to restore scratched discs to a clean, glass-like finish before they are sold. This allows us to maintain a higher standard than casual sellers and many used game shops.
Because of that, scratches will always affect trade-in value. If a disc comes in with scratches, scuffs, marks, or surface wear, that time and restoration process are factored into the offer.
Blu-ray format games are held to especially strict standards. These discs need to be spotless to meet our resale expectations. We want every disc leaving our store to look clean, professional, and ready for the next customer.
This is one of the reasons customers trust Power Up Gaming when buying used games from powerupgaming.ca. They know we are not just selling whatever comes through the door. We inspect it, clean it, test it, and make sure it meets our standards first.
We Buy More Than Just Games
A lot of sellers forget that accessories and hardware can have value too. Controllers, power supplies, AV cables, memory cards, adapters, handheld chargers, expansion accessories, steering wheels, light guns, and specialty items can all matter.
Do not assume something is worthless just because it is not a game.
We Offer Cash and Store Credit Options
Sometimes cash makes the most sense. Sometimes trade-in credit is the better move. Power Up Gaming gives you options so you can decide what works best for you.
We Make It Easier
No listings. No awkward meetups. No scams. No packing a dozen separate orders. No “can you hold this until Friday?” messages from someone who disappears into the mist forever.
Just a simpler way to sell your games.
We Are Canadian
Power Up Gaming is based in Barrie, Ontario and serves Canadian gamers through powerupgaming.ca. That matters because Canadian sellers deal with Canadian shipping costs, Canadian market demand, Canadian taxes, Canadian payment habits, and Canadian buyers.
The Canadian market is not always the same as the American market, especially once shipping, exchange rates, and availability are factored in.

What Should You Do Before Selling Your Retro Games?
Before bringing in or submitting your items, a little preparation can help.
1. Gather Everything Together
Bring the games, consoles, cables, controllers, memory cards, manuals, boxes, and accessories together. A console without cables may still have value, but a complete working setup is usually better.
2. Do Not Throw Away Boxes or Manuals
This is a huge one.
Old cardboard boxes, manuals, maps, inserts, and original cases can add value. Even if the box looks worn, do not toss it before getting it checked. Some collectors would rather have a worn original box than no box at all.
3. Be Honest About Condition
If something does not work, say so. If a console has trouble reading discs, mention it. If a cartridge only works after being cleaned repeatedly, mention it. If a controller has drift, sticky buttons, or a loose joystick, mention it.
If discs are scratched, marked, hazy, or scuffed, that matters too. At Power Up Gaming, scratched discs are not ignored. They are evaluated properly because they require professional refinishing before resale. For Blu-ray format games, marks are especially important because our standards require those discs to be spotless.
Honesty helps everyone.
4. Do Not Clean Too Aggressively
Light dusting is fine. But avoid using harsh chemicals, soaking labels, opening items if you are unsure, or trying risky repairs. Sometimes well-meaning cleaning can damage labels, artwork, plastic, or electronics.
For discs, avoid home resurfacing machines, abrasive cleaners, toothpaste, polish, or random internet “fixes.” They can make the damage worse. Power Up Gaming uses proper professional equipment for disc refinishing.
5. Check for Personal Data
For newer systems, make sure personal profiles, payment information, screenshots, and saved data are removed if possible. If you are unsure how to do that, ask us.
6. Bring ID for In-Store Trades
For safety, record keeping, and fraud prevention, identification may be required for in-store trades or sales. This helps protect the store, customers, and legitimate sellers.
Common Retro Games and Systems People Sell
Power Up Gaming buys a wide variety of gaming items. Some of the most common categories include:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Nintendo home consoles | NES, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, Switch |
| Nintendo handhelds | Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, DS, 3DS |
| PlayStation | PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5, PSP, PS Vita |
| Xbox | Original Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series |
| Sega | Genesis, Dreamcast, Saturn, Game Gear, Master System |
| Accessories | Controllers, cables, adapters, memory cards, chargers |
| Collector items | Complete games, limited editions, sealed games, boxed consoles |
| Modern games | Current and recent-generation titles |
Even if you are not sure whether something counts as “retro,” bring it in or ask. Gaming generations move fast, and yesterday’s common console can become tomorrow’s nostalgia machine.
Should You Sell Games Individually or as a Lot?
This depends on your goals.
Selling individually can sometimes bring in more money, but it takes longer. Selling as a lot is faster, easier, and cleaner.
| Selling Style | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Individual sale | Potential for higher price per item | Slow, more work, more messages, more shipping |
| Full collection sale | Fast and simple | May not maximize every individual item |
| Trade-in to Power Up Gaming | Easy, professional, cash or credit options | Offer reflects resale needs, condition, and demand |
| Online selling | Larger buyer pool | Fees, disputes, shipping, returns, scams |
| Local private sale | No shipping | Haggling, no-shows, safety concerns |
For most casual sellers, trading or selling the collection to Power Up Gaming is the better balance. You save time, avoid stress, and still get value from items you are no longer using.

How Power Up Gaming Evaluates Trade-Ins
Every trade is different, but these are the types of things we look at:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Current demand | Some games sell quickly, while others sit longer |
| Condition | Scratches, label damage, cracks, fading, stains, and wear all affect value |
| Disc quality | Scratched discs are reduced in value because they must be professionally refinished before resale |
| Blu-ray format standards | Blu-ray-based games must be spotless to meet Power Up Gaming’s quality expectations |
| Completeness | Box, manual, inserts, and original parts can increase value |
| Authenticity | Reproductions and fake cartridges affect value |
| Current stock | If we already have too many copies, trade value may change |
| Testing needs | Consoles, controllers, and accessories require inspection and testing |
| Cleaning and restoration needs | Dirty, scratched, or damaged items require extra work before resale |
| Resale price | Trade value must make sense compared to expected resale price |
| Warranty risk | Used consoles and accessories carry testing and support costs |
This is why two games from the same system can have very different trade values. It is not just age. It is demand, condition, availability, and how likely the item is to sell.
Why You Should Avoid Guessing Based on Asking Prices
One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is pricing their games based on what someone is asking online.
Asking price is not the same as selling price.
A person can list a game for any number they want. That does not mean it sold for that number. When evaluating games, it is better to look at realistic sold prices, current demand, condition, completeness, and how fast the item is likely to move.
Power Up Gaming deals with real market movement every day. We are not just looking at fantasy listing prices. We are looking at what makes sense in the current Canadian market.
Selling Retro Games Online: What to Watch Out For
Selling online can work, but there are real risks.
Common issues include:
| Risk | What Can Happen |
|---|---|
| No-shows | Buyers waste your time |
| Lowball offers | People offer far below fair value |
| Payment scams | Fake transfers, chargebacks, or suspicious payment requests |
| Shipping damage | Poor packing can ruin an item |
| Buyer disputes | Claims about condition, delivery, or authenticity |
| Platform fees | Your final payout may be lower than expected |
| Returns | You may have to deal with refunds or returned items |
| Condition complaints | Buyers may expect perfection |
For cheaper games, online selling often is not worth the effort. By the time you take photos, answer messages, package the item, ship it, pay fees, and handle risk, the profit may not justify the work.
That is why many sellers prefer bringing everything to Power Up Gaming and letting us handle the resale side.
Shipping Retro Games in Canada
If you choose to sell online, shipping matters.
Video games are not hard to ship, but they are easy to damage if packed lazily. Disc cases crack. Cardboard boxes crush. Manuals bend. Cartridge labels peel. Consoles break if they bounce around loose in a box.
Use proper packing materials, protect corners, and choose tracked shipping when the item has real value.
If you are mailing items to Power Up Gaming as part of a trade-in or purchase arrangement, make sure everything is packed carefully and that you follow the instructions given during the process.
Legal and Tax Things to Keep in Mind
For most people selling a few personal games from their own collection, this is usually simple. But if you are buying and reselling regularly, selling large amounts, or operating like a business, you may have tax and record-keeping responsibilities.
This is not tax advice, but it is smart to keep basic records of what you sold, when you sold it, and what you received. If you are unsure, speak with a qualified tax professional.
Also, avoid selling counterfeit games as authentic. Reproduction cartridges, fake labels, bootlegs, and modified items should be clearly identified. Selling fake items as real is bad for collectors and can cause serious problems.
The Best Place to Sell Retro Games Depends on Your Goal
Here is the simple breakdown:
| Your Goal | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Fast and easy sale | Power Up Gaming |
| Cash for games | Power Up Gaming |
| Better value toward more games | Power Up Gaming trade-in credit |
| Avoid online scams | Power Up Gaming |
| Sell a huge collection | Power Up Gaming |
| Sell rare items individually | Online or collector sale, if you have time |
| Avoid shipping | In-store trade or local sale |
| Maximize every dollar slowly | Private selling |
For most sellers, Power Up Gaming is the best first move because it gives you a realistic idea of value without forcing you into the grind of private selling.
Ready to Sell Your Retro Games?
If you have old games, consoles, handhelds, accessories, or a full collection sitting around, Power Up Gaming can help.
Bring your items to our Barrie, Ontario store or start the process online at powerupgaming.ca. Whether you want cash, store credit, or help figuring out what your collection is worth, we are here to make the process easier.
Your old games still have life left in them. Let us help them find their next player.
Visit powerupgaming.ca today and start your trade-in with Power Up Gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best place to sell retro games in Canada?
For most people, Power Up Gaming is one of the best places to sell retro games in Canada because we offer cash and store credit options, expert evaluations, professional disc restoration, and a simple process. You can visit us in Barrie, Ontario or start online at powerupgaming.ca.
Does Power Up Gaming buy retro games?
Yes. Power Up Gaming buys retro games, modern games, consoles, handheld systems, controllers, accessories, and gaming collections. We evaluate items based on condition, demand, completeness, authenticity, current stock, restoration needs, and resale potential.
Can I sell my games online to Power Up Gaming?
Yes. If you are not local to Barrie, you can start the process through powerupgaming.ca. Mailed-in items are inspected before final approval and payment.
Does Power Up Gaming offer cash or trade-in credit?
Power Up Gaming may offer cash or store credit depending on the items, condition, demand, and whether the trade makes sense. Store credit may offer better value when you are planning to buy more games, consoles, or accessories.
Are old video games worth money?
Some are. Value depends on the title, platform, condition, completeness, authenticity, and demand. A common loose sports game may not be worth much, while a complete collector-grade RPG, horror game, Nintendo title, or rare release can be worth significantly more.
Are complete-in-box games worth more?
Usually, yes. Games with the original box, manual, inserts, maps, and artwork often have stronger collector value than loose copies. This is especially true for older cartridge-based systems and popular retro platforms.
Should I clean my games before selling them?
Light cleaning is fine, but avoid harsh chemicals, soaking labels, opening cartridges, or attempting repairs unless you know what you are doing. Accidental damage can lower the value. If you are unsure, bring the item in as-is.
For discs, avoid home repair tricks or cheap resurfacing attempts. Power Up Gaming uses professional robotic disc refinishing equipment to restore scratched discs properly.
Do scratched discs have value?
Sometimes, yes, but scratches always affect the value.
At Power Up Gaming, every disc we sell is expected to be spotless. If a disc comes in with scratches or marks, we reduce the value because it needs to go through our professional robotic disc refinisher before it can be resold. Our refinishing process gives discs a clean, glass-like finish and helps us maintain the quality customers expect from Power Up Gaming.
Blu-ray-based games, including many PlayStation and Xbox titles, are held to an even higher standard. These discs need to be free of marks to meet our resale expectations.
Why does Power Up Gaming reduce trade value for scratched discs?
Scratched discs require extra work before they can be sold. At Power Up Gaming, we do not sell scratched discs. We inspect them, clean them, and run them through our robotic disc refinisher when needed so they can meet our quality standards.
That restoration process takes time, labour, and professional equipment, so scratches are factored into the trade-in value.
Can Power Up Gaming fix scratched discs?
In many cases, yes. Power Up Gaming uses a professional robotic disc refinisher to restore many scratched CD and DVD-based games to a clean, glass-like finish.
However, not every disc can be saved. Deep damage, cracks, label-side damage, disc rot, and certain types of Blu-ray damage may not be repairable.
Do Blu-ray games lose value if they have marks?
Yes. Blu-ray format discs are held to very high standards at Power Up Gaming. These discs need to be spotless to meet our resale expectations, so marks, scratches, scuffs, or surface wear can reduce trade-in value.
Can I sell broken consoles?
Possibly. Broken or untested consoles may still have value for parts or repair, depending on the system and issue. Be upfront about known problems so the item can be evaluated properly.
Is it better to sell games individually or as a collection?
Selling individually may bring more money if you have the time, knowledge, and patience. Selling as a collection is faster and easier. Trading or selling to Power Up Gaming is often the best balance between value and convenience.
How do I know if my retro games are authentic?
Authenticity can depend on cartridge boards, labels, shells, screws, print quality, weight, and other details. Fake and reproduction games are common in some categories. Power Up Gaming has experience identifying authentic games and evaluating reproductions properly.
What should I bring when selling games in store?
Bring the games, consoles, controllers, cables, memory cards, chargers, manuals, boxes, and any accessories you have. You may also need identification for in-store trades or sales.
Why should I sell to Power Up Gaming instead of privately?
Private selling can sometimes bring more money, but it takes more time and comes with more risk. Power Up Gaming gives you a simpler process, expert evaluation, cash or credit options, professional disc restoration, and no need to deal with online messages, no-shows, fees, shipping disputes, or unsafe meetups.
Where is Power Up Gaming located?
Power Up Gaming is located in Barrie, Ontario and serves customers across Canada through powerupgaming.ca.
How do I start selling my retro games to Power Up Gaming?
Visit powerupgaming.ca and look for the Trade-In/Sell Your Games section, or bring your items directly to the Barrie store. Power Up Gaming can help you turn unused games, consoles, and accessories into cash, store credit, or your next round of gaming memories.





2 comments
Bill Klyne
Yep, I sold some games and consoles to Power Up Gaming a while back and had a really good experience with it. I probably could have made a bit more if I listed everything myself on Marketplace or eBay, but honestly, I didn’t want to deal with messages, no-shows, shipping, or people trying to haggle over every item. And then the people that try and rip you off.
Their offer felt fair for what I sent to them. They explained that condition, demand, current stock, and resale value all factor into the price, which made sense. The process was pretty straightforward, and the payout was quicker than I expected once everything was checked over.
For me, it was worth it because I wanted the collection gone without turning it into a part-time job. If you’re trying to squeeze every last dollar out of your games, selling privately might be better. But if you want something easy, safe, and pretty painless, I’d definitely use them again.
James
Has anyone here sold games on PowerUpGaming.ca before? I’m curious how their prices and selling speed compare to platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Are offers generally fair, or do they tend to undervalue items? Also, how quick is the payout process? Would love to hear some firsthand experiences to figure out if it’s worth using alongside or instead of the bigger marketplaces.