CONDITION GUIDELINES
Know what to expect before you sell.
We want your items, and we want you to have a good experience selling to us.
Accurate Offers
Offers are based on the item, condition, and completeness you select when submitting your trade.
Expert Verification
Once your items arrive, our team verifies, tests, or inspects them as needed.
Fair Adjustments
If something materially changes an item’s value, we’ll adjust the offer based on that specific issue and show you why.
Our goal is for the offer you see when submitting your trade to be as close as possible to what you actually receive. Offers are based on the item, condition, and completeness you select when submitting your trade.
Once your items arrive, our team verifies, tests, or inspects them as needed. We are not looking for museum-quality games, flawless boxes, or perfectly untouched consoles — but wear is still evaluated against the condition you selected.
If something materially changes an item’s value — such as missing pieces, damage, a different condition, or a functional issue — we’ll adjust the offer based on that specific issue and show you why.
We also try not to zero out items just because they aren’t perfect. If something still has value to us, we want to make an offer for it. That’s why we buy many non-working consoles and repairable items. Some items may still have no trade value if they are unsafe, counterfeit, missing entirely, or beyond repair.
For mail-in trades, you’ll be able to review any adjustments before payout.
General Guidelines
Light Cosmetic Wear
Used items do not have to look brand new. Light cosmetic wear is evaluated item by item — these examples usually do not change an offer on their own:
- Light surface scuffs
- Minor case wear
- Fingerprints
- Very light disc scratches
- Minor signs of handling
What Can Affect Your Offer?
- Missing required pieces
- Heavy scratches or physical damage
- Missing or damaged artwork
- Torn or heavily damaged labels
- Marker, stickers, or adhesive residue
- Water damage or corrosion
- Broken shells, hinges, ports, or buttons
- Items that do not function properly
- Incorrect model, version, or components
- Third-party parts when OEM parts were expected
- Reproduction or counterfeit items
Please clean items reasonably before sending them. Items requiring significant cleaning or repair may receive an adjustment.
How Adjustments Work
We do not use a generic 10-point grading scale. We look at the actual issue affecting your item.
Depending on the item and issue, an adjustment may be:
- A fixed-dollar deduction
- A percentage deduction
- The value or replacement cost of a missing required component
- A change to the item’s condition
- A change from Complete to Loose
- A change from Working to Non-Working
- A full deduction when an item has no trade value
More than one issue can apply to the same item, but your payout will never go below $0.
A Few Examples
Complete game missing the case or artwork
If a game is submitted as Complete but is missing the case or artwork, it may be repriced at our Loose offer instead.
Near Mint card verified as Lightly Played
If a card is submitted as Near Mint but our team verifies it as Lightly Played, the card is repriced using our Lightly Played offer.
Console missing a required controller
If a console is missing a required controller, the adjustment is based on that specific controller or required component.
Cracked or unreadable game
If a disc is cracked or cannot be read, it may have no trade value.
The exact adjustment will be shown with your trade when applicable.
Item-Specific Guidelines
Open a category for the full condition rules. Everything here still applies — it just stays out of the way until you need it.
Disc-Based GamesDisc-based games should be authentic, correct, readable, and complete for the condition selected.See full guidelinesHide guidelines
Light scratches do not automatically mean a deduction, but heavy damage, missing artwork, cracks, or unreadable discs can affect value.
Examples: PlayStation, PlayStation 2–5, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, Dreamcast, and other disc-based systems.
Disc Game Conditions
New
Factory sealed and unopened in the original packaging.
Complete / CIB
Includes the game, original case, and original cover artwork.
When a manual or other insert is required for the specific condition selected, it must also be present.
Missing Manual
Includes the game, original case, and original artwork, but is missing the manual.
This condition is only used for games where the manual affects the item’s value.
Loose
Game disc only.
Full-Offer Condition
A typical full-offer disc game should:
- Be authentic
- Be the correct game and version submitted
- Read and play properly
- Have only normal or light disc wear
- Include everything required for the condition selected
- Have usable, presentable artwork when submitted as Complete
- Be free of major water damage, mold, or other significant damage
Disc Issues That May Affect Value
Your offer may be adjusted for:
- Moderate or heavy scratches
- Damage that requires resurfacing or additional processing
- Deep scratches
- Damage to the data/top layer of a disc
- Cracks
- Disc rot, delamination, or other disc damage
- A disc that will not read or play
- A game that does not work until it is cleaned
- Marker, adhesive, or heavy residue
- Incorrect disc or version
A cracked or unplayable disc may have no trade value.
Case, Artwork & Manual Issues
When you submit a game as Complete, we also inspect the packaging.
Adjustments may apply for:
- Missing artwork
- Significant tears or cuts
- Heavy fading
- Water damage
- Mold
- Writing or marker
- Stickers placed directly on the artwork
- Heavy adhesive residue
- Missing manuals when a manual is part of the submitted condition
If missing pieces change the game’s actual condition, we may reprice it at the correct condition instead of applying an arbitrary deduction.
For example, a Complete game with no case or artwork may be changed to Loose.
Replacement plastic cases themselves are generally much less important than having the correct, original artwork.
Cartridge-Based GamesCartridge games should be authentic, readable, structurally sound, and have clean functional contacts.See full guidelinesHide guidelines
Normal light wear is okay, but label damage, corrosion, cracked shells, heavy grime, or games that do not read may affect value.
Examples: NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, Sega Genesis, and other cartridge-based systems.
Full-Offer Condition
A typical full-offer cartridge should:
- Be authentic
- Be the correct game and version submitted
- Read and play properly
- Have a structurally sound cartridge shell
- Have clean, functional contacts
- Have an intact and identifiable label
- Include the box/manual when submitted in a condition that requires them
Normal light wear from age and use is okay.
Cartridge Issues That May Affect Value
Adjustments may apply for:
- Torn or heavily worn labels
- Significant label fading
- Marker or writing
- Stickers or adhesive residue
- Heavy dirt or grime
- Cracked or chipped cartridge shells
- Corroded contacts
- Internal damage
- Games that require significant cleaning or repair to function
- Games that intermittently read or do not read at all
Minor label wear or small cosmetic marks do not automatically mean a major deduction.
Save Batteries
A dry save battery in an otherwise working cartridge does not necessarily mean the game itself is non-working.
Battery-related adjustments, when applicable, are handled separately from whether the cartridge can actually boot and play.
Reproduction & Counterfeit Games
Reproduction, counterfeit, or otherwise inauthentic games are not valued as authentic copies.
If a game was submitted as authentic and is determined to be counterfeit or a reproduction, the authentic game’s offer will be removed.
Boxes & Manuals
For cartridge games submitted as Complete:
- The correct game must be included
- The box must match the game
- Required manuals or inserts must be present for the selected condition
Missing components may cause the item to be repriced at a different condition, including Missing Manual or Loose, depending on what is present.
ConsolesWorking consoles should power on, function normally, output video/audio, and include the required components for the offer selected.See full guidelinesHide guidelines
Missing required parts, disc-drive problems, broken ports, account locks, or other functional issues may affect value.
Full-Offer Condition
A typical working console should:
- Power on and function normally
- Read games when applicable
- Output video and audio properly
- Have functional buttons and ports
- Be reasonably clean
- Be free of major cracks or structural damage
- Be factory reset and free of personal information
- Include the components required for the offer selected
Normal cosmetic wear from use is expected.
Required Controllers, Cords & Accessories
Different consoles require different pieces.
Rather than automatically deducting the same amount for every missing cord or controller, we evaluate what is actually required for that console.
Depending on the system, required pieces may include:
- OEM controller
- Joy-Con pair
- Power adapter
- Dock
- Proprietary AV cable
- Sensor bar
- Hard drive or storage component
- Other system-specific accessories
If a required item is missing, the adjustment may be based on the value or replacement cost of that specific component.
Not every console requires every cable. For example, a generic HDMI cable is not automatically treated the same way as a proprietary power supply.
Special-edition systems and bundles may require the matching controller or accessory to receive the full offer for that version.
Console Issues That May Affect Value
Adjustments may apply for:
- Heavy scratching or gouging
- Cracks or broken plastic
- Missing doors, covers, or panels when they materially affect value
- Sticker residue or excessive dirt
- Yellowing or significant discoloration
- Damaged or loose ports
- Disc-drive problems
- Overheating
- Broken buttons
- Stick drift
- Significant internal contamination
- Missing required components
- Incorrect or third-party components
- Parental/account locks that prevent normal use
- Other functional issues
Non-Working Consoles
We buy many non-working items, but they need to be submitted and valued correctly.
If we have a Non-Working offer available and a console submitted as Working fails testing, the offer may be changed to the current Non-Working value.
If there is no applicable Non-Working offer or the item is beyond economical repair, it may have no trade value.
Handheld ConsolesHandhelds should power on, read games when applicable, have a working screen, working buttons, functional ports, and charge normally.See full guidelinesHide guidelines
Screen issues, broken hinges, stick drift, charging problems, battery issues, or missing required components may affect value.
Examples: Game Boy systems, Nintendo DS/3DS family, Nintendo Switch family, PSP, PS Vita, and other handheld gaming systems.
Full-Offer Condition
A typical working handheld should:
- Power on normally
- Read games when applicable
- Have a functional screen
- Have working buttons and controls
- Charge normally
- Have functional ports
- Have a battery that operates normally
- Be reasonably clean
- Be factory reset and free of personal information
Normal cosmetic wear is expected.
Handheld Issues That May Affect Value
Adjustments may apply for:
- Deep screen scratches
- Dead or defective pixels
- Screen discoloration
- Broken hinges
- Cracked shells
- Stick drift
- Non-working buttons
- Faulty cartridge slots
- Charging problems
- Damaged charging ports
- Significant battery problems
- Speaker or volume issues
- Heavy cosmetic damage
- Missing required components
Chargers, Styli & Battery Covers
Whether a charger, stylus, battery cover, or other accessory is required depends on the specific handheld and condition being offered.
If a component is required for the offer, we’ll show the adjustment for that specific missing piece.
Batteries
Normal battery aging is expected on older hardware.
However, batteries that are swollen, leaking, corroded, physically damaged, or unsafe to use may significantly affect the offer or make the item ineligible in its current state.
Controllers & AccessoriesControllers and accessories should be the correct model, authentic when submitted as OEM, connect properly, and have working buttons, sticks, triggers, and bumpers.See full guidelinesHide guidelines
Drift, corrosion, missing dongles, broken shells, or incorrect models may affect value.
Full-Offer Condition
A controller or accessory should:
- Be the correct model submitted
- Be authentic/OEM when submitted as an OEM product
- Power on or connect properly
- Have working buttons
- Have functional analog sticks
- Have working triggers and bumpers
- Be free of significant drift
- Include required proprietary cables, receivers, dongles, or covers when applicable
Normal cosmetic wear is okay.
Issues That May Affect Value
Adjustments may apply for:
- Analog stick drift
- Loose or damaged sticks
- Worn or missing thumbstick rubber
- Sticky or non-responsive buttons
- Broken triggers or bumpers
- Broken shells
- Battery corrosion
- Significant yellowing or discoloration
- Frayed or damaged cords
- Missing proprietary cables
- Missing wireless receivers or dongles
- Incorrect model or version
- Third-party controller submitted as an OEM controller
- Significant dirt, residue, marker, or stickers
Some controllers and accessories have model-specific requirements, so deductions can vary depending on the exact item.
Trading CardsFor trading card singles, Nerd Nation uses the same general condition framework used by TCGplayer.See full guidelinesHide guidelines
Cards are classified as:
- Near Mint (NM)
- Lightly Played (LP)
- Moderately Played (MP)
- Heavily Played (HP)
- Damaged (DMG)
We do not use “Mint” or “Gem Mint” as card conditions.
Near Mint is a marketplace condition, not a professional grading score.
If you submit a card as one condition and our team verifies it at another, your offer will be repriced using the verified condition.
NM — Near Mint
A Near Mint card should look nearly unplayed.
LP — Lightly Played
A Lightly Played card has minor signs of handling or play while still presenting very well overall.
MP — Moderately Played
A Moderately Played card has clearly visible wear.
HP — Heavily Played
A Heavily Played card shows substantial wear.
DMG — Damaged
A card is considered Damaged when wear or damage goes beyond the acceptable range for Heavily Played.
Full Card Condition Definitions Show detailsHide details
Near MintNM
A Near Mint card should look nearly unplayed.
It may have a very small amount of minor wear, but overall it should have:
- Clean surfaces
- Crisp corners
- Clean edges
- Little to no visible play wear
- No major defects
A tiny imperfection does not automatically prevent a card from being Near Mint.
However, a card with multiple noticeable flaws generally will not qualify.
Lightly PlayedLP
A Lightly Played card has minor signs of handling or play while still presenting very well overall.
Examples can include:
- Minor edge wear
- Small areas of whitening
- Light scratches
- Minor scuffing
- A handful of small imperfections
The card should not have significant structural damage.
Moderately PlayedMP
A Moderately Played card has clearly visible wear.
This can include:
- Noticeable edge wear
- Surface wear
- Scratches
- Scuffing
- Whitening
- Moderate combinations of imperfections
- Certain bends or creases that do not compromise the card’s structural integrity
The card should still be identifiable, authentic, and usable as a normal game piece.
Heavily PlayedHP
A Heavily Played card shows substantial wear.
Examples can include:
- Heavy edge wear
- Significant whitening
- Multiple scratches or scuffs
- Creasing
- Heavy surface wear
- Numerous visible imperfections
The card may look very played, but it must still be structurally intact and authentic.
Once damage begins compromising the physical integrity of the card, it may be considered Damaged instead.
DamagedDMG
A card is considered Damaged when wear or damage goes beyond the acceptable range for Heavily Played.
Examples may include:
- Tears
- Splitting
- Severe creases or bends
- Major border or surface wear
- Significant peeling
- Water or liquid damage
- Foreign substances
- Structural damage
- Damage that affects normal playability
- Damage that makes authentication difficult
Some Damaged cards may have little or no trade value depending on the card and the nature of the damage.
Card Defects & Alterations
Manufacturing defects can also affect condition.
Examples include:
- Significant miscuts
- Crimping
- Severe printing defects
- Surface defects
Alterations such as marker, paint, stamps, signatures, or other modifications may also cause a card to be treated as Damaged for standard conditioning purposes.
Unique, valuable, signed, or unusual cards may require individual review.
Foil Cards
Foil cards use the same overall condition standards as non-foil cards.
Because foil surfaces can make scratches, scuffing, clouding, or other imperfections easier to see, these issues can still affect the condition.
Curling may also affect condition when it becomes significant.
Card Language, Printing & Version
Condition is separate from the exact version of a card.
The following can all affect value independently of condition:
- Set
- Printing
- Foil/non-foil
- Rarity
- Language
- Edition
- Promotional version
- Other card variants
Please make sure the card submitted matches the version selected whenever possible.
New & Factory-Sealed ItemsNew items must still have the original factory seal intact.See full guidelinesHide guidelines
Opened, resealed, counterfeit, or heavily damaged sealed items may be repriced or have no value as authentic sealed merchandise.
An item submitted as New must still have its original factory seal intact.
Depending on the item, we may look for:
- Original factory wrapping or security seal
- No evidence of opening or resealing
- Correct original contents
- No major packaging damage
- No significant water damage
- No mold or contamination
If the original seal has been opened, the item can no longer receive a New offer and will be evaluated at the appropriate opened condition.
Counterfeit or resealed products have no value as authentic sealed merchandise.
What Happens If We Find a Difference?
Our goal isn’t to look for reasons to lower your trade.
Our goal is to pay the correct offer for the item we actually receive.
If your item matches what you submitted, you receive the quoted offer.
If something is different, we’ll document the reason and update the offer accordingly.
For mail-in trades with adjustments:
- We inspect your items.
- We record any condition or completeness differences.
- Your updated offer shows the adjustments.
- You review the changes.
- You approve the updated offer before payout.
When helpful, photos may also be included so you can see the issue we found.
Multiple Issues
Occasionally, an item has more than one problem.
For example, a console could be missing its controller and have a damaged disc drive.
When multiple independent issues affect value, more than one adjustment may apply.
Adjustments can never reduce an item’s trade value below $0.
Questions About Your Trade?
Condition isn’t always black and white, especially with older games, unusual hardware, and high-value trading cards.
If you’re unsure which condition to select, choose the condition that seems most accurate. Our team will verify it when your trade arrives.
We’d rather make the process clear than surprise you later.