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Buying Video Games Online

The first and last stop for many video game buyers searching for used games is usually eBay. As the world's largest garage sale, eBay has revolutionized the way people do business and make money online. The field of electronics drop shipping did not really take off until the power sellers realized the potential and power of eBay sales. However, as much of a powerhouse as eBay has become to sellers, it has become an occasional curse for buyers. Before strict legal regulations were adopted, it was sometimes possible for illegitimate sellers to place a listing for a popular video game with tricky wording that resulted in you paying $50.00 for a picture of a video game rather than a video game itself.

While this is not anywhere near as prevalent as a problem today, it is still very important to know exactly what to look for when purchasing used video games on eBay. There are scams on the market that can actually land you, the buyer, in some trouble even when your purchase was made entirely in good faith and honestly. When it comes to the bottom line, no amount of a discount is worth it if you don't get the product you expected when you made your purchase. This eBay used video game buyer's guide will help you identify scams, make smart purchases and know when the deal you are getting really is too good to be true.

PSX JAP NIB FAMICON

Any of the above title make sense to you? It should when you are buying used video games on eBay. One of the first problems that used video game buyers facing a purchase on eBay face is getting used to the lingo commonly used in game descriptions. Don't worry. You're not a "noob." Such descriptions are sometimes used to trick buyers into making a purchase that they don't quite understand. Familiarity with all of the possible terms or abbreviations used to describe video games is almost impossible. However, some of the terms that are commonly used and their meanings are included below:

NIB - This means that the video game is actually new and still in the original box in which they were sold. If you purchase a game with this abbreviation, you should expect it to be in absolutely Perfect Condition just short of being sealed in a airtight box for 15 years.

LNIB - This terms means that, although the game has been opened (and likely previously played), it is still sold with the original box and in good enough condition to pass for new. These will be the most expensive used games. Remember that used games can be resealed to resemble NIB. The real value comes in the condition of the box, manual and game within it.

JAP - This term means that the used game is the Japanese version. Not only will the game not work in most unaltered American systems, but the in game text will be, of course, Japanese. Hardcore fans often see these copies as used game gold. In truth, they are worth little more than American versions. One listing we remembered seeing was a third party listing that misinterpreted this abbreviation as "Just as New" as an actual new copy. It might seem silly but it happens.

PSX - Sony has a habit of changing the names of their systems based on their release - even though it is technically the same system. The term used to describe all systems that are specifically designed to play original Playstation games is PSX. This includes Playstation and PSOne (the slimmer version of the original, boxy Playstation).

FAMICON - The Famicon is the Japanese counterpart to the Nintendo. The Super Famicon is the counterpart to the Super Nintendo. Neither system's games are compatible with each other. However, the top loading Nintendo can play games designed for the Famicon. For Japanese releases not available in the United States, this is a way to experience games that are difficult to find.

Evaluating eBay Sellers

One of the first things that you can do to protect yourself from illegitimate eBay sellers is to consider their feedback. Don't just be satisfied with their overall rating. Read the negative reviews and see what the problems were. Perhaps the seller makes their money by copying games and manuals and reselling them as used games. While the casual shopper may not care, the video game collector would be furious to find that their great find was actually an illegal copy. Although the FBI is unlikely to come busting down your door to take your game away and charge you with a crime, it is illegal to own such a copy of a game, even if you were tricked into buying it.

Look for pictures of the specific game being sold. If there are no pictures or it is obvious that the included pictures are not of the game being sold (promotional pictures or a picture of the game on the shelf in Walmart), move on to another listing. With so many game sellers available on eBay, there is no reason that you should take a chance with a listing that does not advertise their product correctly.

Ask the seller some questions. Many the child adopted the bad habit of scrawling their name on the back of their N64 cartridges or making notes in the manual. If this is not something that you can accept, ask if it is the case and make sure you have a record of the question and answer. You can get a full or partial refund in the future if the game arrives in a certain condition and you specifically asked about a problem that the game had. This can also help you identify if the seller actually takes the time to answer questions. If not, they will likely also take their time shipping your order and resolving any issues that you may have.

About the Author

Game Podunk is an avid game community boosting positive gaming while helping gamers make informed decisions related to the changes of the industry.  What does positive gaming mean to you? Join our community to discuss now.

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