Pricecharting Review: Is The Data Accurate For Retro Video Games?
Anyone who collects retro video games quickly learns how prices change over time. Whether you’re buying a rare NES cartridge or selling old PlayStation games, knowing the true value is important. Pricecharting is a popular tool for checking these values, but many collectors ask: “Can I trust Pricecharting’s data?” This article explores how Pricecharting works, how accurate the prices really are, and how it compares to other options.
How Pricecharting Collects Data
Pricecharting gathers prices from major online marketplaces. The most common sources are eBay, Amazon, and Heritage Auctions. Each day, Pricecharting’s system scans these sites, looking at:
- Recent sold listings
- Game condition (loose, complete, new)
- Sale date
The platform then calculates an average price for each game and updates its database. This method covers most games from the Atari era to modern consoles like the Switch.
Is Pricecharting’s Data Accurate?
The answer depends on what you need. Pricecharting’s data is usually accurate for common titles. For example, if you search for “Super Mario Bros. 3” on NES, you’ll see the average loose price is around $20–$25. This matches what you find on eBay.
However, accuracy drops with rare or graded games. Limited sales make the average less reliable. For instance, a sealed “EarthBound” for SNES might have only a handful of sales per year. In these cases, the Pricecharting average may not reflect the current market.
Another thing to remember: Pricecharting cannot check for counterfeit or repro games. If fakes are sold on eBay, those prices may be mixed into the average.
Example: Popular Vs. Rare Game Price Accuracy
| Game | Pricecharting Loose Price | eBay Recent Sales | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES) | $22 | $20–$25 | High |
| Little Samson (NES) | $1,900 | $1,700–$2,100 | Medium |
How Pricecharting Compares To Other Tools
Collectors often compare Pricecharting with other price guides. Here’s how the main options stack up:
| Platform | Data Sources | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricecharting | eBay, Amazon, Auctions | Wide coverage, easy to use | Rare games less reliable |
| eBay Sold Listings | Direct eBay sales | Most up-to-date | Time-consuming, no averages |
| GameValueNow | eBay | Simple interface | Smaller database |
While eBay sold listings are the most current, checking them takes much longer. Pricecharting offers a quick overview and is better for fast checks. GameValueNow is similar but covers fewer games.
Non-obvious Insights For Beginners
Many beginners miss two key points:
- Condition matters. Pricecharting lists prices for loose, complete, and new games. Always match the condition of your game to the correct column.
- Regional versions differ. PAL (Europe) and NTSC (US/Japan) prices may not be the same. Pricecharting sometimes mixes these or lists them separately—double-check before buying or selling.
Also, if you’re trading with serious collectors, they may use specialized auction data not shown on Pricecharting.
When To Trust Pricecharting, And When To Double-check
For most buying and selling, especially for games under $100, Pricecharting is a solid guide. It is less reliable for:
- Sealed/graded games
- Homebrew or repro carts
- Super rare prototypes
If you’re dealing with these, always check multiple sources and recent high-value auction results. For average collectors, Pricecharting is a fast, helpful tool, but advanced users should use it as a starting point, not the final word.
For more on how Pricecharting collects its data, see the official Pricecharting FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Is Pricecharting Updated?
Pricecharting updates most game prices daily, pulling recent sales from eBay, Amazon, and auction sites.
Can I Use Pricecharting For Pal Or Japanese Games?
Yes, but check the game’s region. Prices for PAL and Japanese games can differ from North American versions.
Does Pricecharting Include Shipping Costs?
No, Pricecharting uses only the final sale price, not including shipping or taxes.
Is Pricecharting Free To Use?
The main features are free. Extra tools like collection tracking may need a paid account.
How Can I Check For Counterfeit Games?
Pricecharting does not filter for fakes. Always inspect games carefully or buy from trusted sellers, especially for expensive titles.
Pricecharting is a useful tool for most collectors and buyers. Its data is accurate for common titles, but always do extra research for rare or high-value games. Used wisely, it can help you avoid overpaying or underselling your retro video games.
