What does “manual” mean?

What it means

The manual is the original, manufacturer-supplied printed guide accompanying a video game. This is not the game's box art or a modern digital download. In collecting terms, it is a core component of the Complete-In-Box (CIB) presentation. Its presence confirms the item's original packaging state. A manual is distinct from promotional inserts or game inserts, which are smaller, supplementary pieces. For valuation, it is treated as a primary accessory, not just an add-on.

What it does to price

The manual acts as a significant value multiplier. A loose copy (game only) typically sells for 1x baseline value. Adding a manual can increase the asking price by 30% to 100% depending on the game's rarity. For a moderately sought-after title, the difference between a loose copy and a CIB copy with a manual can be $20 to $50. Severe damage—missing pages, water damage, or heavy pen markings—can reduce the manual's value to near zero, negating the price bump. A pristine, mint manual adds the most value.

How to spot it

Authenticity is usually determined by matching the manual's copyright date and publisher information to the game's cartridge or disc label. Check for specific edition printings; some early pressings have different manual layouts than later runs. Sellers must provide high-resolution photos of the manual's spine, front cover, and any copyright pages. Common mistakes include sellers confusing the original manual with a later, unofficial fan-made guide. Fakes are rare but usually involve poor print quality or incorrect paper stock compared to known examples.

Buying smart

Paying a premium for a manual is justified when the game is a high-demand, low-supply title, or when the manual itself is known to be scarce (e.g., limited edition releases). If the game is common and the manual is heavily worn, the premium is often not worth the risk. A fair deal involves the manual's condition matching the game's condition. If the game is graded 9.0, the manual should ideally be graded 8.0 or higher. If the seller is asking for a 2x multiplier but the manual is heavily creased, the deal is overpriced.

Selling smart

Listing the manual clearly establishes the item's completeness, which is the primary driver of higher bids. The single most effective action is providing a clear, well-lit photograph of the manual itself, showing all four corners and the spine. Use the term "CIB" (Complete In Box) or "Complete with Manual" in the title. Do not simply list it as "with instructions"; specify "Original Manual Included." This precise language justifies the higher asking price to knowledgeable buyers.