Collector & Reseller Glossary

What the jargon actually means — and what it does to resale value. 3,212 terms across 12 categories.

47 terms in Video Games starting with “S” · page 1 of 1

1. s-videoVideo Games
   This refers to a specific analog video signal standard, often used with older consoles and televisions, which provides a cleaner picture than composite video but is less advanced than component video. It transmits color
2. save stateVideo Games
   A save state is a feature in many video games that allows players to instantly capture and restore the exact progress of the game at a specific moment. Instead of manually saving a file, the system records the entire mem
3. save state fileVideo Games
   A save state file is a digital snapshot of a video game's progress at a precise moment in time. Instead of manually saving your game, this feature allows players to instantly revert to a specific point, effectively pausi
4. savestateVideo Games
   A savestate is a file that captures the exact progress, settings, and state of a video game at a specific moment. Essentially, it's a snapshot of your gameplay, allowing you to instantly resume from that point without ha
5. scanlineVideo Games
   A scanline is the visible horizontal line effect characteristic of older CRT television displays, sought after by collectors for its authentic retro gaming aesthetic.
6. scanlinesVideo Games
   These are the visible horizontal lines that mimic the look of old cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions. They are a visual artifact from older display technology, often associated with retro gaming aesthetics. For collector
7. screen burnVideo Games
   This refers to a permanent image retention or discoloration that appears on a display screen, often from static elements like HUDs, logos, or health bars on video game consoles or monitors. It is not a defect in the game
8. sealed copyVideo Games
   A sealed copy refers to a video game that remains in its original, unopened packaging, including the plastic wrap or shrink-wrap over the case and manual. For collectors and resellers, this is a premium condition because
9. sealed gameVideo Games
   A game that has never been opened from its original manufacturer packaging is known as a sealed game. This means the shrink wrap is intact, the case is unopened, and all original factory seals are present. For collectors
10. sealed in factory wrapVideo Games
    This describes a video game that has never been opened from its original packaging, retaining the factory plastic wrap or shrink wrap. For collectors and resellers, this is a premium condition because it guarantees the i
11. sealed in plasticVideo Games
    This describes a video game or collectible item that remains in its original, unopened packaging, often encased in a protective plastic wrap or blister pack. For resellers and collectors, this condition is paramount beca
12. sealed in plastic wrapVideo Games
    This describes a video game or collectible item that has never been opened from its original factory packaging, often encased in protective plastic film. For resellers and collectors, this condition is paramount because
13. second printVideo Games
    A second print refers to a subsequent manufacturing run of a video game, often after the initial, first production batch. These later runs can sometimes feature minor variations in packaging, artwork, or even internal co
14. secretVideo Games
    This term refers to hidden content, features, or collectibles within a video game that are not immediately obvious upon starting the game. These can range from easter eggs, secret levels, hidden characters, or specific a
15. segaVideo Games
    This refers to the video game company Sega, a major player in the industry known for iconic consoles like the Genesis and Saturn, and franchises such as Sonic the Hedgehog. For resellers and collectors, the brand name is
16. sega genesisVideo Games
    This refers to the Sega Genesis, a highly influential 16-bit video game console released in the early 1990s. It was a major competitor to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and holds significant nostalgic value amon
17. sega jpVideo Games
    This term refers to games originally released in the Japanese market by Sega. For collectors and resellers, knowing the region is crucial because Japanese releases often have unique artwork, exclusive content, or differe
18. sega regionVideo Games
    This refers to the specific geographical market or version of a video game, such as North American (NTSC-U/C), European (PAL), or Japanese (NTSC-J) releases. Different regions often have variations in the game's content,
19. sega sealVideo Games
    This refers to the official plastic seal or sticker applied to a video game case, typically indicating that the product is factory-sealed and has not been opened or tampered with. For collectors and resellers, the presen
20. sega usVideo Games
    This refers to video games specifically released for the Sega console market in the United States. For collectors and resellers, knowing the region is crucial because different regional releases can have unique packaging
21. shaderVideo Games
    This refers to a small program that dictates how light interacts with the surfaces in a video game, essentially controlling the visual appearance of textures, materials, and lighting effects. Shaders are crucial because
22. shell integrityVideo Games
    This refers to the physical condition of the game's outer casing, such as the plastic shell of the cartridge, the case of a disc, or the protective packaging. For collectors and resellers, shell integrity is a direct ind
23. shell swapVideo Games
    This term refers to the practice of exchanging the physical outer casing or shell of one video game console or peripheral for another, often to achieve a specific aesthetic or functional modification. For collectors and
24. sleeveVideo Games
    A protective sleeve is a clear or opaque plastic casing designed to encase video game cases, manuals, or cartridges. For collectors and resellers, these are crucial for preservation, shielding the original packaging from
25. slim buildVideo Games
    This refers to a specific, often later, iteration of a console or handheld device that features a noticeably thinner and lighter physical design compared to its predecessor. Manufacturers often introduce these streamline
26. slimlineVideo Games
    This term generally refers to a smaller, more compact version of a console or game accessory, often designed for portability or to fit into limited spaces. In the context of video game collecting, a slimline version migh
27. SNESVideo Games
    This refers to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, a highly influential 16-bit console from Nintendo that was immensely popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s. For resellers and collectors, the SNES is a foundati
28. snes-ucVideo Games
    This term refers to a specific variant of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, often indicating a unit that has been modified or is a particular regional release. For collectors, the exact model number, region code,
29. software emulationVideo Games
    This refers to the process of using software to mimic the hardware and operating system of an older video game console or computer. Instead of needing the original physical machine, emulation allows modern devices like P
30. software integrityVideo Games
    This refers to the verifiable authenticity and completeness of a video game's digital files or physical media. For collectors and resellers, software integrity is paramount because it assures the buyer that the product i
31. software keyVideo Games
    A digital product code that grants the purchaser the right to download and activate a specific video game or piece of software. Unlike a physical disc or cartridge, this key is purely electronic and is redeemed through t
32. software modVideo Games
    A software mod, short for modification, is user-created content that alters the original design, functionality, or appearance of a video game. These can range from simple texture swaps and graphical overhauls to complete
33. software versionVideo Games
    This refers to the specific iteration or release of a video game, such as a standard edition, collector's edition, limited run, or a specific regional release. For collectors and resellers, the software version is crucia
34. speedrunVideo Games
    A speedrun is an attempt to complete a video game, or a specific segment of it, in the fastest time possible. These runs are often highly technical, requiring players to master glitches, optimal routes, and precise execu
35. spriteVideo Games
    A sprite is a two-dimensional graphic element used in video games to represent characters, objects, or visual effects. Instead of being a complex 3D model, sprites are essentially individual, pre-drawn images that the ga
36. sprite animationVideo Games
    This refers to the technique used in older video games where characters or objects are depicted as a sequence of still images, or sprites, that are rapidly displayed in succession to create the illusion of movement. Inst
37. sprite sheetVideo Games
    A sprite sheet is a single image file that contains multiple individual graphic elements, or sprites, from a video game. Instead of loading dozens of separate small image files for characters, animations, or environmenta
38. sticker bombingVideo Games
    This practice involves applying numerous stickers to a video game case, box art, or even the game cartridge itself. For collectors, this is generally considered a form of modification and is usually undesirable unless th
39. sticker damageVideo Games
    This refers to any physical wear, peeling, discoloration, or residue left on the packaging, game case, or manual due to stickers that were once affixed to the item. For collectors, pristine packaging is paramount, as sti
40. super nintendoVideo Games
    This refers to the classic 16-bit video game console manufactured by Nintendo, which was immensely popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s. For resellers and collectors, the console itself, along with its original acce
41. swapped shellVideo Games
    A swapped shell refers to a situation where the physical casing or exterior housing of a video game console or handheld device has been replaced with one from a different model or version. This is often done for aestheti
42. switchVideo Games
    This refers to the Nintendo Switch console itself, a hybrid portable and home console. For resellers, knowing the specific model—such as the original, the OLED version, or the Lite—is crucial because these variations car
43. switch liteVideo Games
    This refers to the Nintendo Switch Lite, a handheld-only version of the popular Nintendo Switch console. Unlike the standard model, the Lite does not support detachable controllers, making it a more compact and portable
44. system compatibilityVideo Games
    This refers to the ability of a specific video game or accessory to function correctly with a particular gaming console, platform, or hardware setup. For resellers and collectors, system compatibility is crucial because
45. system conditionVideo Games
    This refers to the overall physical and functional state of a video game console or game cartridge. It encompasses factors like cosmetic wear, the presence of scratches, stick drift in controllers, and whether the hardwa
46. system modVideo Games
    A system mod refers to a modification made directly to the core operating software or hardware of a video game console or PC, rather than just altering in-game assets or gameplay mechanics. These modifications can range
47. system shockVideo Games
    This refers to the specific video game franchise, known for its dark, mature themes, complex narrative, and often morally ambiguous choices. For resellers and collectors, the value is heavily tied to the specific iterati