Collector & Reseller Glossary

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

301 terms in Video Games · page 3 of 6

1. label swapVideo Games
   This practice involves physically altering the packaging of a video game to make it appear as if it is a different title. Resellers and collectors recognize this as a form of misrepresentation, as the physical product in
2. label wearVideo Games
   This refers to the physical deterioration, scuffing, or peeling of the printed artwork or informational stickers found on video game cases, cartridges, or manuals. It is a common sign of handling and age, and its presenc
3. language variantVideo Games
   This refers to a specific regional or linguistic version of a video game, such as a Japanese release versus a North American one, or a version localized for French speakers. For collectors and resellers, the language var
4. late runVideo Games
   A late run refers to a video game that was released significantly after the initial hype cycle or during a period when the market was already saturated with newer titles. For resellers and collectors, this status can be
5. licenseVideo Games
   This refers to the legal permission granted by the original manufacturer to the game's publisher or distributor to create and sell the product. For collectors and resellers, the presence and legitimacy of the license are
6. limited edition variantVideo Games
   This refers to a specific version of a video game, console, or accessory that was produced in a significantly smaller quantity than the standard retail release. These variants often feature unique packaging, exclusive ar
7. loose cartridgeVideo Games
   A loose cartridge refers to a video game game cartridge that is sold without its original box, manual, or any other accompanying packaging materials. For collectors and resellers, the condition of the cartridge itself is
8. manualVideo Games
   This refers to the physical instruction booklet or guide that originally came with a video game. For collectors, the manual is a crucial piece of the overall package, often considered part of the complete-in-box presenta
9. manual includedVideo Games
   This simply means the original instruction booklet or guide that came with the video game is part of the item being sold. For collectors and resellers, the presence of the manual is a significant factor in determining th
10. manual onlyVideo Games
    This describes a video game item where the physical game cartridge or disc is missing, and the only accompanying documentation available is the instruction manual. For collectors and resellers, this significantly impacts
11. manufacturer variantVideo Games
    This refers to subtle differences in a product, such as a video game, that are produced by the same company but feature distinct characteristics. These variations can include different packaging designs, regional artwork
12. master copyVideo Games
    A master copy refers to the original, pristine version of a video game, often meaning the first pressing, a factory-sealed copy, or a version with the highest possible level of authenticity and completeness. For collecto
13. minus packVideo Games
    A minus pack refers to a specific type of video game release where the packaging or contents are intentionally incomplete or altered from the standard retail version. This might involve missing manuals, having a differen
14. mod chipVideo Games
    A mod chip is a small piece of hardware, often a circuit board, that is physically installed into a vintage video game console. Its purpose is to alter the console's original programming to enable new features or bypass
15. modchipVideo Games
    A modchip is a small electronic modification inserted into a video game console, typically older systems like Nintendo or Sega. Its primary function is to allow the console to run unauthorized software, such as homebrew
16. moddedVideo Games
    This describes a video game that has been altered or enhanced by a third party, outside of the original developer's intended design. These modifications, known as mods, can range from simple graphical overhauls and textu
17. modern consoleVideo Games
    This refers to video game consoles released in the relatively recent past, typically encompassing systems from the last decade or so, such as the PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. For resellers a
18. modern-retroVideo Games
    This term describes video games that blend aesthetics or gameplay elements from older, classic eras with modern technology or design sensibilities. It’s not strictly about age; rather, it’s a stylistic choice, often seen
19. modifiedVideo Games
    This term refers to any alteration made to a video game, which can range from software modifications like ROM hacks or modding to physical changes to the console or cartridge itself. For collectors, the term is highly am
20. N64Video Games
    This refers to the Nintendo 64, a popular 3D console from the mid-1990s. For collectors and resellers, the N64 represents a significant piece of gaming history, often sought after for its unique gameplay experiences and
21. near mint in boxVideo Games
    This condition describes a video game that is virtually flawless, both the game case and the accompanying materials, and it is still sealed within its original packaging. "Near Mint" signifies that the item shows minimal
22. NESVideo Games
    This abbreviation refers to the Nintendo Entertainment System, a highly influential 8-bit console from the late 1980s. For resellers and collectors, the NES represents a foundational piece of gaming history, making its a
23. nes-ucVideo Games
    This term refers to a Nintendo Entertainment System cartridge that has been modified to allow for the use of Ultra Controller or similar specialized controllers. These modifications are often done to improve playability
24. niche marketVideo Games
    A niche market refers to a small, specialized segment within the broader video game collecting or reselling community. Instead of dealing in mainstream, highly popular titles, a niche focuses on specific genres, obscure
25. nintendoVideo Games
    This refers to the video game company, Nintendo, and its associated hardware and software. For resellers and collectors, knowing the specific Nintendo platform—such as NES, SNES, N64, or Switch—is crucial because each co
26. nintendo 64Video Games
    This refers to the classic Nintendo 64 video game console, a significant piece of gaming history known for its unique analog stick control and cartridge-based media. For resellers and collectors, the console itself is a
27. nintendo americaVideo Games
    This refers to the North American division of Nintendo, the company that manufactures and distributes video games and related merchandise. For collectors and resellers, knowing the region is crucial because games release
28. nintendo esVideo Games
    This refers to the Nintendo Entertainment System, a foundational console in video game history. For collectors and resellers, the ES designation is crucial because it identifies the specific hardware platform. The condit
29. nintendo esrVideo Games
    This refers to the Nintendo Entertainment System, a foundational console in the history of video gaming. For collectors, owning an original NES is significant because it represents the dawn of the modern home console mar
30. nintendo euVideo Games
    This refers to video games or related merchandise specifically released or distributed within the European Union market by Nintendo. It is a geographical designation, not a specific condition or grading, but it is crucia
31. nintendo europeVideo Games
    This refers to the specific regional version of Nintendo video games released for the European market. Games are often region-locked, meaning hardware designed for one territory may not function with software from anothe
32. nintendo japanVideo Games
    This refers to games, merchandise, or consoles originally released or specifically manufactured for the Japanese market by Nintendo. For collectors and resellers, items designated as "Japan" variants often hold significa
33. nintendo jpVideo Games
    This refers to video games originally released in Japan, often bearing the Japanese language and regional specifications. For resellers and collectors, these titles can be highly desirable due to regional exclusivity, un
34. nintendo sealVideo Games
    This refers to the official, factory-applied plastic wrapping or seal found on original video game cases, particularly for Nintendo titles. These seals are designed by the manufacturer to indicate that the product is bra
35. nintendo selectVideo Games
    This refers to the Nintendo Select Disk system, a unique console accessory that allowed users to play a vast library of Nintendo game cartridges without needing to physically swap them. Instead, the disks held the game d
36. nintendo switchVideo Games
    This refers to the popular handheld and home console developed by Nintendo. For resellers and collectors, the specific model—such as the original, OLED, or Lite—is crucial as each carries a different market value based o
37. nintendo usVideo Games
    This term refers to games, consoles, and accessories officially released by Nintendo specifically for the North American market. Collectors and resellers look for the specific regional markings, such as the "U" or "USA"
38. non playableVideo Games
    This term refers to video game accessories, peripherals, or components that do not allow the user to actively participate in the gameplay experience. Examples include display stands, charging docks, or specialized contro
39. nostalgia factorVideo Games
    This refers to the emotional pull a product has for buyers based on positive memories associated with its original release era. For video games, this often means titles from childhood or formative gaming periods. The nos
40. NSCVideo Games
    Nintendo Seal of Quality. This is an official mark placed by Nintendo on its products, signifying that the game or console meets Nintendo's rigorous quality standards for design, functionality, and performance. For colle
41. NTSC versionVideo Games
    This refers to a video game cartridge or disc originally manufactured for the North American market, utilizing the National Television System Committee standard for video output. In the context of collecting and resellin
42. official releaseVideo Games
    This refers to the initial, authorized commercial launch of a video game by the developer or publisher. It signifies the game's debut on a specific platform, often accompanied by marketing campaigns and official packagin
43. original releaseVideo Games
    This refers to a copy of a video game that was sold directly by the manufacturer or a licensed retailer at the time of its initial public launch. It distinguishes the item from later re-releases, remasters, or unofficial
44. PAL versionVideo Games
    A PAL version meaning refers to a video game release manufactured for regions using the PAL television standard (50Hz), distinguishing it from NTSC versions used in North America and Japan.
45. paletteVideo Games
    This refers to the specific color scheme or graphical presentation of a video game, often tied to the original hardware or a specific version of the game. For collectors, the palette can be a significant factor, especial
46. palette shiftingVideo Games
    This refers to a visual glitch or effect where the colors on a screen appear to shift or change unexpectedly, often seen in older video games or emulation. For collectors, this can be a desirable feature if it's an inten
47. palette swapVideo Games
    This refers to a modification where the original color scheme of a video game is altered by replacing the colors of sprites, backgrounds, or UI elements with a different set of colors. These alterations are often done by
48. patchVideo Games
    A patch is a software update released by the original game developer to modify the existing game code. These updates can range from minor bug fixes, such as correcting glitches or graphical errors, to significant content
49. patchedVideo Games
    This refers to a video game that has received software updates or fixes from the developer after its initial release. These patches can correct bugs, improve gameplay mechanics, balance characters, or even add new conten
50. performance benchmarkVideo Games
    This refers to a standardized test or set of metrics used to measure how well a video game runs on specific hardware, such as a particular console or PC configuration. It quantifies aspects like frame rate, resolution, a
51. peripheralVideo Games
    This refers to any accessory or external device used with a video game console or PC, such as controllers, headsets, specialized joysticks, or charging docks. These items are distinct from the core console or game cartri
52. peripheral conditionVideo Games
    This refers to the overall physical state of any accessory or external device used with a video game console or system, such as controllers, headsets, or specialized grips. It encompasses wear and tear, cosmetic blemishe
53. physical copyVideo Games
    This refers to the tangible, boxed version of a video game, as opposed to a digital download. It includes the game disc or cartridge, the original packaging, and any included manuals or inserts. For collectors and resell
54. pin corrosionVideo Games
    This refers to the oxidation or rusting that occurs on metal components, often found on the pins of cartridges, connectors, or internal circuitry of vintage video games. It is a form of physical degradation that compromi
55. pixel artVideo Games
    This refers to a distinct visual style in video games where graphics are composed of visible, individual square dots, or pixels. Instead of smooth, complex textures, the art is deliberately blocky and low-resolution, mim
56. plastic yellowingVideo Games
    This refers to the discoloration, often a yellowish or amber hue, that develops on the plastic components of video game cases, cartridges, or accessories over time. It is a form of chemical degradation, usually caused by
57. playableVideo Games
    This term generally refers to a video game that is fully functional and can be played as intended by the manufacturer. For resellers and collectors, "playable" is a baseline requirement; it means the game boots up, the c
58. playable in boxVideo Games
    This describes a video game that is complete, meaning it includes the original physical packaging, instruction manuals, and all included accessories, and is fully functional. For collectors and resellers, the "in box" as
59. playtest unitVideo Games
    A playtest unit refers to a pre-release version of a video game provided by the developer to testers, reviewers, or early access groups. These units are not intended for general retail sale and often contain developmenta
60. polybaggedVideo Games
    This refers to video game items, often cartridges or cases, that are still sealed within their original protective plastic wrapping, commonly known as a polybag. For collectors and resellers, this condition is highly des