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 5 of 6

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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,
10. 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
11. 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
12. 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
13. 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
14. 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
15. 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
16. 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
17. 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
18. 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
19. 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
20. 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
21. 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
22. 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
23. 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
24. 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
25. 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
26. 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
27. 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
28. 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
29. taglineVideo Games
    A tagline is a short, memorable phrase associated with a product, often used in marketing materials, packaging, or promotional content for a video game. It's designed to quickly communicate the game's core theme, unique
30. tamcoVideo Games
    Tamco is a former Japanese video game publisher that was known for releasing various titles, often in partnership with other companies. For collectors, identifying a game as a Tamco release can be important because it he
31. tamper proofVideo Games
    This refers to packaging, cartridges, or game cases that have been secured in a way that makes unauthorized opening or modification difficult or impossible without visible damage. For collectors and resellers, the presen
32. tape copyVideo Games
    A tape copy refers to a digital backup or recording of video game data, often made using magnetic tape or similar recording media. In the context of collecting, this term is highly specific and usually relates to early h
33. test copyVideo Games
    A test copy refers to a pre-release or early production version of a video game. These units are often provided to reviewers, marketing teams, or internal quality assurance departments before the final retail version hit
34. third partyVideo Games
    This term refers to any company other than the original console manufacturer or the primary game developer. These entities create peripherals, accessories, or games for platforms like PlayStation or Xbox. For collectors
35. tileVideo Games
    This refers to a small, square or rectangular graphic element used in older 2D video games, often forming the backdrop, characters, or environmental features. While the term itself is technical to game design, its appear
36. unalteredVideo Games
    This term refers to a game, console, or accessory that has never been modified, tampered with, or had any of its original components replaced or altered. For collectors and resellers, the pristine, unaltered state is cru
37. uncensoredVideo Games
    This descriptor indicates that the game, media, or packaging has not been altered or edited to remove content deemed inappropriate by a specific rating board or distributor. In the context of video games, "uncensored" us
38. uncutVideo Games
    This term refers to a version of a video game that has not been altered, censored, or modified from its original, intended state by the developer or publisher. In the context of collecting, it signifies the purest form o
39. uncut versionVideo Games
    This refers to a video game release that contains all the original content, including any scenes, dialogue, or features that may have been removed or altered for specific regional releases, console versions, or marketing
40. unlicensedVideo Games
    This term refers to video games, accessories, or merchandise that have been produced without the official authorization or licensing agreement from the original intellectual property holder, such as the game developer or
41. unmoddedVideo Games
    This describes a video game or piece of media that has not been altered, modified, or enhanced by third-party software or community patches. In the context of collecting and reselling, the "unmodded" status is crucial be
42. unmodifiedVideo Games
    This term refers to a video game item, such as a cartridge, disc, or physical copy, that has not been altered in any way from its original factory state. This means no software modifications, custom artwork, or unauthori
43. unofficial releaseVideo Games
    This refers to a version of a video game that has been distributed or released outside of the official channels sanctioned by the original developer or publisher. These can range from fan-made ports to pirated copies or
44. updateVideo Games
    This refers to any software patch, DLC, or digital enhancement released for a video game after its initial launch. For collectors, the presence of official, verifiable updates can significantly impact the perceived value
45. upscalingVideo Games
    This refers to the process of increasing the resolution of a digital image or video, often taking lower-resolution source material and making it appear sharper and clearer on a modern, high-definition screen. In the cont
46. variant printVideo Games
    This refers to a specific edition or version of a video game, often distinguished by minor differences in packaging, artwork, included extras, or even slight variations in the game's internal code or region locking. For
47. versioningVideo Games
    This refers to the specific iteration or release of a video game, which can include differences in hardware compatibility, regional variations, or software updates. For collectors and resellers, the version is crucial be
48. very fine in boxVideo Games
    This phrase describes a video game item that is in excellent physical condition and still includes all its original packaging, such as the case, manual, and inserts. For collectors and resellers, the presence of the orig
49. VGA gradingVideo Games
    This refers to the systematic evaluation of a video game's physical condition, specifically focusing on the integrity of the packaging, manual, and the game case itself. Grading establishes a standardized quality level,
50. vintage consoleVideo Games
    A vintage console refers to an older generation video game system, typically those released several decades ago, often predating modern digital standards. These are not merely old electronics; they represent a specific e
51. vintage techVideo Games
    This term broadly refers to older electronic devices, including video game consoles, computers, and peripherals, that are considered classic or retro. For resellers and collectors, it signifies items that have aged but r
52. visual fidelityVideo Games
    This refers to the overall realism and graphical quality of a video game. It encompasses elements like texture resolution, lighting effects, polygon count, and the detail in character models and environments. For collect
53. WATA gradingVideo Games
    This refers to a specific, often informal, grading system used by collectors, particularly for vintage video games, to assess the physical condition of the item. Unlike standardized industry grades, "wata grading" is a c
54. wiiVideo Games
    This refers to the Nintendo Wii, a popular home video game console known for its motion-sensing capabilities. For resellers and collectors, the condition and completeness of the console are paramount. A fully functional
55. wii-miniVideo Games
    This refers to the Nintendo Wii Mini, a smaller, more affordable version of the popular Wii console released in the early 2010s. For resellers and collectors, its value is tied to its nostalgia factor and its status as a
56. working orderVideo Games
    This phrase describes the functional state of a video game or console, meaning all components operate as intended without mechanical or electronic failure. For collectors and resellers, this is a fundamental qualifier be
57. xboxVideo Games
    This refers to the console platform manufactured by Microsoft. For resellers and collectors, the specific generation of the Xbox—such as the original Xbox, Xbox 360, or Xbox Series X—is crucial as it dictates the market
58. xbox 360Video Games
    This refers to the Microsoft Xbox 360, a highly popular and influential video game console released in the mid-2000s. For resellers and collectors, its significance lies in its massive library of classic titles, which dr
59. xbox-oneVideo Games
    This refers to the original generation of Microsoft's Xbox console, a significant piece of gaming hardware from the early to mid-2010s. For resellers, knowing the specific model (e.g., standard, S, or X) is crucial as th
60. zapperVideo Games
    This term generally refers to the peripheral device used with certain video game consoles, most famously the Nintendo Entertainment System's Zapper light gun. It functions as an input mechanism, allowing players to aim a