Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesDo not accept an asking price until you can match the copy to several recent completed sales. Identify the exact release, region, edition and condition; inspect sold listings for genuinely comparable copies; then calculate your all-in cost with shipping, taxes and import charges. A price guide is a useful benchmark, not an appraisal of the specific cartridge, disc, box or seal in front of you.
What “recent sales” can—and cannot—tell you
An asking price shows what a seller hopes to receive. A completed transaction shows what a buyer actually paid under particular circumstances. For a rare game, that distinction matters because one unusually pristine, expertly graded or badly misidentified copy can move an apparent market range dramatically.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
There is no universally authoritative “correct” price for every rare game. Price guides aggregate historical transactions using their own models, while an individual sale reflects one copy, one date, one marketplace and one set of buyers. Treat both as evidence and keep the limits attached to every figure: currency, market, condition and sale date.
PriceCharting says it tracks sold data from eBay and its own marketplace, separates conditions such as loose, complete in box and new/sealed, and provides historical sales by item and condition (FAQ and Help for PriceCharting). Its About page says the service covers more than 45,000 games, consoles and accessories, supports NTSC, PAL and Japan releases, and updates prices daily (About PriceCharting.com). Those are the service’s stated capabilities, not an independent audit, so verify the underlying sales when the purchase is expensive or the sample is small.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
1. Define the exact release before searching
“The game” is often several different products. Write a precise identification line before opening a price history:
- Title as printed on the release.
- Platform and, where relevant, hardware revision or format.
- Region: NTSC, PAL or Japan (or the specific country edition).
- Edition or variant, such as a first print, budget reissue, limited edition or bundle copy.
- Distinguishing label, catalog number, barcode, publisher mark, disc code or packaging detail.
Region is not a cosmetic detail. PriceCharting says it supports NTSC, PAL and Japan releases, and the same title can have different supply, packaging and collector demand in each region. A PAL sale is a weak proxy for an NTSC purchase unless you label that limitation explicitly.
Build an identification record
Copy the catalog number and compare photographs of the front, back, spine, cartridge or disc label, manual and inserts. Note whether the listing names the variant or merely uses a broad title. Search terms should combine title, platform, region and variant; otherwise search results can silently mix revisions and regions.
Do not infer rarity from a high listing price. A seller may have misidentified a common revision, copied another seller’s number or priced without recent demand. Rarity and authenticity require separate checks from valuation.
2. Classify the copy’s condition and completeness
Condition categories answer different buyer questions and should not be averaged together. PriceCharting explicitly distinguishes the following categories:
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Category | What to verify | Why it needs separate comparables |
|---|---|---|
| Loose | Cartridge or disc only; confirm label, contacts and included case, if any. | It lacks packaging and paperwork that drive complete-copy premiums. |
| Complete in box (CIB) | Original game, case or box, manual and normally included inserts; inspect completeness rather than trusting the acronym. | Missing inserts, replacement cases and damaged packaging can materially change the price. |
| New or sealed | Factory seal type, intact corners and evidence that the wrap is original rather than resealed. | A sealed copy is not automatically authentic or equivalent to a high-grade example. |
| Graded | Grading company, grade, label and whether the case contains the correct item. | Grading premiums depend on the particular grade and buyer demand. |
| Box only | Original box, region and catalog markings; record tears, fading and writing. | It is an accessory, not a complete game. |
| Manual only | Original manual, language, edition and condition. | Manual scarcity can differ from game scarcity. |
Describe physical defects specifically: crushed corners, sun fading, water damage, torn label, disc scratches, sticker residue, replacement artwork, missing tray, writing or a non-original case. “Good condition” is too vague to support a comparison.
3. Find completed transactions, not active listings
Use marketplace filters for completed or sold items and record the transaction rather than the seller’s current ask. For every candidate sale, capture:
- Sale date and displayed currency.
- Final item price and shipping charge, when shown.
- Region, platform, edition and catalog or label details.
- Loose, CIB, sealed, graded, box-only or manual-only status.
- Photographs and description showing completeness and defects.
- Whether it was a single copy, a multi-game lot, a bundle or an auction with unusual circumstances.
Exclude or separately flag listings that are reproductions, damaged beyond comparison, mislabeled, incomplete, counterfeit, unverified or part of a lot whose individual allocation is unknown. A lot’s headline price cannot be divided evenly unless the market evidence supports that allocation.
Use a repeatable sale log
A spreadsheet prevents selective memory. Suggested columns are: listing URL or ID, date, marketplace, currency, item price, shipping, taxes or import charge, platform, region, edition, condition, completeness, grade, defects, lot status and notes on authenticity. Keep the original listing details because photos and descriptions can disappear after a sale.
Separate the seller’s item price from your buyer-side total. If shipping is visible, add it. Add taxes, import charges and any buyer fees that apply to your location. There is no universal adjustment percentage; the correct total depends on the destination, marketplace and transaction.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
4. Use a price guide as a benchmark, then inspect its evidence
PriceCharting describes its methodology as collecting sold listings from eBay and its own video-game marketplace while considering the most recent sale, median, average, age-weighted average, sale date and outliers (How We Get Our Prices). It says abnormally high or low listings are flagged for review. Because the algorithm is proprietary, you cannot treat its displayed number as a guaranteed appraisal.
Recommended Free Tools
Read a guide value as a starting range: check that the selected platform, region and condition match your copy, then open the historical sales and test whether the number is supported by comparable transactions. A guide can smooth noisy data; it can also lag a sudden change in demand or reflect a thin set of sales.
Guide estimate versus individual sale
| Question | Best evidence | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| What have similar copies sold for? | Several matched completed listings. | Small samples and exceptional copies can distort the range. |
| What summary level does a service calculate? | Price-guide estimate and its stated methodology. | The model, inclusion rules and outlier treatment may be proprietary. |
| What will this purchase cost me? | Item price plus shipping, taxes, import charges and applicable fees. | Your destination and checkout terms determine the total. |
| Is this copy genuine? | Physical inspection, provenance and specialist authentication. | Price history alone cannot establish authenticity. |
eBay’s cited Price Guide page is not a video-game valuation tool. The page concerns trading-card games, says its guidance is estimated from completed marketplace sales, describes up to two years of history and 24-hour data updates, and currently limits availability to the UK and US (eBay UK Collectables Price Guide). It also cautions that actual prices vary with condition, timing and demand. Do not transfer that feature’s scope or statistics to video games.
5. Decide whether the sample is strong enough
Prefer multiple recent, closely matched sales. Compare the center and spread rather than choosing the highest or lowest result. If three sales cluster tightly and share the same region and completeness, they provide more practical support than one spectacular sale and several unrelated listings.
When sales are sparse
- Extend the date window gradually and state the oldest sale you used.
- Keep the exact region, platform and condition fixed for as long as possible.
- If you must use a nearby proxy—such as another region or a different completeness level—label it as weaker evidence rather than combining it into the same average.
- Report the number of usable observations and their spread.
- Do not present an old isolated transaction as today’s market price.
A high price in a thin record may reflect one motivated bidder, an exceptional condition, a grading premium or an error. Sparse evidence should reduce your confidence, not justify a more precise-looking number.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Compare on the same axes
For two or more candidate copies, compare exact title, platform and edition; region; completeness and physical condition; sealed or graded status; sale date; sale format; lot status; shipping and all-in cost; and the number and spread of comparable transactions. Treat a guide estimate and a completed transaction as separate axes because they answer related but different questions.
6. Calculate the buyer’s all-in cost
Use a simple transaction equation:
All-in cost = item price + shipping + sales tax or VAT + import charges + buyer or platform fees.
Record whether each component is known, estimated at checkout or not applicable. Keep currencies separate until conversion, and note the conversion date and rate if you convert a foreign sale. A low item price can become expensive after international shipping and import charges; a higher local sale may be cheaper overall.
Do not add a made-up “rarity premium” or a universal percentage for fees. The sources do not establish one, and your actual checkout terms control the result.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →7. Check authenticity independently of valuation
Sold data can tell you what a listed item changed hands for; it cannot prove that the item you are considering is genuine. Compare the seller’s photographs with known original label layouts, fonts, screw patterns, board or disc markings, case texture, seal style and regional packaging. Ask for clear images of details that are hidden in the listing. Consider provenance and a specialist opinion for a high-value purchase.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Be cautious when a copy’s price is far below matched sales, but do not treat a high price as proof of authenticity. Reproductions can be listed at collector prices, and genuine items can sell cheaply because of poor photographs, urgency or a limited buyer pool.
8. Make the purchase decision
Buy when the evidence aligns
- The release, region and variant are positively identified.
- The completeness and physical condition match the comparison set.
- Several recent sales support the seller’s range, or the seller’s premium has a documented reason such as an unusually strong grade.
- Your all-in cost is acceptable in your own currency and market.
- Authenticity checks and return protections are satisfactory.
Pause or renegotiate when it does not
- The listing uses a broad title but omits platform, region or catalog information.
- The seller compares a loose copy with sealed, graded or complete examples.
- The only support is an old, exceptional or lot-based sale.
- The price guide’s category does not match the copy in front of you.
- Shipping, taxes or import charges are unknown and could change the decision.
- The seller will not provide photographs needed to verify condition or authenticity.
In these cases, ask for a lower price, wait for more evidence or walk away. A rare game will still be a poor purchase if the evidence cannot distinguish its identity and condition.
A practical worksheet
Before paying, complete this record:
| Field | Your entry |
|---|---|
| Exact title, platform and catalog number | Identify the printed release, not a generic search label. |
| Region and edition | NTSC, PAL, Japan or another specified market; note reissues and bundles. |
| Condition category | Loose, CIB, sealed, graded, box only or manual only. |
| Physical defects and missing parts | List each one and compare it with sale photographs. |
| Matched completed sales | Record dates, currencies, prices, shipping and listing details. |
| Sample size and spread | State how many usable sales you found and how far apart they are. |
| Guide benchmark | Record the service, category, date checked and any methodology caveat. |
| All-in purchase cost | Add shipping, tax, import charges and applicable fees. |
| Authenticity confidence | Document photographs, provenance, seller history and unresolved questions. |
How much confidence should you place in broader market studies?
A University of Minnesota repository record identifies a 2025 paper titled “High score or game over? The financial returns of retro video games on the secondhand market.” Its search-result text says the study uses monthly eBay sales-price data dating back to 2008 (repository record). The accessible record does not establish the paper’s results, sample statistics or conclusions, so it should not be used to assign a value to a particular copy. Broad market analysis can provide context; matched, recent transactions remain the relevant evidence for your purchase.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteFinal checklist before checkout
- Have I identified the exact platform, region, edition and distinguishing label or catalog number?
- Am I comparing the same condition and completeness category?
- Did I inspect completed transactions rather than active asking prices?
- Did I remove or flag lots, reproductions, damaged items, misidentified variants and exceptional outliers?
- Did I record dates, currency, shipping and enough photographs or notes to reproduce the comparison?
- Is the sample large and recent enough for the confidence I am claiming?
- Did I calculate my actual all-in cost?
- Have I treated authenticity as a separate question from price?
If the answers are yes, you have a defensible estimate of what comparable buyers recently paid—not a promise that the next sale will match it. That distinction is the protection against overpaying for a rare game.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
