What Condition Do Games Need to Sell at NOSTOS?

The Short Answer

Most conditions are acceptable. NOSTOS adjusts the offer based on condition - it's not pass/fail, it's a sliding scale. A game in poor cosmetic condition still has value; it just yields a lower offer than the same title in clean condition.

Cartridge Games

• - Clean label, no damage - Full market-rate offer
• - Minor fading, small scuffs - Slight reduction
• - Torn, written-on, or severely faded label - Significant reduction; title still buyable
• - Sharpie on label or replaced label - Case-by-case; common titles may not be worth buying

Disc Games

• - Light surface scratches - Usually still buyable; NOSTOS resurfacing reduces impact
• - Deep radial scratches - Load-tested; may still buy depending on test result
• - Disc rot (CD/GD-ROM delamination) - Generally not buyable
• - Cracked disc - Not buyable

Complete-in-Box

CIB games are graded on four components: cartridge/disc, box, manual, and inserts. A game missing the manual is still CIB-adjacent - We price it between loose and full CIB. Box condition (corners, spine, moisture) is graded separately.

What NOSTOS Won't Buy

• - Games with active mold or heavy mildew odor
• - Water-damaged boards (corroded, stained PCB)
• - Counterfeit / reproduction cartridges (these are flagged at authentication)
• - Items without legal chain of title (stolen property)

For Large Lots

If you have a large collection in mixed condition, email photos to will@nostos.market before driving in. We can give you a preliminary range and flag anything that won't qualify so you're not making a trip for nothing.