When I first started dealing with older video games it was more of a hobby. They were such a big part of my life as a kid. As with any collection, I suppose it was more for nostalgic reasons than anything...for me anyway. Little did I know at the time, that there were so many other people out there just like me. The vintage video game craze has an unbelievable following, which prompted me to get in on the action. Over the years though, I've come to find that some places are better to get vintage video games than others. If you're reading this you (like me) have been burned a time or two, or would simply rather avoid paying top dollar for that complete original Mario Bros. cartridge only to receive a product that looks more like a poor antique than a collector's item.

First starters, let's get the lingo down. eBay is a wonderful place to do business, but all of the acronyms and terminology can be quite overwhelming at times...especially to the first time buyer. Here are some acronyms and other terminology and their meanings commonly found when shopping for old games.

NIB - "New in Box"
This means that an item is in an unopened, factory sealed condition. It would be as if you went to the store back in 1985 and picked up a copy of Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo Entertainment System. As a rule, you can expect items listed as NIB to be in immaculate condition. Items listed as NEW are the same as NIB.

LNIB - "Like New, In Box"
LNIB means that the item has been opened, and maybe even used but is in good enough quality to be new. Items of this nature should be in NIB quality but without the shrink wrap.  BEWARE: Sellers sometimes list items LNIB simply because all of the parts (box, instructions, etc.) are included though not in pristine condition. The term "Like New" is relative and can vary from person to person. We'll go into more detail on how to spot a not so LNIB item later in this guide.

COMPLETE
An item marked as "complete" basically means that the game comes with all of the original pieces packaged at the time the game was actually released to consumers. A Nintendo game, for example, would only be "complete" if it included the box, game cartridge, styraphoam insert, warranty/registration card, posters/advertisement, and dust cover.

PSX
This is a term often used to describe the original Sony Playstation game console. Sony usually has several releases of their PlayStation consoles and actually changes the names based on the design. The original release of the PlayStation was simply called PlayStation. The smaller, slimmer release of the same console, however was called the PSOne. PSX is generally used to describe all systems that play original PlayStation compatible software.

NES/SNES
The Nintendo Entertainment System is often referred to as simply NES. Adding the "S" to the beginning of this acronym denotes the Super in Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

FAMICOM/SUPER FAMICOM
Famicom was the name given to the Japanese release of the NES. Super Famicom was the Japanese version of the Super Nintendo. Generally speaking, if an item is marked Famicom or Super Famicom it is related to an import system or game. If you're not specifically shopping for a Japanese version, then this probably is not for you. Famicom/NES are not compatible with each other.

MEGADRIVE
The Sega Genesis in Japan is the Sega Megadrive. The cartridges used in these two systems are generally the same and can be played on North American and Japanese systems. Often times you will see a game marked "GENESIS / MEGADRIVE" which lets you know that particular software can be used on either system.

JAP
This term is used for Japanese versions of games. As a rule, these titles can only be played on Japanese systems or systems modified to play versions of software released for Japanese gamers. Most Japanese games text/speech are displayed in the Japanese language or a combination of Japanese and English, making it very tough to play for someone who can not read Japanese.

IMPORT
Items listed as "imports" are just that, they're imported from one country to the USA. Usually these items are imported from Japan and are Japanese versions of the game.

FFxx
Final Fantasy games are often referred to as "FF" plus the version of the game. Final Fantasy VII for example, may be listed as FFVII or FF7. Lots of games use similar abbreviations

GBA
This is an abbreviation for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance hand held gaming system or its compatible software cartridges/accessories.

NDS
This is an abbreviation for the Nintendo DS hand held gaming system or its compatible software/accessories.

GCN
This is an abbreviation for the Nintendo Game Cube gaming system or its compatible software cartridges/accessories. I'm not really sure why it's not NGC (Nintendo Game Cube), but it's not...it's GCN

PS2/PS3
These are abbreviations for the Sony Playstation 2 and Sony Playstation 3 gaming systems or their compatible software cartridges/accessories.

N64
This is an abbreviation for the Nintendo 64 gaming system or its compatible software cartridges/accessories.

64DD
This is an abbreviation for the Nintendo 64 Disk Drive gaming system or its compatible software cartridges/accessories. Note that this system was never released in North America.

Ok, now that  we have all the hip lingo down, let's get to shopping. Most basic elements of shopping for used goods on eBay apply here. Here's a few brief tips:

-Check out the buyer's feedback. If you're dealing with a person with a lot of happy customers, you'll probably be one as well. Even if you're not, a seller with a higher score is more likely to work with you in the event that you're not satisfied. Remember that a high feedback score does not always mean a responsible seller. Look for positive feedback in the very high 90 percentile. A person may have 100K feedback entries, but if they're only 87% positive you may want to think twice. Chances are everything will be ok, but why take that risk with so many other outlets right here on eBay.

-Look at the pictures. If the item is not listed as new and doesn't have an actual photo, you may want to move on to the next auction. If it's a deal you just can't pass on, at least make sure they have a very detailed description before even entertaining the idea of pulling the trigger. Items marked LNIB should be perfect. If the picture doesn't appear to be perfect, move on immediately. The seller is either confused or is trying to deceive customers to make a quick buck. Both are bad for you. Find another auction.

-Ask questions! This is a biggie. If things like the corner of a sticker peeling off, or someone's last name written on the back of a cartridge ore important to you  ask the seller.  If your concerns are  not directly addressed in the items description or they are not specifically visible in the pictures, send the seller an email to verify. This does two very important things. 1.) It potentially answers your question 2.) If the seller takes a very long time to respond, this can indicate how they will treat you if you do decide to purchase from them. If they don't have time to answer a simple email, they will probably be less than motivated to ship your product or be helpful if something goes wrong during the transaction.

-Go with your gut. If you ever have a feeling that you shouldn't be doing business with someone, then don't. I can't stress this enough folks. Whatever item you're thinking about buying on eBay, there will be 100 others. If there's not, there will be at some point. There are too many good sellers here on eBay to waste your time and money on those who simply do not care. If you have a bad feeling about someone, move on to the next auction.

-Email me! If you simply cannot find the answer to one of your questions regarding older video games, don't hesitate to contact me. I know what it feels like to get screwed on a purchase, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone. I love getting emails from fellow eBayers and I respond to each and every one I get.

That's about all I have. The key truly is patience. Don't get caught up in the moment of remembering your childhood and how excited you were when you opened that brand new Power Glove on Christmas day back in the 80s. Be patient, find the right auction, and then make it happen. You'll be glad you did!