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Trade-In Program

Trade-Ins at Tidewater Games

We Price by Real Demand — Not Corporate Templates.

At Tidewater Games (TWG), we don’t run trade values off national, one-size-fits-all tables that ignore what actually sells. We set trade values based on real market demand, resale velocity, and current inventory levels. High-demand items earn stronger trade offers. Oversupplied items earn lower offers or may not be accepted. That’s how real markets work.

Transparent. Demand-driven. Sustainable.

We accept trade-ins for video games, systems, and accessories across generations — from classic systems through current-gen. If you have something you want to trade for Store Credit (coupon code), we’ll review it and do our best to help.

Last Updated: February 13th, 2026

Current Status & Limits

Trade-ins may be limited at times depending on inventory levels, workload, and seasonal volume. If trade-ins are paused or capped, we will state it on this page.

  • Monthly Trade Limit: Trade-in payouts (Store Credit and/or Cash) may be limited to $100.00 total per month per person/household. If you send trades above the limit, the excess may be rolled into the next processing period/month.
  • Verification Hold: Trade-in payouts are subject to a 30-day verification hold before Store Credit or Cash is finalized (details below).

How Trade-Ins Work

Each eligible item may display a trade value on its item page. Example: if a game is priced at $39.99, its listed Store Credit trade value might be $20.00. That means you would receive $20.00 in Store Credit (as a coupon code) after the verification hold period.

To trade in items to TWG, you must have an account on our website (free). We use your account to issue Store Credit and to keep a record of trade activity.

Trade values are updated periodically. If market demand changes, trade values change. Please check the site for current values before shipping.

Trade Demand Tiers (What Drives Your Trade Value)

To keep trade values fair and sustainable, TWG evaluates items using a demand-tier system. This is how we reward strong inventory without pretending every title is equally valuable.

  • Tier A – High Demand: Strong resale activity and consistent buyer demand. Eligible for our highest trade value range.
  • Tier B – Moderate Demand: Steady resale performance. Standard trade value range.
  • Tier C – Low Demand: Slower-moving or oversupplied items. Reduced trade value range may apply.
  • Tier D – Limited Acceptance: Very low demand or heavy oversupply. May qualify for minimal trade value, bundle use, or may not be accepted.

Example: If we have 20 copies of an annual sports title and 1 copy of a high-demand Nintendo title, the high-demand title will typically have a stronger trade value because it moves faster and is harder to keep in stock.

In plain English: We reward demand. We respect rarity. We don’t inflate junk.

Condition & Completeness (How We Grade Trades)

TWG evaluates condition and completeness separately. A disc or cartridge can be in excellent condition even if it is missing the case and manual. Completeness impacts trade value, but it does not automatically change the condition tier.

Digital codes, DLC, and bonus content are not guaranteed unless explicitly stated.

Condition Grading Scale (Trade Value Adjustments)

  • Like New: +15%
  • Very Good: +5%
  • Good (Baseline): 0%
  • Acceptable: -15%
  • Heavy Wear: -30%
  • Broken / For Parts: 0%–50% at TWG discretion (if accepted)
  • Counterfeit / Reproduction: No credit

Condition Tiers (Physical State & Function)

Like New

  • Fully functional
  • No significant scratches (disc) or label wear (cartridge)
  • No cracks, chips, corrosion, or structural damage
  • Extremely minimal cosmetic wear

Very Good

  • Fully functional
  • Light surface wear only
  • No deep scratches affecting play
  • Minor cosmetic wear permitted

Good (Baseline)

  • Fully functional
  • Moderate surface wear
  • Visible cosmetic imperfections
  • No structural failure

Acceptable

  • Fully functional
  • Significant cosmetic wear
  • Heavy scratching that still passes testing
  • Noticeable label wear or case wear (if included)

Heavy Wear

  • Fully functional, but shows heavy wear beyond “Acceptable”
  • Heavy scratching/scuffing that still passes testing
  • Major cosmetic issues (stickers/residue, heavy label wear, heavy case wear if included)

Broken / For Parts

  • Fails testing or inconsistent operation
  • Severe physical damage
  • Accepted only at TWG discretion for parts/salvage value

Counterfeit / Reproduction

  • No trade value
  • Subject to refusal per policy

Completeness Status (Contents)

Completeness is assessed independently of condition.

Complete in Box (CIB)

  • Game/disc/cartridge
  • Original case/box (where applicable)
  • Original cover art (where applicable)
  • Manual if originally issued (where applicable)

Case & Game

  • Game/disc/cartridge
  • Original case (where applicable)
  • Cover art (where applicable)
  • No manual

Loose (Disc/Cartridge Only)

  • Game/disc/cartridge only
  • No original case/box
  • No manual

Note: Loose items are not automatically lower condition. They are simply incomplete.

Incomplete / Mixed

  • Replaced case
  • Photocopy cover art
  • Missing inserts
  • Non-original packaging

May receive additional completeness adjustment.

Trade-In Rules & Regulations

  • Please view the Trade-In Request Form. Fill it out completely, include it in the box, and retain a copy for your records.
  • Seller warranties (required): By submitting a trade to TWG, you represent and warrant that you are the lawful owner of the items, that the items are not stolen, that you have the legal right to sell them, and that the items are authentic and not counterfeit.
  • Completeness adjustments: Unless otherwise stated, trade values assume a complete item (as applicable). If components are missing, trade value may be reduced:
    • Missing original case/box/packaging: -20%
    • Missing manual (if originally included for that item): -5%
    • Missing original cover art / packaging artwork (when applicable): -5%
    • Missing case/box + manual: -25%
    • Missing case/box + manual + cover art: -30%
    Note: These are general adjustments. Final credit depends on condition, demand tier, and inspection/testing.
  • No new/sealed trades: We do not currently accept trade-ins of any new/sealed items.
  • No reproductions/counterfeits: We do not accept reproductions, fakes, or inauthentic items. Items submitted that are suspected to be counterfeit or otherwise unlawful to resell will be handled per the “Ineligible Items” section below.
  • Condition standard: Trade-ins must be in good, salable condition with minimal damage. Items with significant damage or severe defects may be declined.
  • Value validity window: Your trade values are valid if we receive your trade within one (1) week of your ship date. If we receive it later, the current values shown on our website at time of receipt will be used.
  • Monthly limits: Trade-in payouts are limited to $100.00 per month per person/household. Excess items will be queued for later processing.

30-Day Verification Hold (Why It Exists)

Trade-in payouts (Store Credit and/or Cash payments) are subject to a 30-day verification hold. This hold exists for fraud prevention, stolen property risk mitigation, payment processing protection, and inventory validation.

Ownership transfer: Items are treated as a sale to TWG. Ownership transfers to Tidewater Games upon our receipt of your trade. If any item is later determined to be unlawful to resell (for example, counterfeit), TWG may handle it as described below.

No redemption rights: Trade-ins do not include “buy-back” or “redemption” rights. Once submitted, trade-ins are final except where required by applicable law.

Ineligible Items (Declines, Testing Failures, and Non-Qualifying Trades)

  • TWG reserves the right to decline trade credit and/or payment for any item for any reason, including demand tier, inventory levels, condition, authenticity concerns, regulatory compliance, or operational capacity.
  • Testing: All trade-in items will be tested. If an item fails testing, we may re-test up to two additional times. Items that fail testing may be ineligible for trade credit and/or payment.
  • Transit damage: We are not responsible for items damaged while in transit to us. Items received with significant shipping damage may be ineligible.
  • No returns: Trade-in items are not returned. By submitting a trade, you authorize TWG to dispose of, recycle, destroy, donate, or surrender ineligible items (including suspected counterfeit items) to law enforcement or rights holders as TWG determines appropriate, except where otherwise required by applicable law.
  • No compensation for ineligible items: Ineligible items do not qualify for Store Credit or Cash payment.

Bannable Rules & Regulations

  • TWG reserves the right to refuse trade-ins for any reason. Trade activity may be limited by item quantity, household, and month. We may refuse unusually high-volume trade patterns or trade activity that appears to be abuse of the program.
  • We reserve the right to refuse trades on merchandise which was clearly purchased solely for the purpose of immediate trade-in.
  • Attempted fraud, misrepresentation, counterfeit submission, or repeated policy violations may result in a permanent trade-in ban and forfeiture of trade credit and/or payments as allowed by applicable law.

How To Send In Your Trade-Ins

  • Trade-In Request Form: Include a completed Trade-In Request Form in the box. If you use multiple boxes, include a separate form for each box.
  • Free label option (limited): If your trades total $20.00 or more, you may be eligible for a free shipping label. Contact us with your trade request and we’ll review eligibility. You must provide total packed weight and box dimensions.

    Important: At this time, items (or combinations of items) weighing 1 lb or more may be excluded due to shipping cost.
  • Ship trades to:
    Tidewater Games
    Attn: TIP
    PO Box 7092
    Hampton, VA 23666

Trade-In FAQ

Miscellaneous Info

  • All items must be in good, salable condition. Significant damage (beyond minor issues) may make an item ineligible.
  • All items must be NTSC (North American) format. PAL and NTSC-J items may be declined.
  • Please pack trade-in items carefully. We are not responsible for items damaged in transit to us.
  • Trade values are updated periodically and may change based on market conditions.
  • Unless otherwise stated, Store Credit is valid until used in full.
  • Tide Breaker Membership Bonus: Members may receive bonus trade credit:
    • Regular: +5%
    • Super: +15%
    • Mega: +25%
    Click here for membership details.
  • If you have questions, email us here or call 1-866-TWGAMES during business hours.