Amazon Trade-In FAQ 5.0

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handsomepete

handsomepete

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Welcome to the Official CAG Amazon.com Trade-In Thread

THIS IS NOT A FLIPPING THREAD. USEFUL CREDIT TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES WELCOME, BUT KEEP THE PROFIT MARGIN TALK / SNEAKY OR LYING SHENANIGANS OUT

Hey trade-in pals! SENDING THINGS IN DISC / CARTRIDGE ONLY / GENERIC CASE NO MANUAL / ANYTHING BUT COMPLETE COULD RESULT IN REJECTION. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS. YOU MIGHT GET ACCEPTED, YOU MIGHT NOT. NO ONE KNOWS. IF YOU CUT OUT A UPC OR DO ANYTHING TO TRICK THE FINE(?) FOLKS AT AFS EXPECT IT TO BE OPENED AND REJECTED. THERE ARE NO HARD AND FAST RULES. IF IT IS ACCEPTED, IT WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY ONLY BE CONSIDERED "ACCEPTABLE." RISK YOUR TIME AND EFFORT AT YOUR PERIL!

I'm getting an acceptance rate of about one per day; it makes me think some supervisor is standing around with a glass of absinthe next to a couple of dumptruck loads of games...while the one responsible for the glitch is made to scan each item and recite its TIV with tears in their eyes. - Indigo_Streetlight
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Amazon.com Trade-in Home Page

------- FAQ BELOW - LEAVE ME ALONE PLEASE -------
Useful links:

-- BlueLobstah

-- CheapAssGamer

THANKS TO DISILLUSION386 and GI60 FOR POSTING AND MAINTAINING THE PREVIOUS AMAZON TRADE-IN FAQ THREADS

This thread’s primary purpose is to discuss Amazon.com’s video game trade-in program. Conspiracy theories about AFS smashing games before sending them back / stealing children / sneezing and touching public door handles / etc welcome, but try to avoid going nutso. PLEASE READ THE TRADE-IN DEAL DETAILS AND FAQ BEFORE ASKING ANY QUESTIONS.
Trade-In Procedure

1. SELECT ITEMS: Search for items to trade in. Your trade-in items must meet the product eligibility criteria.
2. SHIP GAMES FREE: Print a shipping label and packing slip, package your games, and ship them
3. GET A GIFT CARD: An Amazon.com Gift Card will be deposited into your account upon receipt of games

Shipping Instructions

1. Print this entire page. (Packing slip and shipping label once you have submitted a trade)
2. Cut out the shipping label and the packing slip.
3. Make sure your items are in good working condition and include the case and cover art.
4. Securely pack the items in a box or envelope and include the packing slip in the package.
5. Attach the shipping label squarely onto the outside of the package and add your return address.
6. Take it to your nearest UPS Store and mail it by (one week from submission of trade)
7. Or you can ship to:
note to self: look up new address
Trade-In Product Eligibility

Trade-in items must match the exact version displayed in the Amazon Trade-In Store, not be damaged, include original packaging (e.g. the manual, cover art, and case), and be postmarked no later than 7 days after submission. You will receive an e-mail confirmation and an Amazon.com Gift Card will be deposited into your account within 2 business days of item receipt and verification by the merchant. Items not accepted by the merchant will be returned to you approximately 14 days after receipt.
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GENERAL FAQ (Updated 12/26/2012)
Can I post a question on this thread?
Only if you can't find the answer from below. And please let me know if it needs to be added to FAQ.

Can I edit this FAQ? (updated 6/7/11)
You bet!

Since when did Amazon start doing trades?
The program began in 2009 and is handled by a third party merchant, previously known as NorAm International. Now known as AFS (Amazon Fulfillment Services).

What kind of shipping does Amazon provide us?
Free UPS ground ---- USPS is no longer available for free. There is now also an option to provide your own shipping.

Do I have to provide my own box or envelope?
Yes.

Do all my games in the same trade-in submission have to be shipped in the same box? (updated 3/9/11)
Not necessarily - people have sent in multiple boxes for the same trade-in submission successfully. It's even possible to send half at one time and the other half at the end of the valid shipping period. However, it's probably best to always ship everything at once.

Can I put separate trades in to a single box? (updated 6/7/11)
Sure, and they'll likely be accepted just fine. However, it isn't recommended since you would only have proof that you sent one of the trades (whichever mailing label you used). So it can be pretty risky.

Can I send in sealed games?
Yes. They won't reject games that still have the original shrink wrap.

Can I add Delivery Confirmation and Insurance to my shipment?
UPS Ground already provides you with tracking information, and I imagine you could get some sort of insurance added at a UPS store or location if you were so inclined.

I don't trust UPS ground. Can I pay for postage myself? What's the address?
Yes. You're more than welcome to do so. Just use the address on the amazon provided shipping label and make sure to get some sort of tracking.

When do I have to send my games once I have submitted my trade order?
You have 1 week (7 days) to send your games. There have been reports of submitting trades up to 15 - 20 days late, but that is definitely ymmv and not in the written rules. Send on time for the best chance at success!

Crap, I have one day to go before my shipment deadline, but the website states that my deadline has already passed. How do I print out a shipping label and packing slip? (Updated 9/9/13)
Load up any existing order (if you don't have any, check your browser's history or just submit a new one to use the link), and substitute the transaction ID for the trade-in order you need at the end of the URL.

Some step by step directions:
1. Go to your trade-in page on Amazon and find the Trade-In ID of the transaction:

Trade-In Placed:

August 24, 2013

  • Total Amount Submitted: $35.00
  • Amount Paid: $0.00
2. Copy the entire Trade-In ID (i.e. TRN-1234567-1234567) to your clipboard by highlighting it and hitting Ctrl+C or right click -> copy with your mouse

3. Paste the Trade-In ID to the end of this link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/tradein/multicondition-your-account/print-label/ref=trdrt_ya_yaprnt?ie=UTF8&orderID=

So it should look like this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/tradein/multicondition-your-account/print-label/ref=trdrt_ya_yaprnt?ie=UTF8&orderID=TRN-1234567-1234567

The Print Shipping Label screen for that trade should now come up.

How long does the whole trade-in process usually take?
From the time you send in your games, it may take up to 14 business days for the package to arrive. Most people usually receive their credit (Amazon GiftCard) in 3 to 5 business days, however.

How long does the "processing" status usually take? (Updated 10/11/12)
Usually a day or two with little delay at all. It may take multiple days or even weeks if it's an usual item/hardware.

My games were received on Friday (based on Delivery Confirmation), will I have to wait until Monday to receive credit?
People have received credit on a Saturday.

I do not have the manual, cover art, or original case for a game I want to trade in. Will they accept it? (updated 6/9/11)
While the details specifically state that original packaging is necessary, people have reported in the past that their trades were accepted despite missing some of these. This is extremely YMMV, however since some were also rejected by missing manual or cover art. On the other hand, older gen games; such as SNES, N64, and GB cartridges, normally get accepted without the original box and manual, but still YMMV.

It should be noted that with the new condition requirements (see later in the FAQ), you may be able to send an item in missing some or all of the required items (manual / cover art / case) and still have it accepted in "Acceptable" condition.

I do not have the manual, accessories, original box, original included game, etc for a console or accessory I want to trade in. Will they accept it? (updated 3/9/11)
The current wisdom is "probably not" - it's pretty YMMV but AFS seems stricter than they should be on this. Your chances seem to be better for them accepting a console or accessory without the box / manual / etc if it's older generation or rare. You're more than welcome to give it a shot though if you're feeling lucky - just pack it well and include as much as you can! Don't expect greater than 'acceptable' condition though.

My game is really beat up, what are the chances they’ll accept it?
This is YMMV. Some people have reported in the past that they sent in games in bad shape that were still accepted. Your best bet is still to trade in games in mint condition. Minor scratches are expected as these are used games.

My game came with DLC codes and I used them. Will my game be accepted? (Updated 12/28/11)
It is expected that included DLC codes have already been redeemed, so you should be fine. It is a kindness however if you have no use for it to not redeem it and let the next lucky soul who buys it from awd or wherever have a crack at it. Up to you!

My cover art (PLATINUM HITS) differs from the pic on amazon, will my trade be accepted?
It all depends on the UPC so just turn your game around, type in the UPC into the amazon search box. If the game comes up, then it's accepted regardless of cover art. Click on that result to submit your trade.

I have a game from a limited edition bundle, will they accept it?
If the game’s cover art has a UPC barcode, they will most likely accept it. If your game's cover states "Not for Resale" and does not have a UPC barcode, the game will most likely get rejected. Some people have had their games accepted in the past, but this is very YMMV.

The UPC barcode is not intact on my game's cover art, will that be accepted? (updated 3/9/11)
This is YMMV, but probably not. The UPC is all powerful within the walls of AFS..

I sent in my games, all of which were in pristine condition with the original packaging, but they said that one game is damaged and is now being returned.
Always pack your games well. Put a lot of newspaper around your games in the box to secure them and to prevent any damages from haphazard box cutting. People in the past have requested their entire trade-in order if it’s obvious the damage wasn’t their fault, and Amazon ended up accepting the rejected game. This is YMMV as well.

Can I trade in multiple copies of the same game?
Yes. Once you click “Trade in” for a particular game, you may change the quantities. Once you submit, you can no longer change quantities on that trade-in batch.

How many multiple copies of the same game can I trade-in (updated 1/11/11)?
Maximum of 2 copies within 3 a month period.

I locked in X copies of a game but I now only have Y available to send. Can I just send in Y without being penalized? (updated 3/9/11)
Yes, you can always just send in a portion of your trade-in order and they'll just credit you for whatever they receive. However, the quantities you submitted for will stay locked in that instance (I think) so if you, for example, submitted for 2 copies and only sent 1, you may not be able to trade any more copies of that game for 3 months (see previous question).

Will the Trade-in of the Day TIV stay for 24 hours?
It's been reported that there is a limit (maximum # of copies) that will get the promoted TIV so lock yours.

So if I find a good flip, I can just send 2 copies of that game and not worry about Amazon accusing me of stolen merchandise?
Technically yes, but do keep in mind that other CAGs might want to participate in the current deal, and trading in a large number of the same game will definitely lower the TIV of said game. Let’s be nice to other people. This is probably moot for most folks now with the per account / address trade-in limit.

Wow, these TIVs suck (updated 3/9/11)!
Really? Hrm. While that may be true, they're often better than other comparable places. Your options of what to do with your used games are greater now than they've ever been, so feel free to shop your trades around or just sell them off on glyde/ebay/whatever. Also, not a question.

What the fuck? The TIV of a game I just bought for this deal tanked! What do I do?
The TIVs on Amazon fluctuate depending on the number of trades that are submitted, and we really can’t do anything about it. The best course of action for trading in games is to lock in your trade if you already have the games or are absolutely sure that you can obtain them. You can always cancel the trade submission if you end up not finding the games.
LOCK = SUBMIT YOUR TRADE, Don't just put it in the cart.

Can I edit a submitted trade?
Nope - once upon a time you could modify trade in quantities of submitted trades, but that ability has been removed.

Can I use my credit on items that are not video game-related?
Yes. This is the other perk for trading in games at Amazon since you're not limited to just video games.

Can I use my credit on items sold by third-party merchants on Amazon?
According to the fine print of the Amazon gift card use, some merchants are excluded. Your best bet is to try it on the checkout page of your order.

Strategy guides? I can trade in game/strategy guides? Whaaaaa?
Go to the Textbook Buyback section (http://www.amazon.com/Textbooks-Trad...ode=2205237011[/URL]). You can either search on the title of a strategy guide you have to see if they'll accept it, or search for guides. The two best search strings to start with are 'prima guides' and 'bradygames'. Might try 'doublejump' if you want to trade in some of those. (Thanks eugaet)

I locked in some hilariously overvalued trade for some weird rare game/accessory/etc that I can pick up for cheap cheap cheap. They didn't accept it. What should I do? (updated 3/9/11)
The truth is that AFS can reject things for any reason they see fit. While some people have managed to get silly things like a $200 credit for some cheerleading game (or for a PS2 - just ask io!), it's sooooooo YMMV that often it's not worth the effort. EXPECT REJECTION ON THINGS THAT ARE CLEARLY MISVALUED. That said, as long as you're willing to risk it, go for it!

What's all this item condition nonsense? And how can I get screwed over by it? (updated 6/9/11)
We're still kinda sussing out the details surrounding the new item condition portion of Amazon Trade-Ins, but it looks like there's a couple things to consider:
Good Condition eligibility (games):
- The video game, original manufacturer packaging and all original elements are included, but shows wear from normal use
- Game still plays perfectly
- Disc may have light scratches and other elements may have minor damage
- Item may have been personalized (marked or identified)

Acceptable eligibility (games):
- Game still plays perfectly
- Item may have been personalized (marked or identified)
- Item may be missing or have irreparable damage to one or all of the following: case, manual, artwork, bundled accessories, UPC

Note that a game will almost certainly not be accepted if it meets any of these conditions:
- Game does not play perfectly
- Disc is cracked
- Marked Not for Resale (or is otherwise marked not for sale)

Consoles/accessories have some slightly different criteria, but the idea is the same.

Did it seriously just ask me if I wanted my game / other item returned if they refuse to give me credit for it? (updated 6/9/11)
Yes, that just happened.

Unless you're purposefully sending them things you deem to be trash, please remember to choose the option that has them return your item to you during the checkout phase.

Who is AFS? (updated 9/14/13)
Amazon Fulfillment Services (previously known as NorAm). Dunno if they changed names, were bought up by Amazon, or what. Not too interested anyhow.

Why does my package jump back and forth between states? (updated 9/14/13)
Look at a map of the involved cities and it'll make sense. Something to do with UPS hubs and proximity to the state border/cities.

Post away!

 
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guyver2077 said:
worth trading in super mario sunshine for $18.xx? thoughts?
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Depends. Personally I held on to that one when they were offering up to $30 for a bunch of GC games.

Right now on eBay the cheapest complete used Players' Choice copy is being offered for $28 shipped. So, yeah, $18.xx isn't too bad given you avoid the shipping/eBay fees and hassle of selling there.

Though that is one of my favorite games of all time so I'd probably keep it unless it was in the $100+ range... But if you have no attachment to it that isn't a bad price. You might get $30+ for it on eBay if you are patient. But that only comes out to about $22-$25 after shipping and fees.

------------

This spurred me to look back on that great week or two of high values which happened almost exactly 1 year ago. This is what I sent in: Luigi's Mansion $30, Sonic Adventure DX $22.10, Mario Party 4 $27.70, Sonic Gems Collection $17.15, Kirby Air Ride $29.80, Star Fox Assault $30, Ty The Tasmanian Tiger $15.05, Pikmin $30, The Hobbit $16.45, Burnout 2 $23.50, Disney Extreme Skate Adventure $20, Sonic Adventure 2 Battle $30, Midway Arcade Treasures $16.45, Animal Crossing (kept the memory card though) $24.20, Godzilla Destroy All Monsters Melee $16.45.

I also sent 5 GBA games: Space Invaders $30, Muppet Pinball Mayhem $30, Mario Kart Super Circuit $30, Metroid Fusion $30, Super Mario Advance 4: $30.

Most of those were above their eBay selling value and even for the few that weren't it was still worth it. The GBA games in particular are so hampered by counterfeits that even though my legit complete near mint copies were probably worth more than $30 for 2 or 3 of those, it wasn't worth competing with all the garbage listed on eBay.

 
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io said:
Depends. Personally I held on to that one when they were offering up to $30 for a bunch of GC games.

Right now on eBay the cheapest complete used Players' Choice copy is being offered for $28 shipped. So, yeah, $18.xx isn't too bad given you avoid the shipping/eBay fees and hassle of selling there.

Though that is one of my favorite games of all time so I'd probably keep it unless it was in the $100+ range...
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thanks for input.. it is a PC.. and i didnt really care for the game nor did I play it much.. just been collecting dust so ill def consider it.

 
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:360: Baja: Edge of Control is still at $14.53 TIV, and $12.99 pre-discounts at GS, if anyone didn't get in on this earlier.

http://www.amazon.com/BAJA-Edge-Control-Xbox-360/dp/B0016MJ7OQ/ref=trdrt_list_asin

EDIT: On another note, does anyone know how to cancel a trade-in that's partially complete? I submitted a trade-in for four games, 2x Supreme Commander and 2x Baja: Edge of Control. I could only find one copy of each, and they've been verified and processed. But, now I can't trade in another Baja: Edge of Control because that trade-in has 1 copy pending.

 
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Zolor23 said:
:360: Baja: Edge of Control is still at $14.53 TIV, and $12.99 pre-discounts at GS, if anyone didn't get in on this earlier.

http://www.amazon.com/BAJA-Edge-Control-Xbox-360/dp/B0016MJ7OQ/ref=trdrt_list_asin

EDIT: On another note, does anyone know how to cancel a trade-in that's partially complete? I submitted a trade-in for four games, 2x Supreme Commander and 2x Baja: Edge of Control. I could only find one copy of each, and they've been verified and processed. But, now I can't trade in another Baja: Edge of Control because that trade-in has 1 copy pending.
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You can't unfortunately. You have to either wait until the trade expires (after 25 days) or just send in the second copy of Baja by printing out a second shipping label under that same trade if there's still enough time for it to be received/processed.

 
Just had my Capcom Triple Packs denied. Locked in acceptable, sent as disc only. One set was denied for "disc cracked" -- the other was denied for "severe damage".

These are old games from Gamestop, so the discs weren't perfect. However, I cleaned them up nicely before mailing, and I didn't think they were unacceptable by anyone's standards. I'm also certain none of the discs were cracked. Really frustrating when they simply make up bullshit reasons to deny trades. Luckily, the TIV hasn't changed. Hopefully re-submission yields better results.

 
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PimpBot2000 said:
For those that haven't traded in a copy of Kung-Fu High Impact yet, it dropped to $17.99 (was $19.99) at GameStop and trades in for $24.20 at Amazon.

http://www.gamestop.com/xbox-360/games/kung-fu-high-impact/95512

http://www.amazon.com/Kung-Fu-High-Impact-Xbox-360/dp/B0055NBPYM
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They would have to offer good TIV on the one title that I already traded in two copies.

Gamestop has me really nervous right now. I made a dumb purchase over the weekend for their B2G1F sale spending $68 for a beat up copy of Metro Last Light, Ni Nu Kuni, and Rock Band 3 for PS3 which was $31. I thought I could flip it easily on Ebay, but no one would buy it even for that price. I returned the games yesterday, but it show a positive charge on my credit card, not a credit. So now I'm out the money and no games and I think I lost the return receipt they gave me. :(

 
I had two Disney Sing it Family hits accepted today. One was acceptable (disc only), and the other was Good (manual, art, etc.). Didn't cut out UPCs or anything, just sent them in since they were so cheap @ gamestop.

 
Dang it, I'm pretty sure I sent in two Godfather's in the same package, almost sure, but can't remember.

One was accepted, and the other was processing. Ugh

 
I got 2 copies fight night round 3 rejected for 'wrong item'.  I don't understand this one at all...I cant decide if it's worth complaining about after all its only 13 bucks.....just still very annoying.  Also got a Tomb Raider with correct UPC accepted.  I have one floating with the incorrect upc so we'll see how I fare on that soon. 

 
Potatoeman said:
I had two Disney Sing it Family hits accepted today. One was acceptable (disc only), and the other was Good (manual, art, etc.). Didn't cut out UPCs or anything, just sent them in since they were so cheap @ gamestop.
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Damn. I had two copies rejected though both had the case (only one had the manual). I must not have gotten all the stickers off or something in my rush to send em out. I've submitted another trade and will resend when I have them back.

 
Proof that their grading is really messed up.. Look what I ordered today says missing manual but indeed there was manuals looks like someone doesn't know how to grade. Bought this for trade 2 for gamestop so no I'm not going to play it lol.

upa3uvys.jpg
eruhareh.jpg
 
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Potatoeman said:
I had two Disney Sing it Family hits accepted today. One was acceptable (disc only), and the other was Good (manual, art, etc.). Didn't cut out UPCs or anything, just sent them in since they were so cheap @ gamestop.
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Had my disk only copy approved today too. But of a surprise, but I'll take it.
 
eej1422 said:
Proof that their grading is really messed up.. Look what I ordered today says missing manual but indeed there was manuals looks like someone doesn't know how to grade. Bought this for trade 2 for gamestop so no I'm not going to play it lol.
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Unless the manual is underneath those pamphlets, that is not the actual instruction manual.

 
Awesome. I had one of my Facebreaker/Stokeds accepted today. Strangely enough, the second is still Processing, even though I sent them in the same order. Not sure what that's about.

My Blazblue: Calamity Trigger LE and my Saints Row x 2 arrived today, so I'll report back with news on that once I find out myself.

And I'm still waiting for my other games to be returned (Fight Night/Wanted/Sega Fun Pack). I'll be shipping Sega Fun Pack right back once I get it, and I'll... see what I can do with the Fight Nights and Wanted, I suppose.

 
I sent both of mine in as "acceptable" for the bundle, one of them got UPgraded to good. It's just different people grading, got lucky today.

Also, about the animal crossing, it doesn't look like the manual is in there..

 
I believe it was in there.. I didn't really get a chance to look at it just went straight to gs with it.. Didn't expect a case with being acceptable I just expected the cartridge.
 
I also got my 2nd xbox slim power adapter accepted at gamestop.. I have one last one to trade in if anyone is looking for amazon to gamestop credit. Just rip the sticker off..

 
Well I' bummed because one of my Tomb Raider CEs with the Gamestop UPC was rejected for incorrect UPC.  It was actually delivered today so that was hella fast.  My other one will probably be rejected too so I hope they didn't unseal them at least.

 
All these tales of people getting disc-only stuff upgraded... That has never happened to me.  But I'm happy that they are working through stuff that just got there yesterday now.  I had 2 more accepted including one that was downgraded as expected (since it was disc-only).  I'm still waiting anxiously on my Facebreaker/Stoked combo though (which hasn't even gotten there yet).

 
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Well I'm getting more worried about this TR CE since I got my RR's back today, without a tracking number ever being posted on my account, but no TR CE.  I should have just complained about it to CS when it got rejected as wrong item.

 
QSilverTwo said:
Were they the correct UPC?
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No I brought them at GameStop and had a different UPC on it. I don't know why some you guys are now having trouble with Amazons Trades-Ins being rejected...but then again I don't trade that much or often at Amazon so who knows. One of them I opened it and the other one was sealed like new.

 
Traded in my $53.25 Madde Anniversary yesterday. That plus $25 extra should get me the Xbox One version of Madden 25 and the Sunday Ticket for $32 total :)
 
Received my rejected games today.

Rock Rev said 'wrong edition': okay, fine, I understand.

Pinball said 'no manual' I put 'acceptable'. I don't get it!

:(

 
My last batch of trades were processed today. Fight Night Round 3, Wanted: Weapons of Fate x 2, Trivial Pursuit, Capcom Platinum Hits Triple Pack (I actually had this with the outer box), Saints Row Platinum Hits and Facebreaker/Stoked (graded acceptable - discs only - I put both games in a two disc case). Only thing rejected was Rock Revolution (disc only - incorrect condition - disc has not-for-resale marking). Not sure about that but it was worth a shot.

 
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