Amazon Trade-In FAQ 5.0

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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
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

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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Breezy. lol. I kid you not, I got a guy (or girl) named Bong when I was trying to get credit for an item they lost. Seriously. I thought to end the chat immediately, but don't judge a book by its cover (or name). Guy gave me the credit easily, though it took a while for him to gather the necessary information.

 
Yeah, something like that. Was trying to watch a movie at the time.

Breezy ( :whistle2:k) from Amazon is apparently having trouble figuring out why it's not working.

Edit- She said she couldn't do anything and is referring me to their promotions team who are supposed to get back to me in the next 1 to 2 days. Would be nice if these promos just worked like they were supposed to instead of being broken as often as not.
I just sent an email (i.e., didn't initiate a chat session) explaining that I qualified for the $10 promo credit thanks to a recently-processed trade-in, but the $10 promo credit wasn't showing up when ordering an eligible "Best of 2013" game (I explicitly mentioned and linked to the :ps4: version of Rayman Legends). I got a response more than an hour ago with the message that I had been credited a $10 promo credit to use on anything on Amazon.com. ANYTHING.

...So of course I did the right thing and preordered Rayman Legends anyway. :whistle2:

I've always had more success sending emails compared to chats, especially when the problem requires a somewhat lengthy explanation.

 
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http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047ZC19W/sr=8-26/qid=1389350871/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1389350871&seller=&sr=8-26

I am thinking about trading this in, I have the original box and movie and uncharted game, but I don't have the

PixelJunk Shooter game digial paper thing like in the picture
do you think i will get like new?
Probably not. In fact there is a good chance they may grade it lower than acceptable. For example, I tried trading in an Xbox 360 console that came with two games, Forza and Skyrim. The Skyrim game was also a downloadable game that came on a piece of cardboard. However I did not have it. I tried trading that in and it was returned to me when I was willing to take any grade on the pacakage.

 
Well I got the usual canned response back from amazon about the promo. Vig or anyone else who got them to fix it what did you say to them since clearly I'm saying the wrong things or getting useless CS people?
 
Well I got the usual canned response back from amazon about the promo. Vig or anyone else who got them to fix it what did you say to them since clearly I'm saying the wrong things or getting useless CS people?
Amazon Your AccountAmazon.com
Message From Customer Service
Hello,
Here's a copy of the chat transcript you requested:

Initial Question: I recently traded in a few games to Amazon, and it also included a $10 promotional credit to the "Best of 2013" games. Included inside the list of eligible games is "Rayman Legends" for the Xbox One. I purchased it, but $10 did not come off the price.

Here is a link to that promotion : http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/?ie=UTF8&docId=1001920971

10:48 PM(GMT) Michael(CSA): Hello, my name is Michael. I hope you're doing well. I am sorry to read that . I'll be happy to help you.
10:48 PM(GMT) Zolor23: Hello Michael.
Iff you need it, here is the trade-in ID of the trade in which I got that promotion : TRN-blahblahblah
10:52 PM(GMT) Michael(CSA): Let me take a look at this
10:53 PM(GMT) Michael(CSA): I see, in this case Billy I'll apply the promotion myself
I'll discount the $10 from your Rayman Legends
10:54 PM(GMT) Zolor23: Okay.
Thank you.
 
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Well I got the usual canned response back from amazon about the promo. Vig or anyone else who got them to fix it what did you say to them since clearly I'm saying the wrong things or getting useless CS people?
This is the email I sent:

"Hello,

I traded a video game through Amazon to participate in the "Trade for the Best — $10 Bonus Credit Toward Amazon's Best of 2013" promotion found here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/?ie=UTF8&docId=1001920971

I placed the trade-in on December 17th, and the item was successfully graded at $20.30, above the $20 threshold needed to qualify for the promotion. Here is the trade-in ID for that trade: TRN-blahblahblah

However, when I attempt to order "Rayman Origins - Playstation 4" (located here: http://www.amazon.com/Rayman-Legends-PlayStation-4-Standard/dp/B00H5V9S6E/ref=sr_1_2_title_3?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1389307211&sr=1-2&keywords=rayman%20legends), which is listed among the eligible titles for the "Trade for the Best" promotion, the $10 promotional credit does not appear.

Is there any way that you can help me with this problem?

Thank you very much for your time and attention,
[Vigilante]"

 
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This is the email I sent:

"Hello,
I traded a video game through Amazon to participate in the "Trade for the Best — $10 Bonus Credit Toward Amazon's Best of 2013" promotion found here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/?ie=UTF8&docId=1001920971
I placed the trade-in on December 17th, and the item was successfully graded at $20.30, above the $20 threshold needed to qualify for the promotion. Here is the trade-in ID for that trade: TRN-blahblahblah
However, when I attempt to order "Rayman Origins - Playstation 4" (located here: http://www.amazon.com/Rayman-Legends-PlayStation-4-Standard/dp/B00H5V9S6E/ref=sr_1_2_title_3?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1389307211&sr=1-2&keywords=rayman%20legends), which is listed among the eligible titles for the "Trade for the Best" promotion, the $10 promotional credit does not appear.
Is there any way that you can help me with this problem?
Thank you very much for your time and attention,
[Vigilante]"
Hope you don't mind me copying and pasting this email. Will have to replace some things obviously. I wasn't even going to use that $10 off but since Rayman is $40 for XB1, I might as well.
 
Agreed. :cry:

I still really like this method of revealing new opportunities, though. :bouncy:
sorry guys there were two available from awd when i posted it. i'd still recommend locking the trade in because awd pops up with them every once in a while

 
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FYI I was looking to do those controllers when they first showed up for some crazy amount like that and there's several really similar versions of that controller that are really hard to tell apart.  The one that actually trades for crazy is also the rarest one.  Whether the graders know that or not is another story.

 
FYI I was looking to do those controllers when they first showed up for some crazy amount like that and there's several really similar versions of that controller that are really hard to tell apart. The one that actually trades for crazy is also the rarest one. Whether the graders know that or not is another story.
i bought one before from awd in A condition and it included exactly what was shown in the picture on the listing. it was accepted without any problems, obviously YMMV but it worked fine for me

 
i bought one before from awd in A condition and it included exactly what was shown in the picture on the listing. it was accepted without any problems, obviously YMMV but it worked fine for me
I just thought I should mention that before someone casually buys one off eBay or something.
 
Don't get your hopes up if you bought that FragFX from AWD.  I bought one last week listed under the standard version with the high trade amount, and it came as the one with the mouse pad.  Huge bummer!

 
I know that, I mean what's the difference in functionality or looks? If all the other one is is the same thing with a mousepad, then keep the mousepad and trade it in as the one with the high TiV.
The button layout and buttons themselves are slightly different between models too .
 
I bought and sent in the fragfx controller from AWD yesterday, hope they accept it. Would be nice, but if not oh well.

 
Hey guys, I'm a little nervous about this. I just bought this on eBay. PS3 Mouse Controller

Is this the one that's worth a high TiV? I paid almost nothing for it, compared to the value of it on Amazon.

 
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I have Gran Turismo 6 Anniversary Edition from Gamestop. It has a different barcode number than the vanilla editions that retailers like Amazon sell. Will they accept the trade?

I know the trick to get acceptable is to just send the disc and thus end the confusion but the acceptable tiv was only $20 so I opted for good ($28) and return to sender instead of downgrade.

I haven't sent it yet though.

gran-turismo-6-anniversary-edition-box-638x800.png


 
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I have Gran Turismo 6 Anniversary Edition from Gamestop. It has a different barcode number than the vanilla editions that retailers like Amazon sell. Will they accept the trade?

I know the trick to get acceptable is to just send the disc and thus end the confusion but the acceptable tiv was only $20 so I opted for good ($28) and return to sender instead of downgrade.

I haven't sent it yet though.
gran-turismo-6-anniversary-edition-box-638x800.png
Simple way to check. Punch the UPC into the game trade in home page. If it pops as GT6 you're good. If it doesn't register, it's going to come back as an incorrect title.
 
Hey guys hope some CAG can help me figure this out.

So I got in on the Call of duty: Ghost Prestige edition late last year as I wanted the 1 year xbox live and could get my nephew the game for xbox one. Well he didnt end up opening the COD, as his friends play xbox 360 more. My question is, hes going to want the season pass but will amazon accept the trade in of the prestige edition if I don't include the season pass?

Thanks in advance guys 

 
Hey guys hope some CAG can help me figure this out.

So I got in on the Call of duty: Ghost Prestige edition late last year as I wanted the 1 year xbox live and could get my nephew the game for xbox one. Well he didnt end up opening the COD, as his friends play xbox 360 more. My question is, hes going to want the season pass but will amazon accept the trade in of the prestige edition if I don't include the season pass?

Thanks in advance guys
You can redeem codes. If you're concerned about sending "incomplete," just redeem it and put the slip back in the box.
 
Having to complain to CS about a trade-in is just the worst since you get promotional credit.  Can't apply it to anything I've already ordered and 90% of what I do order is from AWD.  End up spending it on boring adult stuff instead of irresponsible fun stuff.

 
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Having to complain to CS about a trade-in is just the worst since you get promotional credit. Can't apply it to anything I've already ordered and 90% of what I do order is from AWD. End up spending it on boring adult stuff instead of irresponsible fun stuff.
Buy Gamestop/Bestbuy giftcard(s) with the promo credit and then grab kindle cards in-store. Works like a charm!

 
So what's the consensus of trading in a NEW game.

I just got Bandfuse in the mail today and I want to turn around and trade it in used

 
So what's the consensus of trading in a NEW game.

I just got Bandfuse in the mail today and I want to turn around and trade it in used
Answered in the other thread too, but you should be fine either way. I've traded in plenty of sealed items and never had a problem.

 
Blarg, Amazon returned a trade to me that was rejected as wrong item but was correct.  Game was returned to me with the case cracked and art damaged.  Gave me a credit for half the TIV which seems arbitrary.  Better accept it as acceptable when I send it back in. :p

 
When you trade in the Day One Edition of games, do you have to include the Day One Code card?
If you used it, then there's no harm in leaving it in there if you want to be super sure (but it shouldn't be required). If you didn't use it, it's a nice gesture to the next buyer to leave it in there (but it shouldn't be required).

 
^Damn you college text books! I'm still going to aim for acceptable (for $68) for that Gamecube. Should be fairly easy finding a platinum console for cords for cheap.

EDIT: As with all these older Nintendo consoles, it's easy to find them but hard to find w/ cables or controllers. For $135~ TIV for two, I'll see.

 
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