How to Trade In Video Games with the Amazon Trade-In Program

Amazon’s trade-in program offered a way for customers to exchange their used video games for Amazon Gift Card credit. The process was managed entirely online, from getting a quote to shipping the games, providing a convenient alternative to in-person store trade-ins for those who frequently shopped at the online retailer.

Finding and Submitting Games for Trade-In

The first step in the process was to determine a game’s value. Users navigated to Amazon’s Video Games Trade-In page, which featured a search bar to look up specific titles. The value offered for a game depended on several factors, including its release date and general demand. Newer, popular titles typically commanded higher prices, while older games, particularly annual sports titles, saw their value decrease significantly over time.

After searching for a game, the results page would display the title along with a “Trade-In” button and the current credit amount being offered. It was important to click this specific button. Clicking the game’s title or image would lead to the standard retail product page, not the trade-in submission form.

Once a game was added to the trade-in list, the user had to specify its condition. The program had two tiers: “Good” and “Acceptable.”

Good condition offered a higher value and had strict requirements. To qualify, the game had to be complete with its original case, cover artwork, and instruction manual. Any accessories that were originally bundled with the game also had to be included. The components could show minor wear and tear, and the disc was permitted to have light scratches, but it had to play perfectly without any issues. Any significant damage, deep scratches, or missing pieces would disqualify it from this category.

Acceptable condition was the lower-paying tier for incomplete or more worn items. A game fell into this category if it was missing its manual, original case, or cover art. Games with more noticeable cosmetic damage to the case or disc that did not affect gameplay were also classified as Acceptable. However, the program did not accept games with major damage, discs that were unplayable, or copies marked as promotional or “Not for Resale.”

After selecting the condition and quantity for an item, users could add more games to the same submission. This was done by navigating back to the trade-in search page and repeating the process. Consolidating multiple games into a single trade-in order was the most efficient way to use the service.

Shipping and Packing Your Games

After all items were added to the trade-in list, the next stage was arranging the shipment. Amazon provided a free, prepaid UPS shipping label, which users printed from the website. While this was the standard free option, customers could choose to use a different carrier at their own expense.

A critical choice during this step was the “Return Option.” If Amazon’s inspection team determined that a game did not meet the condition standards selected by the user (for instance, a game submitted as “Good” was deemed only “Acceptable”), they would adjust the trade-in value. If an item was rejected entirely because it was unplayable or violated the program’s rules, users had a choice. They could either have Amazon return the rejected item to them at no cost or have Amazon dispose of it. Selecting the return option was highly recommended, as a rejected game could still be kept or sold through other means.

Once the shipping and return preferences were set, the system generated a shipping label and a packing slip. The packing slip needed to be printed and placed inside the package with the games. The shipping label was to be affixed to the outside of the box. The submission page also provided a deadline, typically seven days, by which the package had to be mailed to lock in the quoted trade-in values.

Proper packing was essential to prevent damage during transit, which could lead to a reduction in value. For multiple games, a sturdy cardboard box was preferable to a padded envelope. It was good practice to wrap the games in a plastic bag to protect them from potential moisture. Any empty space inside the box should have been filled with packing material like crumpled newspaper, airbags, or bubble wrap. This prevented the game cases from moving around, which could cause cracks or other damage. After packing, the sealed box could be dropped off at any authorized UPS location.

Finalizing the Order and Receiving Credit

Before confirming the submission, a review page allowed for last-minute changes to the item list, shipping address, or return preferences. On this page, some users were offered a “Faster Payment Option.” By opting in and providing credit card information, the trade-in credit would be applied to their Amazon account immediately, before the games were even shipped. This was a convenience for those wanting to make a new purchase right away. However, it came with a risk: if the trade-in items were later rejected or downgraded, Amazon would charge the provided credit card to recoup the difference in value.

If a user changed their mind about a trade-in, they could cancel the entire order through their trade-in account page. A cancellation was possible at any point before Amazon received the package and began processing it. Once processing started, the order could no longer be stopped.

The entire process, from mailing the package to receiving credit, could take up to 10 business days. This included shipping transit time and the time for Amazon’s team to receive, inspect, and process the items. The status of the order could be monitored from the user’s trade-in account page. Amazon sent a confirmation email once the package was received and another when the processing was complete. Assuming no issues, the final gift card amount was applied to the user’s account, ready to be used on future Amazon purchases.