Condition Guide
Picture Policy Updated 5/16/2026
We strive to provide clear and accurate listings while also keeping our online inventory updated as quickly as possible. Because photographing every individual pre-owned game greatly slows down the listing process, our photo policy is based on simple price tiers.
The written condition and included-content notes are the most important part of each pre-owned listing. We list what is included and the condition of each part whenever possible.
Stock photos allow us to list standard lower-priced games faster. Single actual-item photos are used once games reach a higher price point, and 360 spinner photos are used for games valued at $100 or more when available so customers can better view the exact item before purchasing.
Photo Policy
| Under $80 | Stock photo may be used. |
| $80 to $99.99 | Single actual-item photo required. |
| $100 and up | 360 spinner photo used when available. |
If a 360 spinner photo is not available for a $100 or higher item, a single actual-item photo may be used until a spinner photo can be added.
Existing listings may still use older photos, stock photos, or grouped inventory formatting. We are gradually updating older listings as time allows.
Condition Guide
We use specific condition labels for our video games so you have a clear understanding of what you are purchasing. Regardless of condition, all used games are tested and guaranteed to work. Every game also comes with a 10-day guarantee starting from the day you receive it.
Main Conditions
Near Mint:
Our highest standard condition for pre-owned games. Near Mint means the item is very clean overall with little noticeable wear, but it does not mean flawless, untouched, or professionally graded. Minor shelf wear, light handling marks, or small imperfections may still be present. For games in plastic cases, we primarily grade the artwork, disc or cartridge, manual, and included inserts. The outer plastic case itself may show light shelf wear or may have been replaced.
Very Good / Great:
Shows light wear but is still in excellent overall condition. This condition may have small cosmetic blemishes, light shelf wear, or normal signs of handling, but the item should still present well overall.
Good / Acceptable:
Shows normal wear for its age, with no major damage. This is a standard used condition where the item may show visible wear, but is still complete as described, functional, and in sellable condition.
Fair / Worn:
Shows noticeable wear or major blemishes, such as writing, small tears, heavier scratches, sticker residue, staining, or other visible issues. The item is still usable, but condition issues should be expected.
Very Poor:
May have rips, large tears, significant discoloration, heavy wear, heavy scratches, water damage, cracked cases, damaged labels, or other severe cosmetic issues. The item is still tested and guaranteed to work unless clearly stated otherwise.
Missing:
Used when part of the item is not included, such as a missing box, missing manual, missing artwork, or missing original case.
Certified Pre-Owned Factory Sealed:
Used for sealed Trading Card Game and Collectible Card Game products that were traded in from verified collectors. These items remain factory sealed and have been inspected for authenticity and condition.
How We Show What Is Included
We list both what is included and the condition of each included part whenever possible. This is especially important for pre-owned games, since two copies of the same game may include different parts.
The photo may not show every included part, especially on listings using stock photos. Please use the written condition and included-content notes as the main description of what is included.
Examples:
- Game: Condition | Box: Condition | Manual: Condition
- Game: Condition | Box & Manual: Condition
- Game: Condition | Box: Missing
- Game: Condition | Box: Condition | Manual: Missing
- Game: Condition | Manual: Condition | Box: Missing
- Disc Only: Condition
- Cart Only: Condition
- UMD Only: Condition
If a listing says Disc Only, Cart Only, or UMD Only, that means the original case, artwork, and manual are not included unless otherwise stated.
Additional Labels
Ungraded:
This means we have not fully assessed the condition of the item, usually because it is valued under $10. If you would like us to check the condition of a specific game before purchase, please contact us and we can review the item when possible.
New:
The item is unopened and still in its original packaging.
Pre-Order:
Used for items scheduled for a future release or items currently out of stock but expected to be available again. Specific details will be listed in the product description when applicable.
Special Printings:
If a game is a special printing, such as Greatest Hits, Player’s Choice, Nintendo Selects, or a similar version, we will note it when we can identify it. Some loose games, especially certain PlayStation 1 titles, may not be marked if there is no clear way to tell from the disc alone.
A Note About Grading
Our condition grades are meant to give you a general idea of what you are purchasing. They are subjective store condition labels, not professional grading company grades.
A Near Mint item from our store should not be assumed to be a perfect graded collectible. It means the item meets our highest normal pre-owned condition standard. If exact cosmetic condition is important to you, especially on higher-value items, please review the listing photo when available or contact us before purchasing.
We do our best to grade accurately, but mistakes can happen. If you have any concerns about a specific item, or if you would like more information before purchasing, please contact us at curiousgamesnc@gmail.com.