Loose, CIB, sealed: understanding a retro game's condition before you buy

On a retro game or console listing, condition is often summed up in one word: loose, CIB or sealed. That word moves the price a lot, sometimes more than the state of the cartridge itself.

Loose: the essentials, for playing

A loose item is sold on its own: the cartridge without a box, or the console without its original packaging. It's the most affordable option, and the obvious one if you just want to play.

CIB: complete in box

CIB means Complete In Box: the game or console with its original box and manual. For a console, you'd also expect the inner packaging and the accessories it shipped with. Many 90s Nintendo cardboard boxes were thrown away, so a CIB copy in good shape is rarer, and pricier.

Sealed: never opened

A sealed item has never been opened since the factory. It's a collector's piece. Be wary of fake seals: shrink-wrap redone at home guarantees nothing. At RetroGame, sealed items go to the collector selection, with detailed photos.

What about the grade?

The type (loose, CIB, sealed) tells you what's included. The grade (A+, A, B, C) tells you what condition the unit is in. A game can be CIB with a grade-B box, for example. Both are shown on every product page.

How to choose

1. To play: loose is the best value.
2. To display: CIB, checking the photos of the box.
3. To collect: sealed, or grade A+ CIB with a clear history.

Questions about a specific item? Message us; we send extra photos on request.