So, You’re Ready to Part Ways with Your Nintendo DS, Huh? Let’s Get You Paid.
Time to face facts. That dusty Nintendo DS in your drawer isn’t getting any younger. Nostalgia is priceless, but cash is also great. If you plan to sell your handheld, you are in the right place. We will break down how to turn that old console into money or store credit. Let’s dive in!
Where’s the Best Spot to Unleash Your DS Back into the Wild?
You have options, my friend. More than you might think for tech that feels ancient in today’s gadget world.
GameStop: The King of Trade-Ins (Maybe?)
Ah, GameStop. The classic option. They take old consoles. Yes, you can get cash. But here’s the scoop: GameStop loves store credit or prepaid cards. It keeps you spending money in their store. Sneaky but effective.
Trade-in Deets at GameStop:
- Cash Money: You may receive cash or nowadays maybe Venmo or a prepaid Mastercard. Convenient, but less valuable.
- Store Credit: They try to woo you with this. Store credit usually gives you the most bang for your buck. Perfect if you’re eyeing a new game or accessory.
- Prepaid Mastercard: A decent middle ground. Usable like cash, but sometimes worth more than straight-up cash from GameStop.
Value Boost for the Pros: If you’re a GameStop Pro member, you’re in luck! You get an extra 10% value, whether choosing store credit or cash. That membership might pay for itself this time.
Real-World Examples:
- PS5 Digital Edition Trade-in: Around $300 in store credit, or about $210 cash.
- PS5 Disc Drive Edition Trade-in: Slightly more, at $325 store credit or $227 cash.
Pawn Shops: Enter at Your Own Risk (and Expect Lowball Offers)
Pawn shops are… an option. They aren’t known for offering top dollar. If you’re in a hurry and need cash now, you might get less than your DS is worth. But honestly, better paths do exist.
Online Marketplaces: Embrace the Digital Wild West (Safely!)
The internet is a glorious bazaar of everything imaginable. Sites like Swappa exist for selling used tech directly to humans. This means more money since you cut out the middleman.
Swappa Shout-out: They claim to be the “safest and easiest” way to sell your Nintendo DS online. Big claims! The buyer-seller setup means sellers often earn more. Plus, getting paid fast is a bonus. Check sites like
Other Mysterious “Options”: Decluttr and Best Buy Enter the Fray
Don’t forget about wildcards! Decluttr and Best Buy sometimes come into play. Decluttr might offer around $54 for a used Nintendo DS. Best Buy may offer up to $90, depending on the DS model. It’s worth a quick price check before committing.
For a broader idea of Nintendo console values across models, sites like
Prep School: Getting Your DS Ready for Sale
Before you box up your DS for sale, prep work is crucial. Think of it as sending your DS to charm school.
Operation: Data Wipe – Because Privacy Matters
Seriously, folks, wipe your data. This isn’t just polite; it’s about protecting your info. Nintendo urges you to “securely remove all personally-identifiable information” before selling. That means photos and any sensitive data in settings. Formatting the system memory is key.
Show Me the Money! Valuing Your DS in the Wild
Let’s talk numbers. Figuring out your DS’s worth is part art, part science, and some eBay-stalking.
Nintendo Nostalgia is Real (and Potentially Profitable)
Nintendo consoles, especially classics, hold value well. Want ballpark figures? Hold onto your hats:
- Nintendo Game Boy Pocket: Around $71.
- Nintendo Game Boy Light: Up to $224! Light models are fancy.
- Nintendo Game Boy Color: A cool $81.
- Nintendo Game Boy (Original): The OG brick fetches about $108.
- Nintendo 64: Worth around $163.
- Nintendo Virtual Boy: Fetching $486! Rarity is king.
- Nintendo SNES: About $163.
- Nintendo NES: Roughly $177.
These are market value examples. Actual prices vary based on condition and model.
Trade-In Tactics: Maximize Your Return
Trade-ins are a convenient option, even if not always lucrative. GameStop’s program offers cash, store credit, and prepaid cards. Store credit usually gives a slightly better deal. They’re interested in consoles including the Nintendo 3DS and Xbox One. Always check values in-store or online before visiting.
Condition is King: Why Your DS’s Upbringing Matters
Listen up! Condition is everything. A pristine boxed DS gets a premium compared to a scratched-up one that’s been loved hard. Rarity matters too. Limited edition models or games are highly sought after.
DS Games are Getting Scarce (and Pricey!): As of late 2024, years since the DS’s discontinuation mean games are harder to find and prices are skyrocketing. We’re talking four-figure price tags for rare titles.
When Selling Isn’t an Option: Responsible Disposal
If your DS is beyond repair or resale, don’t toss it! Electronic waste is serious. Look for local recycling programs. Many retailers and even Nintendo may offer take-back programs for recycling old electronics when buying new products. Recycle responsibly.
DS Deep Dive: Fun Facts and Final Thoughts
Let’s wrap with some DS trivia to impress friends:
DS: Officially Retired
The Nintendo DS ceased production in May 2017. A respectable run for a revolutionary handheld.
Online Services: The Lights Have Been Turned Off
Services for the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS shut down globally in March 2023. Only Switch soldiers on with online connectivity.
Pokémon Bank: A Glimmer of Hope for Pokémon Masters
If you’re a Pokémon trainer with a vast collection, rejoice! Pokémon Bank is your lifeline. It’s the only way to transfer Pokémon from older games to newer titles.
3DS: The DS’s Fancy Successor
Announced in March 2010, the Nintendo 3DS launched in February 2011. It had a good run until production ceased in 2020.
No More New DS Games (Officially)
Nintendo stopped making new DS games. The last official DS game was
DS Debut: A Blast from the Past
The Nintendo DS first appeared in North America on November 21, 2004. Two screens of handheld gaming were unleashed!
You are now armed with the knowledge to sell your Nintendo DS confidently. Go forth, declutter, and get cash or store credit. Happy selling!
For more info on GameStop’s trade-in program, visit their
