Guide for Physical Console Game Collectors | Where to Buy Games in Australia

EnterTheShiftKey on 18/08/2020 - 08:15
Last edited 18/08/2020 - 09:03

This is a guide/my personal experience on most of the sites/stores that sell physical games. I'll be discussing the quality of the product each store sells so if you're interested in buying and collecting physical games, you can avoid hassle.

This is mainly for collectors who are looking to buy New Sealed copies of the game, and are really picky about what they buy)

EBGames

Sells used games as new. Sent a shattered game case.
Sometimes has games that no other store sells anymore. (Skate 3, Forza Horizon 2. Both sealed)

JB HI-FI

Has 2 for $40 deals. Not all games included in those deals are great but some are decent.
Sent a clearly used game case with a big hole in the case. Had to go to a physical store to get it replaced with a sealed copy. (Final Fantasy Type-0 HD)
Sometimes seals their used game. The sealer they use melt the external plastic sleeve that holds the cover art.

AMAZON

Sometimes sends shattered game case
Superb return process. Immediately click on return and everything is paid by amazon and u get ur money back.
Some sellers use australian game art for the listing and sends a european copy instead. Stick to Amazon, Amazon AU to get guaranteed australian copies.

EBAY

Some sellers BS with resealed copy
Most games listed as mint, as new 100% have severely scratched discs, worn out game cover.
DO NOT BUY FROM EBAY UNLESS U HAVE NO OPTION

OZGAMESHOP

Wide range of catalogue
Affordable shipping fee but takes while to be delivered
Some older titles will have the round british rating instead of the usual square eu rating.

GAMESMEN

Shipping is expensive but has the lowest prices in some games
99% time sends sealed copy. The one time I've received unsealed game, the condition was actually brand new.

MIGHTYAPE

Used a sticker to place it on top of the rating. Stickers are impossible to get it off.

FISHPOND

Expensive, slow delivery, etc

I've been collecting games since 2018 and have accumulated a sizeable collection thanks to great deals posted here on OzBargain. I've had so many issues with various sites that I wanted to share what I've learned to any potential buyers of physical games. This is based on my personal experience so your mileage may vary.

Gaming

Comments

[Deactivated] on 18/08/2020 - 08:29

+1

If you are reading this and are confused - OP is referring to Console/PC games and not "Physical Games".
- websterp on 18/08/2020 - 08:57
  
  True. For a moment I thought OP was talking about board games or something similar.
- EnterTheShiftKey on 18/08/2020 - 09:04
  
  Ahh. I didn't even think about that. Thanks for pointing out.
Sum-Ting Wong on 18/08/2020 - 09:11

+1

I'm surprised Gumtree isn't in the list (though I would only purchase from there if I can pickup the goods and inspect before payment).

Also perhaps Facebook marketplace, not that I've used it myself, but it's my wife's goto for any buying/selling.
FireRunner on 18/08/2020 - 09:43

I've received a shattered case from EB Games too, I think it was crushed in the mail rather than being sent broken
- HolyFosh on 18/08/2020 - 11:21
  
  That happened once for me, I ended up taking it back to my local store and they gave me a replacement case for free.
- tallkid123 on 18/08/2020 - 15:48
  
  I just refunded a new game sent to me through their online store this afternoon at my local outlet. The outer casing looked like someone had tried to put it in a paper shredder.
BBear53 on 18/08/2020 - 11:55

I used to hit up game traders when they were in highpoint but seems like they've got no presence in Vic anymore. Still has online for stores in other states.
tallkid123 on 18/08/2020 - 15:49

I'm a game collector as well. I've got a 1000 games on a wall behind me as I type this.

In addition to your list above, I also use:

Gumtree

Facebook Marketplace

Cash Converters Webshop

Forums (OCAU)