14 DAY TRIAL // Videogame publishers have long complained that the second hand market, where major chains and small shops partner up to offer used games at usually lower prices, reduces the profits of the gaming industry and can be blamed, at least in part, for the troubles through which some publishers went through in 2008.
Video Game Price Charts has compiled a series of tables aiming to paint a picture of the second hand market, showing which games are selling well and at what prices, while also revealing which publishers are most likely to be affected by it. Video Game Price Charts tracks re-sells made through unofficial channels like Amazon, Half.com, eBay and JJGames.
Wii Fit is the game enjoying the best re-sale value, selling on average for 139.78 dollars, which is 55.3% more than the manufacturer suggested retail price (89.99 dollars). Mario Kart Wii took second place, selling for 66.35 dollars, while its MSRP is only 49.99. A surprise entry is at third spot, Rapala Fishing Frenzy, which has a suggested retail price of 49.99 and is re-sold for 58.50 dollars, an increase of 17%.
SEGA Superstars Tennis for the Xbox 360 was the price that registered the biggest drop when it was re-sold. The drop was 82.7%, from 39.99 dollars to 6.92 dollars.
Video Game Price Charts says that Bethesda, Nintendo and MTV Games are the most affected by second hand selling, with their games fetching more money on the secondary market than when sold through official channels. SEGA of America, Brash Entertainment and Sierra titles were the least affected, with the value of their games dropping significantly when re-sold. The interesting thing is that most charts offered seem to reflect the quality of the games the publishers put out, which is normal considering the fact that the second hand market is very supply and demand driven.