Understand the terms loose, CIB, complete, and sealed to compare retro games, read listings, and choose the right copy.

A "loose", "CIB", "mint" or "shrink-wrapped" game: retro gaming listings use vocabulary that may seem obvious to collectors, but can sometimes be ambiguous. These terms describe different aspects: the contents sold, their condition or their edition.

Understanding them helps compare two prices and avoid imagining elements that are not included. The description and photos of the item should always complement the abbreviations.

Essential vocabulary in a table

What is a loose game?

In common usage, a loose game is sold without its packaging or original manual. For a cartridge console, it is generally the cartridge alone. For a disc game, the seller may provide a sleeve or generic case to protect it.

"Loose" does not mean defective or fake. An original, clean and functional cartridge can be loose. Conversely, the absence of a box does not indicate its functionality: this point must be checked separately.

This format may be suitable when you prioritize the pleasure of playing or if you already own the box. The price must nevertheless be compared to that of other copies of the same edition and in a similar condition.

Is a boxed game necessarily complete?

No. The box may accompany the game while the manual is missing. Some sellers specify "box + game", "without manual" or "with insert": these mentions are more useful than a general title.

Also pay attention to "box only" and "manual only". These listings may meet the needs of a collector completing a copy, but they do not necessarily contain the game. Read the entire title before comparing a price.

What does CIB mean?

CIB is generally used for Complete In Box, meaning "complete in box". In many listings, this designates at least the game, its box and its manual. For other collectors, completeness also includes inserts, cards, advertisements and documents included with the edition concerned.

There is therefore no universal list applicable to all games. A standard edition, a console pack and a collector's edition may have different contents. Some games, moreover, were never delivered with a paper manual.

Ask for a photo of the whole set and an explicit list. If a poster or bonus CD is important to you, check its presence instead of inferring it from the CIB abbreviation.

Complete does not mean in perfect condition

A game can be complete with a damaged box, a marked manual or a scratched disc. Conversely, a copy without a manual may have an excellent aesthetic condition.

Therefore, evaluate two aspects separately: what is provided and in what condition it is. Add a third check for collectibles: are the elements original and consistent with each other?

A European box and a Japanese cartridge do not necessarily constitute the original set, even if the title is identical. A combination can be interesting for playing or displaying, provided it is clearly described.

New, sealed and shrink-wrapped: what precautions?

"New" describes a stated condition; "shrink-wrapped" indicates the presence of plastic packaging. This does not prove, on its own, an authentic factory seal. There may be store packaging or re-shrink wrapping.

Packaging habits vary by period, region and publisher. Not all games were sealed in the same way. For an expensive item, examine the details of the edition and ask for photos before purchasing.

A still sealed game may also have a dented box or torn plastic. It generally could not have been tested without being opened. The collectible status and verified functionality are therefore two distinct pieces of information.

Original, reproduction and cartmod

A reproduction is a remade element: this may concern only the box, a label or the game media itself. A set may mix an original cartridge and a reproduced box; this distinction matters when comparing prices.

The term cartmod is used for modified cartridges, notably to accommodate content different from the original. It does not automatically designate an authentic commercial copy of the game indicated on the label.

Similarly, a replaced case or a new backup battery must be distinguished from the software content. An intervention does not necessarily make the game unusable, but it is worth knowing to choose according to your goal.

How to read a listing before ordering?

1. Identify the console, the title and the edition.
2. List the elements actually included.
3. Examine their condition individually.
4. Spot any announced reproductions or replacements.
5. Check the functionality, region and language.

For SNES cartridges, our Super Nintendo buying guide applies these checks to concrete situations.

Frequently asked questions

Does a complete game always cost more than a loose game?

For comparable editions and conditions, the packaging and documents can increase the appeal for collecting. This does not create a pricing rule valid for all titles.

Does Mint mean new?

No. The word is often used for a very beautiful aesthetic condition. Ask the seller's criteria and do not confuse it with a copy that has never been opened.

Compare the copies available at Retromania

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