Before CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray Discs became the standard for data storage, video games were stored in bulky ROM cartridges. These cartridges are usually simple circuit board encased in a plastic case and are used to play pioneering home video game consoles such as those manufactured by Atari and Nintendo.
Today, these cartridges are rendered obsolete by the emergence of digital storage systems and modern gaming consoles. Nevertheless, there are gaming aficionados who are willing to pay good money to get their hands on hard-to-find and incredibly rare vintage home video cartridges to add to their collection.
Because of their age, the plastic casing of these cartridges may have turned brittle and fragile over the years. Thus, video game cartridges must be handled with the utmost care when being shipped to ensure that they arrive in excellent condition. Here are some tips on how to properly pack and ship a video game cartridge.
A rare video cartridge still in its original box can fetch thousand of dollars. When shipping such an item, not only the cartridge must be protected from damage but also the original packaging. In this case, a padded mailer must not be ideal as it does not provide sufficient protection. To keep it safe, wrap the original box in bubble wrap and place inside a slightly larger shipping box and fill all sides with packing materials (crumpled paper or bubble wrap) to prevent movement. Close and seal the outer box with packaging tape.
If shipping without the original box, wrap the cartridge with several layers of bubble wrap and secure with tape. Place the wrapped cartridge in a sturdy box with ample packing materials all around. Make sure that the box is packed well and does not allow the item inside to move around before closing and sealing it with tape.
Address and label the package and take to the post office or shipping company.