The fair market value of a donated video game is $5–$30 per item in 2026, depending on condition.
Electronics Donation Values · Updated August 1, 2026
Video Game Donation Value: What Is It Worth in 2026?
The fair market value (FMV) of a donated video game ranges from $5 to $30 per item in 2026, based on ItsDeducted's valuation dataset and IRS fair market value principles.
Valuation data by ItsDeducted Team · Updated August 1, 2026
Based on aggregated U.S. resale-market prices and IRS Publication 561 fair market value principles. See how we calculate these values.
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Video Game donation values are most impacted by title demand, edition, condition, and completeness.
The donation value of a video game depends mostly on condition, completeness, practical usefulness, and resale demand. Stronger estimates usually go to a video game that is clean, intact, and free of the main problems that make the item harder to reuse or resell. Use the estimates below as a practical starting point, then adjust based on the actual condition and marketability of the item. For this item, fair-condition examples may start around $5, while cleaner or more complete examples in good condition often cluster closer to $15 and like-new versions may reach about $30.
Video Game Donation Values
2026 Video Game Donation Values by Condition
Use the item's actual condition and relevant used-market prices to estimate fair market value at the time of donation, rather than its original purchase price.
| Condition | FMV per item | What it means | Tax note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New / Like New | $30 | A video game in new or like-new condition shows little to no visible wear and may include original case, instruction booklet, any DLC codes (even if expired), and original plastic wrap if sealed. Game title popularity, console platform, region, and whether the case and manual are included drive resale value. Like-new video game in recognized brands or current models can support values near the top of the estimated range. | Condition may qualify |
| Good | $15 | A video game in good condition is clean, fully functional, and ready for console gaming and entertainment. Its disc or cartridge, case, and cover art insert are all present and the game loads and plays correctly. This is the most common donation scenario when a video game still has practical resale or reuse value. | Condition may qualify |
| Fair | $5 | A video game in fair condition is still usable and donation-appropriate but will typically show light surface scratches on a disc or cartridge label wear, minor case cracking at hinge points, or faded cover art. The disc must be readable with no deep gouges, or the cartridge contacts must be clean and functional; the game case and insert should be present. | Check the IRS condition rule |
| Poor | $0 | A video game in poor condition has faults or damage that make it unsuitable for donation and ineligible for a fair market value estimate. This includes a video game where disc has deep radial scratches that prevent reading, the cartridge has corroded or bent contacts that cannot be cleaned, or the disc is cracked. | Generally below the condition rule |
These are estimated values, not deductible amounts. For clothing and household items, the IRS generally requires good used condition or better; a narrow exception may apply to a single item with a qualified appraisal and claimed value over $500.
Video Game Value Factors
What Affects the Value of Donated Video Games?
Not all donated video games are worth the same. These factors have the biggest impact on FMV:
More popular or sought-after video game titles usually hold value better than common or oversupplied releases.
Special editions, boxed releases, or multi-disc sets may support higher values than standard copies of a video game.
A clean disc or cartridge with an intact case and readable cover art usually supports stronger resale value.
A video game with its original case, inserts, or manual is generally worth more than a loose copy.
Video game releases in still-used formats usually resell better than media tied to outdated players.
Video Game Condition Issues
Common Condition Issues and How They Affect Value
Before donating a video game, check for these issues. Each may change the condition tier and estimated fair market value.
| Issue | Effect on Value | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Scratched media | Lowers value | Visible scratches or playback skips reduce the value of a video game even if it still works. |
| Missing case | Lowers value | A loose video game without its original case or cover art is usually worth less. |
| Disc rot or damage | May eliminate value | Heavy damage that prevents reliable playback can make a video game unsuitable for resale. |
| Missing inserts | Acceptable | Missing paper inserts may be acceptable for an ordinary video game, but complete packaging usually supports better value. |
| Water damage | May eliminate value | Water-damaged artwork, warped packaging, or mold can make a video game unacceptable for donation resale. |
Video Game Brand Value
Does Brand Name Affect the Value of Donated Video Games?
Brand usually has limited impact on a video game's fair market value. Title popularity, platform compatibility, condition, and completeness usually matter more than the label.
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Fair Market Value Methodology
How We Calculate These Values
ItsDeducted's fair market values are built from a regularly updated dataset of resale prices across thrift stores, resale platforms, and charity shops nationwide. We apply IRS fair market value principles (IRS Publication 561) to map those prices to four condition tiers.
For a donated video game, our 2026 dataset yields a fair market value range of $5–$30 per item across condition grades.
- We aggregate resale pricing signals for Video Games across major thrift channels.
- We apply condition-tier adjustments consistent with IRS FMV guidance.
- We review and update our dataset regularly — the last date that fair market value data was updated is included on every page.
- Our values reflect the U.S. national average. Local thrift store prices may vary. The IRS expects you to use prices representative of your area.
Pricing year: 2026 — Video Game Fair Market Values Last Updated: August 1, 2026.
These estimates use the fair market value principles in IRS Publication 561. They are not IRS-issued values. Local resale prices, item details, and the donation date can change the appropriate estimate. For a claimed deduction over $5,000 for an item or group of similar items, a qualified appraisal is generally required.
For broader context on the goods people documented, read the 2026 ItsDeducted Donation Value Report. Its anonymized platform snapshot is separate from this item-specific estimate.
Donation Tax Rules
IRS Rules for Donating Video Games
For clothing and household items, the IRS generally requires good used condition or better. An exception may apply to a single lower-condition item when the claimed deduction exceeds $500 and is supported by a qualified appraisal and Form 8283. IRS Publication 561
Condition requirement
Estimate value from the item's actual condition on the donation date. Clothing and household items generally must be in good used condition or better to support a deduction, subject to the qualified-appraisal exception noted above.
Written acknowledgment
If you claim a deduction of $250 or more for a contribution, keep a contemporaneous written acknowledgment from the charity. Keep reliable written records for smaller contributions too.
Form 8283 (over $500)
If your claimed deduction for noncash contributions exceeds $500, generally attach Form 8283 to your return. The details and appraisal rules depend on the property and claimed amount.
Qualified charity
Charitable deductions generally require donations to qualified organizations. Many national thrift charities may qualify, but verify the receiving organization and keep your receipt.
What to save in your records
- Donation date and receiving organization.
- Item description: video game, quantity, and condition.
- Estimated fair market value used for each condition tier.
- Receipt, written acknowledgment, photos, or notes that support the estimate.
IRS reference: IRS Publication 561 explains how to determine fair market value. IRS Publication 526 explains charitable contribution recordkeeping and substantiation. Donors should document the item, its condition, and how they arrived at the estimate. Read IRS Publication 526 for substantiation rules.
Video Game Donation Acceptance
What Charities Typically Accept for Video Games
Many charities may accept a video game when the disc or media is clean and the original case or packaging is still usable. A video game with deep scratches, playback failure, water damage, or missing key packaging may be rejected or valued very conservatively. Acceptance can also depend on whether the format still has practical local resale demand.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions for Video Game Donations
When estimating a video game, why do platform and title demand matter so much?
A video game usually has a higher fair market value when platform, title demand, edition, and disc or cartridge condition compare well with similar used listings. Special editions and hard-to-find titles may also sell for more, while older or heavily used versions often bring less.
How much do platform, title demand, and edition matter for a video game?
Platform, title demand, and edition can meaningfully change the used value because buyers compare specs and real-world usability. If one of those areas is outdated or limited, the resale value usually drops even if the item still works.
Does missing a case and a manual lower the donation value of a video game?
Yes. Missing a case and a manual usually reduces fair market value because the next owner may need to replace them before using the item. Complete, ready-to-use donations often look stronger in both thrift store pricing and recordkeeping notes.
How much do disc readability, label condition, and save or install function affect what a video game is worth?
Disc readability, label condition, and save or install function can have a big effect because buyers expect used electronics to work reliably. Cosmetic flaws may lower value somewhat, but cracked parts, weak performance, or intermittent operation usually reduce the fair market value much more.
How much does release generation change the resale value of a video game?
Release generation still matters because technology can date quickly even when the item remains functional. Older versions may have lower resale demand if they use outdated ports, slower hardware, shorter battery life, or no longer receive software support.
What details about release generation, condition, and the included case should I record before donating a video game?
It helps to note the brand, exact model, release generation, overall condition, and whether a case and a manual are included. Photos that show the item powered on, along with visible wear, can also support a more realistic estimated fair market value.
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