How to Photograph Video Games for eBay (2026): Discs, Carts and CIB

How to photograph video games for eBay, in short: shoot your actual copy on a plain matte background with soft window light and no flash. Show the front and back of the case, the spine, the disc or cartridge label, the disc's play side at an angle, the manual and any inserts, plus every flaw. eBay needs at least 500 px; aim for about 1600 px.

More on this topic: Product photography, every guide in one place.

Retro and used game buyers care about three things: is it complete, is it original, and what condition is it in. A stock image of the box art answers none of them. Discs need their scratches shown, cartridges need their labels and contacts shown, and boxed retro games need every corner shown. This guide covers the setup, glare on cases and shrink wrap, the shot list for discs, cartridges and complete-in-box games, consoles and lots. The free product collage maker combines case, disc and manual into one overview image.

What setup do you need to photograph video games?

A table near a window, a plain matte background, a white card for fill and a phone on a stand. Game cases, cartridges and discs are small and flat, so most photos are shot from directly above, with a few at an angle for depth and disc surfaces.

What photos should a video game listing have?

Front cover, back cover, spine, the disc or cartridge, the manual and inserts, and any damage. For valuable retro games, add the corners of the box, the cartridge contacts and serial or region markings.

For eBay's full photo rules, including the 24-photo limit and the ban on added borders and text, see our eBay photo requirements guide. eBay has separate rules on when catalog stock images may be used in media categories; check its picture policy, and always add photos of your own copy for used games.

eBay's photo limit and minimum size were checked in October 2026. Marketplaces change their rules, so confirm the current requirements in your seller dashboard before you upload a large batch.

How do you photograph disc scratches?

Hold the disc play side up, angled toward a window or lamp so the light glances across the surface, and photograph the reflection. Scratches that are invisible face-on show up as bright lines when the light hits at a low angle.

1. Clean fingerprints off the disc with a microfiber cloth, wiping from the center outward.
2. Hold the disc by its edges, play side up, angled toward a soft light source.
3. Tilt it until the light runs across the whole surface.
4. Focus on the surface, not the reflection of the room, and shoot.
5. Rotate the disc 90° and shoot again, since scratches show best across the light.
6. Describe the condition in words too: "light surface scratches, tested and plays".

How do you photograph cartridge games?

Photograph the label straight on, the back with its stickers and screws, and the contacts or the end label. Retro cartridge buyers watch for reproductions, so clear photos of original details build trust.

• Label: straight on, square to the camera, with soft light so the label doesn't glare.
• Back: manufacturer stickers, screws and any writing or price stickers.
• Contacts: a close-up shows corrosion or a cleaned connector.
• Board: only if you're comfortable opening the shell; it proves originality for higher-value titles.
• Battery saves: say whether the save battery works or has been replaced.

How do you photograph complete-in-box retro games?

Lay out the box, the cartridge or disc, the manual, the inner tray and every insert together in one overview photo, then shoot each part on its own. Completeness is what drives the price, so make it impossible to miss.

How do you photograph game lots and consoles?

For lots, shoot every spine in one photo and every front cover in another, then add close-ups of the most valuable titles. For consoles, show the front, back ports, serial label, controllers, cables and the console powered on with a game running if it works.

• Spine shot: stack the cases upright so every title is readable.
• Covers grid: lay the cases out flat in rows.
• Console powered on: a photo of the TV showing the start screen proves it works.
• Accessories: photograph exactly what is included; buyers check cable lists.

For more on electronics, see how to photograph electronics, and for selling on other apps, our Mercari photo tips.

What are the most common video game photo mistakes?

Crop each image with the free image cropper, fix light with the photo editor, and pad tall boxes into squares with the square image maker.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use stock photos when selling a used video game on eBay?

Photograph your own copy. eBay's picture policy covers when catalog images may appear in media categories, but buyers judge condition and completeness from real photos.

How do I show scratches on a game disc?

Hold the disc play side up and angle it toward a soft light so the light glances across it. Scratches show as bright lines.

What photos does a complete-in-box game listing need?

Everything laid out together, then the box on all sides, the corners, the manual, the inner tray, inserts and the game itself.

How do I stop glare on game cases?

Turn off overhead lights, light from the side, and tilt the case slightly away from the light. Don't use the flash.

What size should video game photos be for eBay?

At least 500 px on the longest side; about 1600 px gives buyers a sharp zoom.

Should I photograph a console turned on?

Yes, if it works. A photo of the start screen is the simplest proof that it powers on and reads games.