New Tool: eBay Game Sniper

We've launched a new feature on the site we are calling eBay Game Sniper.

The tool constantly monitors eBay video game listings and instantly updates the page when it finds a game with a fixed price below our estimated value.

The page starts off with just a sample link and as new deals are found they are added to the top of the list.

Each listing shows the:

• Condition - Used, Complete (CIB), or New
• Game Name - The name of the product the seller selected when listing the game
• Listing Title - The title of the listing on eBay
• Savings - The difference between the fixed price and our estimated value
• Price - The price the seller is asking for the game
• Estimated Value - The value we estimate for the game in this condition

eBay Game Sniper Settings

There are a couple settings for the eBay Game Sniper.

Connection Status - If you are connected and receiving new listings as we find them. The tool automatically tries to reconnect if disconnected.

Desktop Notifications - If you click this box you will see notifications like the one below show up on your desktop. This allows you to do other work and still know when a new listing is found.

Other Details about eBay Game Sniper

The tool will notify you 1-2 minutes after a new listing has been posted. BUT the best deals sell quickly. The better the deal the faster you need to act to win it.

The tool is created as a web app so you can install it to your mobile device's home screen. Read how to do it on iOS or Android devices.

After using the tool please give us your feedback so we can improve it. There is a feedback link on the Snipe page.

Xbox 360 and PS3 Games Are Worth Collecting Now

Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 already have some rare and valuable games (see Xbox 360's | see PS3's). With the launch of Xbox One and PS4, the time for the really rare/collectible games is upon us.

According to our research, rare games are five times more likely to launch in the last two years of a console's life than they are during any other time. As gamers move onto newer consoles the print runs become smaller for new releases. This increases the chance they will become rare.

There are many examples of this including Panzer Dragoon Saga for Saturn, Teen Titans for Xbox, and Flintstones Surprise at Dino Peak for NES. In general, about a third of the "most rare" games for any console were released in the last two years.

Xbox One and Playstation 4 launched less than a month ago (Nov. 22nd and Nov. 15th respectively). It is hard to imagine 360 and PS3 still being relevant in November 2015. So more than likely we are in the last two years of both Xbox 360 and PS3.

Not All Late Generation Games Will Be Rare

Not every game that comes out in the last two years will become rare, but your odds are much better than any other time.

To increase your odds even more focus on RPG or fighting games and limited editions. Data shows RPG's and Fighting games keep their value the best and have the highest chance of increasing in price. The same with limited edition games.

Which Games Will be Rare?

This is very hard to predict. Many of the games that will eventually come out are not announced yet. But I would focus on upcoming, RPG's or Fighting games or limited editions. Or best of all limited editions of an RPG.

Keep the games in brand new condition, do not open them. That helps increase rarity because most games are open in order to play. If you really want to play it buy a second copy.

Some announced games that are good examples:

Xbox 360
Dark Souls II
South Park: Stick of Truth
Fable Anniversary
Dragon Age
Lords of the Fallen
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z

Playstation 3
Tales of Symphonia Chronicles
Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemist of Dusk Sky
Dragon Age
Dark Souls II
Persona 5
Ragnarok Odyssey Ace

Can you think of any upcoming 360 and PS3 games that you think will be hard to find in the future? If so let us know in the comments below.