Quality Standards Policies

GAME CLEANING PROCESS

Before a game is made available in the Retro Island Gaming store, it must pass through our multi-step testing and cleaning process, with the exception of Sealed New Games. This process has been created with the end product in mind, ensuring the best quality and experience for our customers. This process is as follows:

DISCS

CARTRIDGES
  • Disc is cleaned with a disc cleaner or microfiber cloth.
    • In some cases, permanent marker and stickers will be removed using alcohol or adhesive remover respectively. However, if doing so would compromise the disc, it will be sold with these cosmetic markings. 
  • Disc is inspected for scratches on the top (label side) and bottom of the disc.
    • If there are scratches on the bottom of the disc, it will go through the resurfacing machine.
    • If the disc is scratched on the top or if the bottom scratches are too significant, the item will not be sold.
  • Cartridge pins are gently cleaned with isopropyl alcohol, brush, and plastic spudger.
    • If the pins are significantly damaged, corroded, or cannot be cleaned, the game will not be sold.

BOTH
  • Game is tested past the title screen
    • If the game has any performance issues, it is cleaned again. If the performance issues persist, the game will not be sold.
  • If the game is being sold in a case, the case is cleaned. This includes removal of dirt, stickers, residue, etc.
    • If there is significant damage to the case, it will be replaced with an aftermarket case
    • If there is significant damage to the cover art on a game, it will be sold as "game only” or "cosmetically flawed" (see Cosmetically Flawed Specifications" below)



GAME MANUAL SPECIFICATION

Many games in our store will specify that they are being sold with a manual. Retro Island Gaming has defined a manual as the following: a physical insert in a game’s case that contains instructions for in-game content. This includes controller layouts, game maps, in-game instructions, and similar items. This does NOT include inserts that specify other locations to find a manual, health and safety guides, or promotional materials

 

SEALED GAME CONDITION

Many games in our store will specify that they are being sold as a “Sealed New Game.” Retro Island Gaming has defined a “Sealed New Game” as the following: a game containing all of its original manufacturer’s packaging, including any seals, wrappings, or encasements. Please note that some of these seals, wrappings, or encasements may have minor tears or imperfections. If you would like to know if a specific item has a perfect seal, please contact us at support@retroislandny.com.

 

COSMETICALLY FLAWED SPECIFICATION

PLASTIC CASE ART

Video Game Art Damage Point System

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Creasing

1

2

3

Tearing

2

3

4

Discoloration

1

2

4

Water Damage

1

3

5

Mold/Mildew

5

5

5

Good Condition

Okay to sell in store

0-1

Acceptable Condition

Sell as cosmetically flawed

2-4

Unacceptable

Never okay to sell

5+

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CARTRIDGE-BASED ART

Video Game Art Damage Point System

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Tearing

(on irrelevant portion of art- ie. blank area, not over text, etc)

1

2

3

Tearing

(on important part of art- ie. over the name of the game, character art, etc.)

2

3

4

Discoloration

1

2

3

Staining

1

3

5

Pen/Marker

1

2

4

Good Condition

Okay to sell in store

0-1

Acceptable Condition

Sell as cosmetically flawed

2-4

Unacceptable

Never okay to sell

5+

____________________________________________________________________________________

CARDBOARD-BASED ART

Video Game Art Damage Point System

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Creasing

1

2

3

Tearing

1

3

4

Discoloration

1

2

4

Water Damage

2

3

5

Mold/Mildew

6

6

6

Good Condition

Okay to sell on website

0-2

Acceptable Condition

Sell as cosmetically flawed

3-5

Unacceptable

Never okay to sell

6+

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