WHY GAME COLLECTORS SHOULD INSPECT THEIR N64, SNES AND GAMEBOY CARDBOARD INPLAY TRAYS

For retro game collectors, finding a game you remember playing years ago is exciting. Finding it in its original box, with the manual and everything else that came with it, is even better. That is the appeal of collecting Complete in Box (CIB) games.

But there is one small piece of packaging that is easy to overlook: the cardboard inlay tray.

These simple white cardboard inserts helped hold cartridges in place inside their retail boxes. They may not look like much on their own, but for collectors trying to restore a game to its original presentation, they can make a real difference.

Why Are So Many Original Inserts Missing? Retro games have been handled, stored, moved, and traded for decades. When these systems were new, many people were more interested in playing their games than preserving the packaging. Boxes were thrown away, manuals were misplaced, and cardboard inserts were often discarded.

Even when a box survived, its contents did not always remain together. A game might spend years in a drawer, storage bin, or moving box before eventually finding its way into a collector's hands.

Cardboard also has its limitations. It can bend, tear, lose its shape, or weaken with age and exposure to moisture. Repeatedly opening and closing a box can cause wear, while poor storage may leave an insert crushed or damaged.

That is why you can find a perfectly good retro game box with a cartridge inside but no tray to hold it securely.

What Does a Cardboard Inlay Tray Do?
The inlay tray sits inside the game box and helps keep the cartridge positioned properly. It gives the packaging more structure and helps prevent the game from moving around unnecessarily.

For collectors who display their games, a complete-looking box can make a shelf more attractive. For someone rebuilding a collection, replacing a missing insert is also a practical way to bring the contents closer to how the original package was presented.

Replacement trays are particularly useful when the original box and cartridge are still in good condition but the internal packaging is missing or damaged.

Choosing the Right Insert for Your Console
Not every cardboard tray fits every retro game box. Choosing one designed for your system is important.

Super Nintendo (SNES): SNES game boxes use their own style of insert. A tray designed for these boxes is the appropriate option when completing a compatible Super Nintendo game.

Original Game Boy and Game Boy Color: These two systems share a compatible replacement tray option. If you collect both generations, you can use the same type of insert for compatible Game Boy and Game Boy Color boxes.

Game Boy Advance: GBA collectors should look for an insert designed specifically for compatible Game Boy Advance packaging. Box dimensions and internal designs can vary, so check compatibility before ordering.

Nintendo 64 (N64): N64 boxes have their own requirements. An N64 insert is intended for compatible Nintendo 64 game boxes, rather than SNES or handheld game packaging.

Before purchasing, check the product description and confirm that the tray matches your console's box. Also remember that a replacement insert is only one component of the package; it does not automatically include the game, box, artwork, or manual.

Give Your Boxed Games a More Complete Look
A missing cardboard tray might seem like a minor detail, especially when the cartridge itself is what matters most for playing. But collectors often care about the whole experience, from the artwork on the box to the way the game sits inside it.

A new replacement insert can help restore the structure and presentation of a box without requiring you to track down an original tray in good condition. It is also a useful option for collectors who want to organize their shelves or prepare a boxed game for resale.

Keep in mind that a replacement insert is not an original factory component. If authenticity matters to you, label your collection accurately and disclose replacement parts when selling a game.

Where to Purchase Replacement Video Game Cardboard Inlays
If you are working on completing your retro collection, eFunStar offers replacement cardboard inlay trays for Nintendo 64, inspired by the original packaging.  They also have the inlay cardboard for the original Game Boy and Gameboy Color as well as SNES and Gameboy Advance.

Visit https://shop.efunstar.com/ and search for “cardboard inlay tray”  to find the available options. Check each listing for system compatibility before placing your order.

Your collection does not need to be perfect to be worth enjoying. Sometimes, replacing a small missing piece is all it takes to make a beloved retro game feel more complete.