What “Complete” Means When Buying a PlayStation Game

When shopping for pre-owned PlayStation games, you will regularly see copies described as “complete.”

At first, the meaning seems obvious. The game comes with everything it originally included, right?

Unfortunately, different sellers use the word in different ways. One may consider a game complete if it includes the disc and case, while another may expect the original manual, artwork, maps, inserts and every bonus item.

For collectors, those missing pieces can make a significant difference to both the presentation and value of a game.

Here is what you should check before buying a “complete” PlayStation game.

Is There an Official Definition of Complete?

There is no universal grading standard that every game seller is required to follow.

However, for a standard disc-based PlayStation release, a complete copy would generally be expected to include:

- The correct original game disc.

- The original case.

- The original cover artwork.

- The instruction manual, if the game originally included one.

For a multi-disc release, all required game discs should be present.

That is the basic definition most collectors have in mind when they see the terms “complete” or “complete in box.”

What Does CIB Mean?

CIB usually stands for “Complete in Box.”

For a PlayStation game, sellers generally use CIB to describe a copy containing the disc, case, cover artwork and manual. However, the abbreviation is also sometimes interpreted as “Case, Instructions and Box.”

Either way, you should never rely on the abbreviation alone. Check the description and photos to confirm exactly what is included.

A listing saying “CIB” should not automatically be assumed to include registration cards, advertising inserts, maps or other bonuses unless they are specifically shown or mentioned.

Complete Does Not Mean Mint Condition

A game can be complete and still show considerable wear.

The word “complete” describes what is included, not the condition of those items.

A complete game may still have:

- Scratches on the disc.

- Cracks or damage to the case.

- Fading, water damage or creases in the artwork.

- Writing, stickers or tears on the manual.

- General wear from years of use and storage.

Condition terms such as fair, good, excellent or mint should be considered separately from completeness.

A heavily worn game with every original component can still be complete. Likewise, a beautiful disc and case without the manual may be in excellent condition but not fully complete.

What Counts as Complete for a PS1 Game?

Most original PlayStation games were released in CD-style cases, although the exact case design varied between regions and titles.

A standard complete PS1 game should generally include:

- The original black-bottomed game disc.

- The correct original case.

- The front and rear cover artwork.

- The instruction manual.

Some PS1 games were released across two, three or even four discs. Every disc should be included for the copy to be considered complete.

Games such as Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII and The X-Files are good examples of releases where checking the complete disc count is essential.

The manual may also form part of the front cover presentation in some PS1 cases, making its absence immediately noticeable.

What Counts as Complete for a PS2 Game?

A typical complete PlayStation 2 game should include:

- The original PS2 game disc.

- A suitable original-style PS2 case.

- The original printed cover artwork.

- The original instruction manual.

Multi-disc releases should contain every game, bonus or installation disc required for the original package.

Some PS2 games also included additional items such as:

- Fold-out maps.

- Character cards.

- Posters.

- Bonus DVDs.

- Additional booklets.

- Promotional inserts.

Whether these extras are required before calling a game complete depends on how strictly the term is being used.

For general collecting, the disc, case, artwork and manual usually form the basic complete package. For a truly collector-complete copy, you may want every insert and bonus item that was originally supplied.

What Counts as Complete for a PS3 Game?

PlayStation 3 games can be slightly more complicated because physical manuals became less common during the console’s lifespan.

Many early PS3 games included printed manuals, while some later releases used brief safety inserts, digital manuals or no traditional manual at all.

A PS3 game should not be considered incomplete simply because it has no manual if that particular release never came with one.

A standard complete PS3 copy would generally contain:

- The original game disc.

- The correct PS3 case.

- The original cover artwork.

- The manual or inserts originally supplied with that release.

Some games included additional discs, maps, booklets or downloadable-content codes. Used download codes may already be redeemed or expired, so their presence does not guarantee that the content can still be accessed.

What About Maps, Posters and Bonus Discs?

This is where “complete” becomes less clear.

Certain games were sold with physical extras that were more important than a standard advertising insert. Examples can include a fold-out map for an open-world game, a bonus behind-the-scenes DVD or a second game disc.

A seller may describe a game as complete because it includes the disc, case, artwork and manual, even if one of these extras is missing.

For valuable or special releases, look for wording such as:

- Complete with map.

- Complete with all inserts.

- Complete with bonus disc.

- Collector complete.

- Includes every original item.

If a particular extra matters to you, confirm that it appears in the photographs rather than assuming it will be included.

Does a Replacement Case Make a Game Incomplete?

This depends on the collector.

Cases are frequently replaced when the original becomes cracked, heavily scratched or broken. A good-quality replacement can improve the presentation and protect the artwork and disc.

Many buyers will still consider the game complete if the correct disc, original artwork and manual are housed inside an appropriate replacement case.

More particular collectors may want the exact original case, including period-correct logos, moulding and memory-card holders. This can be especially important for valuable PS1 releases, special editions and unusual regional cases.

A responsible seller should disclose a replacement case when it is known and relevant.

Common Listing Terms to Understand

When comparing PlayStation games, you may encounter several different descriptions:

Disc Only

Only the game disc is included. There is no original case, artwork or manual unless stated otherwise.

Disc and Case

The game includes a case, but the manual may be missing. Check whether the case also contains the original cover artwork.

No Manual

The disc, case and artwork are present, but a manual originally included with the release is missing.

Complete

Usually includes the disc, case, artwork and manual where applicable. Check the listing for any missing extras.

Complete With Inserts

Typically indicates that additional paperwork, maps or promotional inserts are also included. The photographs should show exactly which ones.

Sealed

The package remains factory sealed. Be cautious of resealed copies and check for the correct type of factory seal for the game’s region and release.

What Should You Check Before Buying?

Before purchasing a collectible PlayStation game, ask yourself:

- Is the correct game disc included?

- Are all discs present in a multi-disc release?

- Is the original cover artwork included?

- Did this release originally have a manual?

- Are any maps, posters or bonus discs missing?

- Is the case original or a replacement?

- Are the photographs of the exact copy being sold?

- Does the condition description cover the disc, case, artwork and manual separately?

Clear photographs are particularly important. Ideally, the listing should show the front, back, spine, disc and all included materials.

If the listing only uses a stock image, you may not know what condition the actual copy is in or what will arrive.

Why Completeness Matters to Collectors

A complete game feels closer to the experience of buying it new.

The manual, artwork and physical extras are part of the release’s history. They also create a better-looking display and can make a game more desirable if you eventually decide to sell or trade it.

That does not mean incomplete games are never worth buying. A disc-only or manual-missing copy can be an affordable way to play a game, particularly when the complete version commands a much higher price.

The important thing is knowing exactly what you are paying for.

At PS Collectables, our listings use photographs of the actual item and clearly describe the condition of the disc, case, artwork and manual. If something is missing or damaged, we aim to state it clearly so you can choose the right copy for your collection.