Games and toys auctions are a vibrant mix of nostalgia, fun and investment opportunity. Whether you’re looking for a treasured childhood toy, a rare Lego set or vintage gaming consoles, these sales are the perfect place to discover unique finds. Collectors, parents and resellers all benefit from the wide choice at toy auctions and gaming auctions, where everything from antique dolls to the latest consoles can be purchased at competitive prices. At Auction News, we help you explore toy auctions near you by connecting you with trusted UK auctioneers.
What You’ll Find at These Auctions
The range of lots at games and toys auctions is impressive. Buyers may encounter:
Vintage Toys: Dinky and Corgi cars, tinplate models, dolls and teddy bears from the early 20th century.
Board Games: Rare first editions of Monopoly or Cluedo, discontinued puzzles and collectable strategy games.
Lego Collections: Discontinued sets, themed kits and bulk collections, often highly sought after by enthusiasts.
Action Figures: Star Wars, Transformers, GI Joe and Funko Pop! collectables, including limited-edition releases.
Trading Cards: Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic: The Gathering and sports cards. Rare cards often achieve high hammer prices.
Video Games & Consoles: Retro systems like the Sega Mega Drive and SNES, through to the latest PlayStation and Xbox.
Model Railways & Slot Cars: Hornby, Märklin and Scalextric sets attract dedicated collectors.
Film & Gaming Memorabilia: Posters, props and merchandise linked to blockbuster franchises.
This wide selection means every sale brings something new, with items ranging from affordable lots to rare treasures valued in the thousands.
Bidding at Games & Toys Auctions – What to Expect
Success at toy and gaming auctions depends on preparation:
Inspect Condition Reports: Mint-in-box (MIB) and new-in-box (NIB) items are most desirable.
Check Provenance: Reputable auctioneers will disclose whether toys are originals or reproductions.
Understand Market Values: Research recent auction results to gauge fair prices.
Set a Budget: Include buyer’s premiums, VAT and delivery fees.
Use Viewing Days: Where possible, attend in person to check quality.
Plan for Storage: Collectables require safe handling to maintain their condition and value.
Consider Long-Term Value: Toys and cards can rise in value over time, making them attractive investments.
Online bidding is common in this category, but many buyers still enjoy the excitement of attending live sales.
Why People Buy & Sell Toys at Auction
For buyers, these auctions provide access to rare and nostalgic items unavailable elsewhere, often at lower-than-retail prices. Sellers benefit from reaching motivated collectors who understand true market value. Auctions also provide transparency, ensuring both buyers and sellers achieve fair outcomes.
Trusted Games & Toys Auctioneers
Arthur Johnson
Arthur Johnson is renowned for diverse sales, often featuring vintage toys, model railways and gaming consoles. Their toy auctions attract strong interest from collectors.
Asset Auctions
Asset Auctions’ general sales frequently include toys, games and electronics sourced from retail stock clearances and surplus suppliers.
Frederick Andrews
Specialising in collectables, Frederick Andrews host dedicated toy auctions with detailed catalogues that attract passionate collectors.
John Pye
John Pye Auctions regularly feature toys, games and gadgets, particularly bulk lots from retailer liquidations, making them popular with both parents and resellers.
Why Use Auction News?
Auction News helps buyers save time by bringing together auction listings from multiple trusted UK auctioneers. By registering with us, you can:
Browse upcoming sales in one place
Receive tailored e-alerts for toys, Lego or gaming equipment
Ensure you only bid with reputable auctioneers
FAQs – Games & Toys Auctions
1. Are toy auctions open to everyone?
Yes - most auctions are open to the public as well as trade buyers.
2. Do auctions only sell second-hand toys?
No. Many items are ex-display or unsold retail stock in brand-new condition.
3. How do I know if a toy is authentic?
Auctioneers provide provenance and detailed descriptions. Always buy through reputable sources and ask questions if in any doubt.
4. Do trading cards sell well at auction?
Yes. Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering cards can achieve very high values, particularly first editions.
5. Are gaming consoles tested before sale?
Some are, others sold as seen. Auction catalogues should will clearly state this, but if they don’t then make your own checks for peace of mind.
6. Can I sell my toy collection at auction?
Absolutely. Auctioneers accept consignments and provide valuations before sale.
7. Are toys and games a good investment?
Yes - certain items, especially rare or limited editions, have shown strong increases in value over time.
8. Do online toy auctions allow returns?
No. Sales are usually final, so always review descriptions and images before bidding.
Find Upcoming Games & Toys Auctions
Register with Auction News today to discover upcoming toy auctions and gaming auctions. Whether you’re buying for fun, nostalgia or investment, these auctions provide exciting opportunities.
