Qwargs and SideQuest both serve physical video game collectors. Both track collections, wishlists, regions and item condition. The main difference is what happens next: Qwargs brings buying and selling into its own marketplace, while SideQuest organises hunts across external marketplaces.
Qwargs combines a catalogue, photo and barcode scanning, valuations, and member-to-member sales. SideQuest connects owned and missing games to leads found on Vinted or Leboncoin without handling the transaction.
Quick answer
- Choose Qwargs if you want to scan games, view valuations, and buy or sell in the same app.
- Choose SideQuest if you want to track collection progress and define a version, condition and budget before hunting across several sources.
- Qwargs offers the more complete transaction flow. SideQuest is not a marketplace and does not claim to be one.
- Qwargs is available on iPhone and Android. SideQuest is public on iPhone, with Android in closed beta.
- Both support PAL, NTSC-U and NTSC-J collecting. Your buying workflow matters more than region support alone.
Qwargs vs SideQuest comparison
| Need | Qwargs | SideQuest |
|---|---|---|
| Physical collection | Yes, including condition, completeness and region | Yes, including region, edition, condition and missing games |
| Announced catalogue | More than 350,000 games | More than 300,000 games |
| Quick entry | Photo, barcode and text search | Search in the mobile catalogue |
| Valuations | Prices presented as updated in real time | Cautious price signals for tools and leads, not an official valuation |
| Buying and selling | Integrated member marketplace | No integrated transactions |
| External marketplaces | Qwargs keeps the transaction in its marketplace | Hunts connect to Vinted or Leboncoin leads |
| Progress | Levels, statistics and series | Collections, franchise gaps, goals and play pile |
| Wishlist and backlog | Yes | Yes, kept separate from active hunts |
| Availability | iPhone and Android | iPhone; closed beta on Android |
| Business model | Free with in-app purchases | Free to start |
What Qwargs does better today
Qwargs offers a direct flow: photograph a box or scan its barcode, let the app identify the game, add it to your collection, and view a valuation. If you want to sell a duplicate, you can then list it in the Qwargs marketplace.
Its official store listings highlight:
- a catalogue of more than 350,000 games;
- region, condition and completeness tracking;
- photo and barcode scanning;
- price indicators;
- a marketplace with messaging;
- statistics, levels and series to complete;
- CSV imports from PriceCharting.
If your main goal is to inventory a large collection quickly, follow its estimated value and sell within one service, Qwargs is the more coherent choice. SideQuest has no integrated marketplace or comparable sales flow.
Why SideQuest separates hunting from transactions
SideQuest reflects another collector habit: many purchases still happen on Vinted, Leboncoin, eBay, in shops or at flea markets. The app remains the source of truth before you buy elsewhere.
A SideQuest hunt can specify:
- the game and platform you want;
- the expected region or language;
- the minimum edition and condition;
- your target budget;
- external leads that still need checking.
This approach does not force you into one marketplace. It also has a clear limit: SideQuest does not secure the sale, manage seller messages or process payment. The chosen marketplace's rules and protections still apply.
Before buying, use the free Rate a listing tool to flag risks and useful seller questions. To identify editions, read the PAL, NTSC-U and NTSC-J guide.
Region, condition and completeness
Qwargs is not a superficial US-first app. Its official pages explicitly mention PAL, NTSC and JAP regions, plus loose, complete and new copies. It therefore covers much of what European collectors need.
SideQuest organises those details around collection progress and missing games. It focuses less on “what is my entire collection worth?” and more on “which version am I missing, and what is my budget for it?”
The decision is not about a vague promise of precision. It is about the next action: list an item for sale in Qwargs or continue a hunt across several sources with SideQuest.
Which app suits you?
Choose Qwargs if…
- photo or barcode scanning is a priority;
- you want an overall collection valuation;
- you want to buy and sell with collectors in the same app;
- you need an app already public on iPhone and Android;
- in-app purchases do not bother you.
Choose SideQuest if…
- you already buy through several marketplaces or physical shops;
- you want to define a version and budget before searching;
- franchise progress and missing games are central to your collection;
- you want to separate your wishlist, backlog and active hunts;
- you prefer the app not to handle the transaction.
Verdict
Qwargs is currently the more complete option for scanning, valuing and selling a collection in one ecosystem. Its availability on both mobile platforms and its integrated marketplace are real strengths.
SideQuest has a narrower focus: organising a physical collection and preparing the next find, even when it comes from somewhere else. It is a more natural fit if you use Vinted, Leboncoin, shops and flea markets while tracking exactly what you own and what you still want.
There is no universal winner. Qwargs keeps the journey inside its app; SideQuest leaves the place of purchase open and develops the hunt itself.
Methodology
This comparison was checked on 15 August 2026 against the official Qwargs App Store and Google Play listings, their published features and in-app purchase information, and SideQuest's public pages. Catalogues, prices and features change: these figures are publisher claims, not an independent coverage audit.
Verified sources
- Qwargs — official App Store listing
- Qwargs — official Google Play listing
- Qwargs — official website
- SideQuest — public app features
FAQ
Is Qwargs free?
The app is free to download and includes in-app purchases. Plans and prices can change, so check the current store listing before choosing.
Does Qwargs support PAL and NTSC games?
Yes. Its official listings describe PAL, NTSC and JAP regions, as well as condition and completeness tracking.
Does SideQuest replace the Qwargs marketplace?
No. SideQuest organises hunts and external leads, but the purchase remains with the seller or marketplace.
Which app is better for scanning a collection quickly?
Qwargs is better equipped today thanks to photo and barcode scanning. SideQuest is more suitable when your priority is tracking missing games and the criteria for your next hunts.
Your collection is more than a valuation. Discover SideQuest on iPhone →
