Collectors ONLY: How obsessed are you with owning MINT games:

[neogamer]

Okay I have to admit I have OCD! What this means is that I must own the absolute MINT copy of any game I can find! When I bought my PS3, the box had a slight corner bend. I immediately returned the console o the store to get a new one, because it wsn't "mint!" The new box is defect free. Checking it for half an hour under intense light paid off-LOL!

When I buy CD based games, I have to buy them new, and the inner insert must be mint wih no warping or damage! One thing I HATE about PS2 games is that the manuals bang against the inner well of the game case and cause corner damage and edge wear! Same is true for Xbox games!

My question is: Are there any other collectors or even gamers like this? Or am I taking this whole "mint" think to far? I have had many collectors see my collection and actually tell me, its mint alright, but you don't play it at all do you?

Again, maybe I'm just in need a good shrink! Are there any who specialize in OCD with collectibles? I can't belive I'm writing this, but I just wanted to hear some other thoughts on this subject!

[Family Computer]

I only collect boxed games in very good or better condition. If I just want to play a cartridge format game, I might pick up the cart for cheap and then sell/trade it later.

As long as the condition is reasonably good, I don't worry too much about it.

I will never buy greatest hits versions of games, or similar...only the original artwork.

That's about it.

[Hwj_Chim]

The stuff must look nice but I don't need mint

[geneshifter]

For my systems, I only collect the games I like(d) to play on them and I will search until I get a mint copy. I've even ended up buying a game several times trying to get as good of a copy as possible. My next endeavor is to start my NES collection with games complete in box. I would love to do a sealed NES collection but that takes too much $$$$.

[smork]

All depends on price. If I am going to spend $$$$$ then I want mint and complete. If I'm getting a $50 game for $5, I take what I can get.

I'm obsessive about getting all the spine cards for my Neo Geo CD collection -- but its only ~100 games, so it's not that difficult. Case condition isn't so important as long as its intact as they can always be replaced, but I like a very nice manual and a minty CD. Of course the Neo CDs have their special jewel case which is a bit of a problem to find if I need a replacement...

[heybtbm]

I buy new Gamecube cases from the Nintendo store and PS2 and Xbox demo cases to replace damaged cases of used games.

I also never buy used games that don't have the instruction manual or GBA or DS games that don't have their original box/case. How does someone loose a DS case? Seriously.

[kaedesdisciple]

I buy new Gamecube cases from the Nintendo store and PS2 and Xbox demo cases to replace damaged cases of used games.

I also never buy used games that don't have the instruction manual or GBA or DS games that don't have their original box/case. How does someone loose a DS case? Seriously.

How does someone lose one of the dvd-size cases, either? There are tons of used disc games at EB/GS that have no cases.

[Oobgarm]

How does someone lose one of the dvd-size cases, either? There are tons of used disc games at EB/GS that have no cases.

It's rather easy-lots of games are previous rentals, so no case. That, and if you're like me, if you trade in games you keep the cases and only offload the discs themselves.

I don't have an OCD buying stuff, but I will get a wild hair up my ass on occasion and nitpick when cleaning and organizing.

Particular genres and series that I enjoy are scrutinized closely, but other stuff I don't pay that close attention to. As long as it works and looks decent, I'm OK with it.

[mailman187666]

I am in no way a "mint" game collector. I buy disk only games with scratches on em. I buy cart only games with minor label wear. If its a game I want and the price is right, I will buy it. Some games that I buy, I look at them and wonder if they are even going to work, but I take the risk anyways. I'll buy disk only games off e-bay just to reduce cost. So as you can see, I really don't care about it much.

[Xian042]

I like my games to be in mint condition. If I get the game in mint condition, it will stay that way. If I have a choice, I'll go for the one that looks the best.
But I'm also a frugal gamer. I usually wait to find a used copy somewhere or a sale. So for example God of War II. I didnt snag it on the first day, but when one was traded in a few days later with a chewed up case, I picked up that one. BUT, dont think for a second that I"m not going switch out that case later!

[jajaja]

When i buy GBA games they must be mint, or atleast near mint. Its not that hard to find most GBA games today (atleast after my experience) that are new or near mint so when i first buy them they must be in very good condition. I recently bought 3 new GBA games on Ebay, when i got the 2 of the boxes had heavy damage on them. I will demand a refund or else i must return them since they dont really fit as collection materia in this condition :\

I also collect NES. Of course i want the games to be in the best condition possible, but its not that big of a deal if there are some wear here and there. Same goes with Neo Geo and SNES games too when i buy those.

[Policenaut]

When i buy GBA games they must be mint, or atleast near mint. Its not that hard to find most GBA games today (atleast after my experience) that are new or near mint so when i first buy them they must be in very good condition. I recently bought 3 new GBA games on Ebay, when i got the 2 of the boxes had heavy damage on them. I will demand a refund or else i must return them since they dont really fit as collection materia in this condition :\

I also collect NES. Of course i want the games to be in the best condition possible, but its not that big of a deal if there are some wear here and there. Same goes with Neo Geo and SNES games too when i buy those.

I buy mostly Sega stuff, specially for the Master System, and at least most Sega games have plastic box, except GameGear which games comes with cardboard boxes. Games with cardboard box is hard to collect for.

Recently I got the Turbografx-16/Duo collecting bug, that means that the games must have the cardboard boxes, and yes, as mint as possible.

[neogamer]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the responses. Its great to hear what other collectors have to say about this particular topic!

[Ed Oscuro]

I don't really see the value of sealed games, but I'll freely admit that I'll always trade up a game for a better condition one, as money allows. I mostly just have a giant "buying backlog" for a number of consoles, to be worked on when I get some free cash ;)

[neogamer]

I often did collect sealed games, but then I lost interest in it and started to open them up. I was more amazed at what I found when I opened some so called "new" games up! I'm talking damaged manuals with edge wear from shipping and other such problems that keep the games from mint.

Its amazing at what you find! Free your games! I know I won't buy a new game unless I get to see it first hand. I have bought too many so called sealed games on eBay that turned out to be re-wraps!

[snes_collector]

For carts, they need to have no rips, otherwise I'm fine.

The only systems that I'll only buy CIB is GC, Wii, and DS

[Ponyone]

Off topic, but I swore the title read:

"Collectors ONLY: How obsessed are you with owning TMNT games" when I saw it two or three times scrolling up/down.

I hate when that happens.

[otaku]

Yeah your taking it to seriously, for me it depends on the game and pricing but generally I just want a game that works and is reasonably priced

[Tbowl]

Having games complete is a must, consoles preferable but I give leeway to some (Dina). The packaging for games gotta be at least in good condition but for consoles, I cut some slack, especially old ones like Odysseys.

[AMG]

The only thing I'm overly anal about is disc based games. I want the whole case and instruction to be top notch, no loose discs.

Carts I'm a bit more lenient about. Especially vintage games. I have no problem with just buying a loose cart for a good price.

[anagrama]

I'm generally happy with boxed copies, since most of the stuff I'm buying these days is hard enough to find as it is. Having said that, I'll always upgrade poor condition boxes if I get the chance...
I want manuals for any European games I get, but I'm not too bothered about Japanese or Brazilian manuals since I can't read them anyway. Nice, but not essential.

[mobboss1988]

i buy all my games new but some times i buy a used game that i can't find new.

[RPG_Fanatic]

I collect PSone RPG's and they have to mint. If they're mint I'll pay the extra money.

[Hitman Tyler]

I think i kinda have OCD when buying games. I also try to get games with the original box,insert,disk. Also this meaning I Hate taking a disk that has the greatest hits disk when the insert shows the original. Also if this box had a little crack in it I ask for another box. Even when an Ebay auction says the game is MINT, i have a problem with that. I always ask what does he/she consider MINT. Due to i have my own view of being MINT. Like one time I bought a game of ebay he said it had no scratches,marks,stains,rips,etc. So I confirmed this again with him and he said what I am saying its MINT. I'm like great then when the game gets to me it has Scratches all over it all, i go mad.

Well A little backround Story about me for everyone.

[neogamer]

I think i kinda have OCD when buying games. I also try to get games with the original box,insert,disk. Also this meaning I Hate taking a disk that has the greatest hits disk when the insert shows the original. Also if this box had a little crack in it I ask for another box. Even when an Ebay auction says the game is MINT, i have a problem with that. I always ask what does he/she consider MINT. Due to i have my own view of being MINT. Like one time I bought a game of ebay he said it had no scratches,marks,stains,rips,etc. So I confirmed this again with him and he said what I am saying its MINT. I'm like great then when the game gets to me it has Scratches all over it all, i go mad.

Well A little backround Story about me for everyone.

Its hard to buy on eBay (sight unseen) even with a picture, when you are looking for a true MINT game! I avoid eBay altogether! I even tried to buy BRAND NEW games, but sellers just jam them into bubble envelopes and when they arrive the insert or the game case is in horrid condition!

Its a game you cannot win!

[Hitman Tyler]

Its hard to buy on eBay (sight unseen) even with a picture, when you are looking for a true MINT game! I avoid eBay altogether! I even tried to buy BRAND NEW games, but sellers just jam them into bubble envelopes and when they arrive the insert or the game case is in horrid condition!

Its a game you cannot win!


So true. The only time i got lucky is when I paid $39.95 for a USED game and it was MINT, Big Mistake.The guy didn't lie in his auction, It was like it was just open and then shut for display only. Then i saw it a digital press for $29.99 like 1yr later, i kicked myself. As for bubble wrap envelopes they always send them in one and charge more than necessary for shipping.

[Steve W]

I'm not a big stickler for 'mint' boxes or games. But sometimes, I think about a few annoyances with packaging, like GameStops's asinine need to sell games without a factory seal or shrinkwrap as new. I occasionally want to track down games like Taito Legends 2, which I bought from a GameStop opened, but now I can find it locally properly sealed at a decent store. But then I don't see any point in buying another copy.

[zektor]

I *was* big into mint...I should say HUGE. I would pass up games because of this quite often. But, I have loosened up in my old age. I started to realize something about myself. When I was younger, I purchased to play. I didn't care about mint, or even boxed for that matter. I actually threw away my TG16 boxes in those days (for shame!).

But nowadays, I just get em and play em. I enjoy my collections now, and could really care less about mint. They just can't look like total ass tho, but they don't have to be museum quality either.

Enjoy your games...you only live once :)

[neogamer]

I *was* big into mint...I should say HUGE. I would pass up games because of this quite often. But, I have loosened up in my old age. I started to realize something about myself. When I was younger, I purchased to play. I didn't care about mint, or even boxed for that matter. I actually threw away my TG16 boxes in those days (for shame!).

But nowadays, I just get em and play em. I enjoy my collections now, and could really care less about mint. They just can't look like total ass tho, but they don't have to be museum quality either.

Enjoy your games...you only live once :)

See heres the difference between you and me: I WAS ALWAYS LIKE THIS! I remeber being 12 returning my first Nintendo to the the store, because it had a ding in the box! I still have the system and the box, and people cannot believe how MINT and LIKE NEW it is! I was raised to take care of my stuff, I just take it to a whole new level!

Don't even get me started when the NEO GEO and TG-16 came out! I was 15 years old, working, and everything I bought had to be MINT! Try to find a MINT FATAL FURY 2 game for the original Neo Geo home console (yes I had a MINT BRAND NEW one) and TG-16 games just got too much, so I had to give up collecting some of those. Until....I got a job (back then) at EB just to get MINT NEW games!

[wallydawg]

To me, boxes display better than a bunch of carts. I'll pick up loose games but I'm always looking to trade up.

I don't buy GBA games, which I'm doing okay on so far as out of 30 games, only 1 is loose. I bought Megaman Battle Network 4: Blue Moon and inside it had the Megaman Battle Network 3: Blue game inside.

Although I'd be sure to have a hell of a lot more gba games if I could get over this stigma. The problem mainly is that GBA games are still a lot out here used, I'm not spending over $10 for a loose cart game.

[Fuzzball24]

Yes, they have to be mint, Gamestop doesn't care though, so I've been going to Gamecrazy lately (though some games are ex-rental cases...not as many). I collect cart only for older systems, and for all the GB's just the cart, though sometimes I get the box too. For DS..all CIB though. PSOne/DC games all have to be MINT. I hate it when they have cracks or crap it's just the CD.

[shoes23]

I would consider myself a collector, but aren't nearly as worried about condition as some of you. I've never been known to turn down a game that I wanted to play just because it was loose, dirty, scratched (a professional resurfacing machine does the trick), ect. I pick it up, take it home, and clean it up the best I can. Part of the reason I don't mind flawed games is that hunting locally is part of the fun for me. I live in a small town so rental stores, pawn shops, and garage sales are the only places I have to look for games, so I take what I can get.

I understand why some of you guys go for complete and mint copies, but for my money I would rather just get a whole pile of loose games, than one rare game in mint condition.

[orrimarrko]

Let's put it this way - I don't buy used games.

In fact, if it's not shrinkwrapped, I have to inspect it carefully - and still might not buy it.

[bangtango]

Having gem mint games is all well and good, if you're the only one around the games. People here have kids, pets, spouses, mistresses, nephews, nieces, friends, etc. Paying $80 for a mint copy of a random game won't mean much if a nephew who has a half day of school gets into your game room while you're at work. Tons of things could happen to a mint PS3 or NES system box. No matter what type of hermit lifestyle you live, shit happens to your stuff and that is part of life.

I had a dumbass college roomate trip and spill hot coffee all over my Dreamcast box two months after I bought the system. The box was near mint at the time but now has peeled off in the place where he spilled the coffee, luckily there were no stains and I'm fortunate the system was hooked up at the time. Things like that are why I don't lose sleep at night because I don't always pay $$$$ more for a mint version of something.

I think of the topic a little like a car accident. You can be the most careful person in the world but all it takes is some goofball to run a red light or stop sign and you got a monkey wrench in your well-laid plans.

[Family Computer]

I think of the topic a little like a car accident. You can be the most careful person in the world but all it takes is some goofball to run a red light or stop sign and you got a monkey wrench in your well-laid plans.


So if you were buying a used BMW, you would rather get a beat up one than one in great condition because of the possibility of future accidents?

I see your point about others messing up mint games, but if it is only handled by the collector then things can be somewhat controlled. Can a fire burn down a collector's house with his games & everything else? Sure.

[neogamer]

So if you were buying a used BMW, you would rather get a beat up one than one in great condition because of the possibility of future accidents?

I see your point about others messing up mint games, but if it is only handled by the collector then things can be somewhat controlled. Can a fire burn down a collector's house with his games & everything else? Sure.

Not to sound like a snob, but I spend a lot of money protecting my games and systems. I rent two climate controlled storage facilities and have over $100,000 worth of insurance on everything. All figured out, I have a video game collection worth about $50,000+. I don't even play half of it!

So to me, having the best copy is of utmost importance for personal reasons. Number one, I can afford it, and number two, it is what I want.

I do see your point though. I just have always been this way and I don't think I'll ever change. It is what it is and I accept it. Most of my friends and fellow collectors who see my collection always ask me if I even play it. The answer is usually no.

As for the problems you stated, my advice is to BUY A LOCK for your room!

[neogamer]

Not to sound like a snob, but I spend a lot of money protecting my games and systems. I rent two climate controlled storage facilities and have over $100,000 worth of insurance on everything. All figured out, I have a video game collection worth about $50,000+. I don't even play half of it!

So to me, having the best copy is of utmost importance for personal reasons. Number one, I can afford it, and number two, it is what I want.

I do see your point though. I just have always been this way and I don't think I'll ever change. It is what it is and I accept it. Most of my friends and fellow collectors who see my collection always ask me if I even play it. The answer is usually no.

As for the problems you stated, my advice is to BUY A LOCK for your room!

While we are on the subject, I just wanted to point out that you can purchase insurance on collectibles through the Collectibles Insurance Agency. Look them up on the internet, as that is how I insure my collection. I am not affiliated with them in any way, I just wanted you guys to be aware of that.

The policies are cheap, but keep in mind, they do not cover stupidity or OCD for that matter LOL, but they do cover the cost of a replacement item if something does happen. I have been meaning to start another thread on this topic, but I just never got around to it! If anyone has any questions, you can either PM me, or just post'em here!

[le geek]

I don't mean to be rude, but I'd have to say... no.

No I don't care about mint games since I enjoy spending time with my wife. Unless your OCD helps you in some way (like say your job, so you can afford your collection and climate controlled rooms), I'd seriously look into some meds that might help you out.

That said, I DO like complete games if they are on CD/DVD and I do like them to be in good condition. For carts, cart only is fine, but it's nice to have the manual...

Cheers,
Ben

[neogamer]

I don't mean to be rude, but I'd have to say... no.

No I don't care about mint games since I enjoy spending time with my wife. Unless your OCD helps you in some way (like say your job, so you can afford your collection and climate controlled rooms), I'd seriously look into some meds that might help you out.

That said, I DO like complete games if they are on CD/DVD and I do like them to be in good condition. For carts, cart only is fine, but it's nice to have the manual...

Cheers,
Ben

No offense taken! Everyone collects in different ways! I just like to joke about me taking collecting very seriously. I also have the means to do it my way, which helps a lot!

I'm a single bachelor, but like my friends keep telling me, if that changes, I may have to change my collecting habits.

That being said, I have no plans to get rid of my climate controlled storage units filled with all my favorite treasures!

[kainemaxwell]

I'll get a complete mint if the price is right. Most of the time when I shop around on ebay I won't bid on an auction with a stock photo for starters. As long as the box and manual are in really good condition (few wrinkles, damage, stickers) then I'll get them.

Sometimes if I buy what I need separate and a box is in pretty bad shape I'll use it as a place holder until I acquire one in better shape then trade off the older one.

After working at FYE for 2 years I've taken care to inspect any used stuff I buy at stores. Hell since I was usually one of the guys inspecting and bagging used stuff when we got it at the store it gave me a good first chance to inspect possible buys (and learn of various degrees of damage to items).

[neogamer]

I'll get a complete mint if the price is right. Most of the time when I shop around on ebay I won't bid on an auction with a stock photo for starters. As long as the box and manual are in really good condition (few wrinkles, damage, stickers) then I'll get them.

Sometimes if I buy what I need separate and a box is in pretty bad shape I'll use it as a place holder until I acquire one in better shape then trade off the older one.

After working at FYE for 2 years I've taken care to inspect any used stuff I buy at stores. Hell since I was usually one of the guys inspecting and bagging used stuff when we got it at the store it gave me a good first chance to inspect possible buys (and learn of various degrees of damage to items).


Thats cool! I always thought of taking a part time job in a video game store, just to be able to have first dibs at a cool or rare item I don't have. I used to be an assistant store manager of an Electronics Boutique back in 1995! This was way before the company went to "hell" and started selling those stupid preowened games! Actually, I was there the first year they rolled out that program!

[kainemaxwell]

Thats cool! I always thought of taking a part time job in a video game store, just to be able to have first dibs at a cool or rare item I don't have. I used to be an assistant store manager of an Electronics Boutique back in 1995! This was way before the company went to "hell" and started selling those stupid preowened games! Actually, I was there the first year they rolled out that program!

Funny thing is FYE had started the used program in May of 2005. I enjoyed checking through the stock of items (games, music and movies) we got in to see if there was anything I wanted. Learned to check items better that way, though I picked up practically the first used copy of GTA: SA that we got in (pre-Hot Coffee). Game looks not the greatest, but plays well!

[Eternal Tune]

I have an OCD about condition of things. Its actually REALLY annoying. Yesterday Oobgarm and I drove around to 4 different Gamestops looking for a mint box for Wild Arms 5.

or....

Whenever I go out, I have to inspect every copy of the item to find that perfect one. Sometimes I get antsy and make him look at them all and tell me his opinion.

and...

Then there is the fact that I allow no one to touch my stuff.

I wasn't always like this...I miss those days. I would not be proud of something like that.

[neogamer]

I have an OCD about condition of things. Its actually REALLY annoying. Yesterday Oobgarm and I drove around to 4 different Gamestops looking for a mint box for Wild Arms 5.

or....

Whenever I go out, I have to inspect every copy of the item to find that perfect one. Sometimes I get antsy and make him look at them all and tell me his opinion.

and...

Then there is the fact that I allow no one to touch my stuff.

I wasn't always like this...I miss those days. I would not be proud of something like that.

Its all I know. It is no problem for me, really. It is what it is. I am a true perfectionist.

I am sorry to hear about your condition though. I happen to also suffer from a serious neurological condition known as refractory restless legs syndrome as well, which they think is leading into Parkinson's disease.

I can't believe I am writing this, but most people think of RLS (or restless legs syndrome as a night time disorder), but you can get it during the day as well (believe me, it is almost unbearable). Because of this, I cannot treat the OCD (medications react with me).

I am highly educated and am going to school for my master's degree right now. I also can work and have been very successful in business. I will one day though, become completely disabled. Luckily for me, I am more financially well off than most people. This helps. That is why I can afford to be as ecentric as I am!

Anyway, I hope my story helps! I hope you can be helped though, if it truly does bother you! All I can say is, that I have one heck of a mint video game collection. Now that you all think I'm crazy.....we can get back to business.....LOL

[Barbarianoutkast85]

It all depends, If I buy games for the Sega Dreamcast, Sony Playstation, Sony Playstation 2, Xbox, Gamecube, or Sega Saturn they must be complete and in mint condition (The Sega Saturn is the only console on the list I have to settle for less sometimes.)

[mnbren05]

Mint collecting is something I like, but by no means is a necessity. Mint games are usually overpriced and not worth the extra money (unless your into that). I do however, like to collect CIB games as it adds to their value. I can only think over the years as my parents would throw out the nes/sega boxes I kept with the games. One day I came home from school and found all 43 genesis carts by themselves. Manuals and boxes thrown out. I will tell you I still find this to be a point of contention with my parents. As for new things. I do tend to return things or not buy them at all if they have dents or dings on the outside boxes. Returned a Wii back in Novemember that had a scrape on the back (unopened). Luckily, they had a few left to swap mine out.

[DeputyMoniker]

I'd prefer it but I'm happy owning a clean & playable one. As long as the label is there, it doesn't have any writing on it, and it looks like it's been taken care of, I'm 100% happy.

[neogamer]

I'm surprised this thread was bumped.

As stated before, I only collect MINT games. It's very hard to do with CD based games, which is why I tend to buy two copies of every game I own! Own to play and one to collect!

[Iron Draggon]

Okay I have to admit I have OCD! What this means is that I must own the absolute MINT copy of any game I can find! When I bought my PS3, the box had a slight corner bend. I immediately returned the console o the store to get a new one, because it wsn't "mint!" The new box is defect free. Checking it for half an hour under intense light paid off-LOL!

When I buy CD based games, I have to buy them new, and the inner insert must be mint wih no warping or damage! One thing I HATE about PS2 games is that the manuals bang against the inner well of the game case and cause corner damage and edge wear! Same is true for Xbox games!

My question is: Are there any other collectors or even gamers like this? Or am I taking this whole "mint" think to far? I have had many collectors see my collection and actually tell me, its mint alright, but you don't play it at all do you?

Again, maybe I'm just in need a good shrink! Are there any who specialize in OCD with collectibles? I can't belive I'm writing this, but I just wanted to hear some other thoughts on this subject!

welcome, Brother, to Collectors With OCD Anonymous... CWOCDA for short... you have made a wise choice in sharing your affliction with us... we are here to help you... now in regards to buying on ebay, even if an item listed there is truly in MINT condition in the pics, it WILL NOT be in the same condition by the time it goes through ANY of the shipping options that you may choose... local pickup is the ONLY suitable option... ALWAYS choose local pickup, and DO NOT BUY if you MAY NOT choose local pickup... you MUST travel ALOT!

[neogamer]

welcome, Brother, to Collectors With OCD Anonymous... CWOCDA for short... you have made a wise choice in sharing your affliction with us... we are here to help you... now in regards to buying on ebay, even if an item listed there is truly in MINT condition in the pics, it WILL NOT be in the same condition by the time it goes through ANY of the shipping options that you may choose... local pickup is the ONLY suitable option... ALWAYS choose local pickup, and DO NOT BUY if you MAY NOT choose local pickup... you MUST travel ALOT!


Thanks for the reply! I too can't stop importing!

Been buying up the Sega Ages series for the PS2 like they are going out of style!

[PentiumMMX]

As long as the game can be played from start to finish, the condition isn't any problem for me.

[SkiDragon]

This is the modern gaming forum, and for modern games I really prefer to have all the parts of the game and for them to be in as good a shape as possible.

For older games I am much less picky, and as long as the cartridge is in fair shape with no big label blemishes and nothing major that can't be cleaned, I will buy it. Unboxed games deserve a good home too!

[tornadostormxl]

if it is a good price. Condition doesnt matter

[neogamer]

if it is a good price. Condition doesnt matter


I, as stated before, think condition matters no matter what.

If our hobby ever goes mainstream like comic books, coins, toys, etc. (which I believe it might), some of you guys are going to wish you owned better condition copies of your games.

This is just my opinion and I already stated that I have collecting OCD, so I may be out of my mind when it comes to games!

[grolt]

For me the game has to be complete, but the condition doesn't really matter. To have every game is good enough for me. I don't understand how some people can just do the factory sealed thing - that makes collecting about 10 times more costly than it need be! Still, I'm pretty anal about my collections, so I understand the compulsion.

[VACRMH]

I like my games to be in good condition, and complete whenever they can be. No way am I going to buy a loose game that came in a case that's easy to keep (Any clamshell, DVD or Jewel case).

I hate stickers on manuals, and if I come across a better condition copy of a game I own, i'll swap it out.

But i'm really not that sad that i'll preserve everything like it's going in a museum or something, i'll take what I can get. If I spot a deal on a game with a little wear, so be it.

It doesn't have to be "MINT", but it's nice when it does. I'd rather spend the time playing the game then waiting for a better condition copy to come along.

[Joe West]

Good condition cart, but great looking label.....

[neogamer]

I normally don't collect factory sealed games, but I do buy new and only new.

[Vectorman0]

I used to want stuff in very good shape, however with my Vectrex collection I have become much more lenient, accepting items with rips in boxes and problems like that. A few years ago and I would have never thought about getting something in less than good shape. Completeness is still important to me though.

That doesn't mean I don't know what mint is to some people. I can grade something as strict as humanly possible.


Its hard to buy on eBay (sight unseen) even with a picture, when you are looking for a true MINT game! I avoid eBay altogether! I even tried to buy BRAND NEW games, but sellers just jam them into bubble envelopes and when they arrive the insert or the game case is in horrid condition!

Its a game you cannot win!

You have to look for lower feeback sellers who aren't about the quantity of items sold. They are more likely to take the time to get you the answer you want.

For example, if you told me you were the most anal collector ever, I could describe the item as strict as you would. You'd even end up getting it in better shape then you expected too, since it's better to exaggerate scuffs when selling to mint crazy collectors like you. ;)

[neogamer]

I used to want stuff in very good shape, however with my Vectrex collection I have become much more lenient, accepting items with rips in boxes and problems like that. A few years ago and I would have never thought about getting something in less than good shape. Completeness is still important to me though.

That doesn't mean I don't know what mint is to some people. I can grade something as strict as humanly possible.



You have to look for lower feeback sellers who aren't about the quantity of items sold. They are more likely to take the time to get you the answer you want.

For example, if you told me you were the most anal collector ever, I could describe the item as strict as you would. You'd even end up getting it in better shape then you expected too, since it's better to exaggerate scuffs when selling to mint crazy collectors like you. ;)

I'm a silver level power seller and I still avoid ebay altogether when buying!

I do see your point though. I just prefer to avoid eBay when buying.

One interesting note:

Lately, I have been getting a lot of PS2 games that I have been buying NEW with manual damage. This is due to the fact that the manuals shift while in shipment. Because of this, I have had to actually buy multiple copies of the same game, or return the game, in my quest to get the mintest copy possible!

Do you see how anal I am?

When I buy a RARE NEW game, I actually end up buying two copies because I just know I am going to be disappointed in one of them. Luckily, I am able to easily afford doing this! Otherwise, I would be in trouble...

This is severe collecting OCD!

[Razor Ramon]

Okay I have to admit I have OCD! What this means is that I must own the absolute MINT copy of any game I can find! When I bought my PS3, the box had a slight corner bend. I immediately returned the console o the store to get a new one, because it wsn't "mint!" The new box is defect free. Checking it for half an hour under intense light paid off-LOL!

When I buy CD based games, I have to buy them new, and the inner insert must be mint wih no warping or damage! One thing I HATE about PS2 games is that the manuals bang against the inner well of the game case and cause corner damage and edge wear! Same is true for Xbox games!

My question is: Are there any other collectors or even gamers like this? Or am I taking this whole "mint" think to far? I have had many collectors see my collection and actually tell me, its mint alright, but you don't play it at all do you?

Again, maybe I'm just in need a good shrink! Are there any who specialize in OCD with collectibles? I can't belive I'm writing this, but I just wanted to hear some other thoughts on this subject!

Bump yo

[Dark_Sol]

Do you see how anal I am?
You're really anal. :P

[neogamer]

You're really anal. :P


Now you get it! LOL

[Dark_Sol]

Now you get it! LOL
I understood this from the beginning. lol
And i thought i was anal. But you're analier indeed. lol

[skaar]

It's rather easy-lots of games are previous rentals, so no case. That, and if you're like me, if you trade in games you keep the cases and only offload the discs themselves.

Do they give you the same amount for disc only copies? That explains a lot of "no disc" copies on ebay ;)

[kupomogli]

I always buy new unless absolutely necessary, won't buy GH games aside from a select few SE games(Virtua Fighter Evolution, Devil May Cry 3 SE.) If the game comes with anything, it all had to be included. If I happen to buy cartridge games, then everything must be included and the box has to be very good condition or better.

[megasdkirby]

I'm mostlty interested in games that are in good condition. As long as there are no mayor faults, I'm ok with that.

[eskobar]

I always try to get sealed games in mint condition but i do not mind picking up a Quadrun cart un poor condition :P

[swlovinist]

There is nothing wrong with being particular about a game being in pristine condition. There are many collectors at this forum that take pride in their collection, and want the best condition of an item. Being in the counseling field myself, a true case of OCD is usually much more intense and has to be debilitating to your daily function. If you cant function your daily routine or obsess to the point of not going to work about your collection, then that is a true case of it. I think collectors that want their stuff in pristine only condition is a preference, and there is nothing wrong with that. There are many people here who may think they have a little OCD, but really are just very particular about something they are passionate about. When it starts affecting your daily life....that might be a sign of something more serious.

As for how I collect and what condition I collect depends on how my collection started. Take my genesis collection. I started off boxed with manual, in decent shape. It now bugs me when I stare at a game that has sun fade or rental stickers on it. Ill take it in the best shape I can get it at an affordable price. I would rather have a beat up copy of a game that works rather than no copy at all. On the other hand, my 2600 collection, I dont really care what condition it is in, as long as it plays. Also, the beat up ones go for cheaper usually, and that is good for me!

As for the the "current stuff", If I am buying a new copy of a game, it better be in new shape, without damage. One thing that bugs me more than manual damage is when the case itself is cracked on a new game. Grr, that gets me mad. Paying a new price for a game(talking about full price), for me means that it better be new and unscuffed.

[unwinddesign]

No. It's impossible in this day to keep something mint. I put a game into my 360, it comes out with scratches because the drive is a piece of shit. I let my roommates play my games, they get scratched. I stopped giving a fuck a long time ago. I buy games new because I like to take off the shrinkwrap and don't want some nasty herpes infested piece of shit from eBay, but otherwise, no. My Halo 3 disc is destroyed into oblivion. It works fine. Most games don't even come out of the shrinkwrap mint. It's just fucking impossible and a waste of time and money to try to get everything in pristine condition. I used to collect, but then I just gave up; all the stuff drops in value anyway, and having hundreds of games I never played did nothing for me.

That being said, I don't go out of my way to destroy my games, and most are in ~very good condition. Still, shit happens as mentioned previously in this thread.

On a side note, anal collectors have always pissed me off when I'm selling games on eBay. My god, if it says mint, it's fucking mint! If it says good or very good, then you don't want it! I'm not going to give you a three paragraph description of all the blemishes on a $7 game, along with like seven high resolution photos. Fuck off! [/rant]

Of course, about 90% of this post goes against what this site is about...so...yeah. I just don't collect any more. And I don't care about mint games any more, either. Both, I feel are hopeless endeavors, because you'll never have EVERYTHING you want nor will you ever find all your most wanted items in top notch condition. Just an unrealistic and frustrating exercise...for me. To each their own.

[The 1 2 P]

I definietly love owning mint games and even have two copies of several titles so that I have one to play and one to sell later. However, I don't get carried away with it and I won't go out of my way to spend hundreds of dollars on a sealed game just to open it and have it in mint condition. I'll spend a reasonable price on both copies though and have enough money left over to buy more mint games.

While I know not everyone cares for mint copies, it's still beyond me how anyone could be so careless with their games that they completely misplace/lose their manuals and cases. Thats just stupid.

[TheRealist50]

Boxed, Sealed, Loose it don't matter to me. As long as the label is isn't ripped or nothing rattles inside the cart then I'm cool.

Of course disc based games must have cases and manuals, but I'm sure most people are like this too.

[Slate]

I like buying games in the best condition but I don't spend much time deciding if I am interested in them and the price is right. When it comes to Guitars I take a lot of time though... Gotta have the right one.