Sealed Games....what is the point?

[metal_head]

Hi,

I know that collecting quirks rear their head with any form of collection, but i'm finding it hard to get my head around the pleasure od owning/collecting sealed games.

I can understand the pleasurable aspect of owning complete original games in nice condition, but to horde them without ever playing them!!!

I do have a (very) few sealed games.....but that is just because I haven't yet got around to playing them....surely the very heart and soul of a game is with its ability to entertain and transport you to some place else.

I can to an extent see the collectable appeal in owning guitars that you dont play, or cars that you dont drive, but those things look pretty....how truly attractive and appealing can a shrink wrapped CD case be?

With a nice guitar you have a fusion of wood/metal whatever whose form gives it beauty....the grain of the wood, the curves of the body, form and function united to create beauty......same with a nice car or whatever.

The game at this level is just a cheap shrink wrapped CD case.....surely beyond the superficial, such as cover art(which I accept can be beautiful in itself, but I bet most peoples CDs are stored sideways out!) a game needs to be played for its beauty to be released, for it to find true value as an item worth collecting? Otherwise we might as well shrink wrap empty cases and boxes!

No disrespect intended, but isn't hoarding games we will never play actually veering towards a kind of unstable unhinged thing to do?

Still, we're gamers aren't we.....we're all nuts anyway!!! :D

Marc.

[digitalpress]

I'm with ya on this particular rant :)

The only reason I would ever buy a sealed game is to have a brand new copy, but my sealed games get open (there are a few exceptions to this rule - games that I'll probably never play like the Bandai Pippin Gundam game I've got sealed), and they get played. I don't "collect" sealed games, though condition is important. Again, this is why myself and many others might seek out a sealed game, not necessarily to "hoard".

[maxlords]

Yeah...if it's a game for me, I open it. I have a few that I've been too lazy to open, but if I get older sealed games, it's ONLY to use them as trade stock for later. I don't understand the point of buying a bunch of games that you're never going to open either, but since the demand is there, I DO pick them up for trading purposes!

[samuraiX]

I typically will not open a classic game just to play it. So say I get a new copy of Plok on SNES. I won't open it because I have no interest in playing it. Same goes for a number of RPGs I have. I tend to buy them and then never get around to playing them. For instance I have new copies of Lunar 2, FF VII, Xenosaga and a few others that I bought (with the original intention to play) and will likely never play because I am not into RPGs. As for classic games I do not actively look for new copies. In fact I tend to stay away from them so that when I want to, I can play them.

[Bratwurst]

I typically will not open a classic game just to play it. So say I get a new copy of Plok on SNES. I won't open it because I have no interest in playing it.

I think there are more than enough new-old stock SNES and Genesis games sitting around that opening them wouldn't really detract from their already low value. Plok being one of them, because I see it on Ebay frequently. As for myself, I had no aversion to getting two sealed 32X games because they were cheap enough and I'm aware of numerous merchants pushing them by the boatload now and then.

[Arqueologia_Digital]

I don´t collect sealed games for two reasons:
1) I always play the games i buy
2) I always look the manuals

[shai hulud]

I collect mainly for Snes/Genesis til now and i have probably a hundred sealed games. I love both playing and collecting games, if i have the choice between sealed and open i will buy sealed (as long as cost isnt a huge factor). Almost every game i buy i want to play, but i have so many games right now that it will take me forever to play them all. I dont see the point in opening a game unless you are ready to play it at that moment. I keep them sealed just in case the price skyrockets, then i can sell and get more games i want.

[Quintracker]

Recently I've aquired a 'semi-sealed' nes game. The seal was open at the top so the game could still be accessible, and even it was still in the original baggie with all documents. I personally think it's a great idea. The seal is still around the box so it won't run the risk of damage, but I can still play the game whenever I want.

[Xipe]

I don't collect sealed games.

And you can never be sure a game is originally sealed, if you dont open it, you dont know what you get :)

[maxlords]

Yes, you can be sure sometimes. You just have to know what you're looking at. Online, it's hard to be sure, in person...not so difficult USUALLY.

[Eternal Champion]

I typically will not open a classic game just to play it. So say I get a new copy of Plok on SNES. I won't open it because I have no interest in playing it. Same goes for a number of RPGs I have. I tend to buy them and then never get around to playing them. For instance I have new copies of Lunar 2, FF VII, Xenosaga and a few others that I bought (with the original intention to play) and will likely never play because I am not into RPGs. As for classic games I do not actively look for new copies. In fact I tend to stay away from them so that when I want to, I can play them.

With all due respect, then why buy them? Do you actually like games? Or are you speculating? Look at the following market crashes to see what speculation does: baseball cards, comics, the stock market...

[Raedon]

unless the sealed games are being sold for a great price I stear clear of them. I get games to play and i get reeeeeaal conficted about opening sealed games.

[dodsworth]

I will only leave a game sealed if I already have a loose one I can play.
In general I like to play or atleast try the games I pickup.

[metal_head]

Hmmmmmmm.....

So, to you guys who DO collect sealed games, what actual pleasure do you derive from owning them?

I can see to a point the guy with sealed Radiant Silvergun or whatever enjoying the "buzz" of owning a desireable game, and basking in the envy of other collectors, but is this feeling not also there with a mint but played and loved copy?

I find it harder to fathom the appeal with fairly common games...what purpose does a sealed copy of "Plok" serve if it is not going to be played?

I'm a bit confused here...I love collecting video games, but I also love playing them. The only sealed games I have are a couple of Dreamcast ones that I got in a bulk lot and just haven't got around to playing, and an X Box game that I just haven't opened yet.

Can anyone actually put into words the satisfaction they derive from owning unplayable games?

And for those of you who do collect sealed games, are you EVER gonna open them.......what about when you are old and on your deathbed....are you gonna have a last fling and RIP the shrinkwrap off and play some of these things before permanent game over......or do they get passed on as a shrink wrapped heirloom for someone else to "collect" until in turn their time arrives to shuffle off this mortal coil?

Actually, I must admit , I've really got LOADS of sealed games.....I keep them all at my local game shop, saves me cluttering up my house! ;)

Regards,
Marc.

[rbudrick]

Hi there,

Sometimes I collect a sealed copy in addition to my playable copy in order to preserve a museum quality rarity. Usually this is only for super-rare games. Also, for completists who want to make sure they have every little warranty card and pamphlet that originally came with the game, sealed copies ensure this....although you have to open them to check off the contents...buy two and open one, lol.

Remember though, someday only the finest quality specimens will end up in a museum....someone should really be collecting these. Those that collect sealed copies will. Might just be tooting our horns here, but it could happen....all pieces of pop culture end up as antiques or in museums eventually. Hey, we collectors are collecting little pieces of history here (yes I actually believe this, and I'm sure many of you won't). Many pieces of my collection are way too valuable for me not to treat my collection in the way a museum curator would.

Also, for rare games, the sealed copied WILL be worth more, and certianly fetch more $ even now....so, their value is certainly higher.

It is true that games are meant to be played, but hey, comics and books in general are often kept so pristine (never opened even) so as to preserve the value. Games are no different. Some games you play, some games you collect, some you play and collect.

-Rob

[orrimarrko]

There are a few reasons to acquire sealed games, at least from my perspective. I am a collector and a gamer, but I don't necessarily have time to play every game out there. Also, there are many games that don't interest me at all.

Do I really need to play NBA Live '95 on every one of the systems that it came out on to be considered a gamer? Of course not. However, from a collector standpoint, I do need to have them if I wish to complete my collection for those systems.

Here's the rub: if I can acquire a sealed game fairly cheaply, I will. It assures that the game is in pristine, complete, unplayed condition. There are definitely ways to make sure that the game is sealed and not just re-shrinkwrapped. Also, ask questions of the seller (especially on eBay) - it helps you determine whether it's crap or not. Remember, if you aren't sure, don't buy it. So, if I buy a sealed game, and it's not one that I care to play, why open it?

Whether you like it or not, loose games have value. Complete games for almost any title raise that value. Furthermore, sealed games for the majority of titles increase the value, because the owner knows that if he/she were to open it, there would be no damage.

Personally, I am not a horder of sealed games for any system. It is way too expensive, Christ - just look at the NES games on eBay - it's ridiculous! However, I am completely anal about the condition of my games, and they have to be complete. If I can buy a sealed copy to assure that the game is in the best condition possible, I will. This especially goes for CD games. My idea of perfect condition and your idea of mint condition may differ slightly. So, I can only guard against that if I have dealt with you before, or if the item is originally sealed.

Just my two cents. In the end, one piece of advice is very clear - collect what you want and how you want. Just because you don't agree with someone else's rational about collecting doesn't make it wrong.

I will say this though. I think that those ass-monkeys who drive up the prices just to artificially increase the value of a game should burn in hell. LOL

Cheers,
Steve

[Kid Ice]

I like to collect sealed 2600 games simply because they're so old. When I first started collecting I would take any 2600 games, torn label, no end label, dirty, etc. So getting boxed or sealed games is just a way for me to stay in the 2600 game without dishing out the cash for the crazy rare games.

Besides, these days if I'm going to play a 2600 game I'll most likely do it through an emulator.

I have very few later generation sealed games, because I almost always buy those games to play.


ICE

[l_lamb]

I was going to answer myself, but the posting by orrimarrko sums up my opinion exactly. I buy games when I find them and may not get around to opening everything. I also will pick up multiple versions of games to get closer to completing a system, but I may not need to play the second or third version (especially with the current crop of systems). I will also sometimes pick up a second copy of something rare or a game that I really like just in case something should happen to the copy I have (not like it's happened so far).

[Archenemy]

I do have some sealed copies of my Macross games mainly because I collect Macross games and they look terrific in New/Shrinkwrapped condition.

I also buy cheap japanese Saturn sealed games, because most of them are worth $3.50 used incomplete and $5 sealed.

But in an overall sight, I don't have sealed copies of my rarest games. I just play them. (I cannot spend $450 in a sealed Radiant Silvergun just to have one sealed/one playable copy x_x )

I don't think that a piece of shrink does cost the same or even more than the game that it's supposed to protect :roll:

[imanerd0011]

I think buying sealed games is an alright idea, unless you are spending much MUCH more than a mint complete copy would go for.
When I see a sealed Castlevania go for $500+, I want to smack the piss outta the high bidder. Considering a mint complete copy would go for $15, he is spending more than 30 times more, just for some plastic.

[Cmosfm]

Personally, I'm more of a collector than a gamer, Don't get me wrong...I'm a seriously hardcore gamer....but I'd rather go out and hunt for games than sit at home playing them.

If I do find a sealed game that I don't want to play, I will leave it sealed. Why? Well...I have over 2700 games now, and only a small fraction of those I've actually played.

[Aussie2B]

Recently I've aquired a 'semi-sealed' nes game. The seal was open at the top so the game could still be accessible, and even it was still in the original baggie with all documents. I personally think it's a great idea. The seal is still around the box so it won't run the risk of damage, but I can still play the game whenever I want.

That's what I do. It's nice to have the plastic still around it for protection.

To be honest, I don't even understand collectors who say "I have some sealed games because I haven't gotten around to opening them yet". o_O Is it really THAT hard and time consuming to tear off some plastic? Are there collectors who are really buying sealed games on a regular basis in such huge quantities that they can't bother to open them all? Even if I don't get around to playing a game for years, I still open everything immediately. I want to make sure everything on the inside is okay, and I like flipping through the manual and such.

As for old games, if I ever get into the position where I find a valuable sealed game, I'd just sell it. If I wanted a copy of the game, I'd just use the profits to get a nice condition used copy. With the ones that aren't valuable, I don't care about opening them. A year or so ago I bought a cheap sealed copy of Killer Instinct just so I could open it. There was pretty much no price difference between the sealed copies and the loose copies.

What's really stupid to me, even more so than collecting sealed games, are the collectors who buy sealed games just so they can personally open them. When the sealed games are significantly more expensive than the opened mint copies, it's like flushing money down the toilet. Once it's opened, its condition is absolutely no different from the mint complete copies available for much less. It's just bizarre. O_o If people want to waste their money like that, I'd happily take the money and buy tons of loose carts with torn labels, marker, and stickers on them for myself. ;)

[GrandAmChandler]

I agree with most people on here when I say that games were meant to be played. Now with that said, if you have a complete sealed NES collection, then more power to you, that is quite a feat. I just use sealed stuff as trade bait to get what I really want to PLAY. I'd rather play my games then look at them.

When I used to work at FuncoLand back in the day, we had this executive for a major company who was HUGE into Gameboy. Sad to say, he lost his wife over his hobby. He was obsessed with obtaining only the minty perfect games, then what does he do? He shoved them in storages. Apparently he rented out THREE of those storage lockers someplace and has this huge collection of PS1, GBC/GBA, and who knows what else! His collection must be worth a fortune, but I hope he's not doing it for monetary value, because he purchased new GB games at $29.99 a pop, and not all sealed Gb games are worth that! I am sure some are, but not Tony hawk's Pro Skater that's for sure.

[Slipdeath]

I agree completely. The only games that I do have sealed are games that would be completely loose without the casing such as the R-Zone and Supervision games.

[Lemmy Kilmister]

Recently I've aquired a 'semi-sealed' nes game. The seal was open at the top so the game could still be accessible, and even it was still in the original baggie with all documents. I personally think it's a great idea. The seal is still around the box so it won't run the risk of damage, but I can still play the game whenever I want.


That actually reminded me of a question i've been meaning to ask for awhile now about sealed games. See, I also have a couple "sealed" NES games that for the most part look to have never been opened or played. However, there are some minor rips or tears in the plastic in places that I assume would decrease the value somewhat if I ever decided to sell them. I guess what I'm trying to ask is if a sealed game isn't completely sealed or has ware could it still sell for a good profit. I'm just asking because I would rather just sell them off for profit, then to just leave them there collecting dust.

[Cmosfm]

What's really stupid to me, even more so than collecting sealed games, are the collectors who buy sealed games just so they can personally open them. When the sealed games are significantly more expensive than the opened mint copies, it's like flushing money down the toilet. Once it's opened, its condition is absolutely no different from the mint complete copies available for much less. It's just bizarre. O_o If people want to waste their money like that, I'd happily take the money and buy tons of loose carts with torn labels, marker, and stickers on them for myself. ;)

Yeah, this is one thing that really really REALLY irks me. Every time I hear Iron Draggon talk about how much he wants Chrono Trigger or Radient Silvergun but will only buy a brand new copy to open...I want to jump through the computer screen and wring his neck.

It IS throwing money away, because mint copies can be had, and even if they aren't 100% M.I.N.T., do they really HAVE to be? no, they don't.

Then when the person who only buys sealed games to play at an extremely overinflated rate has money problems...I don't feel bad....how can I? Maybe they shoulda bought a loose Zelda for 5.00 instead of a sealed one for 200.00.

:roll:

[Cmosfm]

Double Post.

[PentiumMMX]

I don't see a point in sealed games. Let's say you bought a sealed copy of "Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow", "Mega Man Battle Network", or "Super Mario 64", and stick it on a shelf, What good does it do? A paperweaght with Mario on it? A doorstop with Lan and Mega Man on it? A bookend with Soma on it? What's the point if you are not going to play it? If you stick it on a shelf, then you will not get to enjoy exploring Dracula's castle, stareing at Mayl- er, Saving the world from Dr. Wily, or Rescueing Peach from Bowser!

If you don't plan on playing the game, then don't buy it!

[sleepycal]

I think of the same thing when looking at toy collections.

Generally the boxed vehicles, etc where you cannot even see the contents of the item.

For sealed games and toys (and pretty much any other sort of collectible), it really could just be a piece of broken crap inside and one would never know. Is it really worth that much then?

I've got sealed games as well. Like others, they are there because I haven't gotten around to opening them yet. I generally will open the a game when I am ready to play it, and not before. But I would not pay a premium for a sealed item.

[Cmosfm]

I don't see a point in sealed games. Let's say you bought a sealed copy of "Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow", "Mega Man Battle Network", or "Super Mario 64", and stick it on a shelf, What good does it do? A paperweaght with Mario on it? A doorstop with Lan and Mega Man on it? A bookend with Soma on it? What's the point if you are not going to play it? If you stick it on a shelf, then you will not get to enjoy exploring Dracula's castle, stareing at Mayl- er, Saving the world from Dr. Wily, or Rescueing Peach from Bowser!

If you don't plan on playing the game, then don't buy it!

You obviously don't understand the joy in working toward complete game collections.

I have close to 700 NES games, I've played roughly 200-300 of them, I WANT to play about 200 of them when I get the time, and I'm sure there are at least 200 that I have no interest in playing whatsoever.

But if I don't have them, I won't complete the collection!

That's the thing about DP, most of us here are collectors, and we buy games we have no interest in playing all the time! I bought 15 I have no interest in playing today, and non-collector's don't seem to understand why we do this.

It's a passion, my friend, though you may not understand it...I get more joy out of working toward a complete collection of games than sitting down and playing the games I buy. Sort of like when I go through my collection just looking at my games sometimes, for no reason, just get lost in looking over my NES collection for an hour, or my SNES, or even my PS2 collection. I also like knowing that I have more games in my house than my local game stores.

I have a goal to play every NES game one of these days, I will work toward that goal once I complete the collection, but I have a complete Game.Com collection that I have no interest in touching. Does that make me a bad guy? No more so than people who collect stamps and never use them to mail letters.

[jdc]

The only system that I actually collect for is the N64....and if I buy a sealed N64 game, I open it and will eventually play it.

I bought a sealed copy of Crystalis for the NES and kept it sealed simply because I thought that it was cool that this one "survived unscathed".

I also own a whole Genesis Model 2 NFL '94 Gift Set that remains sealed simply because it IS a limited edition box set and most likely will retain some value as a collector's piece. It's been sealed for 10 years.....no point in opening it now just to handle it. You can slide the outer cover off and look at everything sealed in the inner box tray.

[imanerd0011]

Yeah, this is one thing that really really REALLY irks me. Every time I hear Iron Draggon talk about how much he wants Chrono Trigger or Radient Silvergun but will only buy a brand new copy to open...I want to jump through the computer screen and wring his neck.

It IS throwing money away, because mint copies can be had, and even if they aren't 100% M.I.N.T., do they really HAVE to be? no, they don't.

Then when the person who only buys sealed games to play at an extremely overinflated rate has money problems...I don't feel bad....how can I? Maybe they shoulda bought a loose Zelda for 5.00 instead of a sealed one for 200.00.

:roll:


Oh my god I agree. Everytime he (Iron Dragon) starts talking about buying a sealed Chrono Trigger or Secret of mana for $500+, I want to attack him!!!! LOL
I really think he is in a league of his own as far as opening super expensive sealed games go. I really don't understand why he does this, but it seems to give him joy. Whatever floats your boat I guess.
The only way I would ever spend a bunch of money on a sealed game is if I thought I could make a profit on it.

[InsaneDavid]

I have to agree although I have bought sealed games for the simple reason of being the first to open them. As I said over on a thread about sealed NES games...


...you obviously don't know the enjoyment of waking up, getting out of bed in the morning, and smelling the sweet aroma of a freshly opened NES game.

Really though there are some games that should be kept sealed and some retrogaming titles that I don't mind spending a bit more to be the first person to open them. I know I make a lot of people cringe when I say that nearly every TurboDuo game I've ever bought was purchased second hand factory sealed - only so that I could be the first to open it.

NES games were always cool to open though since a lot of them had different goodies packed inside such as posters and pamphlets - each box seemed to hold something a little different. :)

I usually have a price limit, $30 or so. If a sealed game is selling for more than that then it's value / rarity to the collecting industry is worth preserving it as sealed. If I pick up a sealed NES game for $5 and it's not something rare then opening it is the first thing on my mind. I bought sealed copies of Lords of Thunder, Cosmic Fantasy 2 (I really SHOULD have left that sealed though just since it's one of my favorite games and a disc only copy is kinda easy to come by), and pretty much every other TurboDuo game I've ever owned - and opened them all.

However even if I leave a game sealed (usually because it's a rare find at a good price, a duplicate, or just a game I remember from my youth) it's never to perserve resale value. Most of the time I get sealed games they just happen to be sealed. Heck, all my Jaguar games were sealed originally too, but that's simply because that's the state I obtained them in. However when systems like the TurboDuo and Jaguar were released I didn't have the funds to obtain them, so being the first person to open a game almost brings me back to the era of which it was released.

Also you have to admit, opening a game in a jewel case or DVD case is nothing like opening an NES or 2600 game. :)

[Dr. Morbis]

Well, I've bought many sealed NES games, but it was only when I wanted to make sure the particular game was absolutely mint. And every sealed game I've ever stumbled across in the wild has either been traded away or opened up if it was a game I wanted to keep.

But as the previous poster mentioned, there is absolutely nothing like opening a brand new NES game. That's such a great feeling!

[Damion]

I don't collect sealed games but I will try my Damndest to make sure the Cellaphane stays as intack as possiable.

well at least for older games like Snes and N64. It helps keep the dust off the cardboard.

[Gemini-Phoenix]

You wouldn't buy a carton of milk which had been opened, would you?

Nor a packet of fags; a bottle of booze; or anything like that. So why settle for something else which has been opened and used before?

Especially seeing as how games and Dvd's are so expensive - You are paying good money, so you should expect what you are buying to actually be brand new and untouched / unsoiled.


Are you telling me that you are completely happy to pay a couple of pounds less for, say, a GameBoy game because it may have a totally damaged box with dirty great stickers on it which you will never be able to remove?

Are you happy to pay a third of the price a few months later, for a preowned game which may have a "Few" miniscule scratches on it - Knowing that you have saved so much money, but cursing everytime the FMV jerks around??? But that doesn't matter, because you got it on the cheap...


Collector's are always looking out for the best condition stuff. And what can be better condition that sealed and untouched?

If you are also buying as an investment, then that £40 DC Rez will retain that price, and maybe even go up in value as the years go on if it stays in the same condition. Just take all those sealed NES games which pop up on eBay as examples!


So, my conclusion is: Some people like to buy brand new games and open themselves. Others just don't like buying damaged products or don't like the fact that someone else has used the item befre; and then you have your collector's who just want something in perfect condish to add to their collections.

[CreamSoda]

What would I do if I got some Selaed NES games from a pawn shop? Take them home and rip them open, read the manual and thne enjoy the game of coursE! :)

I don't really care about sealed games, and mainly since they usually cost so much more. As long as the game works ok and I can play it and have fun.

Sealed games are cool, yes. But I just don't see the point in having a huge collection of games I would never play just to have them or haivng a complete system libary(I know some of you feel different, and I respect your opinion).

But I think games were mean't to be played, not to be left on a shelf to collect dust.

[THATinkjar]

I think one of the draws of a sealed game is that you're guranteed the contents are in great condition. I would imagine there are a lot of collectors who buy sealed but are more than happy to open them when the time comes.

[Aussie2B]

You wouldn't buy a carton of milk which had been opened, would you?

Nor a packet of fags; a bottle of booze; or anything like that. So why settle for something else which has been opened and used before?

Those are all things that go in your mouth. That's entirely different. You're not licking your games, are you? :P

Anyway, it's not like those who don't buy sealed games WANT disgusting, dirty, damaged games. I'm sure most collectors try to get the best condition they can find a game as long as it remains at a good price. It is possible to buy used games that are in excellent condition, you know. I keep my games in extremely nice condition, so if I was trying to sell a game and a person said "No, I don't don't want your used filthy games", I'd take offense. That sounds like something a germophobic person would say.

However, there is a certain satisfaction that comes from acquiring a game or system that wasn't cared for well and then fixing it up. It almost feels like restoring a piece of art. I mean, you wouldn't call the Sistine Chapel trash just because it wasn't sealed in plastic for centuries and got a bit of wear and dirt and grime on it and needed to be restored, would you? ;) I feel I get much more sentimentally attached to something after I put a lot of TLC into it. Like with the PlayStation I got last summer - it had been next to a bird's cage, so it was covered in speckles of bird crap. I cleaned that thing like a mofo, though, and now it looks beautiful and plays perfectly. I need to sell off one of my spare PlayStation systems soon, and rather than sell off that one, I'm going to sell off one that I never cleaned at all because it was nice to begin with.

[jajaja]

Why starting replying to a 2 years old topic? lol ;)

[BigGeorgeJohnson]

Why starting replying to a 2 years old topic? lol ;)

Probably cause all the mods have gone lock happy.

[Promophile]

I'm one of those people that collect sealed games, but im sorta different. I will NOT buy a sealed game on ebay, or probally even a sealed retero game if i find it in a flea market, with a few exceptions of course. However when i go sale hunting and I find a PS2 game at TRU for 5-10 USD I'll buy it and add it to my sealed game collection. Right now I have probally 50-60 sealed games. I just don't know how people can't grasp why people collect them, even if they don't collect them themselves. Do you not understand why people collect unopening action figures? They can't play with them. Its the same with games. Why do people have such a hard time understanding that?

[Gemini-Phoenix]

I'm one of those people that collect sealed games, but im sorta different. I will NOT buy a sealed game on ebay, or probally even a sealed retero game if i find it in a flea market, with a few exceptions of course. However when i go sale hunting and I find a PS2 game at TRU for 5-10 USD I'll buy it and add it to my sealed game collection. Right now I have probally 50-60 sealed games. I just don't know how people can't grasp why people collect them, even if they don't collect them themselves. Do you not understand why people collect unopening action figures? They can't play with them. Its the same with games. Why do people have such a hard time understanding that?

Good words there! I totally forgot all about action figures (Ie, vintage Star Wars ones which I know at least one person here has a complete collection of MISB ones...) ;)


I am trying to get a complete set of sealed PAL Dreamy games, as I figured any old Joe can get a complete set - So I decided to set myself a better target - Hence why I want a complete sealed set!


All the games I buy, even if I am going to open to play, must be sealed. PS2 / Xbox / Cube - Whatever. All sealed. But as I seem to be at work a lot these days earning teh cash to add games to my collection, I don't seem to have a lot of spare time on my hands to play - Therefore they stay sealed and I know that they are still going to be in perfect condition for a long time to come.


My friends and family also can't grasp the whole concept of keeping them sealed, even after I have explained many a time that if I wanted to play that particular game, then all I need to do is borrow it from someone.

Think of how many thousands and even millions of each game get produced - Why should I add my copy to the statistics of open used games which are out there? I may as well keep it sealed and know that it is one of a much fewer number, and track down another one if I feel the need to play. Chances are that someone I know will also have that particular game which I could borrow.

[ozyr]

Heck, I open everything I buy - wether it is collectable or not. I buy it because I want it -to use or display. I will not buy things just to pack them away in hiding. What's the point in that... When I'm dead, it'll just be old junk in a box then.

[PentiumMMX]

I don't see a point in sealed games. Let's say you bought a sealed copy of "Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow", "Mega Man Battle Network", or "Super Mario 64", and stick it on a shelf, What good does it do? A paperweaght with Mario on it? A doorstop with Lan and Mega Man on it? A bookend with Soma on it? What's the point if you are not going to play it? If you stick it on a shelf, then you will not get to enjoy exploring Dracula's castle, stareing at Mayl- er, Saving the world from Dr. Wily, or Rescueing Peach from Bowser!

If you don't plan on playing the game, then don't buy it!

You obviously don't understand the joy in working toward complete game collections.

I have a goal to play every NES game one of these days, I will work toward that goal once I complete the collection, but I have a complete Game.Com collection that I have no interest in touching. Does that make me a bad guy?

No

I guess you could say I'm one of a rare type of collector, I
only buy games that I like or want to try. Sometimes I buy
games that I don't like to take into
Gamestop\Game-X-Change for credits (So I can get more
Mega Man and Zelda stuff!)

At one point, I was going to try to get every Beanie Baby avalable, but I did not want to spend $100+ for a little toy.
Then I was going to get all the NES games, but then I would have to buy Barbie, Hydlite, Waily Bear and the NO! Gang, and Duck Tales (Ack!). Plus spending $1,000+ on Statum Events and an NWC Gold Cart, it was too much!

That's why I now only buy games I like\want to try!

[Cmosfm]

Duck Tales (Ack!)!

Have you played Duck Tales?

It's one of the top 10 NES games, it's awesome.

If you disagree, you're wrong.

[The_EniGma]

I'm pretty much with you on this, but everyone is a collector no matter how quirky the thing and i guess some people like it wrapped up

[bargora]

While this horse has been beaten pretty thoroughly, I'd like to toss out an additional question in line with the topic:

Do any of you buy sealed games with the aim of holding them as an investment? I suppose "speculating" would be the term here. I mean, sure, that NBA 2005 isn't going to appreciate any, but I've seen posts from a number of people saying that they have a sealed Steel Battalion gathering dust.

And with regard to Steel Battalion in particular, what do you all think will be its value, sealed, five years from now?

[Lemmy Kilmister]

Do any of you buy sealed games with the aim of holding them as an investment?

I do, but only if I can find the game for 5 to 10 dollars. Anything IMO else would be overkill and defeat the purpose.

[Bronty-2]

While this horse has been beaten pretty thoroughly, I'd like to toss out an additional question in line with the topic:

Do any of you buy sealed games with the aim of holding them as an investment? I suppose "speculating" would be the term here. I mean, sure, that NBA 2005 isn't going to appreciate any, but I've seen posts from a number of people saying that they have a sealed Steel Battalion gathering dust.

And with regard to Steel Battalion in particular, what do you all think will be its value, sealed, five years from now?

well, I think the value of my sealed games will go up over time, but if it doesn't I don't care. Either way, I'll love my collection and if they stay cheap I can buy more :D

[Bronty-2]

In general, I just want to agree with some of the comments made above. For me, having sealed games is just about having that perfect copy of that game that loved back when you were a kid :) ..owning something that really, by rights, shouldn't exist. They should've been sold and opened by now and every survivor is worthy of being cherised :D

[Bronty-2]

Recently I've aquired a 'semi-sealed' nes game. The seal was open at the top so the game could still be accessible, and even it was still in the original baggie with all documents. I personally think it's a great idea. The seal is still around the box so it won't run the risk of damage, but I can still play the game whenever I want.


That actually reminded me of a question i've been meaning to ask for awhile now about sealed games. See, I also have a couple "sealed" NES games that for the most part look to have never been opened or played. However, there are some minor rips or tears in the plastic in places that I assume would decrease the value somewhat if I ever decided to sell them. I guess what I'm trying to ask is if a sealed game isn't completely sealed or has ware could it still sell for a good profit. I'm just asking because I would rather just sell them off for profit, then to just leave them there collecting dust.

values sealed games are still affecting by condition. A "mint" sealed game will bring more than a "worn" one.

[Bronty-2]

double post. To all the detractors, I have to say this though - doesn't a truly mint sealed copy of a game look freaking awesome. I mean, put a ragged, f*d up (even complete) copy of a game next to a mint sealed one - there's no comparison.

And seeing a nice rare game sealed - nothing like it.

Check out the recent addition :D

http://www3.telus.net/online/dans_auctions/vids/hsfront.JPG

[kainemaxwell]

If I happen to find something sealed I want for one my collections I'll go for it long as I can get it as a decent price. Only sealed game in my collection sis the River Raid II I got last week. :)

[Lemmy Kilmister]

Recently I've aquired a 'semi-sealed' nes game. The seal was open at the top so the game could still be accessible, and even it was still in the original baggie with all documents. I personally think it's a great idea. The seal is still around the box so it won't run the risk of damage, but I can still play the game whenever I want.


That actually reminded me of a question i've been meaning to ask for awhile now about sealed games. See, I also have a couple "sealed" NES games that for the most part look to have never been opened or played. However, there are some minor rips or tears in the plastic in places that I assume would decrease the value somewhat if I ever decided to sell them. I guess what I'm trying to ask is if a sealed game isn't completely sealed or has ware could it still sell for a good profit. I'm just asking because I would rather just sell them off for profit, then to just leave them there collecting dust.

values sealed games are still affecting by condition. A "mint" sealed game will bring more than a "worn" one.


How much more do you think? It's nothing major really, but there are some rips.

[Bronty-2]

Recently I've aquired a 'semi-sealed' nes game. The seal was open at the top so the game could still be accessible, and even it was still in the original baggie with all documents. I personally think it's a great idea. The seal is still around the box so it won't run the risk of damage, but I can still play the game whenever I want.


That actually reminded me of a question i've been meaning to ask for awhile now about sealed games. See, I also have a couple "sealed" NES games that for the most part look to have never been opened or played. However, there are some minor rips or tears in the plastic in places that I assume would decrease the value somewhat if I ever decided to sell them. I guess what I'm trying to ask is if a sealed game isn't completely sealed or has ware could it still sell for a good profit. I'm just asking because I would rather just sell them off for profit, then to just leave them there collecting dust.

values sealed games are still affecting by condition. A "mint" sealed game will bring more than a "worn" one.


How much more do you think? It's nothing major really, but there are some rips.

It's hard to say. there are a lot of factors involved including the rarity/desirability of the game. If we consider 9/10 condition standard, a 10/10 might bring 25% more, a 8/10 20% less than a 9/10, a 7/10 maybe 30% less. But it's all variable. It could get just as much as a 9/10 or less, or whatever. But as general guidelines, I'd go with that, when it comes to NES anyway.

[Gemini-Phoenix]

Do any of you buy sealed games with the aim of holding them as an investment? I suppose "speculating" would be the term here. I mean, sure, that NBA 2005 isn't going to appreciate any, but I've seen posts from a number of people saying that they have a sealed Steel Battalion gathering dust.

And with regard to Steel Battalion in particular, what do you all think will be its value, sealed, five years from now?

Yes, I do that in a roundabout sort of way. As I buy the games I want, but have no time to play them at the moment, they stay sealed, and a majority of the games I buy (Mostly RPG's) will no doubt become rare or sought after in the future.


And yes, I have two Steel Battalions - One of which has not been used. I bought two because I am pretty certain that they will increase in value as soon as the console is announced dead.

And as the new Xbox will probably be backwards compatable, there will still be a market for it...


And in terms of things going up in value - Just look at all those people who kept NES games sealed - Just look at how much they go up to on eBay! Same with N64 games...

Think how much a game like Panzer Dragoon Saga goes for, and the same for a few PSone games like Final Fantasy VII / Valkyrie Profile / Star Ocean II / Persona II Etc...

[Ed Oscuro]

As time goes on I see less and less reason to buy sealed games. Pirates ruin everything.

I even don't care so much about disc condition as I used to, since it's proving to be pretty hard to keep them in good enough shape (thank goodness I can burn *some* discs, though, for the Sega CD-era consoles...will have to try that out).

[Daria]

I have a complete Game.Com collection that I have no interest in touching. Does that make me a bad guy?

Obviously doesn't villify you, but I would assume most people who buy sealed games at least started off with a passion for that particular system, genre or game.

Why did you buy the game.com? Because everyone said it would flop and become a rarity? Because you have the collecting bug so bad you'll buy just about anything? It just seems to me if you're going to buy a system, enjoy something about it. Maybe you like one game, or none at all but appreciate the systems role in the history of portable gaming. Then keep everything sealed if you must, but to buy a system and it's entire library despite the fact you think they suck, to just mark another few tallys on your collection list just seems so cold.

And obviously you just own a game.com which in 20 years will still be garbage so it's not a huge deal. But that's what bugs me about most sealed "traders", the gold diggers who couldn't care less about the games themselves, the kinda of people that find a sealed game and little money signs begin to dance around their heads. It just seems to me if you're going to collect games as purely an investment play the stock market instead. You'd probably make more and wouldn't continue to drive up the prices for the rest of us who would honestly enjoy that game whether it be sitting on a shelf looking minty or playing it on tv.

[goatdan]

double post. To all the detractors, I have to say this though - doesn't a truly mint sealed copy of a game look freaking awesome. I mean, put a ragged, f*d up (even complete) copy of a game next to a mint sealed one - there's no comparison.

And seeing a nice rare game sealed - nothing like it.

Check out the recent addition :D

http://www3.telus.net/online/dans_auctions/vids/hsfront.JPG

It's interesting to see you go from one post talking about how stupid it is to display a collection to another where you talk about how awesome seeing sealed games is. If it is so awesome, then why don't you at least have them somewhere to look at?

I get the mint thing, I get the wanting it perfect... but I guess I still don't get having all these 'perfect' games shoved away in boxes.

[Bronty-2]

well... I think female genitalia is awesome too, but I don't put that on the walls either ;)

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I can appreciate the beauty of something without wanting it all the over the place. Maybe I came on too strong in that room of doom thread, but I still think some of those rooms are waaay over the top. my .02.

[WanganRunner]

Wow, no Iron Draggon in this thread yet....

Anyway, I own some sealed games, mainly multiple copies of a few things, and I own them purely because I know, for a fact, that I will re-sell them in a few years and make a killing.

I own a couple others, but they're only sealed because I haven't gotten around to playing them yet.

[Iron Draggon]

What's really stupid to me, even more so than collecting sealed games, are the collectors who buy sealed games just so they can personally open them. When the sealed games are significantly more expensive than the opened mint copies, it's like flushing money down the toilet. Once it's opened, its condition is absolutely no different from the mint complete copies available for much less. It's just bizarre. O_o If people want to waste their money like that, I'd happily take the money and buy tons of loose carts with torn labels, marker, and stickers on them for myself. ;)

Yeah, this is one thing that really really REALLY irks me. Every time I hear Iron Draggon talk about how much he wants Chrono Trigger or Radient Silvergun but will only buy a brand new copy to open...I want to jump through the computer screen and wring his neck.

It IS throwing money away, because mint copies can be had, and even if they aren't 100% M.I.N.T., do they really HAVE to be? no, they don't.

Then when the person who only buys sealed games to play at an extremely overinflated rate has money problems...I don't feel bad....how can I? Maybe they shoulda bought a loose Zelda for 5.00 instead of a sealed one for 200.00.

:roll:

That's OK, people like me just want to slap the shit out of all the people around here who have huge collections of loose former rentals with tatty manuals and crushed boxes that they spent 20 years piecing together from dumpster diving behind Goodwill because they're too goddamn cheap to actually pay a collector's price for a collector's item. But worse yet, then they want to act like their shit collection of rejects is actually worth as much as the pristine collection of someone like me who has bought every single game in their collection brand new and factory sealed in absolutely perfect mint condition, and they want to ridicule us people who can afford to pay $500 for a factory sealed game just so we can be the first person to open it and immediately decrease it's value by half, because they're obviously just jealous of our wealth and our ability to do such things, just because we want to do it and just because we can do it.

[Lemmy Kilmister]

What's really stupid to me, even more so than collecting sealed games, are the collectors who buy sealed games just so they can personally open them. When the sealed games are significantly more expensive than the opened mint copies, it's like flushing money down the toilet. Once it's opened, its condition is absolutely no different from the mint complete copies available for much less. It's just bizarre. O_o If people want to waste their money like that, I'd happily take the money and buy tons of loose carts with torn labels, marker, and stickers on them for myself. ;)

Yeah, this is one thing that really really REALLY irks me. Every time I hear Iron Draggon talk about how much he wants Chrono Trigger or Radient Silvergun but will only buy a brand new copy to open...I want to jump through the computer screen and wring his neck.

It IS throwing money away, because mint copies can be had, and even if they aren't 100% M.I.N.T., do they really HAVE to be? no, they don't.

Then when the person who only buys sealed games to play at an extremely overinflated rate has money problems...I don't feel bad....how can I? Maybe they shoulda bought a loose Zelda for 5.00 instead of a sealed one for 200.00.

:roll:

That's OK, people like me just want to slap the shit out of all the people around here who have huge collections of loose former rentals with tatty manuals and crushed boxes that they spent 20 years piecing together from dumpster diving behind Goodwill because they're too goddamn cheap to actually pay a collector's price for a collector's item. But worse yet, then they want to act like their shit collection of rejects is actually worth as much as the pristine collection of someone like me who has bought every single game in their collection brand new and factory sealed in absolutely perfect mint condition, and they want to ridicule us people who can afford to pay $500 for a factory sealed game just so we can be the first person to open it and immediately decrease it's value by half, because they're obviously just jealous of our wealth and our ability to do such things, just because we want to do it and just because we can do it.

I'm not going to argee with you about that, but would you really open a sealed Chrono Trigger you bought for 500 dollars if you had the chance? Would you just rather play the rom and keep it sealed?

[Ed Oscuro]

That's OK, people like me just want to slap the shit out of all the people around here who have huge collections of loose former rentals with tatty manuals and crushed boxes that they spent 20 years piecing together from dumpster diving behind Goodwill because they're too goddamn cheap to actually pay a collector's price for a collector's item.
BAHAHAHA

Right, because people "dumpster diving behind Goodwill" (how does that work again?) obviously don't care about collecting...wait...they're too...cheap. Cheap? How about...not decadent?

[geelw]

That's OK, people like me just want to slap the shit out of all the people around here who have huge collections of loose former rentals with tatty manuals and crushed boxes that they spent 20 years piecing together from dumpster diving behind Goodwill because they're too goddamn cheap to actually pay a collector's price for a collector's item.
BAHAHAHA

Right, because people "dumpster diving behind Goodwill" (how does that work again?) obviously don't care about collecting...wait...they're too...cheap. Cheap? How about...not decadent?

i was stayin' out if this topic, but +20 to ed on that one. buying sealed games and keeping them that way is one thing, but paying "collector's prices" because you missed out on games you should have bought for more sensible prices earlier doesn't make you a smart collector, just a gullible one, and i'm sort of speaking from personal experience, lol.

on the other hand, if you've missed out on games because you've been jobless and can't afford them (*oooh, me, me!*), weren't born yet, or just weren't interested in a partucular system...that's another story. but in that case, you still need to shop around and don't throw money down on the first *Sealed, RARE!!!* copy of a game that there are more copies of to be found for less if you do the required homework/legwork/tradework. of course, this discounts betas/protos/loaner copies, as these are always in "used" condition to some extent- but that's a whole 'nother story.

that said, i've actually bought two copies of a game a number of times in the past, but at different times. i'd see something i wanted to play cheap as a cart only or as used with a manual, and picked it up on impulse with the intention of playing it to see if i'd like it and selling it off at some point and getting a new/mint one. i generally try not to buy "ratty" games unless it's something i've never seen before that i'm curious about, and even then i'd rather see what i was missing than turn my nose up and say "oh, another one will come along, because there's a good chance it won't.

then again, if any of you have the money to spend on sealed stuff you'll never play... go for it, and don't give a crap what anyone says(and don't scribe a long-winded reply definding yourself, because after about $150,000 or so spent over about 14 years (probably more, but i don't wanna look), i know the score, :LOL:

personally, i never pass up on a used game if i can see the condition. for example, i got a used carnage heart a few weeks ago from a gamestop (i sold off my mint one for some $ a while before)- it had a broken case with tape and glue residue on it, but the books and discs were in immaculate shape behind the counter (luckily)- my eyes popped when i saw the discs, i paid $15 for it and just replaced the case when i got home.

g.

[Aussie2B]

That's OK, people like me just want to slap the shit out of all the people around here who have huge collections of loose former rentals with tatty manuals and crushed boxes that they spent 20 years piecing together from dumpster diving behind Goodwill because they're too goddamn cheap to actually pay a collector's price for a collector's item. But worse yet, then they want to act like their shit collection of rejects is actually worth as much as the pristine collection of someone like me who has bought every single game in their collection brand new and factory sealed in absolutely perfect mint condition, and they want to ridicule us people who can afford to pay $500 for a factory sealed game just so we can be the first person to open it and immediately decrease it's value by half, because they're obviously just jealous of our wealth and our ability to do such things, just because we want to do it and just because we can do it.

Riiiiiight... Jealous... *rolls eyes*

Just because you WANT to do something and CAN do something doesn't mean you SHOULD. It's not even about being cheap. It's about truly understanding the value of a dollar and to truly appreciate it by understanding the work it takes to get it and how it's like to be without. It's about being frugal and getting the most you can out of every cent you spend. And heck, I don't know about your "wealth", but I'm a poor college bum. Should I be punished for not being rich? Even though I'm a hard-worker and have a nearly 4.0 GPA in college? I love GAMES, not the manuals, not the boxes or cases, not the condition they're in. Sure that stuff is nice, but if I have to buy used games and loose games to get my gaming fix, at least I can still get out of them the enjoyment they're INTENDED to provide. You can pay 10 times what I do, but you're still getting the exact same gaming experience.

So yeah, stop waving your wealth and holier-than-thou attitude around like it's some massive flailing dick. I'm not cheap ('cause I'm actually just broke), my collection is not "shit" (they're video games not fecal matter; and they're quite clean thanks to my TLC), nor are they "rejects" (how can they be if I love them and brought them into my home?), and for the most part they ARE worth just as much as yours because the games you buy for hundreds of dollars just to open are no more valuable now than the games that I bought used in mint condition (or restored to mint condition).

[Gemini-Phoenix]

There's something satisfying about the crinkling of a factory sealed game... [/Fetish mode]

Iron Draggon - I admire you dude! I too can say the exact same thing - All my games have been bought brand new, and sealed too.


Also, to just second what else has also been said above by a few others - Many of my sealed games are in fact either rarities, or potential future rarities. Either way, with exception to my DC collection, the other sealed games are just so because I just have no time to play them.


My DC collection, however, is a collection of passion. I love the DreamCast, and thought it would be fairly easy to get a complete set - But I wanted more. I wanted a challenge. I wanted to be better than everyone else who has a complete set.

Basically, get a room full of people who have a complete set of DC games. What do they talk about? Who would stand out? (Assuming you stuck strictly to the topic of the DC and your collections of DC stuff)

Plus, how many other people can put their hand up and say they have what I have, or would even consider trying such a feat in the first place?

Already, I have become infamous as being "The guy who is attempting to collect a full set of sealed PAL DC games"


Ie, would you be more impressed by guy "X" who has a complete NES set, or guy "Y" who has a complete NES set BOXED? - This is the same thing.

Personally, i'd be more impressed by guy "Z" who has a fraction of those games, but in sealed condition.

[Crush Crawfish]

Y'know, to each his own. If you want to and have the money to buy sealed games, then by all means go for it. But I myself get much more satisfaction out of buying a game I want to play loose and cheap, even if it's not in pristine condition.

For example, awhile back I bought a loose copy of Megaman X2. It was a previous rental, complete with stickers and dirt all over it. But it was a freaking megaman game I didn't have, and it was significantly cheaper than it would be on ebay. So I bought it, and spent at least an hour cleaning all the crap off of it. But you know what? It looks and plays like new now. And knowing that I revived that cart from such a miserable state makes it one of my most prized games in my collection.

So, in the end, no one's collection is worth less than someone else's as long as they enjoy it. It doesn't matter about the condition, quantity, or completeness--It's the enjoyment you get out of your hobby that truly gives it value.

Just my 2 cents. :)

[imanerd0011]

There's something satisfying about the crinkling of a factory sealed game... [/Fetish mode]

Iron Draggon - I admire you dude! I too can say the exact same thing - All my games have been bought brand new, and sealed too.


Also, to just second what else has also been said above by a few others - Many of my sealed games are in fact either rarities, or potential future rarities. Either way, with exception to my DC collection, the other sealed games are just so because I just have no time to play them.


My DC collection, however, is a collection of passion. I love the DreamCast, and thought it would be fairly easy to get a complete set - But I wanted more. I wanted a challenge. I wanted to be better than everyone else who has a complete set.

Basically, get a room full of people who have a complete set of DC games. What do they talk about? Who would stand out? (Assuming you stuck strictly to the topic of the DC and your collections of DC stuff)

Plus, how many other people can put their hand up and say they have what I have, or would even consider trying such a feat in the first place?

Already, I have become infamous as being "The guy who is attempting to collect a full set of sealed PAL DC games"


Ie, would you be more impressed by guy "X" who has a complete NES set, or guy "Y" who has a complete NES set BOXED? - This is the same thing.

Personally, i'd be more impressed by guy "Z" who has a fraction of those games, but in sealed condition.

I hope the only reason that you collect sealed Dreamcast isn't just to say you are the only one who has it. :roll:

When it comes to people having a complete collection for any system, complete games are obviously cooler than having loose. But very few people can afford a entire systems games in complete form.
How would you be impressed by a fraction of games in sealed form? The person can't play them, and if they aren't going to resell them, they are better off owning baseball cards.

I personally have a VERY unique collection, and I think one of (if not the) best NES era sign/display collection on earth. But I could care less about comparing it to other people who have similar collections. That seems to be the only thing you are doing with your collection. You can't actually play it, so the only joy it gives you is to compare it to other peoples collections.

[Ed Oscuro]

Basically, get a room full of people who have a complete set of DC games. What do they talk about? Who would stand out?
That's a pretty sad comment on the state of completists...it's not what you own, it's what you've experienced. This is what truly makes us richer - not what you own, but how you've managed to spread knowledge about your experiences with friends (friends, not "the competition").

KNOWING IS HALF THE BATTLE!

[Aussie2B]

Basically, get a room full of people who have a complete set of DC games. What do they talk about? Who would stand out?
That's a pretty sad comment on the state of completists...it's not what you own, it's what you've experienced. This is what truly makes us richer - not what you own, but how you've managed to spread knowledge about your experiences with friends (friends, not "the competition").

KNOWING IS HALF THE BATTLE!

That's pretty much exactly what I was going to say. If I had to choose betweening hanging out and chatting with someone with a complete, sealed collection and someone with a collection of opened/used/loose/incomplete games, I'd go with the latter. First and foremost, I can actually PLAY and enjoy the games with the second person. Secondly, what's even more important to me, is that the second person will have a lot more to say than just "Look at my complete collection of sealed games! Aren't they great? Here, do you want to look at the cover of this one? It's mint!" I care about the personality, experiences, and opinions of the gamer. I love when someone has strong opinions of games, interesting memories of playing them, and insight about them that perhaps I never thought of before. It's hard to get that from someone who hasn't even opened his games.

[shopkins]

I have one sealed NES game, The Rocketeer. I haven't opened it because I like the idea of having just one game that is like brand new. Otherwise I don't buy stuff I'm not going to play, and if I bought a second sealed NES game I'd probably open it.

[geelw]

i'm dating myself here, but while thinking about the sort of conversation we'd probably have at the next nj classic if the topic were ONLY sealed games i thought of a REALLY old commercial where a bunch of old guys with medals are standing around going on and on about the boer war and stuff, then the butler brings in the silly string, and these guys liven up and actually have some fun.

i admire ANYONE who's a collector with that much dedication, but in reality, i'd have not that much to say other than "that's cool" before heading off to get a beer. i'd rather hear about the beautiful visuals and iffy camera in evil twin, the pleasure of stunt gp's trick mode, the subtle differences between the us and uk versions of ecco, the fact that nightmare creatures and record of lodoss war have pal and 60hz ntsc modes in them, and that headhunter on the dc is a far better game than on the ps2... stuff like that is what really gets me interested in wanting to add to my own small stack of pal titles. but, if you're well on the way to a full set, it'll be a damn amazing picture to see posted :D

[Promophile]

Erm you guys know there is such a thing as ROMS / game rentals / buying a used/second copy. Its not like sealed collectors sit around staring at their sealed games all day, never playing them...