Question about condition-based values

[BetaWolf47]

Okay, say I have a certain disk-based game in great condition. It has box, manual, and labels. The only thing keeping it from being in mint-condition is stickers on the plastic case

Now, if I put everything into an identical mint-condition case, does that make it a mint-condition game?

For example, I have a copy of Dragon Force for Saturn with everything, with it in close to mint condition. Someone stuck price labels on the case. I want to swap everything into a perfect Saturn case. It's just the case that's got stickers on it.

[JohnnyA]

If you swap a Saturn game's guts into the case of a mint Saturn game, then that would make up for the condition of the original case, yes. There would be absolutely no way to tell this was done, and I can't imagine why anyone would object to it, as long as the case style is exactly the same.

[mobiusclimber]

Most game cases are interchangeable (most Playstation cases are the same, PS2 cases, Saturn cases, etc). The only times you'd have a problem is with something like cardboard cases (like late-period Genesis), Playstation long boxes, and things like that. No one can tell, including you, whether a case has been switched or not. If you're not the original owner, who's to say someone who owned the game before you hadn't already switched cases.

[Baloo]

Does the case in and of itself really matter? I always though it was basically the manual, game, and cover inserts. I switch cases for my games all the time, whether they be broken, beat up, won't close, etc. I never really expected something like this to really matter.

[backguard]

Does the case in and of itself really matter? I always though it was basically the manual, game, and cover inserts. I switch cases for my games all the time, whether they be broken, beat up, won't close, etc. I never really expected something like this to really matter.

from the standpoint of making a sale, i think most people will be irritated at getting a "mint" condition game with a messed up case, even though they are interchangable. i agree with you though, i typically could care less about the condition of the case. Switching out a case is a 30 second endeavor.

[Bojay1997]

Does the case in and of itself really matter? I always though it was basically the manual, game, and cover inserts. I switch cases for my games all the time, whether they be broken, beat up, won't close, etc. I never really expected something like this to really matter.

It depends on the case. There are some games like Neo Geo CD games or European Playstation games that have logos and other identifying marks which can't just be swapped out with a generic jewel case. Obviously, for the Saturn and Sega CD, as long as you use the same type of case, you will be fine.

As a collector, I won't buy a game with a damaged case, although I recognize it's not that hard to replace it.

[mobiusclimber]

It depends on the case. There are some games like Neo Geo CD games or European Playstation games that have logos and other identifying marks which can't just be swapped out with a generic jewel case. Obviously, for the Saturn and Sega CD, as long as you use the same type of case, you will be fine.

As a collector, I won't buy a game with a damaged case, although I recognize it's not that hard to replace it.

Obviously, if the case isn't a generic jewel case, you'd have to find a suitable replacement, which can be difficult. I'm trying to find a cheap EU double disc DC case to replace my busted Rez. :( Very difficult, especially since I want to find someone in the US to get it off of.

I really don't mind buying a game w/ a messed up case if everything else is mint AND it's a case that I can easily replace. It goes like this (from no problem to major problem):

Regular Jewel Cases (PSX, Dreamcast, etc)
Non-regular Jewel Cases (Saturn, Sega CD, early PSX long boxes that were Saturn style)
Clamshell Genesis/32X/etc (you have to make sure it's the right type, EA games for instance were larger, some cases have developer name like Capcom)
PS2, Xbox, 360, Gamecube, Wii cases (you'd need to find a cheap game from the respective system since they're unique)
EU DC cases, JP PS double disc cases, etc (very difficult to find a suitable replacement, but not impossible)
Oversized PC-FX cases (now we're getting towards unacceptable)
Turbo Grafx cases (you can't just swap b/c the spine has the title, have to find another copy of the case or make one - which is pretty unacceptable for selling purposes unless you disclose)
Cardboard Boxes, Playstation Long boxes that are non jewel case style (you can do nothing)

[BetaWolf47]

Thanks for the input, but nobody else has any thoughts on this?

[Daria]

I would say the case affects the resale value of a game. Just as it is somewhat of an inconvenience for a potential buyer to replace. But it shouldn't affect the value by much. However, presentation can go long way in getting top dollar for your games. People are more apt to buy something that looks appealing.

As a collector I'm all for picking up excellent condition games in cracked jewel cases as it can save me a few bucks on the deal.