View Full Version : My introduction, and some questions (atari 2600)
Hello everyone, my name is Nathan. I am 23, a software engineer, and I live in Concord, New Hampshire, USA.
I have been visiting/reading/browsing these forums for more than a year now, but have finally decided to register and become part of the community.
I’ve been playing video games since I was 4 starting with the Atari 2600, and have continued to play up through the present. During this time I have played my father’s games, my brother’s (I have 4) games, as well as PC games (free ones). Currently my personal collection is nonexistent, but have always been interested in/wanted to collect video games and am now in a financial situation where I can begin doing so.
Before I get into my goals let me tell you that I have been labeled as somewhat of a perfectionist and obsessive type of personality by my friends and family (hopefully some of you can relate).
I want to be able to play the games I am collecting and my end goal is to collect the top 20-50 games for each of the top 3 or 4 consoles from each generation starting with the Atari 2600. I am basing my selection of top games on numerous polls, user top game lists, and my personal preference/experience (I already have a huge list made up of the games I want). I want the games I collect to be complete in box, but not sealed (I want to play them) and in the best shape I can find them (within reason). The consoles I collect I would like at least 2 of each, 1 being a complete in box version (collecting purposes), and another being one that I use to play my games (being able to modify it the way I like).
Now on to my questions…
As I mentioned before I would like to start my collection with an Atari 2600. I recently bought one off of eBay but am returning it (they accept returns) because it arrived partially damaged, and almost unplayable condition (although stated otherwise in their post).
My question is should I continue to search eBay in hopes of finding a decent system, or should I try an online retailer such as atari2600.com (anyone know if they are reputable, or have other suggestions)? I am willing to spend a little more money for less hassle and knowing that I will be getting something working.
I will be adding an s-video modification to this system so my next question is… Is there a 2600 version that works better with an s-video mod (looks better on screen)?
Next question… Would it be considered defiling a collectible by modding something like the “heavy sixer” version knowing that it is rarer than the others? This goes with sealed games too, should I feel guilty about opening a sealed game if I can find one in much better condition than an open one for about the same price knowing that someone might want to collect it and keep it sealed? (Does anyone understand what I am trying to ask here?)
Finally… Like I said before I want to collect the top 20-50 games for each system. What if a game is considered one of the best for a certain system (say Pitfall! For 2600), and that game is considered better on another system (say Intellivision, this is hypothetical), but that game is not considered a “top game” for the 2nd system. Would you get the game for the first system (2600) where it is considered a “top game” or the better version of the game on a system where it is not considered a “top game” for that system? (Again, am I making sense?) I am not asking you to tell me what to do. I am just curious as to what you would do/suggest and why?
Sorry for such a long post. I am sure my future posts won’t be nearly as long.
Thank you for all your help with any of these questions.
First of all, Hi.
Don't set your goals by looking at numerous polls, user top game lists etc.....
you only get to play numerous Mario and Zelda games, which are mostly average, and you miss out on hidden classics like Unirally (Uniracers in the US), Mr. Do!, Perfect Dark, Parasite Eve, Kurukuru kururin etc...
And don't get to hung up about this 3 or 4 console per generation thing, there are some excellent classics to be found with the 'lesser sold' consoles (eg PC Engine, 3DO) too.
StetsonGraves
08-26-2009, 02:28 PM
As far as modding the console/opening games it all depends on what kind of collection you want to have.
How fast do you want your Atari? I would personally search thrift stores and garage sales before going through the internet. But if you want it fast, try Amazon.com Sellers. You can find almost anything through them and most of them accept returns also (and you won't have to wrestle with ebay).
kjmontana
08-26-2009, 02:53 PM
...try craigslist.org for local items. You can see and try before you buy, but you will have to travel to get it. Better than waiting, even a few days, plus you don't HAVE to buy it or return it! Or, shopgoodwill.com has a decent selection and the money goes to charity so you might not mind paying a bit more than you would normally.
Rickstilwell1
08-26-2009, 02:56 PM
I find it useful that if you collect the original model of the systems to keep in the box and the smaller redesigned unit for playing games, you will have more space. Atari 2600, Intellivision, NES, Sega Master System, Genesis, Super Nintendo, CD-i, 3DO, Playstation, PS2, and now PS3 all have system remodels that are easier to store than their originals.
If you are only going for the top 4 systems, you probably won't go after the CD-i and 3DO though.
If you want only the systems that have a large amount of fun games, I would recommend
1st Gen:
Atari 2600
2nd Gen:
Atari 5200
Intellivision
Colecovision
3rd Gen:
Nintendo NES
Atari 7800
Sega Master System
4th Gen:
TurboGrafx-16
Genesis
Super Nintendo
Neo Geo AES
Neo Geo CD (some games may be easier to find on CD even though the AES is more solid)
5th Gen:
Playstation
Saturn
Nintendo 64
6th Gen:
Dreamcast
PS2
GameCube (I highly recommend the Game Boy Player)
Xbox
7th Gen:
PS3
Wii
Xbox 360
I also recommend the Nintendo DS and PSP as those handhelds are both very popular and easier to use than older handhelds. I prefer playing the Game Boy line of systems on the Gamecube, but if you want those portable the GBA SP is the one to get if you don't like buying batteries and want a backlight.
I would say if a game is good on more than one system, it is good to have the different versions of it in your library. I get same games for multiple systems all the time, especially if it's a game I really enjoy.
Sometimes I wish I collected games the way you planned to first. CIB good games only beat the hell out of hundreds of bad loose games.
First of all, Hi.
Don't set your goals by looking at numerous polls, user top game lists etc.....
you only get to play numerous Mario and Zelda games, which are mostly average, and you miss out on hidden classics like Unirally (Uniracers in the US), Mr. Do!, Perfect Dark, Parasite Eve, Kurukuru kururin etc...
And don't get to hung up about this 3 or 4 console per generation thing, there are some excellent classics to be found with the 'lesser sold' consoles (eg PC Engine, 3DO) too.
First, thanks for the reply.
The games I have picked out for my list is mostly based on my personal preference with the lists/polls just giving me ideas for games that I haven't played before. All of those games except Kurukuru kururin are on my list and I have played the others before. (Your right great games.)
As far as the 4 consoles... thats just an average, I already plan on collecting for the 3DO and I forgot about the PC Engine (Thank you), both of which I haven't played before but am looking foward to.
When I start doing something new that I have an interest in, I tend to get obsessed and overdo it. I'll probably drive myself crazy trying to get (AND PLAY) every game I can find in the best condition I can find it in. I'm probably going to have to try and pace myself.
Thanks again for the advice.
To Rickstilwell1...
The list you posted looks nearly identical to mine, except I also have listed the 32x/Sega CD for genesis, the Jaguar, 3DO, and now PC Engine for consoles. I also plan on doing Game Gear and Lynx for handhelds.
I really enjoy the prospect of having my games CIB, I think they will look nice stored on a bookshelf, although it will probably take awhile to aquire enough games to fill one up so that I doesn't look so weak.
Thanks for the reply
Spazmonkey
08-26-2009, 04:05 PM
Hi, for all intents and purposes, the pc engine= turbografx 16. A small mod can be done to make them compatible with their variant on the catridge, and the cd's are not region locked.
All 2600's produce the same s-video, since your encoding the hell out of it. Plus, the TIA's are all basically the same in that they are interchangable.
See what I mean? Rickstilwell1 already missed out the Vectrex, a great console with some excellent games. No Lynx either, Lynx has a great library of playable titles....then he lists Atari 7800 which, in my opinion, has a library of terrible games, and Neo Geo, you wanna pay $1000 for one game?....don't listen too much to others, you gotta find it out for yourself.
Pantechnicon
08-26-2009, 04:37 PM
Nathan,
Welcome aboard. It’s reassuring to see a younger person like yourself taking a heartfelt interest in classic game collecting, particularly for early systems like the 2600, which happens to be my primary collecting focus. As for your questions:
- I personally consider Atari2600.com to be a reputable dealer. They have been to the Classic Gaming Expo many times and always have a great selection of stuff. My only concern with them is that they are a little on the pricey side. You could conceivably find better deals through the normal second-hand channels such as Craigslist or local thrift stores, but on the other hand getting a system from Atari2600.com would take most of the legwork and guesswork out of things with respect to quality of a system, meaning you’d get one in unquestionably good shape. If you decide to go with a known reseller source I’d also suggest you have a look at B & C Computervisions (http://www.myatari.com). They don’t have quite the huge selection of 2600 systems and accessories as Atari2600.com, but their prices are a little lighter on the wallet.
- I don’t really know if there’s an advantage to an S-video mod on one type of 2600 over the other, nor do I consider such a mod to be any sort of affront of transgression to the machine or to the hobby. I did a composite video mod on a 2600 Jr. once, but in the long run I didn’t see any serious improvement over good old RF output either. The only thing I’d caution you on here is to make sure the 2600 is a system you really want to stick with for a while before committing to any kind of mod work as such. There’s no sense in worrying about this kind of thing until you decide whether or not you really want to invest the time into collecting and playing one. That’s probably true of any system for which one would care to collect.
- As for this notion of getting the “top 50” or whatever games; I understand what you’re driving at, I would just caution against tying yourself to a number. As I try to explain it to people I like my different system collections to be “representational” of what the system had to offer. In general that means going after a lot of common-rarity games, because it’s generally okay to equate “common” with “well-liked in its time”. But it also means mixing the good (Missile Command) along with the bad (E.T.) and the ugly (Custer’s Revenge). Don’t forget, however, to leave room for what you like to play the best, which is probably going to be the most common advice you get around here: To foremost collect and play what you like.
- The last bit of…err…wisdom I’ll impart is to not get too carried away with the concepts or perfection or completeness, because odds are long against achieving either one or the other. Remember what you’re thinking about collecting here was something intended to be played with, used, enjoyed, and not to be set behind Plexiglas and revered like some holy artifact. Get a nice looking system (or two or three), try and pick carts in good condition, but don’t get too bent out of shape about things like crushed boxes or manuals with writing in them when there are no alternatives to be had.
Best of luck, welcome to the club and please don't hesitate share any other questions you might have.
Nathan,
Welcome aboard. It’s reassuring to see a younger person like yourself taking a heartfelt interest in classic game collecting, particularly for early systems like the 2600, which happens to be my primary collecting focus. As for your questions:
- I personally consider Atari2600.com to be a reputable dealer. They have been to the Classic Gaming Expo many times and always have a great selection of stuff. My only concern with them is that they are a little on the pricey side. You could conceivably find better deals through the normal second-hand channels such as Craigslist or local thrift stores, but on the other hand getting a system from Atari2600.com would take most of the legwork and guesswork out of things with respect to quality of a system, meaning you’d get one in unquestionably good shape. If you decide to go with a known reseller source I’d also suggest you have a look at B & C Computervisions (http://www.myatari.com). They don’t have quite the huge selection of 2600 systems and accessories as Atari2600.com, but their prices are a little lighter on the wallet.
- I don’t really know if there’s an advantage to an S-video mod on one type of 2600 over the other, nor do I consider such a mod to be any sort of affront of transgression to the machine or to the hobby. I did a composite video mod on a 2600 Jr. once, but in the long run I didn’t see any serious improvement over good old RF output either. The only thing I’d caution you on here is to make sure the 2600 is a system you really want to stick with for a while before committing to any kind of mod work as such. There’s no sense in worrying about this kind of thing until you decide whether or not you really want to invest the time into collecting and playing one. That’s probably true of any system for which one would care to collect.
- As for this notion of getting the “top 50” or whatever games; I understand what you’re driving at, I would just caution against tying yourself to a number. As I try to explain it to people I like my different system collections to be “representational” of what the system had to offer. In general that means going after a lot of common-rarity games, because it’s generally okay to equate “common” with “well-liked in its time”. But it also means mixing the good (Missile Command) along with the bad (E.T.) and the ugly (Custer’s Revenge). Don’t forget, however, to leave room for what you like to play the best, which is probably going to be the most common advice you get around here: To foremost collect and play what you like.
- The last bit of…err…wisdom I’ll impart is to not get too carried away with the concepts or perfection or completeness, because odds are long against achieving either one or the other. Remember what you’re thinking about collecting here was something intended to be played with, used, enjoyed, and not to be set behind Plexiglas and revered like some holy artifact. Get a nice looking system (or two or three), try and pick carts in good condition, but don’t get too bent out of shape about things like crushed boxes or manuals with writing in them when there are no alternatives to be had.
Best of luck, welcome to the club and please don't hesitate share any other questions you might have.
Wow, thanks for all the great info.
I think I'm going to browse goodwill/salvation army and craigslist for the next few days while I am waiting to get my money back for the broken 2600 I got off of ebay. I have never had any luck in the past with finding games from either of the thrift stores in my area, and it seems to be the same with craigslist when it comes to the classics. I am also going to get to as many yard sales as I can this Saturday. If nothing comes out of any of that I'm probably just going to foot the bill for one from atari2600.com.
The 3 games I played all the time on my dads atari when I was a kid were Pitfall!, Kaboom, and Jungle Hunt. I was terrible at all of them, but it was always a blast.
Thanks for the last bit of wisdom. I am starting to get better with this issue, I got to the point where I realized I wasn't even enjoying the games I was playing because I was obsessed trying to finish a game complete every quest/secret/no deaths/etc... I think I'm over this and am looking foward to actually enjoying the games now.