getting reayd to start my collection!

[ambriglia]

hey guys/gals!

I am getting ready to start my video game collection! I am waiting for my ps3 to sell (if you know anyone interested, let me know!) and then with the money i earn from that, i am going to start shopping!

my fiance and i are getting to buy a house so we have room for all my crap. we put an offer in yesterday.

anyways, i am going to start collecting the major gaming systems + games from NES - psone,64, maybe some ps2 games. i feel like since the fifth generation of systems, games have gone wayyy downhill, besides a select few sixth gen games.

anyone have any suggestions as to where to start collecting? whats the best place to find good cheap stuff? yard sales? craigslist? also, if it is not too hard, i dont mind fixing some old broken systems either...

please post some tips! thanks!

[rpepper9]

Here is a tip, pick one system and go with it. You are going to spend way to much money chasing all "the major gaming systems + games from NES - psone,64, maybe some ps2 games".

Newlyweds in new house eventually turns into baby and no money for anything. Not to poop on your parade, but I would suggest a more focused direction in your collection. Also the sale of a PS3 isn't really going to net much, so it will be a small start to your collection.

[AB Positive]

What's up with the 'using slurs as usernames' thing occasionally happening here? First Poofta! and now this dude.

Seriously, what's your problem with the Italians?

[ambriglia]

Seriously, what's your problem with the Italians?

Haha! honestly, i have no problem with italians. i am italian myself! "dego" has been a nickname of mine since highschool.

[tubeway]

If I were starting out, I'd just stick with the PS2 for a while. The games are both easily found and extremely cheap. And they're still modern enough that if you're used to a PS3 then the downgrade in graphics won't be too terribly painful. You can also find them complete most of the time.

Collecting loose NES carts is also a good direction to go, as long as you stick to buying them at bargain prices. Don't buy from resellers or ebay unless you're buying lots. In about a week and a half you'll have access to the buying/selling section of our forums and you can find a lot of bargain there.

See how that goes for a while, and then consider making the jump to another platform. I'd advise against the whole, "ZOMG I WANT ALL THE GAMES *head explode, wallet empties) route" and stay focused for a while.

[Kitsune Sniper]

That's an insult? I thought it said "They go woop".

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

I agree with the previous poster about not spending a whole lot after getting married. At least make sure your wife has her tubes tied.

But, if you have the money, here's my perspective after collecting for two years:

I tried the yard sale approach for one summer and never found anything. E-bay and chase the chuckwagon are what I use the most. When a game's value comes down in price, it registers first on the auction sites, with the exception of some sellers who continue to have outrageously high Buy It Now prices. I go to video game stores sometimes, but they usually have prices that reflect the value 1.5 years ago, but the plus side is that you don't have to pay for shipping, and you can get a better idea of the condition. If I had an i-phone, I'd probably take it into the video game store to check their prices against E-bay.

Do your homework when it comes to buying systems and games. For example, when I bought an Intellivision, I had no idea there was a second "type" released that had standard controller ports. Also, as far as games, many got released on several systems (Bubble Bobble, etc.). You already know that, but I recommend you do a lot of digging to figure our which release was the best port. Just remember, the Internet is your freind, the Internet is your friend, the Internet is your friend ...

Good luck with your collection.

[ambriglia]

@Tubeway

I have been playing older games on emulators every now and then, so i will have no problem switching back to old graphics.

@Kitsune

it is actually two racial slurs for italians disguised into one alias. they are not common slurs anymore, which is why i use them. being i am italian myself, i figure they wouldnt offend anybody.

[tubeway]

being i am italian myself, i figure they wouldnt offend anybody.

I think you should change your title under your name to the following text,

(Italian, so it's okay)

[ambriglia]

chase the chuckwagon are what I use the

that is a great website. thanks!

[jupitersj]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2V8m_n3AkI

[Namnuta]

I started collecting about 5 years ago. I went for every system i wanted first, then the games came after. Sure i got some with the systems, but i just now really starting to fill out my games for all my systems.

My favorite system to collect for is ....... NEO GEO AES. I have about 40 carts with about 10 rares. Not for the faint at heart though. :)

TG16 is my next drug of choice for some reason. Dont collect Nes or SNes, not sure why though. :)

[Jorpho]

anyone have any suggestions as to where to start collecting?Here's a brilliant idea - why don't you collect games that you actually want to play ?

Or better yet, why don't you collect games that you are actually going to play ?

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

Another thing. As you get new stuff, you'll spend a lot of time squeezing it in with the previous stuff. You may want to have a long-term plan for your setup.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv349/Orion_Pimpdaddy/setup.jpg

[ambriglia]

That is awesome! not sure i will ever get to all the less mainstream systems, but if i do, i will prepare myself.

like i said in the previous post, my fiance and i put an offer in on a house. it has 5 bedrooms, being there are only two of us right now, one of those bedrooms will be turning into a "man-cave". i cant wait!

[tubeway]

Here's a brilliant idea - why don't you collect games that you actually want to play ?

Or better yet, why don't you collect games that you are actually going to play ?

The hell you say! Why, he should let a series of anonymous forum members dictate the direction he takes his collection, not buy games he actually enjoys playing! Why, if he were to actually enjoy the games he owns then might not feel that sense of emptiness and financial remorse that drives so many to expunge their collection from their home!

Enough with this silliness. I say the OP should only collect games with verbs in their names, or names that could be construed as sexual euphemisms.

[Trebuken]

You can enjoy collecting games and ephemera as much as playing games so you will likely have to find your own rhythm. If you are able to find stuff locally I suggest you pick up anything that appeals to you and is priced well. That will give you a direction. If you then see a more specific route ebay and chasethechuckwagon can fulfill your needs.

Catalog all your games and hardware from day one, and realize that one bedroom may not be enough...

[Steve W]

Here's a brilliant idea - why don't you collect games that you actually want to play ?

Or better yet, why don't you collect games that you are actually going to play ?

That's what I do. I only collect games that I want to play, unless I come across something to add to my collection that I know will be harder to find in the future (like the Barbie game for the Xbox). I don't collect any sports games, I have no interest whatsoever. My personal love is pre-NES era games. I'm not that avid a collector of later consoles, unless they were quirky, oddball or underdog hardware, like the Sega CD.


Daygo, I suggest you look in your vicinity on Google Maps for 'thrift store', 'resale', and 'flea market'. Get yourself a nice list of the most likely thrift stores to hit, make a mental note of which stores are just "chick stores" with no electronics in them, and start making the rounds. Take a couple hours on a day off, hit some stores, and see what kinds of things they carry. I personally love little independent thrifts and little hole-in-the-wall shops rather than national chains. If you're off on a weekend, hit a flea market. See if there's anything interesting out there. For me, I love the process of searching for games and things. The thrill of the hunt is a huge part of it for me, sometimes equally as satisfying as actually finding good games.

[mobiusclimber]

Here is my advice:

1) Don't listen to what anyone says about your collection. It's YOUR collection not theirs. Like Neil Young once said, "Take my advice: don't listen to me."

2) Figure out why you want to start a collection and go from there. When I first started, I knew I wanted to collect mostly RPGs across every system. I didn't realize at first that I was going to want the cart-based games to be boxed at least. It's definitely more expensive this way, but it's how I like it. If simply playing the games is all that matters to you, then you don't need to worry about completeness. I just don't find that the carts display as well without their boxes, and the box is like cover for a record album. I used to sit and stare at album covers all day, and I could likely do the same w/ game boxes.

3) Research game and system prices on Ebay and Amazon. Make sure you use the "Completed Listings" feature on Ebay to check what games actually sold for, rather than looking at BIN prices (you'll need to be registered and signed in to Ebay to do this).

4) Craigslist can be your friend, depending on your area. I think it's actually really easy to start a collection cheaply when you don't have the systems already by just going on CL and seeing what people have for sale. Usually it's X console with Y number of games. After you've bought up some cheap lots, you'll have a ton of duplicates which will make the next suggestion very helpful...
5) Sign up for gametz.com. It's the best trading site on the net. Period.

6) Use Youtube to research games. Check out some gameplay videos and try to decide if the game looks like something you'd like or not. Download roms to your heart's content and use them to find all the rarer games that you'll eventually want to get that might not spring up in a bundle on CL (tho I'll say I've gotten some rare stuff on there from time to time, and for much cheaper than if I'd bought off an auction site).

7) Is there a Half Priced Books in your area? Used music stores? Thrift shops? These are all great places to look for games, especially b/c the person pricing them generally has no idea of the going rate. Yard sales might also be a good place to buy games, again depending on your area. I've gotten some expensive games for really cheap at yard sales, some things I never even expected to find (Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom for $5, for instance). I've missed out on some great finds (a Turbo Grafx-16 & games for $30). Swap Meets might also be good, but look in the junk section! Too many people have made a career out of selling games at the swapmeet. I've seen some people ask some crazy prices, and I've seen people beg me to take their rare games for nothing (no really!).

8) I will likely be crucified for this next suggestion, but here goes: If money is going to be a problem, don't be afraid to buy an expensive game that you already own if you see it for cheap. You can always trade it or resell it to get something you DON'T already have.

9) The best forums for buying and selling games are digitpress, racketboy, and nintendoage.

10) Interested in import gaming? The best site for that is risingstuff.

[scottw182]

Another thing. As you get new stuff, you'll spend a lot of time squeezing it in with the previous stuff. You may want to have a long-term plan for your setup.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv349/Orion_Pimpdaddy/setup.jpg

Omgosh that is incredible! Is that your setup?

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

Omgosh that is incredible! Is that your setup?

Yeah it is. It's explained more in the Collection Gallery section, just do a search for Orion Pimpdaddy. The point of me posting it here was to illustrate the need to use space effectively by planning ahead. When I created the setup, I made a series of diagrams, including sections for "future stuff." That way I didn't have to scoot things around every time something new came in the mail.

[NytroSkull7]

Orion you have a great setup. the only thing that is so immoral about it is your wires. how can have then so, so CLEAN?!?!?

[mobiusclimber]

Orion you have a great setup. the only thing that is so immoral about it is your wires. how can have then so, so CLEAN?!?!?

This is exactly what I'm fighting right now. I've tried to get my systems set up so the wires aren't all over the place, but I can still play my games no problem but... it just... isn't... working! XD Urgh!!!

Oh and I forgot to mention that system selectors will be both your friend and the very bane of your existence. Best bet is to get several of them, string em together, and get some white packing tape to make labels for each button. (or some kind of label maker or something.)

[Aussie2B]

What's with the assumptions that just because a couple is getting married and buying a house that they're going to start popping out kids right away? Not everybody out there even wants kids at all and some people wait many years before they decide they want children. My parents were married for 7 years I believe before they had their first child (with another 5 years passing until me). My aunt didn't have her one and only child until her late 30s, and she was married probably at least a decade before that.

So based on the information we DO know, I'd say your options are pretty open. You really don't need to get "ready" to start collecting. If you're shopping online, pursue whatever you know you want, or check the classic discussions forum on here if you need suggestions for quality games. In terms of finding stuff in the wild, just pick up whatever you come across if it's a good deal and if you have some interest in it. Even if a game doesn't interest you, keep in mind what could be sold for a profit to further fund your collection.

[Jehusephat]

If you can afford a five bedroom house, I'm sure you won't have any difficulties starting a collection. I can't even afford a mobile home, and I've still managed to accumulate a collection that makes me happy. I spend a lot of time in thrift stores and pawn shops, though, and I can't buy anything off of eBay if there's a rare game that I really want. I generally rely on finding things in the wild, which takes a long time (years, really), but I've found most of the things I've been looking for that way. I collect for a lot of different systems, and I'm happier when I buy good games for all systems when they're available, rather than just collecting for one system at a time. I'll probably never get every NES game ever made by doing that, but my smaller collections have a higher concentration of good games than most collections, I think.

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

This is exactly what I'm fighting right now. I've tried to get my systems set up so the wires aren't all over the place, but I can still play my games no problem but... it just... isn't... working! XD Urgh!!!

Oh and I forgot to mention that system selectors will be both your friend and the very bane of your existence. Best bet is to get several of them, string em together, and get some white packing tape to make labels for each button. (or some kind of label maker or something.)

The wires are held together with black twister seals and tiny velcro strips.

As far as the system selectors, they are my best friend. That is only after I mapped them out on paper first. I was able to connect all those systems with a two-layer system. You basically have to hit a minimum of two buttons to play any system. In other words, the tree is fat, but not tall. If you get too many layers then you start to experience a decrease in signal strength.

I think I detail some of this stuff if you read my Collection Gallery page.

[portnoyd]

First off, I love your username. LOVE IT.

Anyway, starting off. First off, never let your games get between you and the Mrs. While that's not my own personal experience, recently a member of these boards was forced to liquidate his collection under the threat of divorce. An isolated case, but remember, moderation.

Next, pay for everything with cash/debit card. It's a little too easy to throw a game or two onto a credit card with how retardedly easy Paypal makes it. This IS personal experience. Go a little too nuts and the hole can get pretty big. No moderation here, just don't do it!

Your first point of order is systems. A requirement would be to get a 2600, NES, Genesis, SNES and a PS2. That'll give you access to over 5000 games. My personal feeling is to avoid clones like the Retroduo however many here will recommend it.

Next: games. Largest library and cheapest is best. You may want to start with the Genesis. Wide library of games and the prices are lowest out of the ones listed above. Bulk lots on eBay are great, as price per piece can and will work out to be very low. Also Craigslist is a good one to scan for lots locally.

Now you have systems and games. But you really need a SD TV to really get the most mileage out of them. HDTVs introduce lag on older systems and they just look like ass in general. You can look into getting a device to upscale them properly but that'll cost all your PS3 money, or more. Just keep an eye on Craigslist for a nice sized TV. These days, shouldn't cost much.

To start off, common systems, an accommodating boob tube and games are enough however you also may want to look into decorating your room. A good way is to get friendly with the local Gamestop staff. Standees, counter displays and other gaming crap are good ways to fill up empty space in that new room of yours.

As you get more games, Ikea is a good start for shelving. You can also use utility shelving like we use. Takes a little more handiwork and a trip to Home Depot, but it'll let you customize your shelves to your liking.

[understatement]

As far as the system selectors, they are my best friend. That is only after I mapped them out on paper first. I was able to connect all those systems with a two-layer system. You basically have to hit a minimum of two buttons to play any system. In other words, the tree is fat, but not tall. If you get too many layers then you start to experience a decrease in signal strength.

This is why I love my auto system selectors no buttons needed, just turn on the system of choice.

[mobiusclimber]

I'll have to look into that.

And the twister ties. :)

[ambriglia]

this is all a great source of info. thanks for all your advice guys. it really has helped! :rocker:

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

This is why I love my auto system selectors no buttons needed, just turn on the system of choice.

Can you provide a link that shows the one you have? I want to check it out.

[bigred5687]

i have the auto select to you can buy them at any radio shack they have a five way select.

[AB Positive]

Well, if you're Italian I certainly can't harp on ye then. Never mind my previous statement.


As for classic collecting, it might also help to get a more narrow definition of what you want to collect. Be it system completion (all NES, all Genesis, etc...) or if you're a genre fan (fighters on all systems, RPGs on all systems, etc...) or, like me, all over the freakin' place.

The only system I'm attemption completion on is Genesis since that's mah baby. Otherwise I just kinda play what I like on hardware that fascinates me.

Also - if you're even slightly technical, don't forget classic computers. There's a lot of unknown-to-most gems on the C64, Amiga, Atari 8-bit and ST lines. :)

[understatement]

Can you provide a link that shows the one you have? I want to check it out.

Yea, these are the ones I use (http://www.p4c.philips.com/cgi-bin/dcbint/cpindex.pl?ctn=US2-PH61150&scy=US&slg=en) the only problem was that the Component and S-video/AV use the same audio jacks but two simple splitters fixed that.



i have the auto select to you can buy them at any radio shack they have a five way select.

I didn't know that, the ones that I use only has 4-way select does the one at radio shack have Component and S-video input?

[skaar]

Yeah I'm not a big fan of the offensive usernames myself either. Doesn't matter what your background is... it's still not cool.

[jcalder8]

The best advise that I can offer is to go slow. When I first got into collecting I wanted everything that I had never had as a kid, which was mostly NES games. So I went out and bought all the games and then I discovered that most of them weren't very good or they weren't games that I enjoyed. I think I got up to about 75 or 80 before selling off most of them, at a loss. I don't regret selling them because I didn't enjoy them and they didn't mean anything to me but anytime you lose money it sucks. Pick a couple of systems that you enjoy and then pick up a couple of games and enjoy them first. There is no need to go running head first into the hobby.

[Flack]

Omgosh that is incredible! Is that your setup?

We don't pimp it like we should, but those of you who haven't checked it our should visit the Digital Press Room of Doom gallery. You can also set up an account and upload your own pictures.

http://www.videogamecollectors.com/

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

Thanks for the link understatement.

I think I considered that one, but I wanted to go with one that didn't require an additional power source. Also, it looks like that one doesn't have an RF input, or output. I have many systems that require RF hookups (2600, 7800, O2, etc.).

What's interesting is that the Pelican boxes that I'm using have a plug for electricity, but I have no idea what it needs electricity for. I don't have the manual. Plus, I don't have the cord that gives them electricity to see what they actually do.