Virtual Boy on Pawn Stars yesterday

[pollmonster]

Guy wanted $200 for it but Corey talked him down to $80. Anybody watch this? The old man played with it at the end of the show lol.

[ryborg]

Guy wanted $200 for it but Corey talked him down to $80. Anybody watch this? The old man played with it at the end of the show lol.

Yo Triumph:

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=141356&page=3

[Retronick]

I missed that one! Still, unless the thing was NIB I can't really justify $200 for a Virtual Boy. I think I could see $150 if it was CIB, but if it was loose I'd only think it was worth around $80. Sounds like the guy knew what he was talking about.

[CrazyGamesDude]

Yeah I saw that. It looked like the old man liked it at first until it hurt his eyes. That was pretty cool seeing that on the show.

[bohproper]

well it looks like i know where im going with my Game Gear, i might be able to buy a house

[Ayce]

The thing is yes it had the box but it also had the notorious horizontal lines in the screen. They filmed the screen of the VB so if anyone wants to buy that they will have to fix it first. I don't think they really knew what they were doing when taking in that item. The guy said recently they had just found 500 Virtual Boy systems in a warehouse so asking $200 was out of the question because the market was already saturated with them.
First of all I don't recall this ever happening. There was a case a few years ago of 100 systems found... that is far from saturating the market, and those 100 systems would have sold so fast that in 2008 when this happened it would not effect us in 2011.
Anyway... yeah I was still shocked to see that last night.

[wingzrow]

If you're stupid enough to sell your complete virtual boy for $80.00 without looking up what it's worth, then you deserve the $80.00 you get and not a penny more.

[Polygon]

If you want what something is worth you don't take it to a damn pawn shop. I like like that show, but it baffles me that people don't understand that they are a middle man and need to make money. You're not going to get what it's worth. The idiot should have just listed it on eBay.

[bunbunz23]

I tottally agree with listing the VB on Ebay.

[Bojay1997]

If you want what something is worth you don't take it to a damn pawn shop. I like like that show, but it baffles me that people don't understand that they are a middle man and need to make money. You're not going to get what it's worth. The idiot should have just listed it on eBay.

You're making a lot of assumptions. While Ebay and Paypal may be easy to navigate for most of us, if you don't have a bank account or the desire to hunt down packing materials or a car to drive something to the post office, using them can be very rough. I would agree that selling to a pawn shop is a good way to not get what something is worth, but frankly, for some people it's a quick way to get some cash in your hand that could be the difference between eating that night or not or paying your rent and avoiding eviction for another day.

[ttc817]

Just joined the forum today. Always nice to meet some of my fellow classic gamers.

But after seeing the sheer number of people in this thread referring to me as "stupid" or "idiot", I am not so sure this is a good place for this sort of thing.

Think twice before you post hurtful comments like this - you never know who might be reading it.

[megasdkirby]

If you want what something is worth you don't take it to a damn pawn shop. I like like that show, but it baffles me that people don't understand that they are a middle man and need to make money. You're not going to get what it's worth. The idiot should have just listed it on eBay.

Not everyone has the option of Ebay. And with so much shit happening on the 'Bay right now, I would understand why they would avoid it.

Also, if they needed the cash right away, I don't blame them for selling it to a Pawn Shop.

Also, it could be that the person simply did it to see if he/she would get a shot to be on TV...who knows.


But after seeing the sheer number of people in this thread referring to me as "stupid" or "idiot", I am not so sure this is a good place for this sort of thing.

Think twice before you post hurtful comments like this - you never know who might be reading it.

Ignore it. There might be a few who don't seem to care, but many here are great to talk and deal with. Don't let a few posters deter you from becoming part of the forum.

Welcome to DP, btw. :D

[Ryaan1234]

Just joined the forum today. Always nice to meet some of my fellow classic gamers.

But after seeing the sheer number of people in this thread referring to me as "stupid" or "idiot", I am not so sure this is a good place for this sort of thing.

Think twice before you post hurtful comments like this - you never know who might be reading it.
Sooo....

Did you knowingly sell Corey a Virtual Boy with a screwed up screen? Those horizontal lines aren't normal.

Or is that the reason why you didn't take it to eBay?

Oh, and it may interest you that there's another thread discussing this episode in our "Off-Topic" section.

[Carey85]

Just joined the forum today. Always nice to meet some of my fellow classic gamers.

But after seeing the sheer number of people in this thread referring to me as "stupid" or "idiot", I am not so sure this is a good place for this sort of thing.

Think twice before you post hurtful comments like this - you never know who might be reading it.

Cool story bro.

[InsaneDavid]

Cool story bro.

Beat me to it.

Also, Gunpei Yokoi. Next thing you'll be telling us how Reggie Fils-Aime invented the directional pad.

[Gameguy]

I don't see how it was a bad deal, to me a complete Virtual Boy is worth around $100. Getting $80 from a pawn shop is pretty good.

[InsaneDavid]

I don't see how it was a bad deal, to me a complete Virtual Boy is worth around $100. Getting $80 from a pawn shop is pretty good.

Especially when it needs repair!

[Polygon]

You're making a lot of assumptions. While Ebay and Paypal may be easy to navigate for most of us, if you don't have a bank account or the desire to hunt down packing materials or a car to drive something to the post office, using them can be very rough. I would agree that selling to a pawn shop is a good way to not get what something is worth, but frankly, for some people it's a quick way to get some cash in your hand that could be the difference between eating that night or not or paying your rent and avoiding eviction for another day.


Not everyone has the option of Ebay. And with so much shit happening on the 'Bay right now, I would understand why they would avoid it.

Also, if they needed the cash right away, I don't blame them for selling it to a Pawn Shop.

Also, it could be that the person simply did it to see if he/she would get a shot to be on TV...who knows.

For starters, I have yet to see an episode of someone so desperate that they had to choose between selling something and eating. That's not stupid. If you'll re-read my post I said that it baffles me that people go into a pawn shop expecting to paid retail price. Now, as for my comment calling him an idiot. Perhaps I was a bit harsh. However, he wanted $200. The only way he was going to get close to that was listing it on eBay. Listing on eBay is NOT hard. And it can totally be worth it. Especially if it gets you $150 instead of $80.

You had to find a way to the pawn shop which would be just as hard as going somewhere to ship it. Shipping places have supplies, some will even take care of the packing for you. Setting up eBay and PayPal accounts is easy. There are valid reasons for not using eBay but those are all poor excuses for such.

That's my opinion and I stand by it. As long as you're not desperate for money, a smart person would go where they had the best chance of making the most money.

[Bojay1997]

For starters, I have yet to see an episode of someone so desperate that they had to choose between selling something and eating. That's not stupid. If you'll re-read my post I said that it baffles me that people go into a pawn shop expecting to paid retail price. Now, as for my comment calling him an idiot. Perhaps I was a bit harsh. However, he wanted $200. The only way he was going to get close to that was listing it on eBay. Listing on eBay is NOT hard. And it can totally be worth it. Especially if it gets you $150 instead of $80.

You had to find a way to the pawn shop which would be just as hard as going somewhere to ship it. Shipping places have supplies, some will even take care of the packing for you. Setting up eBay and PayPal accounts is easy. There are valid reasons for not using eBay but those are all poor excuses for such.

That's my opinion and I stand by it. As long as you're not desperate for money, a smart person would go where they had the best chance of making the most money.

Look, you and I and most of the people on here have no problem using Ebay and Paypal, but I would also venture to guess that most of us are better educated and financially better off than the typical pawn shop customer. Just because something is easy for us doesn't mean it's easy for the rest of the world. Pawn shops don't make most of their money buying and selling items. They make it doing what are essentially high interest short-term loans collaterized with merchandise.

I have been using Ebay and Paypal since they started. Having said that, I know lots of people who won't or can't use Ebay for a variety of reasons. Using Paypal without a bank account is a massive pain as it takes time to get a check and you need somewhere to deposit or cash it. You also have to deal with deadbeat and picky bidders on Ebay (heck, look at how much play the display problem with this particular unit roused in this crowd), and shipping hassles and costs. Being able to take a bus or walk down to a pawn shop (the Pawn Stars shop is in a light commercial/industrial area with a lot of low end motels and apartments in the immediate area), hand the item to the clerk and have $80 in cash two minutes later can be very attractive to people, even if it means you lose out on another $70.

Finally, Pawn Stars is a TV show. I won't go so far as to say it's staged, but there is a lot of producing that goes on and a lot of screening of what actually gets featured on the show. Someone who comes in and wants a lot more than something is worth but ends up taking a lot less is a lot more interesting than someone who takes whatever is offered immediately or knows the fair market value of something.

[ttc817]

A few things I wanted to clarify:

-The story about Virtual Boys being discovered in a warehouse overseas is a hundred percent true. I have read this online on different sites, numerous times prior to that experience.

-The system DID have a messed-up screen - it started fowling up the night before I took it down. I told them about this to see if they were even still interested in the item. They still bought it. Given that the item was more-or-less defective in that manner, I was LUCKY to get 80 out of it.

-I sell stuff online frequently, but only SMALL stuff. When you get into eBay and Amazon and all that good stuff, shipping costs get expensive. Could I have gotten more on eBay? Possibly, but if you look on there, you probably won't see a whole lot of them going for greater amounts of money. Besides, I wouldn't have gotten on TV if I'd sold it on there.

[wingzrow]

Exactly 100 were found, in DUBAI of all places. I'm sure they sold out instantly since it made news and 95% of those are now in collector's hands. Most likely they're still in Europe. Furthermore this was 2-3 years ago so that would have no impact on the sales price of your system. The fact that those were factory sealed and not opened like your system was adds to that. They're two very different things in collector's circles.

Furthermore the problem with your system is easy to fix. I've done it and all you need to do it put it in an over on low for the screen to pop back in place. Any kid could do it.

If you offered to sell it to me i would have bought it for $200 immediately. Boxed complete virtual boys go for big bucks.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Virtual-Boy-System-w-Box-Marios-Tennis-RARE-/160535148298?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item2560a3f70a

So again, you deserve what you got. It would have taken 15 minutes to list it on eBay. And another 15 to pack it up for shipping.

[InsaneDavid]

Pawn shops are good for the same reason cragslist is good. You get CASH IN HAND right then and there. No BS, no waiting a week, no concern about a deadbeat payment wasting two weeks of your time. Cash in hand talks, especially when buying arcade cabinets. Cash and your own transport = good deals.

I've never been able to bring myself to sell my CIB Virtual Boy. It's totally complete, all bags, all cardboard inserts. The system means too much to me. It was the last one that any bay area FuncoLand had, $19.99 during the system's last days. Called the store, they had one on the shelf, had them put it on hold and that was it. I still have the original sales receipt. LOL

[wingzrow]

Yeah, if you're desperate. Wouldn't take more than a week to get your full money out of it.

[tubeway]

Just joined the forum today. Always nice to meet some of my fellow classic gamers.

But after seeing the sheer number of people in this thread referring to me as "stupid" or "idiot", I am not so sure this is a good place for this sort of thing.

Think twice before you post hurtful comments like this - you never know who might be reading it.

So, you got yourself on a TV show, then giddily scoured the net looking for mentions of your appearance to jerk off to, and are now bitching because people called you stupid? Don't go on TV if this kind of thing upsets you.

[Greg2600]

$80 for a possibly defective Virtual Boy, while getting on a major television, I'd say is worth it. I wouldn't pay $80 for a pristine Virtual Boy CIB. I've played it before, and it's simply no fun at all. I have the same opinion as the Old Man on the show.

Could have been worse, you could have been dumb enough not to take $600 total for two life size Star Wars Episode I statues. One being the hated Jar Jar Binks.

[Gameguy]

Furthermore the problem with your system is easy to fix. I've done it and all you need to do it put it in an over on low for the screen to pop back in place. Any kid could do it.
I wouldn't bother doing this. If I picked up a cheap Virtual Boy that wasn't working I wouldn't put it in my oven, I'd just sell it as is.


If you offered to sell it to me i would have bought it for $200 immediately. Boxed complete virtual boys go for big bucks.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Virtual-Boy-System-w-Box-Marios-Tennis-RARE-/160535148298?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item2560a3f70a

So again, you deserve what you got. It would have taken 15 minutes to list it on eBay. And another 15 to pack it up for shipping.
So you're posting an overpriced auction that hasn't sold as proof that a complete Virtual Boy is worth big bucks? Why is the AC adapter shown like that? That wasn't originally included with the system, and that's not a proper complete system as there's no paperwork included. There hasn't even been an offer made on that lot yet.

I've sold my Virtual Boy collection a few months ago and everything was complete in excellent shape. It was a complete system, AC adapter, and 13 games not counting the pack in(3 sealed) and I got $250 for everything. Everything was complete. Before I sold it I asked on the forums what the lot would be worth and generally I was told that it was between $200-$300 for the lot. I didn't see you post in the thread to give different input, nobody mentioned $200 for just the system. It's too bad you aren't local to me or I would have gladly sold you the system for $200 by itself.

I pretty much avoid ebay, when I sell things I sell on the classifieds. For something as large and heavy as a Virtual Boy shipping would be way more than $15, it would be $30-$50 where I am. I wouldn't bother at all with ebay.

[wingzrow]

I'm going to be eating my own words here but maybe he was right.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&hash=item20b6814d8e&item=140500880782&nma=true&pt=Video_Games&rt=nc&si=%252BAcIxElkIuYv%252FRwZNCBikdWjj14%253D

This looks to be the going price for complete virtualboys. Now it his were factory sealed, it would be a different story. Apologies all around.

[InsaneDavid]

I'm going to be eating my own words here but maybe he was right.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&hash=item20b6814d8e&item=140500880782&nma=true&pt=Video_Games&rt=nc&si=%252BAcIxElkIuYv%252FRwZNCBikdWjj14%253D

This looks to be the going price for complete virtualboys. Now it his were factory sealed, it would be a different story. Apologies all around.

Factory sealed Virtual Boys are like factory sealed EarthBounds, there was no "factory seal."

[wingzrow]

So they never shrink wrapped earthbound or virtualboy consoles?

[Retronick]

So they never shrink wrapped earthbound or virtualboy consoles?

If I remember correctly (and it's been a few years mind you), the "factory seal" was a round piece of tape on one end.

[Retronick]

Just joined the forum today. Always nice to meet some of my fellow classic gamers.

But after seeing the sheer number of people in this thread referring to me as "stupid" or "idiot", I am not so sure this is a good place for this sort of thing.

Think twice before you post hurtful comments like this - you never know who might be reading it.

Though I sympathize, and don't relish the idea of being called stupid myself, this IS the internet. Haters gonna hate. If you're happy and know deep down that what you did was right then let that be enough.

If stupid and idiot are the worst things you're called in a day on the internet, that's a great, big ol' win in my opinion ;). Especially if you were just on a reality TV show!

[MachineGex]

Just joined the forum today. Always nice to meet some of my fellow classic gamers.

But after seeing the sheer number of people in this thread referring to me as "stupid" or "idiot", I am not so sure this is a good place for this sort of thing.

Think twice before you post hurtful comments like this - you never know who might be reading it.

Don't let comments on the internet ruin your day. I thought you got the best of the deal since the system is broke. This place is a great site, stick around. We get a lot of kids who come here and act like tools, so people are quick to have alittle fun with them.

[portnoyd]

Don't let comments on the internet ruin your day. I thought you got the best of the deal since the system is broke. This place is a great site, stick around. We get a lot of kids who come here and act like tools, so people are quick to have alittle fun with them.

When you are on a TV show that millions of people watch, you will get polite comments and comments that are critical of how you are shown. When you signed that contract to allow yourself to be on TV, you allow your perception to be skewed to fit the story the producers want to show. If you can't keep a thicker skin about yourself, you probably shouldn't have been on TV in the first place.

In simpler terms, welcome to the Internet.

[InsaneDavid]

If I remember correctly (and it's been a few years mind you), the "factory seal" was a round piece of tape on one end.

Nope, nothing.

[kirbykirb]

Virtual boys aren't even that expensive. Tons of them end on ebay for less then $30 complete with the stand and a controller.

While the box is the more appealing factor for it. It's simply not worth that much.

$20 with console + stand + ac adapter + one game

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140501351298

Console + Box + owners manual + controller $16
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150550351465

[ryborg]

Virtual boys aren't even that expensive. Tons of them end on ebay for less then $30 complete with the stand and a controller.

While the box is the more appealing factor for it. It's simply not worth that much.

$20 with console + stand + ac adapter + one game

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140501351298

Console + Box + owners manual + controller $16
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150550351465

Way to link to auctions that are listed on ebay.uk, aren't close to complete and are sold as-is (likely broken). Go ahead and show me an auction on the American ebay site for a true complete VB that's listed as working and sold for anything close to $30.

[Collector_Gaming]

Way to link to auctions that are listed on ebay.uk, aren't close to complete and are sold as-is (likely broken). Go ahead and show me an auction on the American ebay site for a true complete VB that's listed as working and sold for anything close to $30.

not only that but as we know ebay is nothing to hold a price to

If your looking for something like that.

Your not gonna walk into a pawn shop and go "80 bucks pfftt i just saw one sell for 20 on ebay".. no your gonna be there and think about purchasing it for 80 bucks other wise you wouldn't be there in the first place and be sitting at home on ebay hoping you don't get scammed lol

[kirbykirb]

Way to link to auctions that are listed on ebay.uk, aren't close to complete and are sold as-is (likely broken). Go ahead and show me an auction on the American ebay site for a true complete VB that's listed as working and sold for anything close to $30.

Wow you are ignorant. Look at the item location. I use co.uk because the auction layout is better.

Pathetic sarcasm too.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150550351465

Oh look at that it's the SAME ITEM. oh meh gosh.

[kirbykirb]

not only that but as we know ebay is nothing to hold a price to

If your looking for something like that.

Your not gonna walk into a pawn shop and go "80 bucks pfftt i just saw one sell for 20 on ebay".. no your gonna be there and think about purchasing it for 80 bucks other wise you wouldn't be there in the first place and be sitting at home on ebay hoping you don't get scammed lol

You do understand negotiating do you?

That's what the show is about.
And that's what you as a buyer should do when you walk into a pawn shop environment.

And, scams don't happen in pawnshops either?

Your perception is way off it's hilarious.

[ryborg]

words

Still waiting for that link to a fully complete, 100% working VB that has sold for ~$30. Not one that's "Sold as-is. This system is missing the power pack so I cannot test the head unit or controller. Be aware this unit has not been tested and I have no idea if it works."

[megasdkirby]

Just saw the clip on Pawn Stars.

Wasn't the seller a bit...of a jerk? He seemed cocky with a, what I call, "deserves a punch in the face" attittude.

And I seriously doubt the unit was sold KNOWINGLY defective. Unless it was scripted.

[Ryaan1234]

And I seriously doubt the unit was sold KNOWINGLY defective. Unless it was scripted.
...


-The system DID have a messed-up screen - it started fowling up the night before I took it down. I told them about this to see if they were even still interested in the item. They still bought it. Given that the item was more-or-less defective in that manner, I was LUCKY to get 80 out of it.

Yes, it was sold KNOWINGLY defective.

The pawn stars guys probably had no idea what he meant when he told them that the screen was messed up. They aren't the most video game savvy people.

[megasdkirby]

...

Yes, it was sold KNOWINGLY defective.

The pawn starts guys probably had no idea what he meant when he told them that the screen was messed up. They aren't the most video game savvy people.

Well then, Rick and co. got a bum deal...a bit deserved, after the lowball on the Star Wars statues.

[joshnickerson]

On a side note, the Old Man is freakin' awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiH_xuMji5U

[Collector_Gaming]

You do understand negotiating do you?

That's what the show is about.
And that's what you as a buyer should do when you walk into a pawn shop environment.

And, scams don't happen in pawnshops either?

Your perception is way off it's hilarious.

Anyones willing to scam someone. Hell I could give a game box to some smuck and say cib system and count my money and forget who they were just In case they come back.
But.... That's not good buisness. These days consumers are a little smarter then that.
The art of wheeling and dealing is something I am very familiar with. I get craigslist ads asking for retail, I get em chopped down 25% or more off.
Just like a majority of the collectors on this site.
But you gotta understand pawn shops or atleast good ones know how to play to. Hell that's basically thier buisness.

[InsaneDavid]

Just saw the clip on Pawn Stars.

Wasn't the seller a bit...of a jerk? He seemed cocky with a, what I call, "deserves a punch in the face" attittude.

Come on Kirby, he did us all a public service by calling himself out as someone not to deal with in the future. :)

"Lose the girl or lose the system" ...really? Is that the best line you could come up with? If "the girl" (nice to talk about women that way) is reality then that tiny little boxed system being an issue is an insight to much bigger problems down the line.

EDIT: In case anyone hasn't seen the episode - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG5ie1IqpVI

I especially love how the expert here manhandles the stand clamp. You do realize that's the part most prone to breakage.

[dnehthend]

didn't realize they were worth much, glad I spent all of $20 to get mine when KB was clearing them out back in the day :p

[gameofyou]

I was just at their pawnshop about a month ago. That would have been pretty cool to meet them! I went on a Saturday & no one from the show was there.

[megasdkirby]

Come on Kirby, he did us all a public service by calling himself out as someone not to deal with in the future. :)

LOL True that!


"Lose the girl or lose the system" ...really? Is that the best line you could come up with? If "the girl" (nice to talk about women that way) is reality then that tiny little boxed system being an issue is an insight to much bigger problems down the line.

Well, at least he made the right choice. Though I would still like to punch that smirk and attitude off his face.


EDIT: In case anyone hasn't seen the episode - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG5ie1IqpVI

After watching it again, he really is condescending, isn't he?

And I really can't stand that "HAHAHA" he throws out every now and then.

[Collector_Gaming]

I was just at their pawnshop about a month ago. That would have been pretty cool to meet them! I went on a Saturday & no one from the show was there.

they probably have weekends off and work through the week

i got a buddy that lives in vegas i should have him drop by and see if that systems still there lol

[InsaneDavid]

i got a buddy that lives in vegas i should have him drop by and see if that systems still there lol

They probably sent it to the restoration guy who replaced it with a Tiger R-Zone.

[megasdkirby]

They probably sent it to the restoration guy who replaced it with a Tiger R-Zone.

Chumlee probably wouldn't realize the difference.

[Collector_Gaming]

They probably sent it to the restoration guy who replaced it with a Tiger R-Zone.

god i hated those things but kinda because of my fucked up body

my uncle bought me one of those when i was like 11 for christmas
little did we know they were designed for use on your right eye (or atleast thats what we came up with. probably just retarded and didn't read the directions thoroughly lol) and i legally blind in my right eye so you can pretty much put 2 and 2 together on that scenario

[Ayce]

A few things I wanted to clarify:

-The story about Virtual Boys being discovered in a warehouse overseas is a hundred percent true. I have read this online on different sites, numerous times prior to that experience.

-The system DID have a messed-up screen - it started fowling up the night before I took it down. I told them about this to see if they were even still interested in the item. They still bought it. Given that the item was more-or-less defective in that manner, I was LUCKY to get 80 out of it.

-I sell stuff online frequently, but only SMALL stuff. When you get into eBay and Amazon and all that good stuff, shipping costs get expensive. Could I have gotten more on eBay? Possibly, but if you look on there, you probably won't see a whole lot of them going for greater amounts of money. Besides, I wouldn't have gotten on TV if I'd sold it on there.

I can't believe they took it even though they knew it was messed up. I thought they just didn't know. But this is easy to fix anyway.

Anyway $80 is not a bad price for that system. Both of my current VB systems I got for less than that and one of them was with the box.

I was just happy to see the Virtual Boy on the show so... congrats dude.