UNholy grails: Cheap hard to acquire items that you'd like to add to your collection

[Emperor Megas]

I was wondering if there were any inexpensive and/or mundane things that anyone needs for their collection that are difficult to acquire because they're not worth the expense of hunting down, or something not easily acquired for lack of demand. Things that you may not invest much time pursuing or even thinking about, but would like to have if you came upon them by chance.

This isn't really a WTB thread exactly, I'm really asking for the sake of conversation, but perhaps some of us here can help each other out if we have (or come across) anything that someone else wants, for very little (or nothing). Is there anything like that anyone here needs for their collection?

Examples:


Those oval SEGA logo stickers that import Master System games were 'sealed' with.
Loose cardboard or foam inner boxes/reinforcements for various games and/or systems
Miscellaneous (non-valuable) manuals, promotional posters and/or inserts
Loose cases or case inserts for specific games
Master System and HuCard sleeves
Port and battery covers for various consoles/handhelds/devices
RF shielding plates for SEGA CDs
Specific controller overlays
Specific (non-valuable) books and/or issues of gaming magazines
Specific (non sought after) gaming memorabilia
Original pack-in cleaning cloths for handhelds like PSP and DS
Original replacement parts like Vectrex sticks and original SMS mini-sticks
Original boxes for mundane parts like official A/C adapters, controllers, and RF cables
Original boxes for third party peripherals and accessories
Original plastic bags that consoles/docs/parts were packaged in
NOTE: I don't actually need any of these things, I'm just giving examples of the types of non-valuable things people may want/need.

[todesengel]

For me it's Hucard sleeves, I swear I never see anyone selling them.

[QuickSciFi]

Game Boy Player:
I need a clear disc clamshell that came with the Game Boy Player's startup disc for the U.S. Gamecube (It's actually supposed to be the same thing as a generic Japanese gamecube case; but here in America, I haven't found one yet.

Sega Saturn + Sega CD:
Having a good source for jewel cases for Sega Saturn and Sega CD could be the difference between buying them online and buying them solely at brick n mortar establishments.

Generic Jewel Cases:
(generic cd jewel cases for Dreamcast and PS1 games are a dime a dozen, though. I usually go to Goodwill and select a sealed disc for fifty cents to a dollar so that I could use it for my DC games).

Sega Genesis:
I would Genesis clamshells here too, now that I think about it. What it has come down to for me is basically buying boxed games at Play N Trade for $0.75 to $1.50 each and just used them to complete my collection. Well, there you have it. That's one way to make them more available. ;)

NES:
Since I collect NES carts loose, I wouldn't mind having a sleeve for each of them.

Game Boy + Game Gear:
Talking about Nintendo, I wouldn't mind having more snap cases for my future Game Boy titles (or Game Gear, for that matter).

[Gameguy]

Official Sega Genesis clear rental cases. These are like the clear ones for NES games, but officially licensed for Genesis games instead. I know they're not really that useful since the games came with their own cases anyway, but they would be neat to have.

The official Sega power strip that was pictured here recently, again more cool stuff I don't really need.

Maybe the official Sega speakers offered for the Model 1 Genesis, again it's not really that needed for me but they could be cool to have.

[Rickstilwell1]

I have started receiving "complete" SNES and Game Boy games without those white cardboard inserts in them every once in an unlucky while. Now I'll have to buy the cheapest CIB games I can find just to transplant the inserts into the cases that belong to better games.

Oh and a weird one was a used CIB Kirby's Dream Land 2 came with a skinnier Game Boy Color insert instead of the wider original Game Boy type. I'll probably need to swap them.

[hellraiser]

Not exactly cheap but I wouldn't mind pickin up a gameboy advance sp in the Nes color scheme. I don't really need one but it would be cool to have.

[Emperor Megas]

Game Boy Player:
I need a clear disc clamshell that came with the Game Boy Player's startup disc for the U.S. Gamecube (It's actually supposed to be the same thing as a generic Japanese gamecube case; but here in America, I haven't found one yet.It's funny that this one came up so quickly. I was actually going to list this one in my examples.


Generic Jewel Cases:
(generic cd jewel cases for Dreamcast and PS1 games are a dime a dozen, though. I usually go to Goodwill and select a sealed disc for fifty cents to a dollar so that I could use it for my DC games).You're overpaying buying them that way if you need several. You can purchase new jewel cases in huge lots for less than 20-30 bucks, shipped, from several online sources. Even eBay. I always change used cases out for new ones for my jewel CD sized media when I get a new game.


The official Sega power strip that was pictured here recently, again more cool stuff I don't really need.Most of the other things you mentioned are often listed on eBay, and for relatively cheap, however the SEGA power strip is considerably more rare, and typically goes anywhere from 50-100 dollars.


Maybe the official Sega speakers offered for the Model 1 Genesis, again it's not really that needed for me but they could be cool to have.I have a pair of those -- at least I think they're the ones you mean. I use them for book ends (well, for 'media' ends anyway; they're too light to hold books in place). Are these the ones you're talking about?

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/505/speakersb.jpg


Not exactly cheap but I wouldn't mind pickin up a gameboy advance sp in the Nes color scheme. I don't really need one but it would be cool to have. I have one of those, but I always kick myself for not purchasing a second one when I had the chance. There was one for sale forever at an F.Y.E. near me, for 80 bucks. I couldn't really justify buying another one at first, but mine ended up getting a few scuffs on the side, and so when I finally decided to just buy the darn thing the store has closed down. :puppydogeyes:

[Guyra]

King's Field merchandise. I'm not talking about guides here, which is rather easy to find, but stuff like those stickers that you put on memory cards, keychains, etc. I've seen a lot of different stuff, but only one place... :/

[dendawg]

For me it's Hucard sleeves, I swear I never see anyone selling them.

Wouldn't you be able to use baseball card sleeves as an alternative?

[Cornelius]

Funny that two people mentioned that GB player case. When I was selling one not long ago someone wanted to buy just the sleeve that goes around that case. Someone else bought the whole works before I could get back to that guy, though. (this was on ebay)

For me I sort of collect 3rd party NES controllers in passing. I don't seek them out, and many of them are totally craptastic as controllers, but there are some pretty interesting ones, too.

[goatdan]

I can help with HuCard sleeves - http://www.goatstore.com/Products/Other/Turbografx_16/451990/HuCard_Sleeve/

I've also got a whole bunch of the NES clear case things in case anyone wants those. They are huge so they are a pain to ship -- I generally hold them until the MGC each year and then blow them out there en masse -- but if you want them I can probably do a box of them pretty cheaply :)

[tom]

Wow, I got approx 100 of each snap cases for GB/GG carts, they were given to me from a game shop. I'll keep those for...you never know

[Aussie2B]

The majority of the stuff I don't have for the Japanese games I collect for (tri-Ace games, Wonder Project J series, Little Tail Bronx series). Most stuff sells for a pittance on Japan Yahoo, but it would get expensive with middleman fees and it can take years for something to pop up on eBay.

[Red Baron]

For me I sort of collect 3rd party NES controllers in passing. I don't seek them out, and many of them are totally craptastic as controllers, but there are some pretty interesting ones, too.

I do this myself. Actually pretty much any cheap NES accessory is something I try to grab whenever I see one that's available, but I don't tend to actively seek them out, yes.

And ditto to all the mentions of NES/SNES sleeves and GB clamshell cases.

[QuickSciFi]

...You're overpaying buying them that way if you need several. You can purchase new jewel cases in huge lots for less than 20-30 bucks, shipped, from several online sources. Even eBay. I always change used cases out for new ones for my jewel CD sized media when I get a new game.

You know, a lot of people say that, but I honestly have tried finding such sources and they all lead to black-covered spines or non-standard jewel cases. Let me know if you know of a good source.

[mobiusclimber]

There are these really cool Japanese Super Famicom game cases with Mario World inscribed on them that I would love to get en masse, but I rarely see them. They are obviously cheap since I've gotten em for free with a game in the past, but they just don't show up that often (and I don't ever see them advertised, I just lucked out getting em). Here's a pic:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/mobiusclimber/sfccase.jpg

[Icarus Moonsight]

Hucards sleeves, absolutely. Also, the small clear 3 game GBA cart clamshell cases. Those evaporated faster than GBA games after the DS launch. :D

[jonebone]

Pristine Mint hinged longbox style jewel cases.

[NayusDante]

Final Fantasy VII PC had a keyboard numpad overlay. The original build of the game was played entirely with the numpad, and I believe later printings omitted the insert. Mine fell apart.

[todesengel]

Wouldn't you be able to use baseball card sleeves as an alternative?
I tried them but the Hucards don't fit snuggly in the sleeves.


I can help with HuCard sleeves - http://www.goatstore.com/Products/Other/Turbografx_16/451990/HuCard_Sleeve/
You sir are my hero and I will be buying a handful of these from you soon.


There are these really cool Japanese Super Famicom game cases with Mario World inscribed on them that I would love to get en masse, but I rarely see them. They are obviously cheap since I've gotten em for free with a game in the past, but they just don't show up that often (and I don't ever see them advertised, I just lucked out getting em). Here's a pic:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/mobiusclimber/sfccase.jpg
This reminded me that they're are these really neat Famicom plastic cases I saw years ago. They basically look like slightly thicker audio cassette cases, with the "Family Computer" logo, that you can put a Famicom cart in. Would love to get a bunch of those as well as the Super Famicom one you have pictured.

[goatdan]

You sir are my hero and I will be buying a handful of these from you soon.

I do what I can :) We try to always keep some in stock, but it is a hard product to keep enough of on hand!

[Emperor Megas]

Also, the small clear 3 game GBA cart clamshell cases. Those evaporated faster than GBA games after the DS launch. :DYou mean these, right?

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/9711/gbacases.jpg

I may still have a bunch of those laying around somewhere, and I'm pretty sure that I see pretty frequently at one of the local gaming specialty stores. Are they difficult/expensive to get a hold of now?

[Baloo]

Official Sega Genesis clear rental cases. These are like the clear ones for NES games, but officially licensed for Genesis games instead. I know they're not really that useful since the games came with their own cases anyway, but they would be neat to have.

The official Sega power strip that was pictured here recently, again more cool stuff I don't really need.

Maybe the official Sega speakers offered for the Model 1 Genesis, again it's not really that needed for me but they could be cool to have.

I wanted those Model 1 Speakers for the Genesis for the longest time, but the one time they came up they went for $100, which frankly is ridiculous.

[Gameguy]

I have a pair of those -- at least I think they're the ones you mean. I use them for book ends (well, for 'media' ends anyway; they're too light to hold books in place). Are these the ones you're talking about?


I wanted those Model 1 Speakers for the Genesis for the longest time, but the one time they came up they went for $100, which frankly is ridiculous.

Those are the ones I'm thinking of, at least I think so. I remember the advertisement showing them just saying Sega on them without mentioning Genesis at all. I'm not sure if that was a pre-production version or if there are multiple versions of these.

I had no idea they went for so much money though. I thought I saw someone mention that they picked up a bunch of them brand new in box for cheap but I really can't remember where I saw that. To me they're cheap computer speakers with Sega branding on them.

As for the power strip, I still wouldn't pay much for them. It's a power strip with Sega branding on it.

[Gameguy]

Double post, please delete.

[Famidrive-16]

Port and battery covers for various consoles/handhelds/devices
]

Yeah this would help, I have a NGPC that's missing both the battery and internal covers.

[Emperor Megas]

I wanted those Model 1 Speakers for the Genesis for the longest time, but the one time they came up they went for $100, which frankly is ridiculous.Damn, really? That's nuts. I bought mine a few years ago brand new in the box for less than 20 bucks.

[Baloo]

Those are the ones I'm thinking of, at least I think so. I remember the advertisement showing them just saying Sega on them without mentioning Genesis at all. I'm not sure if that was a pre-production version or if there are multiple versions of these.

I had no idea they went for so much money though. I thought I saw someone mention that they picked up a bunch of them brand new in box for cheap but I really can't remember where I saw that. To me they're cheap computer speakers with Sega branding on them.

As for the power strip, I still wouldn't pay much for them. It's a power strip with Sega branding on it.

I remember both the Power Strip going for over $100 within the last year and a few years back the speakers went for definitely over $100 NIB.

[xelement5x]

I also have a hard time finding decent CD cases, the problem I've found with replacements is that not all the time do they have the same "compact disc" text embossed in them in the corners.

Also, definitely Sega CD/Saturn cases. I even looked in to the costs for manufacturing more of them somewhere, but without the original molds for the cases the costs are pretty high (like minimum $7k for a batch).

[jrokshady]

The cover for the game port on the Atari Lynx. Mine wont stay closed and I keep hoping to get a broken Model 1 Lynx so I can swap them.

[cityside75]

My Turbo Express needs a battery cover badly. I'd assume it's not going to be super cheap, but I've never been able to locate anyone even selling one.

[cheesystick]

Some that come to mind:
- Clear Plastic Neo Geo Pocket Color Cases
- Foam Inserts for Sega CD games, whether original or repros
- Plastic stand that lifts the Wii an inch off the TV, as well as the circular plastic disk that stabilizes the system
- Connector cable for the back end of an original XBOX controller. I see controllers at Goodwill all the time that are missing this piece.
- Cardboard trays for older PC games

I don't need any of these things, but they come to mind. What I would like to find is a reliable website that allows you to print your own inlays for Intellevision, Coleco, and Jaguar games. I don't care if they are repros; it is just that some of those games, especially some JAG games, are impossible to play without them.

In the future, one might one of those cardboard trays to hold the AR cards for the new 3DS. Mine is already torn to shit. Good thing I don't care too much.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I'd love a stockpile of battery door covers for all makes/models of Nintendo Game & Watch games. I know that there's a few people out there making repro battery doors for the handheld G&W games and, that's cool but even those repros are a bit pricey.

I'd especially love some for the tabletop units. Missing battery door covers for those tend to decimate the market value making them much more reasonable to buy. Where a unit with battery cover typically goes for over $100, one without can go for as low as $25-$30 ... but then, of course, you're left with a Game & Watch tabletop without a battery door cover.

[Duke.Togo]

Everyone here is covering it pretty well. For me it would be Game Gear and Game Boy plastic cases, and the plastic sleeves for the bottom of SNES games. The overlays mentioned before would be really nice too. Maybe I need to look into how hard it is to print on mylar.

[Emperor Megas]

- Foam Inserts for Sega CD games, whether original or reprosThat's probably my number one pick. I'd definitely like to have a stock pile of those spongy foam pieces that Saturn and SEGA CD games came with. Those worthless foam papers that came in the Turbograx-16 game cases as well, if only for the sake of nostalgia.

For all of those who are saying plastic cases for Game Gear, Game Boy, and GBA games, I see those listed all of the time on eBay for relatively cheap, and practically given away in gaming specialty stores. They don't seem like something that's particularly difficult to acquire.

[Tempest]

A boxed 2600 E.T. that's actually in decent shape. All the E.T. boxes I've run across are beat to hell. Probably from some frustrated gamer or from being buried in a bargain bin.

Tempest

[Duke.Togo]

I don't know about where you folks are, but for Saturn/Sega CD cases I just raid some of the local shops for the sports titles. I can almost always find some of them with great cases for $1.

[Icarus Moonsight]

You mean these, right?

Expensive? Don't believe they are... Hard to find? They are for me, dang it.

Found them at a store once, just once. I'm glad that I bought 10 3-packs when I did find them. Honestly, I think what happened was that they came to my attention late and I just got clipped out on ignorance of their existence while they were plentiful. They are nice to have if you tromp around a lot with a GBA or DS.

[edojapan76]

Just to be a dick!
http://s2.postimage.org/2zyy3oq3o/DSCF2051.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/2zyy3oq3o/)
Bought these about 3 years ago a guy on ebay was selling them, got 10 packs of 3 for $50 shipped. This is what I have left after swapping my broke cases.

[mobiusclimber]

I'd actually like to hear some ideas about games that are cheap but difficult to come across "in the wild." For instance, I've never seen a copy of Incredible Crisis after the PS1 stuff cleared out of game stores. Heck, I've only rarely seen a copy in any retro game stores!

Another even better example is Syndicate for the SNES. Cart only shouldn't set anyone back too much, but even Ebay comes up empty when it comes to this title.

[frogofdeath]

I'd actually like to hear some ideas about games that are cheap but difficult to come across "in the wild."
Only really been actively looking for about a year and a half, but I have yet to find a copy of Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers for the NES. I feel like everybody who owned an NES had this game, but I have yet to see one "in the wild".

[theclaw]

This topic makes me think of the white Sega Saturn. Not worth ludicrous overseas postage or middle man fees for a purely cosmetic difference over US models. Epic as it'd look.

[Cmo]

I'd actually like to hear some ideas about games that are cheap but difficult to come across "in the wild." For instance, I've never seen a copy of Incredible Crisis after the PS1 stuff cleared out of game stores. Heck, I've only rarely seen a copy in any retro game stores!.

We actually have a sealed copy listed on eBay right now that we found at Half Price Books about a month or so ago.

[edojapan76]

Sorry for the double post computer hick-up!

[edojapan76]

This topic makes me think of the white Sega Saturn. Not worth ludicrous overseas postage or middle man fees for a purely cosmetic difference over US models. Epic as it'd look.

Makes me really glad I found my boxed white one here in Canada only paid $75 for it!
I also just got a boxed PC-FX & 5 games for $120 shipped.

[QuickSciFi]

^Lol.

[Parodius Duh!]

Whomp 'Em for NES. Im almost convinced that these games were released new with obliterated labels. I just cant seem to acquire a nice looking copy!!!

[Parodius Duh!]

This topic makes me think of the white Sega Saturn. Not worth ludicrous overseas postage or middle man fees for a purely cosmetic difference over US models. Epic as it'd look.

purely cosmetic? It also plays Japanese games without the use of a boot cartridge. Thats worth it to me. Plus its sexy compared to the black box we got over here.

[mobiusclimber]

Honestly, I've gotten lucky w/ Japanese Saturn system auctions on Ebay. I don't see them "in the wild" tho. (I've gotten several Japanese PS2s in the wild tho.) One store has a white Saturn for something like $150? That's just outrageous. I've gotten one as cheap as $45 shipped (granted I chose Seamail shipping). That was boxed too.

[tom]

For me, PSX jewel cases, whilst not that difficult to find, replacing is still a pain due to the holographic sticker on the original case, it's like unremovable.

[theclaw]

Honestly, I've gotten lucky w/ Japanese Saturn system auctions on Ebay. I don't see them "in the wild" tho. (I've gotten several Japanese PS2s in the wild tho.) One store has a white Saturn for something like $150? That's just outrageous. I've gotten one as cheap as $45 shipped (granted I chose Seamail shipping). That was boxed too.

If only there were more, or somebody here had a spare... I mean the white one would look flat *gorgeous* with my matching controller. That's been waiting for its companion. :)

[soloman]

I'm not looking for anything right now but my latest holy grail was Space Adventure. It's just as rare (if not more) than Snatcher or Keio Flying Squadron but nobody wants this piece of crap.

[OldSkoolBrian]

Definatly looking to add a N64DD to my Collection.

[mobiusclimber]

I'm not looking for anything right now but my latest holy grail was Space Adventure. It's just as rare (if not more) than Snatcher or Keio Flying Squadron but nobody wants this piece of crap.

I've seen it on Ebay a few times, but yeah it seems to show up a lot less frequently than Snatcher or Keio. It doesn't sell for nearly as much, tho, usually around $50 (sometimes much less if there's no one looking for it at the time).

[theclaw]

Is it just me, or is the topic b0rked? Seems like one of my posts took ages to appear. And another one looks to have vanished. I'm sure I was talking about Sega Saturn a little more than is showing up now...

[Baloo]

Is it just me, or is the topic b0rked? Seems like one of my posts took ages to appear. And another one looks to have vanished. I'm sure I was talking about Sega Saturn a little more than is showing up now...

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=153557

That should answer your questions.

[theclaw]

I see. It will sort itself out later.

[BetaWolf47]

-First-party Gamecube/N64 S-Video cables. Nintendo stopped selling them online some while ago, and I really don't like to use the internet to buy retro stuff unless absolutely necessary.

-Link cables for lesser handhelds, like NGPC and GameGear. Me and my friend both own NGPC and Samurai Shodown 2 and want to fight each other.

-Various replacement parts for controllers and consoles that'd probably take soldering to fit in. My original black Gamecube controller analog sticks are in awful shape, and my Dreamcast has a dead battery. I'm glad that replacing N64 analog sticks doesn't take any soldering.

-The rare Jr. 6-button controller for Genesis that was only sold online. There are a lot of official controllers and variants for Genesis, but I like the original 6-button the best, and the Jr. one has shorter grips on the side. I never see them advertised anywhere, so it's more like finding a 5-screw NES game amongst a pile of 3-screw NES games.

[xelement5x]

I've seen it on Ebay a few times, but yeah it seems to show up a lot less frequently than Snatcher or Keio. It doesn't sell for nearly as much, tho, usually around $50 (sometimes much less if there's no one looking for it at the time).

I've seen it trending a little higher than that, but you're right that it totally depends on the time frame. Snatcher and Keio are hardly rare though since there is almost always a copy up there on eBay. Try to find me a copy of Novastorm or Colors of Modern Rock. Ugh...

I'd also love to have more cheap Model 1 Genesis Adapters, those things are a pain to find cheap replacements for since almost no adapters are center negative.