Would you rather have the boxes for your incomplete games, or the manuals? [Archive]

Emperor Megas

09-12-2011, 12:49 AM

I was rearranging some media in my game room and I starting wondering what other collectors valued more for incomplete games: the cases/boxes, or the manuals?

NES and SNES are really the only systems I collect for that I don't care about having the boxes. It's cool if I come across boxed games in my searches, but honestly, it's not a big deal. I DO like to have the manuals, however. I usually find my NES and SNES carts lose, and later, if I come across them, I'll acquire manuals for them separately. I'd never do this for boxes though (unless they were virtually free).

I put my NES games into those black sleeves, and I put the manuals in with them. SNES manuals I keep together in a stack on a shelf under them.

With other incomplete games, however, I care more about the boxes/cases than the manuals. It's a no brainer for disc based media (who wants loose discs laying around), but pretty much every type of cartridge or card (post Atari generation) looks like crap on a shelf loose. It has a lot to do with the way they don't put the titles on the tops of the carts. Genesis carts are the exception, but Genesis cases are so abundant I wouldn't even consider collecting/displaying them loose. Nintendo definitely got cartridge and label design right for their first two consoles, I'll give 'em that.

There's also the issue of uniformity. All loose carts look the same displayed, whether they all have a manual or not. Having some games boxed and others not though means having mixed media on the shelf.

jcalder8

09-12-2011, 01:04 AM

If they are disc based I must have the case but if it's cartridge only I'd rather have the manual.

Edmond Dantes

09-12-2011, 01:06 AM

Honestly, I find the manuals are a bigger deal than boxes. The boxes are nice for nostalgia purposes, the feeling of "oh yeah I remember when games came packaged like this," but oftentimes the manual is almost necessary if you don't want to figure out a game just by mucking around. Especially with like strategy games and the like, where not everything is self-explanatory.

So I'd rather have manuals.

For CDs and DVDs I absolutely will NOT buy non-CIB copies, unless they come really cheap. I only have two games that are missing manuals (Strider 2 and Xenogears) and both of those were basically given to me. Incidentally, if someone has some loose manuals...

Snapple

09-12-2011, 01:14 AM

It depends on the system, I think.

Back in the "golden age of manuals" around the SNES/Genesis days, absolutely the manuals.

Disc based games, I want the case.

Koa Zo

09-12-2011, 01:33 AM

Tough decision.
My first choice would be complete games.
Barring that and having to pick one or the other, I'd probably go with the manual.

Boxes are certainly nice for storage, but there is something painfully missing when I have a box and no manual.
Paging through a manual and reading whatever information and examining any images or artwork is a big appeal to collecting physical media. Of course box art and back of the box descriptions are nice to look at and read too. Flipping pages just has a certain charm.

RP2A03

09-12-2011, 01:41 AM

That would depend on whether or not the manual has lots of pretty pictures for me to look at. If so, then I would definitely prefer the manual; if not then give me the box.

Casati

09-12-2011, 02:02 AM

I'd rather have the manual unless it's two pages. I used to search Ebay for boxed NES/SNES games a couple years ago, but cart and manual is sufficient for me because I no longer store the games in their boxes. Also, the prices for CIB games are getting crazy. Most of the NES commons are going for over $10 CIB now. I buy games for playing, not investments, so there's no reason for me to spend money on boxes. The cardboard ones usually have a lot of wear that doesn't show in online photos so it's not worth the bother. Most of my Genesis games are boxed though, and I keep them stored in the boxes.

dao2

09-12-2011, 02:08 AM

Boxes for me.

AceAerosmith

09-12-2011, 02:18 AM

Boxes.

Necrosaro

09-12-2011, 02:32 AM

If it's a disc-based game, absolutely must be complete. Yes, even rare ones like PC Engine/Turbo Duo. Very few disc-based games in my collection are game and case only (in fact, I can recall only one).

Cartridges, it really depends on the console. Commodore 64, back when I owned it, always CIB. Atari 2600/Intellivision games I don't need boxed; NES/SNES it really depends on how rare the game is, and Genesis carts I generally want them boxed. N64 I prefer boxed, but I'm willed to take them loose if it's a rare/high-demand title. Sega Master System, if I ever get one in the future, I'd want boxed. NEC AES I can't speculate since I've never been able to afford one of those.:|

Ludwig

09-12-2011, 02:34 AM

Back in the "golden age of manuals" around the SNES/Genesis days, absolutely the manuals.
Disc based games, I want the case.

I wouldn't even buy a disk without the case, those are essential. Buying one without the case would feel a bit like buying only the board thing of a cartridge. But when it comes to box vs manual i rather have the manual, and actually i thought about collecting those too, since they only cost roughly 2eur per piece. I know those games from yesteryear are often much simpler, but sometimes if i play something i didn't even had as a child, a manual would come in very handy, since they are also much more abstract. But of just a view i would actually like the box, because of the big cover-art, like for super mario land for the gameboy, those artworks been awesome, and often aren't on the manual. :<

I meant to ask for a while, but didn't got to do it: Does anyone know if there is a thing like a database with scans of manuals?
:help:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1232/1151521801_469b03b3b4.jpg

NBaco

09-12-2011, 02:39 AM

Why can't I have both? :(

Anyway I'd say boxes simply for the fact I can slip the manual into the boxes. Without the boxes, I find the manuals to be one more hassle I don't need. I used to store all my manuals in a shoe box just to keep them out of the way.

RetroGamer1994

09-12-2011, 02:58 AM

Boxes.

Aussie2B

09-12-2011, 03:06 AM

Manuals definitely. Even though I wish I had saved everything, I kept manuals as a kid because I knew they served a worthwhile purpose, while boxes ended up in the recycle. While I agree that it can be a pain to have a loose disc with a manual, I still have to recognize manuals as having greater worth.

I've never been a huge tight ass about these things anyway. I have probably at least a couple dozen disc-only games. Big whoop. If a cheap Suikoden 2 was disc-only, would you still pass on it? I ideally want all of the packaging, but I'm not going to toss loose discs in the garbage. I just put them in a generic jewel case or stick them in a CD folder (depending on how scratched up they are to begin with). And if I have the manual, then that can just as well go in the generic case.

Although, outside of disc-based stuff, I'm not even that crazy about keeping all of the game's pieces together. Cardboard boxes suck for storage. Even if I have all of a cart-based game's packaging, I'll probably store the loose cart in one place, the manual in a tub where I keep those, and the box somewhere else. Honestly, I think everything will stay in better condition that way than constantly opening a cardboard flap, wearing it out, and potentially messing up the manual every time you pull the game out or put it back in.

tom

09-12-2011, 04:09 AM

Always the box, very important to look good on the gaming shelf
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c173/thomasholzer/vcs.jpg

MarioMania

09-12-2011, 04:22 AM

If I pick..I chose Manuals

Steven

09-12-2011, 04:28 AM

manuals for (action) RPG's. Boxes for most other genres :)

Rickstilwell1

09-12-2011, 04:52 AM

I'd rather have the boxes than the manual for a rare game for display purposes, but I dont even want those incomplete either. All or nothing baby or it gets played on the flashcart.

VG_Maniac

09-12-2011, 05:11 AM

Boxes, cause you can display them.

Tron 2.0

09-12-2011, 06:17 AM

For cartridges boxed but it depends on the price.If a game on cart is realy expensive cib then i'll buy it loose.Still for any thing on disc it must be cib to me.I prefer not to,have any game on disc without it's case and manual.

Ludwig

09-12-2011, 06:48 AM

Always the box, very important to look good on the gaming shelf

...and to waste heaps of space.

rolenta

09-12-2011, 07:43 AM

Since I threw most of my boxes out decades ago and kept the manuals, I'll have to say manuals.

portnoyd

09-12-2011, 07:55 AM

Always boxes.

Leo_A

09-12-2011, 08:00 AM

Always the manuals. I don't even bother displaying my game boxes. Takes up too much room and doesn't look particularly appealing to me, so they sit stored in the attic.

jonebone

09-12-2011, 08:07 AM

Boxes, that's all that I see from the shelf anyway.

RPG_Fanatic

09-12-2011, 08:29 AM

Boxes, they look a lot better sitting on my shelf boxed. I never even look at the manuals anyways.

leatherrebel5150

09-12-2011, 08:33 AM

Manuals because if you think about it you can get some Universal cases and print out some covers and poof you got boxes that are sturdy, uniform, and look good. Manuals however are a real pain in the ass to just print out for yourself so it is easier to just pick them up.

Informationator

09-12-2011, 02:02 PM

SparTonberry

09-12-2011, 03:02 PM

Manuals.
I'd rather have the information on how to play the game.
I like boxes, but I wouldn't spend a fortune to get them.

Rickstilwell1

09-12-2011, 03:23 PM

I'm rather surprised everyone is saying Boxes. Manuals have art and useful information pertaining to the game in them. Boxes take up tons of space and damage easily.

I understand the historical aspect, but why choose art over art+information? Is it a display thing? I have a handful of boxes, but I'll probably just end up scanning them and selling them so I can fill out the SNES manuals.

Ooh what games in particular are these boxes for? I'd buy a bunch if the price was good and the games were ones I wanted. Manuals and carts are so easy to find on ebay, but the boxes are hardest and cost the most.

Aussie2B

09-12-2011, 03:43 PM

I'm surprised too. I guess fashion over function rules around here.

substantial_snake

09-12-2011, 03:59 PM

Manuals here.

Now with the availability of stock hard shell boxes that fit most cart based games you can easily print out another cover or make your own. This is only if your want an original collection thought I see the reason behind getting the box over the manual.

Baloo

09-12-2011, 04:20 PM

Definitely boxes. I find it much easier to store boxes than manuals, manuals tend to get beat up without the boxes.

kupomogli

09-12-2011, 04:27 PM

Boxes.

Loremaster

09-12-2011, 05:11 PM

Boxes for me as well. Since I mostly do Genesis and disc-based stuff, boxes are much prettier on the shelf, and are easier to keep nice. My NES and SNES boxes are kind of a pain to protect, same with my GBA boxes.

Besides, when you have a uniform row of the Sega Red Stripe on the shelf, it looks soooooo gooooood.

starchildskiss78

09-12-2011, 06:12 PM

I would have to say in the case of a cartridge game I would rather have the manual and for a disc based game the case.

I did go on a quest to have the manual, disc/cartridge, and box for almost every system I own. I lack boxes for most of my NES and SNES games, but I don't seem to mind as much...especially the SNES games which I think the boxes are such big pains in the butt to take a game out and put them back in.

Gameguy

09-12-2011, 06:29 PM

When I have a cart and manual I think of the manual as a bonus, when I have a cart and box I'm upset the thing isn't complete. Either way I want them complete, I won't be done until I can find complete copies of everything.

Informationator

09-12-2011, 09:29 PM

Ooh what games in particular are these boxes for? I'd buy a bunch if the price was good and the games were ones I wanted. Manuals and carts are so easy to find on ebay, but the boxes are hardest and cost the most.

I typed this up JUST for you (yeah, yeah, I'm too lazy for alphabetical order) :P ...but don't get too excited. I will almost certainly throw them on eBay, but I will definitely give you a heads up about when I post them if you'd like me to:

Boxes:
NCAA Basketball
Wheel of Fortune
Clayfighter
Lion King, The
Super Off Road: The Baja
Revolution X
Biker Mice from Mars
X-Kaliber 2097
Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (CIB, I have a kajillion copies)
Top Gear
Championship Pool
Madden '98
Harley's Humongous Adventure
Bonkers

ANDDDDD

*Drum Roll*

Super Noah's Ark 3D (It has a Christian Book Store sticker on it I've not yet tried to remove lest a future owner want to remove it him or herself, though I'm somewhat of an expert on removing stickers)

Melf

09-12-2011, 10:20 PM

For Genesis and Sega CD games, I prefer manuals because I can always download and print out an insert. Manuals are a MAJOR pain to print.

Casati

09-13-2011, 03:15 AM

bunnybum

09-13-2011, 04:32 AM

This Ebay seller has a lot of cropped boxes available. Why would somebody cut the lids off of them? Maybe it would tidy their appearance if they had worn lids, but would seem to ruin their functionality and value.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nintendo-NES-Athena-Box-Manual-Only-/280716809426?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415c0694d2

Looks like someone used to run a pirate-rental store out of their basement. I remember quite a few people around where I grew up, who did the exact same thing. You'd cut off the flaps and tape the thing together to make a "divider" for the "crate" you had all your games in and then have cart+manual in the dust sleeve in front of said divider. This way people could easily flip through your games and check out the artwork and screenshots before "renting" the game (Usually a couple of bucks a day). I know a lot of kids did this to make a few extra bucks besides their regular paper routes.

As for OP's question, I'd rather have the manuals so I can play the damn games!

Bighab

09-22-2011, 07:34 PM

I usually wont pick up a game unless its complete. The majority of times I will want the box for display purposes. Unless its an RPG I'll never read the manual.

xelement5x

09-23-2011, 12:44 PM

...especially the SNES games which I think the boxes are such big pains in the butt to take a game out and put them back in.

I couldn't agree with you more. The day I realized I was essentially destroying my NES/SNES/N64 boxes (really anything with top flaps that hook in like that) each time I opened them I decided to switch to Universal Game Cases. I've never looked back and couldn't be happier.

madman77

09-28-2011, 11:21 PM

I'd go w/manuals as well for games that came in cardboard boxes, I'm working on a CI N64 set, mainly because my space is limited at the moment. The other other systems I really collect are Lynx and Vectrex, for which I only go CIB. Other systems I casually buy games for I really only care about the cart.

Ryudo

09-29-2011, 12:01 AM

Box.
I just like it better as it's easier to store on my shelf.
If only cart and manual I have to store in two different places

Griking

09-29-2011, 03:25 AM

Boxes for me. Boxed games look nice on a bookcase. Loose games, even with manuals will just get stored in a big box with other loose games. Besides, if I need the manual to play the game I can always download it.

OldSkoolBrian

09-29-2011, 09:25 AM

Depends on the game... Disc games I prefer the case.. Cartridge based games would depend on the content of the manual.. If there is nothing to it then I would prefer the box.. If it's a game where the manual is of importance then I prefer the manual.

nik

09-29-2011, 10:35 AM

Boxes for shelf look, but I really like the manuals from snes/gen days

Sunnyvale

09-29-2011, 12:41 PM

Depends on what my plans are for the game in question. If it's one I just want to play, I'd like a CIB copy, but I need another copy I'm not gonna weep over when it gets a little label wear or whatever. If I plan on selling the game, I want the box (duh). If it's for me, if it's complicated at all, the manual is better. But if it's some easy platformer or old 2nd gen game, who needs the book?

mobiusclimber

09-29-2011, 01:05 PM

While some manuals are definitely cool to look at, I basically look at them once and that's it. I like to have boxes not just for display (but that's a big part of it) but to make it easy to find the game I want to play and to get me stoked to play the game. When it's just a cartridge, it's tougher for me to commit to playing a game. Looking over the box art really helps seal the deal, as it were. So definitely boxes for me. I might be running out of room for stuff, but since I'm not going for a full set on anything, I really don't feel like I have anything to worry about. I'll get some bookshelves when we get a house and that'll be it.

Kirbz

08-03-2012, 09:28 PM

Boxes, Because You Can Show Them Off
You Could Be Like Hey Look Guy's I Got The BOX For Metroid Look How Cool It Is
You Dont Wanna Be Like Hey Look Here's My MANUAL For Metroid

tomcrew

08-04-2012, 01:09 PM

love having boxes but manuals help more

tomcrew

08-04-2012, 01:14 PM

boxes are cool to look at screenshots on back but manuals help me more

The 1 2 P

08-04-2012, 04:54 PM

Hmm....boxes would be rarer and harder to find for older systems but sometimes I'd rather just have the manuals due to lack of space for all the boxes. So I'm going to go with manuals.

sloan

08-04-2012, 09:21 PM

Manuals. Give me manuals, and lots of them.

Boxes? Who cares?

frogofdeath

08-05-2012, 12:44 AM

Depends on the system.

NES would be manuals. I like the look of the carts on my shelf. No boxes needed.

Original GameBoy would be boxes, as I still have most of my manuals.

Genesis would be boxes/cases. Manuals would be a bonus.

N64 would be both. Wouldn't purchase an N64 game any other way.

wiggyx

08-05-2012, 02:16 AM

Boxes. Couldn't really care less about manuals.

StealthLurker

08-05-2012, 03:00 AM

Generally speaking...

There aren't many games that I'm dying to play or acquire.

So I'm fine waiting for something in the form I want and at a price I agree with.

For me these days, it's all or nothing. However by "all", I mean box/case, instructions and game. The little cards and warnings are icing.

The only time I make an exception for a loose game are for famicom pirate carts. However that's reasonable because for most pirates, a box/instructions were never produced.

.

Atarileaf

08-05-2012, 10:19 AM

The only ones I really prefer complete are SMS, Genesis and TG-16 (and for me complete is case, manual and game, no need for cardboard sleeves in the case of TG-16)

I will accept case and game if necessary but prefer manuals at all costs. For example, I passed on a Case and cart only copy of Genesis Carmen Sandiego for $9 since I think that particular game really needs the manual as some game clues, suspect profiles, etc are in the manual.

Greg2600

08-05-2012, 11:08 AM

I usually try to get the manuals for all my cart games, not the boxes. The boxes just take up too much room. For CD or DVD based games, I only collect them with the complete case, art, and manual.

chrisballer

08-05-2012, 11:34 AM

I always prefer the boxes, but I am not always willing to pay for them. I don't even look at a disk game if there is no box.

Tron 2.0

08-06-2012, 01:58 AM

It depends on the console for me and not mention the price.

Genesis:must be cib but for the later release loose is fine.

NES/Famicom:Must be cib but if it's really costly cib then loose is ok.

Neo-Geo MVS:Kit's only if the price is right if not then loose.

PC-Engine/TG16:Complete only,as for the later release loose is fine long as it has the manual.

Those are the few example i can give for when i want a complete copy of a game.For the modern stuff that's on disc i really prefer complete compared to loose.