NES vs. Retron... Original is obviously better but less affordable. :( advice?

[GrapeChelly]

Hello everyone :)

I have been questing to get all my old game stuff back, and next on my list is the NES.
(My brother took all of our games and systems when he moved out a long time ago, and fully claimed them as his....lol)

I have been looking at places like ebay for one.. but they all keep skyrocketing in price right before the bid ends. So a friend recommended a retron NES seeing as they are only $17. Is it any good of an idea? I hear stories on how some games don't work for it because it's third party.
I'm just really bummed because I want the NES of course.

Anyone foresee a price drop? Should I just wait? Are there other places you guys have had a good stroke of luck with purchasing old systems etc? How about buying a broken one... are they easy to fix?

Thanks in advance!!

[Cornelius]

It used to be they'd turn up at garage sales and thrift stores all that time for pretty cheap. Well, dirt cheap, actually. Those days are over unless you are very devoted and patient. The word got out on their value, so people snatch them up immediately or they get sold on eBay in the first place. It might depend on the thrift stores around you, but around here (Minneapolis) they are usually pricing things as high as eBay or higher, but I rarely see them at all. Okay, to be fair, I haven't really been going the past year or so, but I doubt it has gotten any better. Craigslist is similarly competitive or high-priced, but probably the best bet for a 'deal' if you are quick to respond.

Honestly, I think you should just emulate. I know, kinda lame. But here's my thinking... You are balking at the going rate of a system. Looks like if you are serious you can get one for $70-80 on eBay. I don't blame you, that seems crazy to me, too, but that looks to be the reality. If you can't handle that, then buying games is going to be even worse for you. Okay, you pick up some essentials: SMB, SMB3, Zelda, Metroid, Contra, etc. You are looking at easily another $80 right there. Aren't you going to want more games than that, though? So to my thinking, the cost of a system isn't really the limiting factor and saving by getting a clone just doesn't make sense.

Clones aren't so bad functionally, though. The colors can be a little different, the sound can be quite a bit different, and some games don't work. Seems like Castlevania III is always the one people mention first, but there are others. I don't think most people will notice these differences if they haven't played on the original hardware recently. And there are some advantages like no ZIF connectors.

I don't mean to discourage you from getting into NES if you really want to. But man, be prepared because it has gotten expensive. I'd say buy this one if you are really serious (not mine): http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nintendo-NES-Console-System-Working-All-Original-With-Ninja-Turtle-Game-/121948354218?hash=item1c64b036aa:g:gfAAAOSwy5ZXBbE C

edit: I see I didn't answer some of your direct questions. Sorry. Here goes.

No, a broad price drop isn't likely any time soon. Waiting could get you a better deal, but overall prices are just going to go up or hold steady IMO.

The most common 'broken' system is just that the ZIF connector is worn out. They can be replaced easily, or refurbished (better option) less easily. This is the problem 99% of the time. But they can also have bad power circuits or bad switches. I would be careful to only buy a broken system from some regular person selling it on eBay, and not a shop, because any shop will just fix the zif problem themselves, some just replace them on every unit they sell, so that's unlikely to be the problem with one a shop is selling broken.

[skaar]

Keep an eye out for local game shows/expos. Also there are a ton of retro game stores popping up all over the place - you'll pay a bit more than a yard sale price though :)

[GrapeChelly]

It used to be they'd turn up at garage sales and thrift stores all that time for pretty cheap. Well, dirt cheap, actually. Those days are over unless you are very devoted and patient. The word got out on their value, so people snatch them up immediately or they get sold on eBay in the first place. It might depend on the thrift stores around you, but around here (Minneapolis) they are usually pricing things as high as eBay or higher, but I rarely see them at all. Okay, to be fair, I haven't really been going the past year or so, but I doubt it has gotten any better. Craigslist is similarly competitive or high-priced, but probably the best bet for a 'deal' if you are quick to respond.

Honestly, I think you should just emulate. I know, kinda lame. But here's my thinking... You are balking at the going rate of a system. Looks like if you are serious you can get one for $70-80 on eBay. I don't blame you, that seems crazy to me, too, but that looks to be the reality. If you can't handle that, then buying games is going to be even worse for you. Okay, you pick up some essentials: SMB, SMB3, Zelda, Metroid, Contra, etc. You are looking at easily another $80 right there. Aren't you going to want more games than that, though? So to my thinking, the cost of a system isn't really the limiting factor and saving by getting a clone just doesn't make sense.

Clones aren't so bad functionally, though. The colors can be a little different, the sound can be quite a bit different, and some games don't work. Seems like Castlevania III is always the one people mention first, but there are others. I don't think most people will notice these differences if they haven't played on the original hardware recently. And there are some advantages like no ZIF connectors.

I don't mean to discourage you from getting into NES if you really want to. But man, be prepared because it has gotten expensive. I'd say buy this one if you are really serious (not mine): http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nintendo-NES-Console-System-Working-All-Original-With-Ninja-Turtle-Game-/121948354218?hash=item1c64b036aa:g:gfAAAOSwy5ZXBbE C

Thanks so much for an honest reply. :)
Yes I am working getting back my snes collection so I am feeling the burn pretty badly...
But! that being said... I got my old collection back (and a free SNES from a friend!) with the exclusion of earthbound and chrono trigger. Those two I have given up on entirely.
I have also see the funny side of this, buying a super famicom. It was $50. and I bought like 24 games and only have spent like $40 dollars on them. The price difference is just shocking..
I am finding however that NES games are a great deal cheaper than SNES... so if its a slow re-collection then so be it. If the retron has the chance to sound different then that is a huge negative for me...
This listing is really great though! I'm actually tempted... and even though I do emulate games. I've just always been a physical copy kind of person. It was so nice to hear your counter arguement. I need to snap back to reality sometimes... haha!

[GrapeChelly]

edit: I see I didn't answer some of your direct questions. Sorry. Here goes.

No, a broad price drop isn't likely any time soon. Waiting could get you a better deal, but overall prices are just going to go up or hold steady IMO.

The most common 'broken' system is just that the ZIF connector is worn out. They can be replaced easily, or refurbished (better option) less easily. This is the problem 99% of the time. But they can also have bad power circuits or bad switches. I would be careful to only buy a broken system from some regular person selling it on eBay, and not a shop, because any shop will just fix the zif problem themselves, some just replace them on every unit they sell, so that's unlikely to be the problem with one a shop is selling broken.

Great advice! Thanks so much! Maybe i'll just look and keep my eyes out for a broken one. :)
You are so helpful! I really appreciate it!!

[PizzaKat]

Get a Ouya and emulation. to hell with paying for outlandish prices

[Niku-Sama]

I'd wait it out.
There's summering to be said about Diligence, i still come across systems from time to time cheap. Games too

I found turtles in time for SNES last week for 4 bucks at a goodwill. Intact some of my most amazing stuff that i didn't get when it was still being made new i got for hella cheap

[celerystalker]

I'd agree with most folks here in that with a little patience, you can probably score an NES at a reasonable price. I've gotten a few over the years from coworkers who found out I like games, and sold me a pile of stuff I gave to friends and family for cheap. If you watch sites like craigslist, I'd look for people who are just looking to offload a pile of stuff that isn't itemized.

I don't think there'll be a sharp downturn in prices anytime soon, but you can also similaraly buy Famicom carts at a better price and play with a converter, and many of the older games are entirely in english, especially black box/pulse label stuff.

It sounds like you're more interested in reclaiming what you once had more than trying to complete collections, so you'll probably do pretty well overall if you're patient and keep your eyes open for a deal.

Also, 9 out of ten "broken" NES systems I encounter work after a thorough cleaning.

[Cornelius]

I'd agree with most folks here in that with a little patience, you can probably score an NES at a reasonable price. I've gotten a few over the years from coworkers who found out I like games, and sold me a pile of stuff I gave to friends and family for cheap. If you watch sites like craigslist, I'd look for people who are just looking to offload a pile of stuff that isn't itemized.


This is really good advice that I meant to include. Let people know you are looking. Just by mentioning how you found one of your old games recently and you want more, or how your 'jerk' brother hogged them all, will get people thinking, and there's bound to be someone you know whose grandma has one in the attic.

[GrapeChelly]

Oh my goodness guys!!

You won't believe it! I figured it was worth a shot when you guys mentioned to ask around and be patient, so I made a post on facebook!

A friend of mine is GIVING me his NES. For FREE!!
Along with a bunch of games including a few megamans! This is totally unreal, and I owe it to you guys for giving me those pros and cons and making me wait on the trigger there. I had a few ebay auctions open and I was making myself upset about prices when I should of been patient and asked around first.

My collection is coming back to me!! Now for buying carts.... slowly... over time... lmao. I have to recover from the SNES and super famicom fun times i've been having lmao!
I'm pretty sure my brother has doubles along with our stuff, hes kinda a pack rat. But I already asked him and it was a "no." lmao...


My friend won't accept money for this NES and games, but im surprising him with a handmade mug set. :) (I do ceramics :) ).

[Niku-Sama]

Is it a top loader?

[celerystalker]

Congratulations on your find!

[Tron 2.0]

Retron 5 is emulation after all unless you're not worry about it being original.Still it's not the best time to collect for the nes due to prices being at a all time high.The other option import a famicom and stick to importing for one.That,route i stuck to for the longest time now and buying for the famicom hasn't cost me a fortune at all.The other if you want to save money then just emulate.Modded wii,ouya or even a raspberry pi.

Still congrats getting a nes for free at this point id just suggest a flash cart such as the everdrive.

[Cornelius]

Hey, congrats! That's awesome!

[GrapeChelly]

Thanks guys! I am very excited. It's not a top loader, its the regular one. (Just like mine when I was a wee lass.)

Oh man I would of been so upset with myself if I bought one for $80, i'm so glad you guys talked me into being patient.

Now I was going to get a converter to play famicom games but the extended cart type looks sooooo scary inside the door models. What do you guys think of getting a retron for $17 and having the converter permanently inside it (its a top loader)? Most famicom games i'm seeing are really inexpensive.

I know the quality and the soundboard in the retron im talking about is terrible... but I hear famicom's are tricky to use here in the states. This would be a side project of course because with the SNES and NES now I can get my old collection back slowly. Unless I have been reading incorrect stuff, and famicoms work just fine? (that controller cord tho... haha)

[calgon]

I admit I let go a lot of valuable games this past year, the money was just too good to say no to, and I generally prefer emulation on wii anyways

[SparTonberry]

AV Famicom can be used easily. You just need to get a compatible power supply (although supposedly the Japanese and US voltage is close enough to allow using the original PS).
Then you just need a SNES/N64/GC video cable and an NES controller (standard controllers will work, things like the Zapper won't).
Although a real Famicom (either version) can be pricey these days as well.

[Gameguy]

With Famicom games it's easy to play them on a North American NES with a converter, they're easy to use and there's a ribbon on the back to pull it out of the system. They used to be easy to find, often with a random Famicom game plugged in for under $5. It's a bit more difficult now but still possible.

With original NES consoles I rarely have problems after cleaning the connector. Original connectors are way better than any of the cheap quality replacements. I personally use a Gemini brand cleaning kit but they're apparently hard to find now even online. Most games start up the first time. I wouldn't bother using any clone system to play NES games, I'd rather emulate them instead.

[bb_hood]

Almost all famicom games play off on Flash Carts (as do almost all nes games). They will also play Famicom disk system games.
Flash carts might seem expensive at first but its worth the investment.

[Niku-Sama]

This is the type of converter you want
http://r.ebay.com/ViWPxw
That way you can pull it out easily from a toaster nes.
As for Famicom consoles, one of my favorite eBay sellers has a few that are ending soon with out any bids.
http://stores.ebay.com/Used-Video-Game-Yamatoku-Classic/_i.html?_nkw=Famicom+console&submit=Search&_sid=32806015

[Tanooki]

I'd back up using yamatoku but not any more. In the last few weeks he started I think using the ebay GSP or something. Stuff only ships out like where it takes a week, fully tracked start to end, and insured. You can end up buying a $3 gameboy game and paying like $15 for the shipping. I clicked on the SFC system on top as I saw it first and it was like $40-45 shipped. That's just unacceptable.

Papiyon is who I trust out of Japan even before that other one.
http://stores.ebay.com/ryoplanshop/Game-Boy-/_i.html?_nkw=-box&submit=Search&_sop=3&_fsub=3550368016&_sc=1&_sid=1028626876

Cheap shipping, packs stuff very well, couple times I've bought, they threw in a pack of green tea as a thank you with a little note in Japanese and english. Very friendly over email too. They don't use stock images so you know what to expect.

[Niku-Sama]

Sure pay $1 for a super Famicom $41 to ship it $42 total. That's way too much for a tested system with all the hookups and controllers.
Regardless we are talking about Famicom not sfc, and those shipping prices are lower.

Last shipment i got last week didn't take long to ship, i ran into 2 problems though both of which were not the sellers fault. #1 was a bug in eBay's system that wouldn't allow me to pay and #2 was a lazy postal worker saying no one was home to deliver when i watched him drive on by

[GrapeChelly]

Hey guys! I got my system from my friend, and its in wonderful shape. And he gave me about 30 games too... which are really blowing me away@_@. He says there are more games but he has to find them in his basement. The only thing is he didn't have his hook ups for it, so I was wondering if there was a 3rd party AV cable and AC adapter you guys recommended?
I found a few on ebay, and usually im all about the OG cables and accessories... but people are really scalping prices on ebay for them.

The system is still white! And only has one little scuff:
http://i65.tinypic.com/312k0w5.jpg


The games!!!!!!
http://i65.tinypic.com/wobw8.jpg

Also, he threw in a genesis too xD.
http://i67.tinypic.com/ae9mhw.jpg

[Tanooki]

Not bad, I see a set of quality games, some of them getting a bit on the heavier price side with Mega Man 3 and 4 and their knockoff 'Indian' clone in Whomp Em which is a solid game (I've had it before.) It's odd he has a few dupes, but maybe family/friends stuff get tossed around or he a collector who quit.

Now you can get an old chinese pos ac adapter online but I'd strongly suggest not to do it. I'm sure they're fine in general but I've read occasionally enough bad stories about them I will never touch an old system (or new) with a third party power plug, a/v cable (due to quality problems too), and for disc based systems memory cards as they're usually crap.

You can get a general mono A/V cable from monocable.com(I think that's it) or just drive to target or a best buy and pay a few bucks for a short cable. The AC I'd just eat it and buy one off ebay, they're not expensive. I'm sure something like my old friend starwander/mortoff on ebay had all the parts as he's got a crap load of good stuff, if not him perhaps the Nintendo Repair Shop. Better off waiting a few days and get what will do you right.

Yes I know I haven't posted much in days, but the admin seems to have temporarily quit so it's safe to write currently.

[GrapeChelly]

Does this look good?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NES-ORIGINAL-Nintendo-System-OEM-Hook-ups-AC-ADAPTER-AV-CABLE-GUARANTEE-/151939927723?hash=item2360534eab:g:GikAAOSwFqJWjAw B

[RP2A03]

The NES has a bridge rectifier, so you can use any adapter that outputs ~9V and is rated for ~1A.

[Tanooki]

Does this look good?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NES-ORIGINAL-Nintendo-System-OEM-Hook-ups-AC-ADAPTER-AV-CABLE-GUARANTEE-/151939927723?hash=item2360534eab:g:GikAAOSwFqJWjAw B

Yup unless pirates have learned to age and item and gave up not putting the Nintendo logos on power adapters (they usually sand them oval smooth) that's original. Given the $20 includes shipping and they're a little heavy that's not too bad. The only other option I'd trust would cost that or more, being a DIY multi-volt/prong (or exact needs) AC plug from Radio Shack.

Though you could get one for $15 shipped which is more what I was thinking the cost would/should be.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nintendo-NES-AC-Power-Adapter-Cord-Official-OEM-TESTED-Original-/201399021971?hash=item2ee4513193:g:i0AAAOSwPcVVvUN x

This one ends in 6 hours, it's a whole dollar less if someone doesn't bid, doesn't seem worth it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nintendo-NES-AC-Power-Adapter-Original-OEM-tested-/121953319334?hash=item1c64fbf9a6:g:YDcAAOSwZtJW-DNX

Maybe you could best offer this dude down to $10-12 shipped from $15?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-Nintendo-Power-Adapter-Nes-002-Tested-Good-/222088872266?hash=item33b587414a:g:B7AAAOSw7n9XEls S

My ebay search was: oem nes adapter (Which also pulled up a lot of RF cables too)

Seems an a/v mono cable should be around $5 shipped
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NES-NINTENDO-RCA-AV-CABLE-AUDIO-VISUAL-BRAND-NEW-CLASSIC-8-BIT-/351301331442?hash=item51cb30e9f2:g:yn0AAOSwmrlUzAG 1
(That link is sosagames, they're a good company, they even correct all wrongs happily with no problems as I've dealt with them twice before.)

[Gameguy]

That's a really nice bundle of games, lots of fun ones and some hard to find. You actually have the TV hookup for the NES with the games, if you want AV cables any quality cables will work just fine.

That adapter is a bit expensive, I'm surprised they're going for so much now. You do have a double of Super Mario 3, you could try trading it for an adapter. Or thrift stores, they do turn up regularly. I have a few spares but I don't ship anything, to me they're worth $5 or maybe $10.

If you want 3rd party all you really need is a Genesis model 1 adapter which is compatible. Or really any 9 volt adapter that's at least 1 amp. Most 3rd party adapters specifically advertised for the NES are poorly made and/or under powered which is why they're terrible, any quality 9 volt adapter should be fine. Often you can tell the quality by looking at it in person, crappy ones just look cheaply made.

[GrapeChelly]

Yup unless pirates have learned to age and item and gave up not putting the Nintendo logos on power adapters (they usually sand them oval smooth) that's original. Given the $20 includes shipping and they're a little heavy that's not too bad. The only other option I'd trust would cost that or more, being a DIY multi-volt/prong (or exact needs) AC plug from Radio Shack.

Though you could get one for $15 shipped which is more what I was thinking the cost would/should be.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nintendo-NES-AC-Power-Adapter-Cord-Official-OEM-TESTED-Original-/201399021971?hash=item2ee4513193:g:i0AAAOSwPcVVvUN x

This one ends in 6 hours, it's a whole dollar less if someone doesn't bid, doesn't seem worth it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nintendo-NES-AC-Power-Adapter-Original-OEM-tested-/121953319334?hash=item1c64fbf9a6:g:YDcAAOSwZtJW-DNX

Maybe you could best offer this dude down to $10-12 shipped from $15?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-Nintendo-Power-Adapter-Nes-002-Tested-Good-/222088872266?hash=item33b587414a:g:B7AAAOSw7n9XEls S

My ebay search was: oem nes adapter (Which also pulled up a lot of RF cables too)

Seems an a/v mono cable should be around $5 shipped
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NES-NINTENDO-RCA-AV-CABLE-AUDIO-VISUAL-BRAND-NEW-CLASSIC-8-BIT-/351301331442?hash=item51cb30e9f2:g:yn0AAOSwmrlUzAG 1
(That link is sosagames, they're a good company, they even correct all wrongs happily with no problems as I've dealt with them twice before.)



Thanks so much! I just ordered from the sellers you listed. OEM and happy!

[GrapeChelly]

That's a really nice bundle of games, lots of fun ones and some hard to find. You actually have the TV hookup for the NES with the games, if you want AV cables any quality cables will work just fine.

That adapter is a bit expensive, I'm surprised they're going for so much now. You do have a double of Super Mario 3, you could try trading it for an adapter. Or thrift stores, they do turn up regularly. I have a few spares but I don't ship anything, to me they're worth $5 or maybe $10.

If you want 3rd party all you really need is a Genesis model 1 adapter which is compatible. Or really any 9 volt adapter that's at least 1 amp. Most 3rd party adapters specifically advertised for the NES are poorly made and/or under powered which is why they're terrible, any quality 9 volt adapter should be fine. Often you can tell the quality by looking at it in person, crappy ones just look cheaply made.


I hope that they all work! I'm very excited for Whomp 'em, such a weird re-skinning of a famicom game. I should see about keeping the doubles for trades! I just bought the connections that tanooki advised. I have no luck with thrift stores, we have a few "retro game stores" in our area, and the owners all frequent the thrift stores regularly and buy and then mark up... :'(

[Cornelius]

Do you have any thrift stores in your area? Some of the ones around here have a wall of AC adapters, and it is almost always possible to find one that will work with an NES since 9V is pretty common, and it takes the most common barrel (connector/plug) size. As has been said, the NES doesn't care if it is AC or DC output from the adapter, and 1A isn't too hard to find, either. And a cable with RCA connections shouldn't be hard to find. Based on what I have laying around, I'd be shocked if there's anyone that DOESN'T have one in their house. Okay, I'm exaggerating, but still, it is something that someone you know and see daily of has extras of. In the meantime, you can use that RF adapter.

That's a nice bunch of games! Congrats again! Now get cracking on that mug set for the guy. ;)

edit: whoops, cross post. Well, if thrift stores won't work, then I'd still say you've done pretty well.

[GrapeChelly]

Do you have any thrift stores in your area? Some of the ones around here have a wall of AC adapters, and it is almost always possible to find one that will work with an NES since 9V is pretty common, and it takes the most common barrel (connector/plug) size. As has been said, the NES doesn't care if it is AC or DC output from the adapter, and 1A isn't too hard to find, either. And a cable with RCA connections shouldn't be hard to find. Based on what I have laying around, I'd be shocked if there's anyone that DOESN'T have one in their house. Okay, I'm exaggerating, but still, it is something that someone you know and see daily of has extras of. In the meantime, you can use that RF adapter.

That's a nice bunch of games! Congrats again! Now get cracking on that mug set for the guy. ;)

edit: whoops, cross post. Well, if thrift stores won't work, then I'd still say you've done pretty well.

I already started the mug set! He said no but im making it anyway :P
But thanks so much! I'm so glad you guys said to ask! I would be kicking myself now for buying a nes for $80....

[treismac]

Hey guys! I got my system from my friend, and its in wonderful shape. And he gave me about 30 games too... which are really blowing me away@_@. He says there are more games but he has to find them in his basement. The only thing is he didn't have his hook ups for it, so I was wondering if there was a 3rd party AV cable and AC adapter you guys recommended?
I found a few on ebay, and usually im all about the OG cables and accessories... but people are really scalping prices on ebay for them.

The system is still white! And only has one little scuff:

The games!!!!!!

Also, he threw in a genesis too xD.


Outstanding. :) I'm happy for your fortune. Enjoy your new NES and games!

[hksrb25s14]

I have the Retron 5 and everytime I pull the cart, I feel like im going to break the pins off the games, So It's collecting dust.