Games worth less than a Buck

[Anthony1]

I know that there are lots of games out there worth less than a buck, but it is so damn hard for me to not buy a game that is only $1.00.


Just today, I went to a thrift store and bought a loose Genny cart, Madden 96 for a buck. Yes, I know that loose Genny sports games are worth only like 25 cents or 50 cents, but what the Hell, I bought it anyways.

But what games are definitely not worth a dollar? (besides Super Mario Bros./ Duck Hunt cart)


Oh, I would also imagine that common loose 2600 games aren't worth a buck either.

[josekortez]

For me, it's sports games based on professional sports (i.e. baseball, basketball, soccer, etc.) for NES, SNES, and Genesis. I think that most of the PS2 sports games we see now will be sold for less than a dollar in the future. So, I only buy them if it's something I would enjoy playing anytime like NBA Jam or NCAA Basketball on SNES. I got both of those loose from Gamestop for less than a buck. Investing in sports games is like playing shuffleboard on the Titanic...

Also, based on all the clearance sales I've seen where I've picked them up for .99, these e-reader NES sets. Don't get me wrong. I love the NES, but paying more than that for 5 pieces of paper is just crazy to me...

[GamecubeFreek]

Galaxy Force 2 for Genesis

[Duncan]

For me, it's sports games based on professional sports (i.e. baseball, basketball, soccer, etc.) for NES, SNES, and Genesis. I think that most of the PS2 sports games we see now will be sold for less than a dollar in the future. So, I only buy them if it's something I would enjoy playing anytime like NBA Jam or NCAA Basketball on SNES. I got both of those loose from Gamestop for less than a buck. Investing in sports games is like playing shuffleboard on the Titanic...

The rule of thumb, as far as I'm concerned, is to pick up either the first or last title in a sports series (or maybe both) so you get an "evolution" effect on one system. Right now, I've got the original John Madden Football for my Genesis and I'll probably pick up Madden '96 (or '97?) eventually.

However, sports games may also be collectible in the future based on the player featured on the cover. Assuming that Ken Griffey Jr. makes the Hall of Fame, it's possible that sports collectors might start picking up copies of Griffey Baseball on the SNES and N64. (Pigs might fly, too, but you never know. :) )


Also, based on all the clearance sales I've seen where I've picked them up for .99, these e-reader NES sets. Don't get me wrong. I love the NES, but paying more than that for 5 pieces of paper is just crazy to me...

I have almost all of them now (everything except Urban Champion), and I'm waiting to see if Nintendo keeps releasing packs of cards. They list several Pokemon-related e-Reader products in their winter catalog, along with a Game & Watch series (yes!) and the new Super Mario Bros. 3 "expansion" cards.

They're also bundling the "old-style" GB Advance with an e-Reader for the Christmas season, same price as the GBA alone...don't know if that's gonna perk up sales any, though.

[ManekiNeko]

The sports games, definitely. I'd pay that much for one of the fast-action arcade sports games, like NFL Blitz, but if it's full of statistics and other nonsense it's going to stay right there on the store shelves.
I generally pass on educational titles as well. I considered picking up a copy of Compton's Encyclopedia for the Sega CD, just to see if it had any value as an information resource, but I have yet to do it. I probably COULD get it at a nearby pawn shop for just a dollar, but I'm on a supertight budget right now and can't really afford it.

JR

[Anthony1]

One thing about getting games for a buck, even if they are crappy sports games, is that it's not a bad idea to get some if you are going to sell a video game system.

You will always get more money for a NES with a 29 cent Mario/Duck Hunt game and a Bases Loaded cart, then a NES with no games at all.

[cheesystick]

Aside from sports games, crappy movie-to-game translastions usually turn up to be worth squat. I have a loose copy of Leathal Weapon for the SNES that isnt worth a dollar. If i put it on ebay, the buyer looks at the game, the 3 dollars shipping, it wont sell. If it was sitting at gamestop for a dollar total, it probably still wouldnt sell.
How about loose genny carts of the same poor situation? Would you fork over a dollar for a loose genny cart of "batman forever"? Many wouldnt, I guess a few would, (god that game was terrible). Even look at the stinkers that are coming out now. Take "reign of chaos" for example. The moviue didnt even do finacially very well, and the game came out at 20 dollars. In 8 years, It will probably be wroth a dollar.
-crispy

[§ Gideon §]

Yep, yep. Don't forget Mario's Tennis for the Virtual Boy, either.

[cheesystick]

I'd give ya a buck for mario tennis. Anyone wanna take that deal?
3 dollars shipped? I only have 2 VB games.
-crispy

[KirbyStar27]

Combat for atari
SNES sports games

[hamburgler]

NFL Quaterback club 98,99,2000 for N64 at GameStop

[§ Gideon §]

I'd give ya a buck for mario tennis. Anyone wanna take that deal?
3 dollars shipped? I only have 2 VB games.
-crispy
Sorry. I don't trade/sell (unless I'm dealing with a terrible game). Is it hard finding deals in Anchorage?

I mentioned Mario Tennis because I bought a copy several years ago at a Blockbuster fo $0.49. It felt really good saying to myself, "Hmm... A new video game or a gumball?"