Question for avid GBA collectors...

[zektor]

I have only recently been purchasing GBA games (since I got a DS) and was wondering about something. How common is it for the backside of the cart to come scratched new? It's that back area that's smooth plastic that I would assume would get scratched over time inserting it into the system. Thing is, I bought some new games that came like this. One game was purchased at Walmart and another at TRU. They were definitely new and sealed, but they both have the scratches on the back of the cart. What is the deal with that?

[gwaine]

Zektor...yeah, that is strange but you're right, tons of mine (if not all) are scratched from about half way down to the bottom on the back side before I even put them in my gameboy. Maybe they're tested before shipping out of the factory or something?

[zektor]

That is an unexplained oddity. Somebody should find out why this is someday. Maybe you're right about the testing, but if that's the case I think they should test them a bit "kinder". Or perhaps they are recycling returned carts...hmmmm...

[tholly]

this is how mine are too....im assuming testing as well

[Bratwurst]

Every cart I've bought new had vertical scratches along the back. I also assume it's from testing. Occurs from standard insertion/removal, also happens to original Gameboy carts and TG-16 hucards.

[Gemini-Phoenix]

And again, this is where I step in and say: Was the game factory sealed?

It is common for games to be sold not sealed or resealed, and in America, there really is no way of knowing 100%.

At least in the UK we have red Nintendo tear strips, and I can safely say that out of over 100 GBA games I have bought (All sealed) NONE have been scratched untill after I have slotted it into my own GameBoy!


So chances are, the game has been tried by someone in a shop, or perhaps sold before and returned under their 10 day policy and resold.



Now that gives me an idea! The next time I open a new GBA game, I will video it on my digital camera, and retain the footage for proof!

May be some time though, as many of my games remain sealed (I play Rom's of them instead)

[Leo_A]

"May be some time though, as many of my games remain sealed (I play Rom's of them instead)"

Why buy them then?

[tholly]

And again, this is where I step in and say: Was the game factory sealed?

It is common for games to be sold not sealed or resealed, and in America, there really is no way of knowing 100%.

At least in the UK we have red Nintendo tear strips, and I can safely say that out of over 100 GBA games I have bought (All sealed) NONE have been scratched untill after I have slotted it into my own GameBoy!


So chances are, the game has been tried by someone in a shop, or perhaps sold before and returned under their 10 day policy and resold.



Now that gives me an idea! The next time I open a new GBA game, I will video it on my digital camera, and retain the footage for proof!

May be some time though, as many of my games remain sealed (I play Rom's of them instead)



i dont think its possible that this many people with this many games all have GBA games that are not new and factory sealed when purchased....it is probably just a matter of Nintendo testing the games



and yea, why buy them if you just play roms....

[fargus]

I've gotten games out of a sealed Nintendo case the day they arrived and they have the same scratches described above. I also assumed it was from testing or possibly reusing cases from defective returns of other titles.

[Daria]

"May be some time though, as many of my games remain sealed (I play Rom's of them instead)"

Why buy them then?

Video Game stock market?

Its the backlash of everyone whoes ever said "Geez I wish I'd bought 2 copies of Zelda".

But if he's going to pirate them at least he has the balls to buy the games even if he never intends to open them.

[yoursisterspretty]

Every new/sealed GB, GBC, GBA cart is like that. They all have those scratches. They always have. I've always assumed that it is because of testing. Which is why I've never had a new dead GB cart, or any other N cart to be honest. Unlike one time I had to exchange a copy of DK Jr. for the 2600 twice until I received a working copy...

[Bratwurst]

With new carts the scratches tend to be quite faint naturally. I just fondled a copy of Zero 3 I have yet to get around to playing and they look more like smudged scuffs that only appear when the light hits them right.

[tholly]

With new carts the scratches tend to be quite faint naturally. I just fondled a copy of Zero 3 I have yet to get around to playing and they look more like smudged scuffs that only appear when the light hits them right.


yea, they arent bad...its just the fact that they are there

[esquire]

"May be some time though, as many of my games remain sealed (I play Rom's of them instead)"

Why buy them then?

So he doesn't scratch the carts! :P