Whats better trying to buy "complete" games or alo

[mrmagoo]

Hi All,

I discovered this website just last week after a sudden urge to play some games from my childhood. Im wanting to get some Atari, NES, and SNES games and systems. Well I read up on some hints for finding some of these old games at flea markets, thrift stores, etc. All I have to say is your thrift stores are better stocked that the local Starvation Army. Ive also been to two local flea markets this past week. Struck out on both occasions. Then I starting looking up stuff on Ebay.

Holy, freakin, cow do people really pay those prices for video games? I lean heavy to the RPG in me but some of those games are listed well over 100 dollars if they come with manuals and boxes. Whats a nostalgic adult to do?

I've seen the games sell/bid cheaper if its only the game cartridge. My questions are:

Is it better to buy fewer games but get the boxes and manuals or just buy the cartridges and get more games?

How much should I plan to spend per game to get some fun games (zelda stuff, FF stuff, dragon warrior stuff plus their respective consoles?

Should I jump in both feet first and try to buy an auction with a few hundred games and several systems or just test the water and get a system and a few games at first? It seems you get a better deal per game to buy in bulk.

Good grief, do people really pay over 100 dollars for old SNES games?


Thanks

[Griking]

Is it better to buy fewer games but get the boxes and manuals or just buy the cartridges and get more games?


Its all personal preference. If you're looking to buy strictly to play then I'd suggest buying loose carts and then downloading the instructions from the Internet. Complete copies of games, especially RPGs generally go for a lot more than loose copies but many people like having the boxes, books and whatever else came in the box. Like I said, all preference.

[Anthony1]

Is it better to buy fewer games but get the boxes and manuals or just buy the cartridges and get more games?

How much should I plan to spend per game to get some fun games (zelda stuff, FF stuff, dragon warrior stuff plus their respective consoles?

Good grief, do people really pay over 100 dollars for old SNES games?


Let me answer those 3 questions for ya


1. It depends if you lean more towards the gamer side of things, or the collector side of things, and also how much money you are willing to drop on this hobby.

Personally, if you are more of a gamer and don't want to spend your life savings, then I would say the hell with boxes and manuals and all of that. That's what I do. I'm a huge SNES fan, and I love to collect loose SNES carts. I do try to get ones with clean labels and in generally good condition, but I have no interest in complete games. If I run into a complete game for a good price, I'll get it, but it's more for trade bait for somebody that is really interested in that sort of thing.

So my advice for that is just to go with loose carts in decent cond. (of course you can learn many tricks to make a former SNES rental appear like it had one owner that never really played it, but that's a whole nuther topic)


How much should you spend for the most popular RPG's? Man, you missed out on a helluva sale that Game Crazy was having, you could have stocked up on hard to find SNES RPG's for good prices. Anyways, a game like Zelda 3 for the SNES, you should be able to get a high quality loose Zelda 3 for about $8. The Final Fantasy games will cost alot more on SNES. Even the loose carts. The first Final Fantasy for the old NES isn't very expensive at all. Final Fantasy Mystic Quest isn't that bad.

I will say this.... Being a big fan of RPG's is going to make things more expensive for you unfortunately. Those seem to be the most overpriced games.

But the key is to get a library of loose carts together and then do trades with people here. I have lots of loose SNES RPG's that I would trade if you had some Jaguar or TG-16 games. So basically, the best way to get games for a great price is doing trades with people here. You need to develop an inventory of games somehow. You should continue to try the flea markets, I'm suprised you can't get a decent SNES package for $15 cash n carry. Somebody here can hook you up. Don't pay more than about $5 for a Genesis, they are dirt cheap. Hit up your Garage sales, that's a great way to get started on the cheap.


3. Do people really pay over $100 for SNES games?

Well, there really shouldn't be that many SNES games that hit the $100 mark. I know that Mega Man X3 is one of the most hyped SNES games, and a complete one in perfect condtion might hit that number. There are a few other rare games that can hit that, but for the most part the SNES isn't that expensive to collect for, but the thing is that Ebay prices of SNES games are on the high side. You have to stay away from Ebay in the beginning or you will go broke. You have to have a "dirt cheap" mentallity in the beginning, or you can easily spend several thousand in 6 months time!!

Believe me, I know. I did it. In my first year of retrogaming, I spent like 3 grand buying tons of systems and games and accessories and all that crap.


P.S. Make sure you put some money aside for a Commodore 1084S monitor and a RGB cable for SNES. Because if you are going to be playing Zelda SNES, might as give it the full classic work of art treatment and experience it brand new in the wonders or RGB!!

[Damaramu]

Sega games, specifically Genesis, Saturn and Dreamcast have a special place in my heart. So when it comes to buying games for those systems, I almost always go for complete games. I've paid a decent amount of money for complete Genesis games.

At the same time, I'm also collecting SNES games.....but.....it doesn't quite have the nostalgic value as Sega stuff does for me, so I'm quite fine with just cartridge only purchases.


I'm so sleepy right now, so if the above sounds a bit.....rambling, that's why. -_-

[drwily008]

Welcome to the site, you are in the right place.

I prefer the loose games on NES, SNES, and other consoles that had cardboard boxes. However, if it was a Genesis, Sega Master System, or any other plastic cased game.....then I lean towards complete.

I am a collector and a gamer, serious about both sides, but cardboard cramps my style.

I really hope you continue in this hobby, because it is the best one out there!

[Steven]

I usually go complete unless it's a loose offer I can't turn down. i.e. Radiant Silvergun $65 screw the case and manual then! :D

And though I don't own the SNES, if I did, I'd go for loose only. Cardboard boxes don't appeal to me and also I'd not have so much a collector's mentality with that system as I do a more favorite system.

[Sam]

Same as the above, if it's a cardboard box I can't really be bothered looking after cardboard boxes. Sure if it's a special game or something I'll try and get it complete otherwise I don't really care. For games with snap cases, cd cases or dvd boxes though I tend to get these boxed as usually they are easy to get boxed, people don;t throw them away, they are easy to keep nice, don't look too bad if slightly tatty and keep your games nice.

Basically Sega carts = boxed, Nintendo carts = loose for me most of the time and I'm a Nintendo fanboy at heart!

[stuffedmonkey]

I prefer loose carts, but it's really a personal choice. If the boxes don't do anything for ya, then by all means save the money!

[squidblatt]

There is no real standard when it comes to video game collecting. Some people will only buy factory sealed games while others avoid boxes and manuals altogether to cut down on clutter. Many, like me, will buy complete for some systems and loose for others. I will only buy complete Intellivision games since it's important for me to have the overlays and I like the boxart, but I don't care if I have loose Jaguar carts.

If you like games as actual physical artifacts, then buying them complete can enhance your enjoyment. However, space and clutter become issues in larger collections.

As for Ebay, you shouldn't allow it to become your only source for purchases. It may be the most accessible, but you will be grossly overpaying. Be careful of some of the sellers, and don't be fooled by all the "Rare!!!" descriptors. Do a little research on sites such as this just to get an idea of what the real value of the games are and then use Ebay with discretion for those actual bargains that do pop up now and then. If you come across items at yard sales and thrift stores that you don't want, consider if they would make good trade fodder. Sometimes building up a good stock of these items is the key to acquiring a sought after title.

Use sites like this for buying and selling, and be patient. I've noticed that as soon as I buy something off of Ebay, I will see it somewhere else for less soon afterwards.

[hydr0x]

forget everything people above me said about getting complete games

your post makes very clear that you will never ever collect video games, you just want to play some games you remember (ok, i have to admit some now avid collectors started out with this attitude), the fact that you can't believe people pay that much for a game is a clear indicator that you will always only play the games, nothing else, you'll probably even end up selling them after you finished them

with all that said, there's only one way for you that makes sense:

buy them loose

[Pop Culture Portal]

Welcome!

Lots of good advice in this thread, so I can't really add a whole lot. RPGs for any system, no matter how old or new, tend to be the "high end/priced" items while sports titles are just the opposite (.25 for a Genesis sports cart is not uncommon).

Personally, I'd go with the bulk auctions on ebay. Do your homework before you buy and watch for those "RARE" and "LOOK" catch-phrases that usually hide crap in a flashy auction title.

Atari 2600 would be the place to start (or at least for me it would :) ). You can easily find a systems and a huge amount of games for the price of one complete high-end RPG on ebay. That way, you won't invest alot of money into a hobby you're not sure you want to stick with.

And, yeah, the Salvation Army stores are really bare when it comes to finding games in the wild (at least that's been my experience). If you're looking for retro computer items (software & hardware) the Salvation Army stores seem to have more of that than Goodwill. And don't forget about yard sales!

Plus, collect what you want AND what you enjoy. When a hobby becomes a financial burden, it certainly looses that fun-factor quickly.

[imanerd0011]

I say buy them loose. When I started collecting I was considering collecting complete games, but the main reason why I didn't is because I NEVER see them in the wild. I collect for NES (and have been for around 3 years), and I have probabley seen thousands of loose NES games over the years, yet have only seen around 25 complete games (at the most!). If I were to collect completes, I would have to buy them all from Ebay, which would mean I would only have around 50 games right now, instead of around 400.

[FooFighter]

Why not both? I do.
If you like to play them and see loose games that interest you...pick them up. Now if you're just talking about buying on E-Pay sure, but I still see plenty of boxed games around at garage sales and thrift shops. The other day a local pawn shop had gotten in 5 boxed NES games that were in near perfect condition for $5.00 each. I took them to the counter and he gave me all 5 for $20.00. I love to play them so I buy loose, but it's so cool to have the box and see the cool artwork and all it really adds to the experience.

You haven't found any locally yet, but be patient and go to the stores at least once or twice a week. If you are really lucky you might even make a contact at the thrift stores that will set stuff aside for you and then you're really in. :)

[Daria]

I just buy loose and gather the boxes and manuals when I can. I also collect primarily RPGs and can't afford the expense of complete games. But I enjoy searching for the bits and pieces to complete a game. That's half of the fun of collecting. (:

[kainemaxwell]

Same as Daria does, I buy loose carts when I can and completes whenever possible too. I just buy/trade for the instructions, maps, boxes at a later date.

[Aussie2B]

forget everything people above me said about getting complete games

your post makes very clear that you will never ever collect video games, you just want to play some games you remember (ok, i have to admit some now avid collectors started out with this attitude), the fact that you can't believe people pay that much for a game is a clear indicator that you will always only play the games, nothing else, you'll probably even end up selling them after you finished them

with all that said, there's only one way for you that makes sense:

buy them loose

That's a bit extreme of an assumption, I think. The very fact that he's posting on a collector's board and is asking if he should buy games complete suggests to me that he does have SOME interest in packaging. And it's a bit much to suggest he'd likely sell off the games. I almost take offense to that. :/ Someone can love their games and never want to get rid of them yet still not be a collector. That's how I was as a child. Just 'cause I didn't collect didn't mean I considered my games worthless and sold them off.

Anyway, I'm open-minded about collecting, so I've never made any set rules for myself like "I'm only going to buy complete games" or "I'm only going to buy loose games". I look at it on a case by case basis. The first factor is the game itself - if it's an important game to me, I'll want the packaging. What system the game is for also plays a role (I'm more inclined to buy a loose NES game than a loose PlayStation game). However, the deciding factor is always what I happen to come across and at what price. If you find a good deal on a complete game, by all means, pick it up. And if instead you find a loose game and it's a good deal (taking into consideration the lower value of a loose game), then that's worth picking up as well. Heck even if I already own a game complete, I'll buy a second loose copy if it's a great deal just to sell it for profit. Also, there's also the possibility of upgrading. You can either seek out the missing pieces, or you can wait to find a complete copy and then sell off your old one. I've made certain pieces in my collection more complete or in better condition that way.

[drwily008]

Yeah....assuming he will NEVER be a collector.....well your just wrong. Many collectors get their start this way.

My little brother always loved my collection and had a very small collection of select games for himself. Now he just turned 24 and has been collecting for a few years. He started just like that....wanting to rekindle a memory and it turned into an obsession! It always happens and I hope we get another regular member to our site with mrmagoo.

[Sibs]

Same thing happened with me. When I was given the opportunity to order games online (Ebay, Amazon), I wanted to just collect the games I remember from when I was little (games for the SNES and NES), but I got hooked on collecting soon after I ordered a few games. Never really cared too much about the whole complete vs. loose thing, because just like you, I just wanted to play the games again; nothing else mattered. I guess the thing that changed my mind was looking at other DP members' collections and seeing a bunch of good collections have boxed games. Problem is, complete games are alot more expensive, so for now I'd say go with the loose carts.

[Promophile]

Do whichever you like man. If you feel you want complete games go for them, no matter the price. Its better to have 20 complete games than 200 non-complete ones if it means more joy for you. You don't wanna assemble a loose collection then decide you want all completes halfway through.

[Slate]

Welcome to DP.

Here is some free advice:

If you are thinking of spending Mad $$$ For a few dozen games & Several systems, It's your choice. Personally, i do Buy some games from Ebay, But rarely.

Buying a few systems And 35 games for $15 is not Uncommon if you know where to look.

Try to get your games as cheap as possible. That is the fun of collecting.

I've got some games for Free- You just have to be at the right place at the right time.

If you'd rather collect Complete or loose games, That's your decision.

Clean up your games. It is important- And is Worth your while to clean up your games. (Dirt-hazard NES systems are not good)

Look before you leap - Just because all of those games are there for a good price does not mean that it's a good deal. They could have dead stuff in them. (Not dead electronics- Dead Insects! I've heard of systems in so bad shape that dead insects were falling out of them!)

NEVER Blow into your games. It promotes rust.

:)

[mrmagoo]

Thanks for all the great advice so far everyone.

I do plan to collect games just not for collecting's sake (or maybe I say that now). I mainly want to get the games to play. So im trying to get the most bang for my buck. Getting just the game carts would be fine with me because I learned I can get info about the games on gamefaqs.
This weekend I did find a flea market that had a game booth in it. The owner didnt have much to look at and basically told me he bought all his inventory off of ebay anyway. Also I discovered im an ebay loser O_O
Ive lost 5 auctions just today lol!

Keep the good advice coming.

[Steven]

forget everything people above me said about getting complete games

your post makes very clear that you will never ever collect video games, you just want to play some games you remember (ok, i have to admit some now avid collectors started out with this attitude), the fact that you can't believe people pay that much for a game is a clear indicator that you will always only play the games, nothing else, you'll probably even end up selling them after you finished them

with all that said, there's only one way for you that makes sense:

buy them loose

That's a bit extreme of an assumption, I think. The very fact that he's posting on a collector's board and is asking if he should buy games complete suggests to me that he does have SOME interest in packaging. And it's a bit much to suggest he'd likely sell off the games. I almost take offense to that. :/ Someone can love their games and never want to get rid of them yet still not be a collector. That's how I was as a child. Just 'cause I didn't collect didn't mean I considered my games worthless and sold them off.

Anyway, I'm open-minded about collecting, so I've never made any set rules for myself like "I'm only going to buy complete games" or "I'm only going to buy loose games". I look at it on a case by case basis. The first factor is the game itself - if it's an important game to me, I'll want the packaging. What system the game is for also plays a role (I'm more inclined to buy a loose NES game than a loose PlayStation game). However, the deciding factor is always what I happen to come across and at what price. If you find a good deal on a complete game, by all means, pick it up. And if instead you find a loose game and it's a good deal (taking into consideration the lower value of a loose game), then that's worth picking up as well. Heck even if I already own a game complete, I'll buy a second loose copy if it's a great deal just to sell it for profit. Also, there's also the possibility of upgrading. You can either seek out the missing pieces, or you can wait to find a complete copy and then sell off your old one. I've made certain pieces in my collection more complete or in better condition that way.

Aussie you're a very wise gamer. I always enjoy reading what you have to say because it's almost always things I believe in myself ;)

[Dr. Morbis]

I don't know why nobody's said this yet, but...

The best advice I can give you is to avoid eBay and head on over to the Buying & Selling forum here at DP. Start a post like "Wanted: NES (or whatever system you want) Starter set with some good commons". You would be surprised how many extra common games most of us here have that we will give to newcomers for next to nothing. You could even say in your post about how much you are looking to spend and what sort of game genres you are most interested in.

Good luck!

[Yago]

Mr. Magoo. Judging by your original post it sounds like you are more interested in just "Playing" the games you used to play when you were young as opposed to "Collecting" them. You have to decide for yourself which road you want to take. Video game collecting is a hobby that requires a significant $ investment as well as time/dedication from you. If you are looking to just play these games, then don't worry about getting games with boxes and manuals. Just shoot for the cheapest games you can find. If you are serious about collecting these games and holding on to them, as some of use vow to take our collections to our graves, then you should look for games that are complete with box and manuels for the cheapest price. And that my friend, is what collecting is all about. Good luck with whichever route you plan to take.