The ideal way to protect your rarer games!

[Gemini-Phoenix]

I was in my local Tesco lately, and got thinking about how great it would be if I could somehow obtain (Legitimately) some of those great clear plastic cases they use to prevent theft. Seeing as how many items in my collection are worth quite a substantial amount, I thought i'd do a little extra research...

Now I am sur everyone has at one time or another thought about protecting cartain games in their collection? Maybe a mint Radiant Silvergun, or maybe Panzer Dragoon Saga or Suikoden perhaps?

Well, these cases are ideal for that sort of thing, and ensures that no damage will ever come to your most valuable games. Especially useful for N64 / Snes / GameBoy games which come in cardboard cases!


I tracked down the company which makes these products via Google. This is what I found:

What I believe to be the official manufacturer's site:

http://www.mwsecurity.se


And a few other sites selling the products:

http://www.qdtrading.co.uk (http://www.qdtrading.co.uk/index.php?cPath=28&osCsid=355733277eb11584781e47c873d97aea)

http://www.medioeurope.com (http://www.medioeurope.com/index.php?page=CATPAGE&c=Safers&PHPSESSID=a934e8a1db7856b8bdf148ef6e2acffe)

:)


They do all sorts of products, and specifically for certain games as well, such as PlayStation and Dvd size box's for everything else...

http://www.qdtrading.co.uk/images/mwsaferfortknoxgame.jpg


Protection doesn't come cheap though. A set of 72 Dvd size box's (Shown above) will cost you approx. £165.00! That's roughly £2.30 each.

http://www.qdtrading.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=28&products_id=76



A small price to pay to protect your most valuables I suppose. ;)

[yok-dfa]

Maybe a stupid question, but what do these boxes protect against? If it's just physical damages like scratches etc. i'm sure there are cheaper alternatives...

Also imagine having someone break into your house, and the police shows up to investigate and they notice this huge collection of games in those 'security boxes'. I guess you have something to explain then :D

[Gemini-Phoenix]

I got the idea a while ago when I read on eBay about a place that seals vintage MOC Star Wars figures forever to avoid further damage. Especially if they are rated C9+ condition. I thought the same thing could be done with certain videogames that are perhaps valuable. You can quite regularly see sellers selling MOC figures from the 70's / 80's inside these kind of clear plastic box's.



For example, you just bought a factory sealed American copy of FFVII off eBay. You intend to keep it like that for a while as an "Investment" - What better way to protect that investment than one of these box's? At least then you will have peace of mind that the case will not get cracked during storage. Same goes for other collectables like this, IE, sealed NES games which some people pay a fortune for!

Also, if you are a "Mature" collector, and have children roaming around, it's a good way to A) Protect them from getting accidently damaged, and B) To protect them from being used by the children, which usually results in (A) anyway.


So to answer your question, they protect against accidental damage of potential investments. And it's not as if you'd have to kit out every single game with them - Jut your most valuable ones.

Ie, I have a few fatory sealed games which are worth a mint which I would single out and protect. Paper Mario; Suikoden; Vandal Hearts II; Samba De Amigo; Evolution II; Space Channel 5 Part II... And a whole load of my sealed American PSone games which have increased in value.

Basically, i'd seal up anything worth over $100 and / or £50

[boatofcar]

This reminds me of another topic I've wanted to discuss. Do you think at any time we will see a grading system for video games? It's been common practice for years with sports cards, and recently a company called Action Figure Authority has started grading action figures. For people who collect sealed games, particularly as an investment, I can see this as being a way to check to make sure the games are factory sealed.

[Gemini-Phoenix]

This reminds me of another topic I've wanted to discuss. Do you think at any time we will see a grading system for video games? It's been common practice for years with sports cards, and recently a company called Action Figure Authority has started grading action figures. For people who collect sealed games, particularly as an investment, I can see this as being a way to check to make sure the games are factory sealed.

You mean like the "R" grading we have on here? Personally, i'd love to see a grading system similar to what they have for vintage Star Wars figures (Something I think Flack will know a lot about)

That'll then sort out the men from the boys and finally place sealed copies in the same league as their unsealed counterparts.

Just think how much easier it would be buying games on eBay if everyone used a universal grading system. You could instantly rule out any sub-standard auctions, and cut down on the amount of time you spend searching for what you really want.


I personally think that certain games are worthy of this kind of protection. I know a few people with factory sealed copies of Radiant Silvergun, which are worth £200+, yet they ar left floating about like any other game. I know if that were me, i'd be wanting to protect it any way I could.

At least this way is preferable to wrapping it up in bubbles, and a box, and storing it out of sight ~ This way you can still enjoy and appreciate the item without fear of it getting damaged in any way :)

[s1lence]

This reminds me of another topic I've wanted to discuss. Do you think at any time we will see a grading system for video games? It's been common practice for years with sports cards, and recently a company called Action Figure Authority has started grading action figures. For people who collect sealed games, particularly as an investment, I can see this as being a way to check to make sure the games are factory sealed.

I could see that happening if someone became the true authority on value, DP is the closest thing to that on videogames that I know of and I don't see them going down that path. I'm not sure I would want to spend the money to get them "valued" anyway.

[Sylentwulf]

ust bought a factory sealed American copy of FFVII off eBay. You intend to keep it like that for a while as an "Investment" - What better way to protect that investment than one of these box's? At least then you will have peace of mind that the case will not get cracked during storage. Same goes for other collectables like this, IE, sealed NES games which some people pay a fortune for!


The big problem here, is that you're NOT sealing it. Meaning air is still getting in, and if you're going to pay that much for a case to keep them in. You're going to want it airtight. I have 3 sealed odyssey 2 board game cartridges, that aren't sealed anymore per se due to the fact that the shrinkwrap kept shrinking. If you're going to spend that much to put sealed valuables in (especially cardboard) you're going to want it airtight, REALLY sealed.

[Raedon]

I keep all my games in large tupperware bins indoors and this is as good as I can do.

[Yamazaki]

Face it, the hardware is gonna be useless someday, you can't really store it for eternity.

For my part I keep them all in showcases behind smoked black glass. No sunfading etc.

[Yamazaki]

Btw reminds me of a friends story. He was playing Dracula X for PCE mint with a friend (dopehead). While playing he went to toilet. When he came back he saw the spine wa missing and the friend smoking a "wrap" LOL

[njiska]

The big problem here, is that you're NOT sealing it. Meaning air is still getting in, and if you're going to pay that much for a case to keep them in. You're going to want it airtight. I have 3 sealed odyssey 2 board game cartridges, that aren't sealed anymore per se due to the fact that the shrinkwrap kept shrinking. If you're going to spend that much to put sealed valuables in (especially cardboard) you're going to want it airtight, REALLY sealed.

No to mention that the plastic doesn't protect against UV rays which can cause fading.

Still i think the security case is kind of cool because it looks a real store case. I'd be tempted to get a store rack and a bunch of those cases and use that for my display. It'd certainly suprise anyone taking a look at it.

[njiska]

Btw reminds me of a friends story. He was playing Dracula X for PCE mint with a friend (dopehead). While playing he went to toilet. When he came back he saw the spine wa missing and the friend smoking a "wrap" LOL

Ok that's the kind of friend who's gonna get stabbed in a dark alley one night. Seriously, who the hell uses someone elses label or other paper product for that kind of things? If you wanna have a smoke you should bring your own wraps.

[Gemini-Phoenix]

The big problem here, is that you're NOT sealing it. Meaning air is still getting in, and if you're going to pay that much for a case to keep them in. You're going to want it airtight. I have 3 sealed odyssey 2 board game cartridges, that aren't sealed anymore per se due to the fact that the shrinkwrap kept shrinking. If you're going to spend that much to put sealed valuables in (especially cardboard) you're going to want it airtight, REALLY sealed.

No to mention that the plastic doesn't protect against UV rays which can cause fading.

Still i think the security case is kind of cool because it looks a real store case. I'd be tempted to get a store rack and a bunch of those cases and use that for my display. It'd certainly suprise anyone taking a look at it.

Now there's an idea. Although one drawback with this is that it would appear that you were a prolific kleptomaniac. Not good. :/



ust bought a factory sealed American copy of FFVII off eBay. You intend to keep it like that for a while as an "Investment" - What better way to protect that investment than one of these box's? At least then you will have peace of mind that the case will not get cracked during storage. Same goes for other collectables like this, IE, sealed NES games which some people pay a fortune for!


The big problem here, is that you're NOT sealing it. Meaning air is still getting in, and if you're going to pay that much for a case to keep them in. You're going to want it airtight. I have 3 sealed odyssey 2 board game cartridges, that aren't sealed anymore per se due to the fact that the shrinkwrap kept shrinking. If you're going to spend that much to put sealed valuables in (especially cardboard) you're going to want it airtight, REALLY sealed.

True. But that sort of technology I would imagine is expensive. I assume the box's the above mentioned Star wars carded figures go in are indeed airtight.

However, there is shrinkwrapped games and then there is factory sealed cellophaned games. The latter of which would not suffer from your mentioned problem, such as PSone or N64 games

[Cryomancer]

Everyone knows the best way to protect your collection is with an armed Sothy.

[njiska]

Now there's an idea. Although one drawback with this is that it would appear that you were a prolific kleptomaniac. Not good. :/

Who says i'm not? LOL.

I've seen many Klepto's in my day, but never one that actually stole the god damned rack so i don't think it'll be a problem.

[goatdan]

This reminds me of another topic I've wanted to discuss. Do you think at any time we will see a grading system for video games? It's been common practice for years with sports cards, and recently a company called Action Figure Authority has started grading action figures. For people who collect sealed games, particularly as an investment, I can see this as being a way to check to make sure the games are factory sealed.

I think this was previously discussed on this board, although I don't remember for sure. Otherwise, I discussed it somewhere...

The basic idea everyone came upon was that they probably wouldn't be graded, at least not for a long time. The thing is most video games are only worth a few bucks. The few that are worth a lot more could be graded, but what would the point be? A lot of the grading services cost a decent amount of money, so you probably won't send stuff in unless it is at least worth $100+. There aren't that many games that rank up there, and you can generally decide yourself how good they are.

[Griking]

Speaking of protecting your games. Does anyone know where I can pick up more of these plastic box covers? I picked up about a hundred or so about a year or so ago but lost the eBay seller's contact info and can't seem to find them anywhere now.


http://home.comcast.net/~griking/cover.jpg

[SegaAges]

The only problem with protecting your games that way is that in the case that somebody breaks into your house, they know exactly where to go when they see a bunch of games in store protective cases. I have never tried, but I bet if somebody wanted to, they could break one of those open with a hammer or something pretty easy. Me, personally, since I moved to my new place, the only games I keep out are games that not many people around me would want (everybody I know has consoles, and I keep my gba games out).

[njiska]

The only problem with protecting your games that way is that in the case that somebody breaks into your house, they know exactly where to go when they see a bunch of games in store protective cases. I have never tried, but I bet if somebody wanted to, they could break one of those open with a hammer or something pretty easy. Me, personally, since I moved to my new place, the only games I keep out are games that not many people around me would want (everybody I know has consoles, and I keep my gba games out).

That's why you should protect your collection. Get an alarm or better yet rig a shotgun to the door. That way if any breaks in the certainly won't make it out. Plus the plasic cases will keep the games safe from the chunky mess. :evil laugh:

[kiun]

Speaking of protecting your games. Does anyone know where I can pick up more of these plastic box covers? I picked up about a hundred or so about a year or so ago but lost the eBay seller's contact info and can't seem to find them anywhere now.


http://home.comcast.net/~griking/cover.jpg

I'm also looking for that too. Let me know if you are able to find more.

[Captain Wrong]

ust bought a factory sealed American copy of FFVII off eBay. You intend to keep it like that for a while as an "Investment" - What better way to protect that investment than one of these box's? At least then you will have peace of mind that the case will not get cracked during storage. Same goes for other collectables like this, IE, sealed NES games which some people pay a fortune for!


The big problem here, is that you're NOT sealing it. Meaning air is still getting in, and if you're going to pay that much for a case to keep them in. You're going to want it airtight. I have 3 sealed odyssey 2 board game cartridges, that aren't sealed anymore per se due to the fact that the shrinkwrap kept shrinking. If you're going to spend that much to put sealed valuables in (especially cardboard) you're going to want it airtight, REALLY sealed.

As a long time record collector who has seen the same thing on older albums still in their shrink, I was going to say the same thing. I've seen so many old albums with the corners damaged because the previous owner slit the shrinkwrap and it continues to shrink over time.

[Arcade Antics]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/de/thumb/0/00/280px-Rottweiler.jpg
Nuff said.

[Dr. Morbis]

Speaking of protecting your games. Does anyone know where I can pick up more of these plastic box covers? I picked up about a hundred or so about a year or so ago but lost the eBay seller's contact info and can't seem to find them anywhere now.


http://home.comcast.net/~griking/cover.jpg
Ya, I'm looking for about 800 of those (that fit NES boxes). www.nintendonerds.com was supposedly selling them when that site was still up, but my repeated emails never garnered a single response.

Whoever finds a supplier of these, post the link on DP for all of us.

[junglehunter]

Speaking of protecting your games. Does anyone know where I can pick up more of these plastic box covers? I picked up about a hundred or so about a year or so ago but lost the eBay seller's contact info and can't seem to find them anywhere now.
Best option I'd recommend, would be to check with Video/Game Rental stores. I know the idea of those protective cases has been discussed here many times (although even I probably couldn't find the threads, due to difficulty). But a few Rental places that I've frequented over the years had EVERYTHING in those cases. They were quite convenient for SNES boxes, that's for sure. You might want to try that if possible. If they don't have any, then they might have some info on where to buy them. :)

[Gemini-Phoenix]

Thing is, it's not really a case of security. Rather a case of protecting the game from accidental damage.

Ie, if you have games on shelves, they could fall off, resulting in them getting cracked. If they are sealed games (Something like Samba De Amigo or Suikoden) that would be pretty harsh. If they were in these box's however, they would stand a pretty good chance of surviving intact, should such a disaster ever happen.

As for N64 games. They are so easially crushed. If a shelf fails perchance, they'd be made mince-meat. How many of you have DS'ed your GBA games to provide a more "lasting" case? Quite a few as far as I have heard.

[Daria]

(Something like Samba De Amigo or Suikoden)

You keep mentioning Samba as an example, I was under the impression that only the maracas were rare and they certainly aren't fitting into that little box. I didn't think the game it's self was worth much of anything. Unless maybe you mean the import Samba 2000?

[Gemini-Phoenix]

Sorry. Was referring to a sealed PAL copy. Just used that as it was the first thing that came into my head. Could've been Valkyrie Profile or Suikoden or Batsugun or anything else really.

[Daria]

Sorry. Was referring to a sealed PAL copy. Just used that as it was the first thing that came into my head. Could've been Valkyrie Profile or Suikoden or Batsugun or anything else really.

Ahhh. Ok. Thanks for the clarification

[hex65000]

For us goofballs on the cheap, I have a bunch of loose carts and I like to use ESD bags to put the better ones in. Of course, with CDs, My biggest concern would be the media. Cases can be replaced cheaply. Discs and paperwork are not. Perhaps I'm just not as hardcore as you guys. I have boxes, but if you said cart and book I'd be all over it, Boxes take up valuable space. The one commodity I seriously lack. :D

My toughts as they are.

Hex.
[Light up the ground. Nobody's standing in the sky in the dark. ]

[evil_genius]

Also, if you are a "Mature" collector, and have children roaming around, it's a good way to A) Protect them from getting accidently damaged, and B) To protect them from being used by the children, which usually results in (A) anyway.

Or even that drunken roomates friend that says, "Whoa they made a Bubble Bobble part 2?! :: rips the top of the box right off :: Oops..."

[Dr. Morbis]

Or even that drunken roomates friend that says, "Whoa they made a Bubble Bobble part 2?! :: rips the top of the box right off :: Oops..."
Haha, man the exact same thing happened to me. When I showed one of my college roommates my collection for the first time the first thing he does is yell out “Whoa! They made a Bubble Bobble 2 ?!?!?!” while grabbing the box off the shelf. The whole time he was holding it I was worried that he was going to do something stupid. Luckily, he didn't. But if I had all my boxes in some nice plastic protectors, I wouldn't care who checked out my NES boxes, even if it was my 4 year old nephew (well that last one might be a stretch).

[Videogamerdaryll]

I was in my local Tesco lately, and got thinking about how great it would be if I could somehow obtain (Legitimately) some of those great clear plastic cases they use to prevent theft. Seeing as how many items in my collection are worth quite a substantial amount, I thought i'd do a little extra research...

Now I am sur everyone has at one time or another thought about protecting cartain games in their collection? Maybe a mint Radiant Silvergun, or maybe Panzer Dragoon Saga or Suikoden perhaps?

Well, these cases are ideal for that sort of thing, and ensures that no damage will ever come to your most valuable games. Especially useful for N64 / Snes / GameBoy games which come in cardboard cases!


I tracked down the company which makes these products via Google. This is what I found:

What I believe to be the official manufacturer's site:

http://www.mwsecurity.se


And a few other sites selling the products:

http://www.qdtrading.co.uk (http://www.qdtrading.co.uk/index.php?cPath=28&osCsid=355733277eb11584781e47c873d97aea)

http://www.medioeurope.com (http://www.medioeurope.com/index.php?page=CATPAGE&c=Safers&PHPSESSID=a934e8a1db7856b8bdf148ef6e2acffe)

:)


They do all sorts of products, and specifically for certain games as well, such as PlayStation and Dvd size box's for everything else...

http://www.qdtrading.co.uk/images/mwsaferfortknoxgame.jpg


Protection doesn't come cheap though. A set of 72 Dvd size box's (Shown above) will cost you approx. £165.00! That's roughly £2.30 each.

http://www.qdtrading.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=28&products_id=76



A small price to pay to protect your most valuables I suppose. ;)


I found something like this in my game Hunts...I figured I'd use it for something..

I used it to protect my (Starpath-SuperCharger)Stella gets a new brain game collection -CD-....)
Does a good job of it too....

[Gemini-Phoenix]

For us goofballs on the cheap, I have a bunch of loose carts and I like to use ESD bags to put the better ones in. Of course, with CDs, My biggest concern would be the media. Cases can be replaced cheaply. Discs and paperwork are not. Perhaps I'm just not as hardcore as you guys. I have boxes, but if you said cart and book I'd be all over it, Boxes take up valuable space. The one commodity I seriously lack. :D

My toughts as they are.

Hex.
[Light up the ground. Nobody's standing in the sky in the dark. ]

That gives me a thought. Many people buy their games from Car Boot sales, but often just as cart & manual, or just cart on it's own. If they wanted, they could use these as a make-shift box ~ At least, until they got around to replacing the cart & manual with a fully boxed version (As some people do)

Like you said, manuals and discs are what need protecting, and these would offer th protection.


Also, some game / Cd / Dvd cases are unique and can't be replaced so easially. Think about the games which come in cardboard sleeves (Ico; Silent Hill II et al) ~ Get one of those damaged and you can't really replace it too easially. Same goes for the long-box's from Mega Cd / early PlayStation games, as well as pretty much most PAL Saturn games which you really can't replace.

[NESaholic]

My boxed/complete rares i have put in bubble plastic covers and my proto's i keep in those hard plastic NES boxes.