Spine card? Cure me of this ignorance!

[Xexyz]

Okay, this is really just a curiosity question. I notice when it comes to Saturn games, there seems to be alot of questions about the spine card being there or not? What is it? Is it the strip on the edge of the case where you read the name of the game when it's on a shelf? I noticed with U.S. games, most consoles come with clear spines and the back art is in one, creased piece with the spine. Is it a seperate piece on the Saturn?

[Aussie2B]

The spine card, or obi, is a piece of paper that goes over the end of that part of the case you're speaking of. It's not limited to just Saturn games, almost EVERYTHING from Japan that comes in a jewel case has a spine card. Books often have them as well. It's an easier way to get information about the product that exists for the same reason why Sony would use those white stickers.

A lot of collectors think a game MUST have the spine card for it to be considered "complete", but I think they're pretty looney. They're nice to have and I always save them (and I will slightly factor them into what a reasonable price for an item is since they WILL affect resale value), but I wouldn't cry a river if something I bought didn't have it.

[Xexyz]

I figured that was it. Thanks for clarifying this.

Is there any reason as to why Japanese Saturn games had a seperate spine card instead of having it be part of the back insert?

[Aussie2B]

Spine cards are always separate. You can usually find the same information, or most of it, on the back of a case, but the spine card makes it easier to find.

[MrSmiley381]

Yeah, in my case, my Devil Summoner 1 and 2 didn't have their spine cards when I bought them. Deal was too good though, so I figured "Why the hell not?"

[Tron 2.0]

I still see a spine card as a.. peace of paper i'm telling ya crazy collectors :P

[Lord Contaminous]

The spine card is also where the UPC code is.

[Smithy]

Since the topic is brought back from the dead, I might as well add my two cents that I don't buy an import game unless it has a spine card. Am I a "collector"? No, but the game seems "incomplete" without it, and I hate incomplete stuff =)

[Tron 2.0]

Since the topic is brought back from the dead, I might as well add my two cents that I don't buy an import game unless it has a spine card. Am I a "collector"? No, but the game seems "incomplete" without it, and I hate incomplete stuff =)
:roll: :roll: :roll:

[TurboGenesis]

Since the topic is brought back from the dead, I might as well add my two cents that I don't buy an import game unless it has a spine card. Am I a "collector"? No, but the game seems "incomplete" without it, and I hate incomplete stuff =)
:roll: :roll: :roll:

:roll: yeah me too.

I don't require a spine card when purchasing my import game (unless brand new :D ). It can be the difference on paying $70 for Hyper Duel and $170 for the same game with spine card.

[Whiskers the Wonder Cat]

Double post

[Whiskers the Wonder Cat]

Spine cards matter to me.

Because when I sell some import games, one that does not have a spine card, gets sold for about $50. The one that has a spine card sells for $70. Big difference.

[All Things Sega]

Spine cards only matter if you are a collector who only sells the games. If you only play the games, then it won't matter to you. Its a matter of preference for many. I guess the spine card gives it the illusion of being "totally" complete. Its nice to have but no biggie if you don't get it.

[All Things Sega]

Spine cards only matter if you are a collector who only sells the games. If you only play the games, then it won't matter to you. Its a matter of preference for many. I guess the spine card gives it the illusion of being "totally" complete. Its nice to have but no biggie if you don't get it.

[Xantan the Foul]

I don't really care if I get one with the game, but if it does have one, I save it :)

[layzee]

As a buyer, I usually don't care about spine cards but I can't help but think in the back of my mind, that my obi-less game are "incomplete". :(

That's why I like PS2 games, I don't have to factor in obis. LOL

But of course, like someone else said, I certainly won't cry a river if I can get a good obi-less game at a good price. I'll just cry myself a puddle instead. :sob:

[smork]

Mopping up the games w/o obis is a sure way to save big $$$. I keep an eye open for no obi and a slightly cracked case -- will knock a 4000 yen game down to 1-2K. Since I am never going to have a "complete" collection I don't need obis with everything.

If I got 'em I keep 'em -- silly not to, and they fit right inside the case :)

[Julio III]

Some spine cards are not as dull as them all though - like the shiny Space Channel 5 one.

Anyway, i don't really care if a game has one or not, although, yes, sometimes they do add something to the packaging.

They are basically the same as those crazy stickers American's have over the top of jewel cases for audio CDs, I never understood those, plus sometimes the glue is crap and leaves marks on the CD case itself, urgh. Basically there to give shops the barcode, although I don't see why that can't simply be printed on the back insert of the jewel case itself, thats the way its done over here and the way barcode are put on every other product

[smork]

Oh, and just for reference sake -- I just bought Mars Matrix for 2100 yen w/o spine card -- same store had it with spine in the same condition for 4700 yen. Can save a LOT by foregoing them.