Buying games with messed up labels?...

[InsaneDavid]

The only re-labeling I do is on end labels that have completely been demolished or are missing. For instance you'll come across a lot of Atari 2600 games that are missing their end labels. I just use a P-touch labeler and make a new one. I'm not trying to replace the original, I just want to know what the game is. Same goes for a couple NES games I have where the end label area has been worn away completely. Torn, damaged, faded, etc. no big deal. Can always be replaced with a better condition cartridge and then the older copy can be sold off.

[MachineGex]

I would buy it if it was at least 50% less than normal price. As far as removing it, unless it is totally trashed, I would just leave it. If it is really messed up(like half of it missing), then I would re-label it. Well, "I" wouldn't.....because I am too lazy. But if someone would do it for me, that would be nice! I would love to have some nice N64 end labels. Is there someone who sells them individually?? I need about 20 or so...

[SparTonberry]

I would love to have some nice N64 end labels. Is there someone who sells them individually?? I need about 20 or so...

If I was to label them, I'd probably just clear-tape a paper label on.

[Emperor Megas]

If you're mainly a player: Replace the labels if you'd like them to look nicer. If you're not one to really resale games, and only purchase games you're interested in playing, there's little reason to care about the integrity of them media.

If you're mainly a collector: Just clean them; otherwise leave the original labels alone. Collectibles should be maintained, but not necessarily restored. Especially when we're talking about things like packaging, and label graphics. Think of it as 'electronics patina'. Preservation is the name of the game if the focus is mainly collecting/archiving. Besides, it's not uncommon to resale and trade valued acquisitions with fellow collectors, and most would prefer the original damaged labels rather than reproductions, I'd imagine.

If you're planning on reselling: Determine if the quality of the replacement labels and damage to the original labels would warrant replacing them in the first place, and if you do decide to replace them, ABSOLUTELY disclose that the labels are reproductions, and take several pictures of the carts...possibly next to ones with their original label for comparison reasons, if you can.

If you go this route, I'd decide what to replace on a game-by-game basis. The rarer, more sought after stuff is the stuff I'd just leave original. I'd imagine a casual collector would be quicker to purchase a $30 game like Gun*Nac with a really nice replacement label than a hardcore collector would a $200+ game like Flintstones: Surprise at Dino Peak with a repro label.

[MyTurnToPlay]

So the consensus seems to be to leave the original messed up labels intact. And like I said, I'm more a gamer than I am a collector. However, even I have to admit that the games look absolutely trashy the way they are now. Being able to purchase such rare games for so cheap a price is definitely a great deal. And honestly, I will NEVER come across these games at a cheaper price, unless I somehow get SUPER lucky at a flea market, but I can't be f*cked to dick around such places. So it's a trade off. Do I buy the games and put them on my shelf knowing fully well that their labels look like absolute trash? Or do I pass, and thus say goodbye to the only chance I'll ever have of owning these rare carts?

Seems like I'm in a catch 22. I honestly don't think I'll be satisfied either way.
thanks

[bunnybum]

Think about the worn and torn labels as a testament on how much the games have been played. Games that are played to the brink of falling apart damn well better be nothing short of phenomenal.

If, as you say, you are mostly a gamer, a funky looking cart almost falling apart pretty much equals that old TMNT VHS tape you used to watch over and over again as a child until it started skipping and flickering. It's barely watchable but you know it's quality entertainment.

Yes, I'm a nostalgic old fart.

Out of curiousity, what are the games in question, since you see no way of ever getting them in better shape?

[Rickstilwell1]

Think about the worn and torn labels as a testament on how much the games have been played. Games that are played to the brink of falling apart damn well better be nothing short of phenomenal.

If, as you say, you are mostly a gamer, a funky looking cart almost falling apart pretty much equals that old TMNT VHS tape you used to watch over and over again as a child until it started skipping and flickering. It's barely watchable but you know it's quality entertainment.

Yes, I'm a nostalgic old fart.

Out of curiousity, what are the games in question, since you see no way of ever getting them in better shape?

Get the games, sell them as they are for more, buy a powerpak, play the games from the powerpak and tons of other games. It's not emulation, it's native hardware rom code.