This thread exists to share insights, stories, finds, etc. in regards to these consoles,

PS2
Gamecube
Xbox
GBA
PSP
DS
Xbox 360
Wii
PS3

No Dreamcast, 3DS, Vita, or Wii U. Basically, the criteria is that the console is a part of recent history, it's either finished within the past several years (Gamecube, Xbox, GBA) or is starting to conclude its lifespan (PS2, Wii, Xbox 360) (PS2 actually has an official upcoming release, Fifa 14).

Since I'm predominantly a PS2 & Gamecube collector, this was a topic whose absence I noticed.

So, who else collects for these consoles? Why do you like them? How do you think they will be viewed and how collectable will they be in the future?


Here are some general feelings/thoughts on the first 4 consoles in question,

PS2: Ridiculous scope in library and diversity in genres. Games are generally in the $10-15 range, but due to the libraries' size many quality games are $10-, and there are a smattering of $25+ games. Collecting for this console is a herculean feat and is a long term proposition. The realization of the PS2's greatness has not yet truly seeped into the general conciousness, like appreciation for SNES took time PS2 will take time as well. Has numerous outstanding import only games.

Gamecube: Quickly went from a lambasted inferior to PS2 to a collecting powerhouse. Its library is a fraction of the PS2's in terms of simple numbers, but it makes up for quantity with quality. General prices are $25-40 for many of its popular/unusual games.

Xbox: Currently flying under the radar. Games are with rare exception extremely cheap, though Xbox is lacking in exclusives compared to its competitors. It received the definite versions of numerous multiplats in its time. People's estimation of the console may increase with time, especially if Microsoft bows out of the console race after Xbox One.

GBA: A future collector's system, and already problematic to collect for. Its library boasts many RPGs and quality exclusives. GBA marked the last system dedicated to sprites, DS was erratic. CIB games are expensive, and piracy is a huge collecting roadblock. The GBA's singleminded focus on sprites and its impressive RPG+general quality game selection will grow its fanbase with time.