Let's do some classic gaming collection!

1ddqd

So I have had this - fantasy - for lack of a better word. I've wanted to build a room where I can both display and play all the systems I've ever played on and owned. However, I don't have all the systems I used to and I need help filtering out what I should include in my collection.

What I've got so far:

Sega Genesis "V1" (power switch, larger) - $100 with original packaging + assortment of games
Sega Genesis "V2" (power button, smaller) - $99 with original packaging
Super Nintendo
TurboGrafx-16
Dreamcast
Gamecube
Nintendo 64 with (Expansion Pak)

What I would like are thoughts on the consoles to include in this collection. I'm a fan of the 16-bit era, but I do love some more "classic" systems like the NES and Sega Master System. I'm positive I'll be able to procure all of these, but I don't wish to amass an "end-all-be-all" sort of collection. Also, I don't want to buy into Atari's unless it's worth it - for instance, should I get the 2600, the 7800, the Lynx, etc? Should I get into any of the peripherals, like the PowerPad or the PowerGlove?

What I need to get:
Systems:
Atari 2600 - $91 with TONS of games
Atari 5200 - $75 + assortment of games
Atari 7800 - $150 with original packaging and games
Atari Jaguar - $125 + assortment of games
Sega Saturn - $140 + games
Neo Geo - AES - $500
Neo Geo CD and/or CDZ
Genesis (HK)
N64 (HK)
NES
Sega Master System
Turbo Duo
Panasonic 3DO - $200 + a few games

Hand Helds:
Neo Geo Pocket Color
GameBoy
GameBoy Color
GameBoy Advance
Turbo Express
Sega Nomad - $250 w/original materials + assortment of games
Atari Lynx - $120 + assortment of games

Peripherals/Accessories:
Super GameBoy
Super GameBoy 2

Possible Buys:
Nintendo Power Glove
Nintendo Virtual Boy
Sega NetLink
Sega CD and/or Sega CD II
Sega 32X - $60 + assortment of games
Sega Power Base - $50 + original packaging

Waka Laka

Picked up Shenmue on the Dreamcast in mint condition and Radiant Silvergun on Ebay the other day. For a price

PikaPuff

Meh. Better than asking us how you should amass your collection, I think it would help if you decide for yourself a theme to your collection.

Chronological straight line through generations? then you would want every type of atari

Stuff my dreams were made of? Then just the atari you liked, and other consoles you loved or desired.

It'd really help you if you thought up a clear theme for your collection.

cj iwakura

You need a Sega CD to compliment the Genesis, and a Saturn to bridge the gap between that and the Dreamcast.

Thetheroo

I've got a bunch of old consoles, but they are a bitch to set up to my TV.

Ziggymon

sorry about the crappy phone pic.

shyguy

You might consider a Neo Geo CD. Its games were, of course, contemporary with a lot of the NES/Genesis stuff you'll be buying, and you'll pay a lot less for the CD console and its games than you would for their cartridge equivalents. Fantastic controllers and joysticks as well.

Also, get a Super GameBoy if you don't already have one.

Ziggymon

shyguy wrote: »

You might consider a Neo Geo CD. Its games were, of course, contemporary with a lot of the NES/Genesis stuff you'll be buying, and you'll pay a lot less for the CD console and its games than you would for their cartridge equivalents. Fantastic controllers and joysticks as well.

Also, get a Super GameBoy if you don't already have one.

Look out for the CDZ version of the Neo Geo CD. Faster loading times make a big improvement. They are more expensive though. Also highly advise a Neo Geo Pocket Color. You can buy them fairly cheap and have a fantastic array of games.

Also well worth looking out for limited edition/ variation of any older console.

With the Genesis stuff you might want to look out for a Hong Kong version of the console, as they were completely region free, might help if you plan to look for some Jap or PAL exclusives. Same with the N64 HK.

Be careful with Mega/sega CD consoles, the first version is much more desired because of its layout and display on the system but does have a greater number of head units failing.

troublebrewing

Just saw this on ebay

DeathPrawn

I'd say it's worth getting some sort of Atari. More or less every game can be found for $1-2, and there are a lot of gems. Either get an Atari 2600 or 7800. The 2600 has awesome faux-wood panelling, but the 7800 is fully backwards compatible with the 2600 - it's essentially the DSi to the 2600's DS or DS Lite.

I found a 7800 with about 40 games, 2 joystick controllers, and 2 pairs of paddle controllers for $40 in a thrift store a few years ago. It's not hard to get a good deal since it's so old.

RainbowDespair

Man, you guys are making me want to start an Atari 5200 collection and rebuild my childhood. Stop it! I don't have enough money for all the new games I want as it is.

shyguy

Ziggymon wrote: »

Also highly advise a Neo Geo Pocket Color. You can buy them fairly cheap and have a fantastic array of games.

Seconded. I just got my NGPC last year and in that time it has become one of my favorite little systems ever. I've put countless hours into SNK vs Capcom: Match of the Millenium alone. It's also the most solid, well-designed portable I've ever held. The joystick is to die for.

As far as portable systems are concerned, you might also consider a Turbo Express to compliment your TG-16. Gloriously awesome and impractical.

simside

If you've got the Genesis 1, try getting ahold of the first generation Power Base Converter, which makes the Genesis backwards compatible for all Master System games, including the card games and 3D Glasses. I'm not sure how common they are, but we found one in a used game store around here for 30 dollars. That's probably about as much as an actual Master System, but it is a pretty swift accessory.

Gahmrious

shyguy wrote: »

Ziggymon wrote: »

Also highly advise a Neo Geo Pocket Color. You can buy them fairly cheap and have a fantastic array of games.

Seconded. I just got my NGPC last year and in that time it has become one of my favorite little systems ever. I've put countless hours into SNK vs Capcom: Match of the Millenium alone. It's also the most solid, well-designed portable I've ever held. The joystick is to die for.

As far as portable systems are concerned, you might also consider a Turbo Express to compliment your TG-16. Gloriously awesome and impractical.

Fuck yes. NGPC > all.

Thankyou.

Rigor Mortis

WTF? More NGPC fans... as in... plural?



Regarding OP, I probably wouldn't have a gamecube out and usable if I had a wii. I don't know if you do, just sayin' - something else you might consider is buying a famiclone to save space & tv inputs. A Retro Duo, or a FC Twin (for example) would cover both NES and SNES. There's aso combo NES/Genesis system too, although god only knows why they didn't make it a Master System/Genesis combo

h8b1llg8ts

Kind of a classic collector myself.

I started off with 2600 from my dad and then at 7 years old got a NES. For the past 7 years I have collected pretty much everything from Atari 1070, 32x, and Jaguar. I really have almost every system except the Jaguar CD and Turbo Grafx 16 CD. All my system hunts must be found in store. I don't know why it's just that feeling of finding them.

When it comes to game collection I've got a couple of suggestions.

1) Research - start of with Wiki and go through each system game list and see what you may like. Collect games that you know you will play not to collect to have every game unless it's the Virtual Boy where only less then 20 games we're ever released.

2) Experiment - also don't be afraid to experiment. There we're many times I saw a game that sounded pretty intresting or a group of PA'ers who said you must have. And for a couple of bucks, on Egay, why not. Which leads me to my last and most important suggestion ...

3) Be Patient - Once you have that list, do some research on the game prices. See what half, egay, amazon, and even your local stores are selling that game for. Also, when it comes to egay don't jump all in at once and be general when it comes to searches. When it comes to games like Shenmue do a general search for that game. I found mine listed under the Sega Saturn instead of the Dreamcast and got the complete version for $9 + shipping. In fact, most of my games I buy are under $6 including shipping because of my patience.

So for the price of a cup of coffee each day I get another game to my collection in the mail each day.

1ddqd

Edited the OP to include new systems. I really like the idea of having a comprehensive, chronological collection. I've already started designing the input system (which will work more like a video/audio switch than a receiver) and the cabinet that they would occupy.

I'll post a sketchup of my ideas later, maybe next week. Lots of work to do this weekend. I'm going to allocate 1 system a month for budgeting purposes

h8b1llg8ts

1ddqd wrote: »

Edited the OP to include new systems. I really like the idea of having a comprehensive, chronological collection. I've already started designing the input system (which will work more like a video/audio switch than a receiver) and the cabinet that they would occupy.

I'll post a sketchup of my ideas later, maybe next week. Lots of work to do this weekend. I'm going to allocate 1 system a month for budgeting purposes

Are you trying to get all systems set up in a cabinet on one TV?

Rigor Mortis

One of the best things a collector can do is visit thrift shops on a schedule. Find every goodwill/value village/salvation army you can get to easily and visit them regularly. Like, hit every shop on the list once a week at least.

With this habit, I found Golden Axe & Wonder boy III with cases and manuals for $2 each the other day. A&C Games (toronto rare game shop) sells them for $30 each. A week before at a different shop I got Ys III for SNES and Mario Tennis for N64 for $4 each. And a month or two ago I found imported copies of Gunbird and Princess Crown for the Saturn for $2.99

Genesis games especially seem to be popular thrift store fodder these days. A couple years ago NES carts were everywhere, now they're harder to find but Genesis carts are everywhere.

Ziggymon

Gahmrious wrote: »

shyguy wrote: »

Ziggymon wrote: »

Also highly advise a Neo Geo Pocket Color. You can buy them fairly cheap and have a fantastic array of games.

Seconded. I just got my NGPC last year and in that time it has become one of my favorite little systems ever. I've put countless hours into SNK vs Capcom: Match of the Millenium alone. It's also the most solid, well-designed portable I've ever held. The joystick is to die for.

As far as portable systems are concerned, you might also consider a Turbo Express to compliment your TG-16. Gloriously awesome and impractical.

Fuck yes. NGPC > all.

Thankyou.

I own every PAL NGPC and NGP game released and its the greatest gaming collection to own. Even has the best portable sonic game.

1ddqd

h8b1llg8ts wrote: »

1ddqd wrote: »

Edited the OP to include new systems. I really like the idea of having a comprehensive, chronological collection. I've already started designing the input system (which will work more like a video/audio switch than a receiver) and the cabinet that they would occupy.

I'll post a sketchup of my ideas later, maybe next week. Lots of work to do this weekend. I'm going to allocate 1 system a month for budgeting purposes

Are you trying to get all systems set up in a cabinet on one TV?

Correct: the consoles will span either side of the TV, basically in bookshelf form, but with it's own fuse setup and surge handling capabilities. Brother is an electrical engineer, this sort of thing is child's play to him

Mr. Smashy

1ddqd wrote: »

So I have had this - fantasy - for lack of a better word. I've wanted to build a room where I can both display and play all the systems I've ever played on and owned. However, I don't have all the systems I used to and I need help filtering out what I should include in my collection.

What I've got so far:

Sega Genesis "V1" (power switch, larger)
Sega Genesis "V2" (power button, smaller)
Super Nintendo
TurboGrafx-16
Dreamcast
Gamecube
Nintendo 64 (with Expansion Memory thing)

As a collector, I'd recommend that you start by accessorising a few of these systems. For your model 1 Genesis, the model 1 Sega CD is a nice addition. The model 2 Genesis looks good with a model 2 Sega CD (and is the better, more reliable combination of the two). I could take or leave the 32X, personally. It has a few great titles but money could certainly be better spent elsewhere. For the TurboGrafx-16, I'd recommend getting a Turbo Booster Plus. Adding composite video, stereo sound, and backup memory vastly improves the system.

1ddqd wrote: »

What I would like are thoughts on the consoles to include in this collection. I'm a fan of the 16-bit era, but I do love some more "classic" systems like the NES and Sega Master System. I'm positive I'll be able to procure all of these, but I don't wish to amass an "end-all-be-all" sort of collection. Also, I don't want to buy into Atari's unless it's worth it - for instance, should I get the 2600, the 7800, the Lynx, etc? Should I get into any of the peripherals, like the PowerPad or the PowerGlove?

If you have an Atari 7800, there isn't much need to get a 2600 since the system is mostly backwards-compatible. Besides, any collection with Ninja Golf is probably a pretty good collection. The 2600, however, is much more iconic. If you really want a 2600, my personal favourite is the Sunnyvale heavy sixer. The Power Pad isn't worth hunting down. The Power Glove is pretty worthless as a game controller but it's a nice collector's item. One NES accessory that I'd like to recommend, if only for decoration, is the R.O.B..

1ddqd wrote: »

What I need to get:
Systems
Atari 5200 - YES!
Atari 1070 - never heard of it
Atari 32X - never heard of it
Atari Jaguar CD - awful, awful system
Sega Saturn - YES!
Neo Geo CD and/or CDZ - it'll just make you want to get an AES or an MVS
Neo Geo Pocket Color YES!
Super GameBoy Yes, but if you can get a Super Game Boy 2 imported, that's even better.
GameBoy - If only for iconic purposes, sure. For collectibility, go for a Game Boy Light. The standard Game Boy Pocket is a nice system, too.
GameBoy Color - eh
Genesis (HK) - Why? PAL systems aren't much fun to use in NTSC regions
N64 (HK) - Again, why?
Turbo Express – If you're getting one of these, you may want to pick up a Sega Nomad, too.
NES - If reliability is important and you're fine with RF, go for a top loader.
Sega Master System - Sure, if you're a fan of the hardware, but a Power Base Converter for your model 1 Genesis is as good if you're looking to play games.

For your list, I'd recommend a Panasonic 3DO model FZ-10, a ColecoVision, and maybe even a PC Engine Duo with the Arcade Card Duo.

h8b1llg8ts

1ddqd wrote: »

h8b1llg8ts wrote: »

1ddqd wrote: »

Edited the OP to include new systems. I really like the idea of having a comprehensive, chronological collection. I've already started designing the input system (which will work more like a video/audio switch than a receiver) and the cabinet that they would occupy.

I'll post a sketchup of my ideas later, maybe next week. Lots of work to do this weekend. I'm going to allocate 1 system a month for budgeting purposes

Are you trying to get all systems set up in a cabinet on one TV?

Correct: the consoles will span either side of the TV, basically in bookshelf form, but with it's own fuse setup and surge handling capabilities. Brother is an electrical engineer, this sort of thing is child's play to him

Are you going to have your game library showing also. That's my situation, I want my games to show more then my systems. I've got my Sega CD, Genesis, 32X all in one, Saturn, Dreamcast, PS2, oXbox, 360, and Wii hooked up with no more room.

SageinaRage

I have a 7800, and yeah, all my 2600 games work fine on it. I also have a lynx, which I personally love, but you may or may not want to pick up. There's only a few games on it which are really unique to the system.

DeathPrawn

Mr. Smashy wrote: »

1ddqd wrote: »

So I have had this - fantasy - for lack of a better word. I've wanted to build a room where I can both display and play all the systems I've ever played on and owned. However, I don't have all the systems I used to and I need help filtering out what I should include in my collection.

What I've got so far:

Sega Genesis "V1" (power switch, larger)
Sega Genesis "V2" (power button, smaller)
Super Nintendo
TurboGrafx-16
Dreamcast
Gamecube
Nintendo 64 (with Expansion Memory thing)

As a collector, I'd recommend that you start by accessorising a few of these systems. For your model 1 Genesis, the model 1 Sega CD is a nice addition. The model 2 Genesis looks good with a model 2 Sega CD (and is the better, more reliable combination of the two). I could take or leave the 32X, personally. It has a few great titles but money could certainly be better spent elsewhere. For the TurboGrafx-16, I'd recommend getting a Turbo Booster Plus. Adding composite video, stereo sound, and backup memory vastly improves the system.

1ddqd wrote: »

What I would like are thoughts on the consoles to include in this collection. I'm a fan of the 16-bit era, but I do love some more "classic" systems like the NES and Sega Master System. I'm positive I'll be able to procure all of these, but I don't wish to amass an "end-all-be-all" sort of collection. Also, I don't want to buy into Atari's unless it's worth it - for instance, should I get the 2600, the 7800, the Lynx, etc? Should I get into any of the peripherals, like the PowerPad or the PowerGlove?

If you have an Atari 7800, there isn't much need to get a 2600 since the system is mostly backwards-compatible. Besides, any collection with Ninja Golf is probably a pretty good collection. The 2600, however, is much more iconic. If you really want a 2600, my personal favourite is the Sunnyvale heavy sixer. The Power Pad isn't worth hunting down. The Power Glove is pretty worthless as a game controller but it's a nice collector's item. One NES accessory that I'd like to recommend, if only for decoration, is the R.O.B..

1ddqd wrote: »

What I need to get:
Systems
Atari 5200 - YES!
Atari 1070 - never heard of it
Atari 32X - never heard of it
Atari Jaguar CD - awful, awful system
Sega Saturn - YES!
Neo Geo CD and/or CDZ - it'll just make you want to get an AES or an MVS
Neo Geo Pocket Color YES!
Super GameBoy Yes, but if you can get a Super Game Boy 2 imported, that's even better.
GameBoy - If only for iconic purposes, sure. For collectibility, go for a Game Boy Light. The standard Game Boy Pocket is a nice system, too.
GameBoy Color - eh
Genesis (HK) - Why? PAL systems aren't much fun to use in NTSC regions
N64 (HK) - Again, why?
Turbo Express – If you're getting one of these, you may want to pick up a Sega Nomad, too.
NES - If reliability is important and you're fine with RF, go for a top loader.
Sega Master System - Sure, if you're a fan of the hardware, but a Power Base Converter for your model 1 Genesis is as good if you're looking to play games.

For your list, I'd recommend a Panasonic 3DO model FZ-10, a ColecoVision, and maybe even a PC Engine Duo with the Arcade Card Duo.

Were there really any exclusive 3DO games worth buying? It's nice as a collector's item, sure, but the only noteworthy game that comes to mind is the enhanced port of Star Control 2.

With regards to the NES, I'd buy a front-loader and manually replace the 72-pin connector. Then you have the iconic design and composite output along with reliability.

h8b1llg8ts

DeathPrawn wrote: »

Mr. Smashy wrote: »

1ddqd wrote: »

So I have had this - fantasy - for lack of a better word. I've wanted to build a room where I can both display and play all the systems I've ever played on and owned. However, I don't have all the systems I used to and I need help filtering out what I should include in my collection.

What I've got so far:

Sega Genesis "V1" (power switch, larger)
Sega Genesis "V2" (power button, smaller)
Super Nintendo
TurboGrafx-16
Dreamcast
Gamecube
Nintendo 64 (with Expansion Memory thing)

As a collector, I'd recommend that you start by accessorising a few of these systems. For your model 1 Genesis, the model 1 Sega CD is a nice addition. The model 2 Genesis looks good with a model 2 Sega CD (and is the better, more reliable combination of the two). I could take or leave the 32X, personally. It has a few great titles but money could certainly be better spent elsewhere. For the TurboGrafx-16, I'd recommend getting a Turbo Booster Plus. Adding composite video, stereo sound, and backup memory vastly improves the system.

1ddqd wrote: »

What I would like are thoughts on the consoles to include in this collection. I'm a fan of the 16-bit era, but I do love some more "classic" systems like the NES and Sega Master System. I'm positive I'll be able to procure all of these, but I don't wish to amass an "end-all-be-all" sort of collection. Also, I don't want to buy into Atari's unless it's worth it - for instance, should I get the 2600, the 7800, the Lynx, etc? Should I get into any of the peripherals, like the PowerPad or the PowerGlove?

If you have an Atari 7800, there isn't much need to get a 2600 since the system is mostly backwards-compatible. Besides, any collection with Ninja Golf is probably a pretty good collection. The 2600, however, is much more iconic. If you really want a 2600, my personal favourite is the Sunnyvale heavy sixer. The Power Pad isn't worth hunting down. The Power Glove is pretty worthless as a game controller but it's a nice collector's item. One NES accessory that I'd like to recommend, if only for decoration, is the R.O.B..

1ddqd wrote: »

What I need to get:
Systems
Atari 5200 - YES!
Atari 1070 - never heard of it
Atari 32X - never heard of it
Atari Jaguar CD - awful, awful system
Sega Saturn - YES!
Neo Geo CD and/or CDZ - it'll just make you want to get an AES or an MVS
Neo Geo Pocket Color YES!
Super GameBoy Yes, but if you can get a Super Game Boy 2 imported, that's even better.
GameBoy - If only for iconic purposes, sure. For collectibility, go for a Game Boy Light. The standard Game Boy Pocket is a nice system, too.
GameBoy Color - eh
Genesis (HK) - Why? PAL systems aren't much fun to use in NTSC regions
N64 (HK) - Again, why?
Turbo Express – If you're getting one of these, you may want to pick up a Sega Nomad, too.
NES - If reliability is important and you're fine with RF, go for a top loader.
Sega Master System - Sure, if you're a fan of the hardware, but a Power Base Converter for your model 1 Genesis is as good if you're looking to play games.

For your list, I'd recommend a Panasonic 3DO model FZ-10, a ColecoVision, and maybe even a PC Engine Duo with the Arcade Card Duo.

Were there really any exclusive 3DO games worth buying? It's nice as a collector's item, sure, but the only noteworthy game that comes to mind is the enhanced port of Star Control 2.

With regards to the NES, I'd buy a front-loader and manually replace the 72-pin connector. Then you have the iconic design and composite output along with reliability.

Top Loader is the way to go. Slim and comes with the great Bone Controller and RCA ... came across two of them at a swap meet for $25 for both.

shyguy

Also, do you have a Jaguar? I notice the CD system in the list of consoles you need to get, but not the Jag itself. If not, that's actually a pretty fun system to own for Tempest 2000, Alien vs. Predator, Rayman, Primal Rage, and its ports of Wolfenstein 3D and Doom.

1ddqd

shyguy wrote: »

Also, do you have a Jaguar? I notice the CD system in the list of consoles you need to get, but not the Jag itself. If not, that's actually a pretty fun system to own for Tempest 2000, Alien vs. Predator, Rayman, Primal Rage, and its ports of Wolfenstein 3D and Doom.

I don't have the Jaguar, I can't find it, only the CD system. It's a shame, it was mint, still in the box, too!

Additional thanks to Mr Smashy, will be updating the OP with his recommendations shortly.

As for the NES, I think I'll have the original version, then one that is modded for more reliable playability with the connector replaced. I want to leave the systems as stock as possible, so I'd only really replace parts with parts that were from other units.

DeathPrawn

1ddqd wrote: »

shyguy wrote: »

Also, do you have a Jaguar? I notice the CD system in the list of consoles you need to get, but not the Jag itself. If not, that's actually a pretty fun system to own for Tempest 2000, Alien vs. Predator, Rayman, Primal Rage, and its ports of Wolfenstein 3D and Doom.

I don't have the Jaguar, I can't find it, only the CD system. It's a shame, it was mint, still in the box, too!

Additional thanks to Mr Smashy, will be updating the OP with his recommendations shortly.

As for the NES, I think I'll have the original version, then one that is modded for more reliable playability with the connector replaced. I want to leave the systems as stock as possible, so I'd only really replace parts with parts that were from other units.

No offense, but this seems kinda silly to me. The reason front-loading NES systems have trouble reading games is that the pins get bent out of shape over time, resulting in loose contacts between the cartridge and the 72-pin connector. When you replace the connector, you're simply swapping it out for one that hasn't been used and thus hasn't been bent. It's not like you're adding radical new modern-day technology, you're just replacing a part that has worn out due to age. Honestly, you can achieve a similar effect by just opening up your NES and manually pushing the pins back into place with a jeweler's screwdriver or a pair of tweezers.

Elementalor

Pimp console collection not mentioning the Sega CDX? Blasphemy!

Also a Super-Grafx. Nothing says awesome like having a system with only like 7 games ever made for it. (good shooters).

There was also that Bandai Playdia, but i don't remember ever seeing any decent games for it.(unless you love anime games.)

h8b1llg8ts

Elementalor wrote: »

Pimp console collection not mentioning the Sega CDX? Blasphemy!

Your better getting the Sega CD, Genesis, and 32x stackable collection. The CDx had compatability issues with the 32x.

Elementalor

Yeah, the 32x wouldn't work with it, but the CDX is just really cool to have.

Mr. Smashy

DeathPrawn wrote: »

Were there really any exclusive 3DO games worth buying? It's nice as a collector's item, sure, but the only noteworthy game that comes to mind is the enhanced port of Star Control 2.

With regards to the NES, I'd buy a front-loader and manually replace the 72-pin connector. Then you have the iconic design and composite output along with reliability.

I don't count the 3DO much for exclusivity. As far as notable exclusive titles that are still worth playing, there's Star Control II, sure, but there's also Lucienne's Quest and Guardian War. Lots of games just feel more "at home" to me to on the 3DO like Road Rash, Return Fire, Psychic Detective, D, Gex, and The Horde. Super Street Fighter II Turbo is also worth checking out just to show off the system's power. It's a shame that the 3D0 controller isn't great for fighting games.

I, too, prefer front-loader NES systems if only for the superior picture and sound quality. I've used a few NES systems with a few different types of replacement pin connectors but none of them have provided better (or equal) reliability compared to an original NES with a professionally cleaned and restored original pin connector. Still, even that's not as reliable as a top loader NES. When you're collecting a bunch of old game systems, the smaller footprint of the top loader can count for quite a bit, too.

h8b1llg8ts

Mr. Smashy wrote: »

DeathPrawn wrote: »

Were there really any exclusive 3DO games worth buying? It's nice as a collector's item, sure, but the only noteworthy game that comes to mind is the enhanced port of Star Control 2.

With regards to the NES, I'd buy a front-loader and manually replace the 72-pin connector. Then you have the iconic design and composite output along with reliability.

I don't count the 3DO much for exclusivity. As far as notable exclusive titles that are still worth playing, there's Star Control II, sure, but there's also Lucienne's Quest and Guardian War. Lots of games just feel more "at home" to me to on the 3DO like Road Rash, Return Fire, Psychic Detective, D, Gex, and The Horde. Super Street Fighter II Turbo is also worth checking out just to show off the system's power. It's a shame that the 3D0 controller isn't great for fighting games.

I, too, prefer front-loader NES systems if only for the superior picture and sound quality. I've used a few NES systems with a few different types of replacement pin connectors but none of them have provided better (or equal) reliability compared to an original NES with a professionally cleaned and restored original pin connector. Still, even that's not as reliable as a top loader NES. When you're collecting a bunch of old game systems, the smaller footprint of the top loader can count for quite a bit, too.

I agree on the 3DO just to have but how can you say the front loader with it's AUX connector is superior to the top loader with RCA's?

Mr. Smashy

Elementalor wrote: »

Also a Super-Grafx. Nothing says awesome like having a system with only like 7 games ever made for it. (good shooters).

Here's one that I got for my friend's collection a few years back. It may have only had a 7 of games made for it, but it can certainly run far more games than that. If you're wondering, that little button on the front enables the system run TG16 games.

Mr. Smashy

h8b1llg8ts wrote: »

I agree on the 3DO just to have but how can you say the front loader with it's AUX connector is superior to the top loader with RCA's?

RCA connectors are non-standard on an NES top loader. Even the top loaders I've seen modified for composite video don't provide as good of a picture as a standard NES. It would have been nice if Nintendo released an NES equivalent of the AV Famicom.

DeathPrawn

h8b1llg8ts wrote: »

Mr. Smashy wrote: »

DeathPrawn wrote: »

Were there really any exclusive 3DO games worth buying? It's nice as a collector's item, sure, but the only noteworthy game that comes to mind is the enhanced port of Star Control 2.

With regards to the NES, I'd buy a front-loader and manually replace the 72-pin connector. Then you have the iconic design and composite output along with reliability.

I don't count the 3DO much for exclusivity. As far as notable exclusive titles that are still worth playing, there's Star Control II, sure, but there's also Lucienne's Quest and Guardian War. Lots of games just feel more "at home" to me to on the 3DO like Road Rash, Return Fire, Psychic Detective, D, Gex, and The Horde. Super Street Fighter II Turbo is also worth checking out just to show off the system's power. It's a shame that the 3D0 controller isn't great for fighting games.

I, too, prefer front-loader NES systems if only for the superior picture and sound quality. I've used a few NES systems with a few different types of replacement pin connectors but none of them have provided better (or equal) reliability compared to an original NES with a professionally cleaned and restored original pin connector. Still, even that's not as reliable as a top loader NES. When you're collecting a bunch of old game systems, the smaller footprint of the top loader can count for quite a bit, too.

I agree on the 3DO just to have but how can you say the front loader with it's AUX connector is superior to the top loader with RCA's?

It's the other way around. The original front-loading NES has both composite and RF out whereas the top-loading only has RF unless you mod it.

[edit] beat'd!

1ddqd

Well, I suppose I should clarify - I'll have both - one working original NES and then one of the top-loading variants for actual use. I just don't see the point in collecting a non-working system, which is why I mentioned repairing the original NES if it needs it, instead of only having the top-loading version. My bad, I guess I wasn't clear enough. Updating OP with suggestions

Improvolone

From a practical point of view, I wouldn't go out of your way to obtain a system which plays games that you can already play. From a collectors point of view there I get it, but maybe your redundancies should be saved for later.

I love my Virtual Boy and I love having it some place where it can be seen. You should get one too. They look bad ass.

Syd Lexia

I have to second the Virtual Boy. Its infamy makes a great addition to any collection.

1ddqd

Virtual Boy

Definitely - I remember playing on this at a Wal-mart when I was a kid and being so jealous not having one.

Good idea on the redundancy issue. My primary worry is that I'll wait longer than I should and prices will rise. As it is, at a rate of one console a month, I'm looking at a long time to collect. Not that I'll be playing in the meantime, I'll need to have the cabinet built first.