The Game Gear - To Buy, or Not to Buy?

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tafk:
Just got one, the games and everything is really cheap. I am only collecting Game Gear for nostalgic reasons and because I'm a sega fanboy. I can see if you want to just get into it that it wouldn't be worth it unless you're finding stuff for dirt cheap.

agwolf2097:
Even as a self-proclaimed "Sega fan" back in the day, the Game Gear never seemed absolutely necessary. It was always just an alternative to the Game Boy, even if it was essentially a fully portable Master System.

Don't bend over backwards trying to find one, but it's fun if there are a few games that you do actually wanna play (if you're not satisfied just playing them in an emulator). Consider doing an LED backlight mod to extend battery life, though.

I basically own one just for the sake of the Sonic games.

sin2beta:
I will be the sole detractor and write that the Game Gear and misunderstood to make it worth while. There are some great games that make it worthwhile. Most people pick up the sonic games, which are not very good.

Pick up Halley Wars, Tails Adventure, WonderBoy 3,Shinobi 1 and 2, Crystal Warriors, Defender of Oasis, GP Rider, Ristar, Tempo Jr, Fantasy Zone, and Woody Pop just to name a few.

I own about 50% of the Game Gear library. Most were purchased for far less than a dollar. I had a local video game store selling them 4 for a dollar to get rid of them. From what I've seen it is definitely one of the most undervalued systems. Now, that does not make it amazing. Mainly cheap. But it does have some solid gems. Honestly, you could get the 12 I listed and the system for pretty cheap and have a decently sized collection. And the games I mentioned are great!

What they said about the caps is true. If you don't find one in the wild, I would be tempted to suggest a "refurbished" one. People will replace the caps and sell them. Sometimes you can find one with free shipping for about $40.

kingrat101:
The game gear is neat but hard to recommend, the games are just Master System games, with a few exceptions.
In terms of reliability, that's tough as well, I've owned four different ones,now three, the capacitors are garbage, one had sound issues the other didn't even turn on.
As a big Neo Geo fan though, it's hard to recommend the pocket color as well, I'm not trying to sound like a dick and question what you already know, but you've got to realize SNK was know for 2D fighting games and that's what the pocket color is full of with a few puzzle games and Metal Slug, of course. They're great but if fighting games aren't your thing don't spend a ton of money on it

DreamsDied13101:
I would recommend picking one up depending on what kind of games you enjoy playing.

If you enjoy retro games then the Game Gear is an amazing system. My wife and I both owned GGs when we were kids and still have our units.

Sin2beta made good game suggestions if you are not sure of some good games to pick up.

My rechargable battery pack actually still works. Although I fear those days may be coming to an end soon. I think because I used it sparingly - really no idea how it has survived!!!

I also have a cool carrying case so I can carry that bad boy on business trips. Airport security swabbed it once in Long Beach with something wacky looking so I stopped taking it with me. I was thinking it was going to end up all messed up because of nutso terrorists that make me have to get strip searched and my systems used and abused. Curse those terrorists!

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