VGCollect Forum
General and Gaming => General => Topic started by: dhaabi on October 02, 2024, 03:34:38 pm
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It's that time of the year with holiday spirit soon to be in the air! After some discussion with others, I introduce VGCollect's 2024 Secret Santa gift-exchange, now twelve years in the running! I'd like for the event to go as planned without any issues or hurdles, so I politely ask that this introduction post be read in full. Additionally, we as a community have established that all who are interested to have been members of the forum community for at least three months prior to this announcement topic alongside some sort of site activity. Generally, all are welcome, and we hope that longtime participants return and new ones take part.
Like last year, I've decided to streamline steps so that most everything I need as the organizer is supplied all at once. With that said, I've created a Google Form for those interested in participating to fill out. For those concerned, the form does not collect e-mail addresses, and completing the form does not require a Google account. Be aware that to formally join the event, the attached form below is needing to be completed. With that said, for the sake of the establishing further interest and community discussion, please be sure to also post in the forum topic if you're planning to take part.
VGCollect 2024 Secret Santa Sign-up
https://forms.gle/ZAHDcVEshy7PTpAn7
Feel free to publicly discuss what you think should be the expected budget, any updates you'd like to share with everyone participating, or anything else related to Secret Santa. As is typical, I think everyone would appreciate any and all discussion to help raise excitement and to maintain engagement. Toward the end of the sign-up period, I will publicly mention what the agreed upon budget that has been selected by most participants is. If the budget becomes more than you originally were planning to spend, or if there is any reason you need to withdraw from the event whatsoever, please let me know via PM so that you are formally withdrawn. At the latest, please let me know by the end of Sunday, October 20, as wish list information will be sent to each Santa the following day.
I would like for there to be enough time for anyone interested to see this topic, so the sign-up period will run for approximately three weeks until the morning of Monday, October 21. Following the sign-up period, I will assign each participating Santa their giftee by forwarding wish lists and mailing addresses, and the actual fun will begin!
Something I will mention is the agreed upon budget. As one should assume, this budget tends to be more of a guideline. Evident from the past, many participants personally decide to exceed the budget, although no one should feel as if they themselves or their Santa are required. This hasn't been any major issue in the past, but it's worth addressing, nonetheless. On that note, many participants in the past have gone above and beyond in curating their gifts and mailing them with care, so continuing that attitude would be fantastic to see.
2024 Santas
1. dhaabi
2. koemo1
3. telly
4. puddingm
5. NickAwesome
6. jason
7. ferraroso
As it's needed, I will publish follow-up posts while also updating this initial topic post below:
October 17 Update (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12889.msg207044.html#msg207044)
The expected budget should be around $60 USD.
October 21 Update (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12889.msg207058.html#msg207058)
Giftee wish list and shipping information has been forwarded to each participant's Santa. Please plan ahead to have all shipped items reach their final destination by December 15.
November 05 Update (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12889.msg207209.html#msg207209)
After items have been mailed, tracking and shipment information should be forwarded to me via PM so I can ensure everything is running smoothly.
As stated above, this is now the twelfth year the VGCollect community has celebrated this Secret Santa event! Below are past topic discussions for each previous year:
Secret Santa 2013 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,4178.0.html)
Secret Santa 2014 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,5554.0.html)
Secret Santa 2015 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,6559.0.html)
Secret Santa 2016 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,7734.0.html)
Secret Santa 2017 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,8571.0.html)
Secret Santa 2018 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,9354.0.html)
Secret Santa 2019 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,10417.0.html)
Secret Santa 2020 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,11096.0.html)
Secret Santa 2021 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,11567.0.html)
Secret Santa 2022 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12036.0.html)
Secret Santa 2023 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12565.0.html)
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I'm in! ;D
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Ik heb er zin in!
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I've updated the sign-up form to include one additional question regarding how each participant would prefer their Santa to shop for them. I had asked about this in a feedback survey (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12658.msg204594.html#msg204594) from last year's event as a general rule, but it's something that's better implemented on an individual level.
As an open reminder, be sure to to fill out the form sign-up form (https://forms.gle/ZAHDcVEshy7PTpAn7) to formally take part in this year's event.
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I've updated the sign-up form to include one additional question regarding how each participant would prefer their Santa to shop for them. I had asked about this in a feedback survey (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12658.msg204594.html#msg204594) from last year's event as a general rule, but it's something that's better implemented on an individual level.
As an open reminder, be sure to to fill out the form sign-up form (https://forms.gle/ZAHDcVEshy7PTpAn7) to formally take part in this year's event.
Should I fill in the form again?
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I've updated the sign-up form to include one additional question regarding how each participant would prefer their Santa to shop for them. I had asked about this in a feedback survey (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12658.msg204594.html#msg204594) from last year's event as a general rule, but it's something that's better implemented on an individual level.
As an open reminder, be sure to to fill out the form sign-up form (https://forms.gle/ZAHDcVEshy7PTpAn7) to formally take part in this year's event.
Should I fill in the form again?
I've taken note of your answer provided via PM. Thanks!
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signed up :)
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I still need to make my list and will hopefully have that done by the end of the week!
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I still need to make my list and will hopefully have that done by the end of the week!
Sounds good! In case it wasn't clear for others reading, wish lists don't need to be finalized until October 20. So, those interested can still sign up without sending specific wish lists to me yet. I'll only need them at some point before the final deadline.
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Signed up! Looking forward to another fun year!
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Joining in :)
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About one week remains for those interested to sign up!
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For those who've already signed up, votes for the expected gift-buying budget have been 4 for $60 USD and 2 for $80 USD. So unless something changes, this year's budget will reflect the $60 USD option.
I also didn't mention this detail in the sign-up form, but based on last year's conversation (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12658.msg204392.html#msg204392) concerning budget and shipping costs, those two amounts should be treated separately. So, think of the total costs as ~$60 USD + shipping. But, if there needs to be some conversation about that in this year's topic, we're more than able to discuss it.
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To my surprise, ferraroso signed up less than twelve hours ago. So, there are seven participants this year!
Thanks for everyone's patience during the sign-up period. I wanted there to be enough time for those who may be interested to join while also considering how much time there is for shopping and mailing. With that said, I'll be forwarding each participant their giftee wish list, preferences, and shipping information shortly.
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Wooo should be a lot of fun! :) Happy shopping everyone!
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Information has been forwarded to all participants! If you have any questions, feel free to send me a PM.
Also, I will bring the matter of when we should try to mail out packages. Obviously, more time will be needed if packages are needing to be mailed internationally and less time for mailing domestically. So, perhaps a better way to think about the issue is if there is a preferred window of time we'd all like for packages to be received. Should the deadline be by Christmas Day? The first week of December? Some other time? Last year, most gifts were received by the first week of December, and that was mostly in consideration for a gift-opening event. What do you think?
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I would be in favor of a later deadline such as- needs to be delivered to the recipient by Christmas-
It's also nice to be able to shop for my recipient on black friday- usually the best deals of the year both online and at my local game stores- so I can maximize their gift.
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I'll try send the package to my giftee so that they'll receive it by mid-December as mail tends to become a little bit chaotic as we get closer to Christmas.
As for my wishlist. It's not very long and I'll try adding some stuff to it soon, but as always, I appreciate all Sega games from any region (no need to be Japanese). Also, PlayStation 1〜5 struff is always very welcome!
Looking forward to shopping for this person this year!
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Let the hunt begin! ;D
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Shoot I missed out this year! I didn't realize it was done so early in the year. I just missed the deadline. Oh well, I mark it on my calendar next year for October.
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Shoot I missed out this year! I didn't realize it was done so early in the year. I just missed the deadline. Oh well, I mark it on my calendar next year for October.
Just an FYI, this is pretty late for us. It's generally been done in September in the past.
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Shoot I missed out this year! I didn't realize it was done so early in the year. I just missed the deadline. Oh well, I mark it on my calendar next year for October.
It's good to know you're interested in the possibility of future events. Hopefully next year you'll be able to join!
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Anybody out there getting an early start now that the weekend's here?
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I've got some good ideas goin', hopefully can find them at a local game store; I have some stuff I was going to trade in anyway so that would be the best case scenario! :)
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I've been informed that the first parcel (presumably) has been shipped!
Like last year, I'll be managing shipping and tracking information privately to maintain greater anonymity since the number of participants is small and we generally know where we all live. However, once received, I will be checking tracking information each day, so I'll be sending private updates to each recipient when their gift parcel is projected to arrive.
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More gifts are being sent! When tracking information becomes available, please be sure to forward it to me privately.
Also, there wasn't much feedback as to when we should try to have parcels arrive to their final destination, so I decided December 15 should be the target deadline.
Like with other major updates, the topic post has been modified.
October 17 Update (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12889.msg207044.html#msg207044)
The expected budget should be around $60 USD.
October 21 Update (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12889.msg207058.html#msg207058)
Giftee wish list and shipping information has been forwarded to each participant's Santa. Please plan ahead to have all shipped items reach their final destination by December 15.
November 05 Update (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12889.msg207209.html#msg207209)
After items have been mailed, tracking and shipment information should be forwarded to me via PM so I can ensure everything is running smoothly.
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Collected everything and ready to prepare for shipping out.
With kind regards
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Collected everything and ready to prepare for shipping out.
Thanks for the update! It's good to know international items are being shipped with plenty of time in advance.
Be sure to forward shipping information to me via PM once it's mailed out.
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Oh, and just so everyone else knows: I also mailed out my parcel! I got an early start in securing gifts and have been done for a while, but I waited until more time had passed before actually mailing.
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Collected everything and ready to prepare for shipping out.
Thanks for the update! It's good to know international items are being shipped with plenty of time in advance.
Be sure to forward shipping information to me via PM once it's mailed out.
I just send out my parcel!
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I hope there can be livestream this year. I will do my best to join in :))
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Yeah we haven't really talked about that yet! Would anyone be interested? We don't have as many people with gifts that were on last year's stream but still enough to make it a good time!
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Depending on the day and time, I'd be interested in joining a private video call. I know that last year it was a little difficult to organize around everyone's availability—and especially with everyone's timezone in mind.
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So based on who was in last year's video, only myself and Ferraroso are doing this year's Santa. We can definitely still do a get together online if people are interested, even if you don't have anything to open. We've had people just come to hang out and enjoy the festivities.
I have been absolutely swamped with work so I'm just now starting to think about a day for this. Last year we did it at 9:00 PM EST, which I know might be a problem for our international folks but hopefully we can still see you :) What do people think about the 11th, 12th or 13th of December?
Also I haven't gotten my gift yet so hopefully it arrives before we nail down a time haha. Has anybody gotten theirs? I haven't heard anything!
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So based on who was in last year's video, only myself and Ferraroso are doing this year's Santa. We can definitely still do a get together online if people are interested, even if you don't have anything to open. We've had people just come to hang out and enjoy the festivities.
I have been absolutely swamped with work so I'm just now starting to think about a day for this. Last year we did it at 9:00 PM EST, which I know might be a problem for our international folks but hopefully we can still see you :) What do people think about the 11th, 12th or 13th of December?
Also I haven't gotten my gift yet so hopefully it arrives before we nail down a time haha. Has anybody gotten theirs? I haven't heard anything!
Extending the invitation to the community—or perhaps just previous participants—is certainly something that can happen. I had considered the thought myself, but little conversation about such event has taken place.
Because it's the start of the weekend, Friday the 13th may be more ideal for everyone. At least for anyone interested not based in the US like komeo1 who'd like to be present, if possible.
Four gifts have been delivered and one is nearly there! But I've not received shipping updates yet from your Santa (or mine.) I had planned to reach out at the end of the month to those who haven't supplied me with tracking information yet, but I'll go ahead and do that now.
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Yes I think we did Friday last year because that makes it Saturday morning in Japan. How about the 13th at 9:00 PM then?
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Sorry for being absent of most of the discussion this year... Sorry, but December 13th doesn't work for me...
How about the next Friday (December 20th)? My giftee should have received their package by then ass well.
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I can't do the 20th :/ I can only do the 11th 12th and 13th because I have choir rehearsals and concerts from then all the way through the 23rd
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Alternatively, the possibility for a meeting to be based on US morning or afternoon time could be something worth considering.
I can't do the 20th :/ I can only do the 11th 12th and 13th because I have choir rehearsals and concerts from then all the way through the 23rd
And here I was thinking your busy schedule may have been from playing Fortnite with your new PlayStation 5. ;)
I had planned to reach out at the end of the month to those who haven't supplied me with tracking information yet, but I'll go ahead and do that now.
Also, I did reach out to those who haven't supplied tracking information yet. From what they've told me individually, everything still seems to be on schedule.
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Alternatively, the possibility for a meeting to be based on US morning or afternoon time could be something worth considering.
I can't do the 20th :/ I can only do the 11th 12th and 13th because I have choir rehearsals and concerts from then all the way through the 23rd
And here I was thinking your busy schedule may have been from playing Fortnite with your new PlayStation 5. ;)
Haha if only I had PSN hooked up! Might have to do that to play some games with friends/my brother. I don't know if he plays Fortnite though.
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Hi everyone.
Previously, I had some other stuff to do on the 13th (14th in Japan), but my appointment was canceled, so if eveyone (or anyone) is it up to it, we can do a get together on Friday!
What do you say?
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One gift remains to be delivered! I received my gift yesterday.
Previously, I had some other stuff to do on the 13th (14th in Japan), but my appointment was canceled, so if eveyone (or anyone) is it up to it, we can do a get together on Friday!
What do you say?
If the interest is there, I should be available to join some sort of group video call during that time if we were to follow through with the idea. I know that telly is also interested, but based on the tracking information I have, they may not have anything to open yet, but it's still possible that they will.
Of course, those without gifts or those who were unable to join as a participant this year but have in previous years are more than welcome to join.
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I would be interested but it depends on if my package arrives by Friday. If it does, we can do something at 9 EST like we did last year?
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I guess this means December 14th 11h00 AM in Japan, right?
If so, I'm in!
I would be interested but it depends on if my package arrives by Friday. If it does, we can do something at 9 EST like we did last year?
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I guess this means December 14th 11h00 AM in Japan, right?
If so, I'm in!
I would be interested but it depends on if my package arrives by Friday. If it does, we can do something at 9 EST like we did last year?
Well it turns out that my gift probably won't be arriving until next week, and with all my choir concerts I just won't be able to join in on a call with something to open :'( But that's okay! If other people want to get together don't let me stop you!
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yeah sure! I'll try my best to be there :D
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Since it seems like it may just be ferraroso, koemo1, and I who are planning to have some sort of video call, I'll go ahead and send out a group message so details can be discussed. My availability is flexible, so if there is a better time that can be agreed upon (since I know that's an early morning hour for koemo1), we can figure that out together.
If anyone else is interested in attending, let us know.
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I won't be able to join due to the hospitalisation of my mom. I'm very sorry
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We'll be postponing a group gift-opening meeting until sometime next weekend. koemo1 may or may not be able to join then either, but at least the opportunity for them to is still present.
As I said, koemo1, I'm wishing you and your family all the best!
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Alright no one has posted their gifts yet so I'm going to kick things off. I received my package yesterday and was incredibly happy with what I received.
https://imgur.com/a/AuVlgZ5
Dredge (Switch)
Outer Wilds (Switch)
Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD (PS4)
Both Dredge and Outer Wilds were sealed. I also got a fun luggage tag (which I'm actually going to put on my suitcase as I just have a piece of yarn on it currently ;D)
Thank you so much to my Santa!!!! I have a feeling who it is but I'm not going to say. ;)
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Last to receive, first to open maybe? I'm curious what everyone received, so hopefully others share too!
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I haven't opened my box yet either...
Are we still planning do do a live or may I open it? Haha
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I haven't opened my box yet either...
Are we still planning do do a live or may I open it? Haha
I had sent out a message to you and koemo1 a few days ago about time availability for this weekend, but I never gained a reply. I'm not sure what the status of the situation going on in koemo1's personal life may be, so they may not be available during that window. But after this weekend, I won't be available for a meeting, so I'll be opening my gift regardless by Sunday night local time.
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I had sent out a message to you and koemo1 a few days ago about time availability for this weekend, but I never gained a reply. I'm not sure what the status of the situation going on in koemo1's personal life may be, so they may not be available during that window. But after this weekend, I won't be available for a meeting, so I'll be opening my gift regardless by Sunday night local time.
Sorry, dhaabi.
I had seen your message, but forgot to confirm my availability.
Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to join you, so I'll probably open my box when I get home later today.
I'll make sure to post a photo and my impressions here!
Sorry again.
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Have been really busy and not being able to read all the messages until now :(.
Have also opened my package and special thanks to jason for going above & beyond by sending a large package across the globe together with all the games + extras :o.
- Pepper Grinder
- Kingdom Dome (sealed)
- Apollo Justice
- Game magazines + Books!
(https://i.imgur.com/PeLFPzXm.jpg)
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I finally had some time to open and contemplate my gift today and I gotta say its one of the most amazing video game related presents anyone has even given me!
I wasn't expecting it AT ALL.
(https://i.imgur.com/T8bCuhHl.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/31x2GPKl.png)
I had never even seen one of these in person and receiving it as a gift is absolutely insane!
Now I need to find a power suply unit for it though... Haha
If anyone can help me in finding one compatible with a this specific model (CDI450), please let me know.
I'm so happy for being part of this community!
Happy holidays to everyone! And a special one to my Secret Santa koemo1 and to dhaabi for organising everything this year again!
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(https://i.imgur.com/Nl3puE0.jpeg)
I'm glad to finally join in this year as a participant! ferraroso did a great job at selecting a variety of items! Here's what they are:
- Buile Baku
- Fushigi Deka
- I.Q Intelligent Qube
- Mystic Ark: Maboroshi Gekijo
- Oh! Bakyuun (sealed!)
- Pipo Saru 2001
- Rimokokoron
- Volfoss
- Pokémon Snack Megabox
- Super Mario Cola & Melon Soda Gummy
- Super Mario Chocolate
Sometimes, I forget just how cheap games are in Japan. Also, some of these items look and feel practically new. I'm looking forward to play through these! There's a language barrier for a few of them, but there may be a time someday where I can play them with a friend of mine if we can get our schedules cleared and aligned and I can get everything needed to stream.
Also, I don't think I've received a parcel of any kind as well-packaged as I have with this one. All of that bubble wrap was so appreciated! Thank you so much, ferraroso!
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Now I need to find a power suply unit for it though... Haha
If anyone can help me in finding one compatible with a this specific model (CDI450), please let me know.
That's quite the gift to send, koemo1! Hopefully you can try it out soon. This may be the right power supply cord? Although it's not exactly the cheapest, it was the only one I was able to find. Maybe cheaper listings will appear in time.
https://www.ebay.nl/itm/387460842046
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(https://i.imgur.com/ru7nUiWl.jpg)
Thanks to my Secret Santa for doing a fantastic job! I'm really close to a complete North American retail library of Sega Genesis games and now I'm 3 games closer (18 to go). I know I'm not easy to buy for so I really appreciate my Secret Santa going out of their way to get games off my wishlist.
Also am glad to see my recipient is happy with their package too. Seems like another successful year! Thanks again for dhaabi doing an amazing job organizing this great event!
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Thanks, dhaabi
I was considering buying that one. I had never seen a power cable connector like that! Looks like a phone line or something.
No wonder why the CDi was such a hit! Haha
That's quite the gift to send, koemo1! Hopefully you can try it out soon. This may be the right power supply cord? Although it's not exactly the cheapest, it was the only one I was able to find. Maybe cheaper listings will appear in time.
https://www.ebay.nl/itm/387460842046
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Though I'm sure those browsing the forums will have already seen my previous post, I'm also mentioning it in this topic. If there is any feedback or comments about this year's event, please discuss them in the VGCollect Secret Santa Feedback topic (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12658.msg207865.html#msg207865). There's always room for improvement.
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Decided to open my Secret Santa gift as a New Year's surprise!
I was very surprised by the selection my Secret Santa made.
Far Cry Vengeance [Wii]
Escape From Monkey Island [PS2]
We Love Katamari [PS2]
Ridge Racer Type 4 [PS1]
These are all games I have been looking forward to play.
Thank you Thank you Thank you Secret Santa!
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Sorry for the delay. Thank you so much to my secret santa!!(https://vgcollect.com/images/gallery/1/12401/15_screenshot_20250105-125953.jpg)