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General and Gaming => General => Topic started by: htimreimer on February 06, 2014, 02:30:16 am

Title: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: htimreimer on February 06, 2014, 02:30:16 am
with a new year come new users on the site and maybe new collectors, most of us have experience in VG collecting but for those don't,
what tips would you give them?

tip 1: don't touch early CD based consoles (pre PS2) , i know its tempting but there is more then a few moving parts and unless your ready to troubleshooted and repair , there will be risk factor also don't touch obscure console because the quality is usually not there

tip 2: learn how to repair and be ready for anything, knowing how to solder, use electrical tools (http://home.howstuffworks.com/electrical-tools.htm)  and how to clean electronics properly is very important also don't don't be afraid of looking on the net for new techniques or ask a more experienced collector
Title: Re: Tips
Post by: bikingjahuty on February 06, 2014, 06:14:21 pm
Probably the best advice I can give anyone who is just getting into collecting is to be patient. You will see a lot of games when you're on the hunt for them, but the vast majority of them (especially retro games right now) are overpriced. Looking frequently at thrift stores, flea markets, craigslist, garage sales and places like that will save you a ton of money in the long run. Even carefully combing game stores can pay off when you catch them slipping.

In addition to being patient, it is also good to be well informed about the games you are after and what they typically go for on Ebay. That way you have a point of comparison as to whether or not you are getting a good deal.
Title: Re: Tips
Post by: stethebubble on February 06, 2014, 06:59:39 pm
cleaning your games and systems is major. also storing them correctly (PUT THE DISC BACK IN THE BOX AFTER USE!!!)
Title: Re: Tips
Post by: scott on February 06, 2014, 08:00:50 pm
(PUT THE DISC BACK IN THE BOX AFTER USE!!!)

In the CORRECT BOX. Nothing worse than opening up a string of games in order to find the disc you're looking for... *shakes fist at his sister*
Title: Re: Tips
Post by: stethebubble on February 06, 2014, 08:01:45 pm
(PUT THE DISC BACK IN THE BOX AFTER USE!!!)

In the CORRECT BOX. Nothing worse than opening up a string of games in order to find the disc you're looking for... *shakes fist at his sister*

oh god yes. and when it goes 8 games deep  AAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGG
Title: Re: Tips
Post by: scott on February 06, 2014, 08:03:19 pm
Once I borrowed a PS2 game from my sister, only to get home and find that Guitar Hero: Aerosmith was in the box for Kingdom Hearts.
Title: Re: Tips
Post by: stethebubble on February 06, 2014, 08:05:52 pm
Once I borrowed a PS2 game from my sister, only to get home and find that Guitar Hero: Aerosmith was in the box for Kingdom Hearts.

lol

hate opening a box to find a game totally missing.
2 games in 1 box but which box?
i lost tekken tag 2 for 3 months to find it behind the TV stand
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: atarileaf on February 06, 2014, 09:03:45 pm
best advice - if you want to collect anything retro with the name "Nintendo" on it - take out a second mortgage.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: 90snostalga on February 06, 2014, 11:18:55 pm
My only real advice.  Everyone has their own thing but do what you enjoy and what makes you happy.  Don't just collect because everyone else is doing it or because a game room looks cool.    I do believe that a true collector is a true gamer at heart because you are less likely to burn out on collecting if you are a gamer.  Additionally, it is very fun sometimes to hunt the wild to find games; however, do you.  If you truly are wanting to play some game very very badly that you cant find at a thrift store, I personally dont see nothing wrong with paying 75 for it or whatever if you have that kind of money.  You only have one life to live, do what you enjoy and dont worry about what everyone thinks.

Not even what I think, so feel free to let my post go in one ear and out the other lol
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: sin2beta on February 06, 2014, 11:24:22 pm
Pick a system that you already enjoy and means something to you. Don't make a turbo grafx a purchase early on if you have never played one but just think it looks cool. This is a good way to blow a lot of money, get burnt out, and become resentful.

Buy the common classic games at first. "Mario World for SNES" "Sonic for Genesis" These defined the system for a reason and will keep the love for the system alive after you buy some stinkers or have trouble finding the game you want. Getting a solid collection early on helps majorly later on.

Stay away from buying "rare/expensive" games. If you buy stadium events for $5 at a flea market, that's cool. But don't start a change jar for Dinosaur Peak from when you start collecting the NES. When I see someone's "epic" Saturn collection that is 10 games, three of which are Panzer Dragoon Saga, Burning Rangers, and Shining Force 3... I see a Saturn collection that will be up for sale in a year.

The above are my suggestions after I see people rush in and burn themselves out. In short, stay away from the glam.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: scott on February 06, 2014, 11:35:05 pm
When I see someone's "epic" Saturn collection that is i games, three of which are Panzer Dragoon Saga, Burning Rangers, and Shining Force 3... I see a Saturn collection that will be up for sale in a year.

Oh good, I only have 2 of these 3. So my collection is safe from being on sale. :)
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: sin2beta on February 06, 2014, 11:40:55 pm
When I see someone's "epic" Saturn collection that is i games, three of which are Panzer Dragoon Saga, Burning Rangers, and Shining Force 3... I see a Saturn collection that will be up for sale in a year.

Oh good, I only have 2 of these 3. So my collection is safe from being on sale. :)

Well, you did sell a lot of yours, didn't you? jk. This would be for newbies. For some reason I did not type a collection of 10 games. Instead I typed a collection of i games. If someone has a collection where a majority are "holy grails", they often times sell soon after from being burnt out and spending too much.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: 90snostalga on February 06, 2014, 11:41:07 pm

In short, stay away from the glam.

Second...
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: 90snostalga on February 06, 2014, 11:41:56 pm
When I see someone's "epic" Saturn collection that is i games, three of which are Panzer Dragoon Saga, Burning Rangers, and Shining Force 3... I see a Saturn collection that will be up for sale in a year.

Oh good, I only have 2 of these 3. So my collection is safe from being on sale. :)

Well, you did sell a lot of yours, didn't you? jk. This would be for newbies. For some reason I did not type a collection of 10 games. Instead I typed a collection of i games. If someone has a collection where a majority are "holy grails", they often times sell soon after from being burnt out and spending too much.

you keep mentioning "i games".  What is that?
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: 90snostalga on February 06, 2014, 11:44:38 pm

In short, stay away from the glam.


If you go for the glam, you will get canned...yea I know that's lame but you get the point.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: scott on February 06, 2014, 11:45:12 pm
When I see someone's "epic" Saturn collection that is i games, three of which are Panzer Dragoon Saga, Burning Rangers, and Shining Force 3... I see a Saturn collection that will be up for sale in a year.

Oh good, I only have 2 of these 3. So my collection is safe from being on sale. :)

Well, you did sell a lot of yours, didn't you? jk. This would be for newbies. For some reason I did not type a collection of 10 games. Instead I typed a collection of i games. If someone has a collection where a majority are "holy grails", they often times sell soon after from being burnt out and spending too much.

I did sell off some dupes and was looking to thin it down to the "essentials", but mostly that was filler/sports games. I ended up changing my mind, because:

A: I really do enjoy the Saturn
B: I do believe I have a pretty impressive collection for it.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: sin2beta on February 06, 2014, 11:45:34 pm
When I see someone's "epic" Saturn collection that is i games, three of which are Panzer Dragoon Saga, Burning Rangers, and Shining Force 3... I see a Saturn collection that will be up for sale in a year.

Oh good, I only have 2 of these 3. So my collection is safe from being on sale. :)

Well, you did sell a lot of yours, didn't you? jk. This would be for newbies. For some reason I did not type a collection of 10 games. Instead I typed a collection of i games. If someone has a collection where a majority are "holy grails", they often times sell soon after from being burnt out and spending too much.

you keep mentioning "i games".  What is that?

Typo. I meant to type 10 games. If someone has 10 games, 3 of which are super rare, then they are hunting the rare stuff specifically.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: sin2beta on February 06, 2014, 11:48:44 pm
When I see someone's "epic" Saturn collection that is i games, three of which are Panzer Dragoon Saga, Burning Rangers, and Shining Force 3... I see a Saturn collection that will be up for sale in a year.

Oh good, I only have 2 of these 3. So my collection is safe from being on sale. :)

Well, you did sell a lot of yours, didn't you? jk. This would be for newbies. For some reason I did not type a collection of 10 games. Instead I typed a collection of i games. If someone has a collection where a majority are "holy grails", they often times sell soon after from being burnt out and spending too much.

I did sell off some dupes and was looking to thin it down to the "essentials", but mostly that was filler/sports games. I ended up changing my mind, because:

A: I really do enjoy the Saturn
B: I do believe I have a pretty impressive collection for it.

Yeah, I was just picking on you. Whenever, I've looked at your collection, I always noticed you have a great Saturn collection. It's well rounded. With 71 (if memory serves me right) games, you SHOULD have some of the "holy grails". All three games are great and system defining.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: turf on February 06, 2014, 11:53:43 pm
My advice: Don't

Don't start collecting games. It's a rabbit hole you don't want to venture down. It's like heroine, only less likely to cause you to offer "favors" in trade.

The best tip I can throw out there is set  a spending limit and stick to it. It'll force you to look for a deal and haggle. It's more fun that way. Don't go nuts on eBay. It's easy to do.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: 90snostalga on February 06, 2014, 11:57:21 pm
My advice: Don't

Don't start collecting games. It's a rabbit hole you don't want to venture down. It's like heroine, only less likely to cause you to offer "favors" in trade.

No comment on this.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: 90snostalga on February 06, 2014, 11:58:13 pm

Don't go nuts on eBay. It's easy to do.

This is truly excellent advice. 
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: scott on February 07, 2014, 12:02:49 am
When I see someone's "epic" Saturn collection that is i games, three of which are Panzer Dragoon Saga, Burning Rangers, and Shining Force 3... I see a Saturn collection that will be up for sale in a year.


Oh good, I only have 2 of these 3. So my collection is safe from being on sale. :)

Well, you did sell a lot of yours, didn't you? jk. This would be for newbies. For some reason I did not type a collection of 10 games. Instead I typed a collection of i games. If someone has a collection where a majority are "holy grails", they often times sell soon after from being burnt out and spending too much.

I did sell off some dupes and was looking to thin it down to the "essentials", but mostly that was filler/sports games. I ended up changing my mind, because:

A: I really do enjoy the Saturn
B: I do believe I have a pretty impressive collection for it.

Yeah, I was just picking on you. Whenever, I've looked at your collection, I always noticed you have a great Saturn collection. It's well rounded. With 71 (if memory serves me right) games, you SHOULD have some of the "holy grails". All three games are great and system defining.

Ha, ya I figured you were. Thanks! Seeing a major Sega collector compliment my Saturn collection makes me happy. I do wish I could continue to add to it. There are still a lot of those grails that I really want to play.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: pacpix on February 07, 2014, 02:04:36 am
Decide what area you want to focus your collection on.  When I first started collecting I bought any game I could find for cheap and ended up with a shelf of Genesis sports games.  I find I enjoy the hobby a lot more now that I have become more selective and I actually play the games I buy.  With that said, it is still fun to just pick up a random game that you have no knowledge of and see if you find a hidden gem.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: MJMaranan on February 07, 2014, 02:20:44 am
I might have mentioned this before in a different thread but it is the main reason for my collection.  Buy a video game because you continually enjoy the gameplay and/or nostalgia that you remembered from it.  Video game collecting should not be about numbers but the enjoyment found in each one.  As others have stated/warned, this hobby requires time, patience, and money.  Especially considering what sellers on eBay/Amazon/Craigslist can ask for their items.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: karyann on February 07, 2014, 09:20:49 am
I second everything already said. Great advices!


My only real advice.  Everyone has their own thing but do what you enjoy and what makes you happy

This is usually not stressed enough - some people collect everything because they think that "it's how it's done". "How it's done" depends on you and only you, there are no guidelines to game collecting. You set your own guidelines according to what you like!
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: soera on February 07, 2014, 09:27:11 am
I dont know what I could add here. Almost everything I would say has already been covered here. But my personal rules are these

1) Cardboard and paper are just that. Paying $100s of dollars for the paper and cardboard that came with a game is silly as hell. Nintendo/Sega/etc never meant for these things to be collectible so none of it was done with any sort of special stuff. It was the cheapest material they could use and rightfully so.

2) Set a limit and stick to it as strictly as possible. My limit has always been the Benjamin and Ive only broken it twice (My PS3 was brand new and I bought a lot of special editions with it ... and my arcade machine was $200 but that included a 50 mile drive delivery plus it was my childhood arcade game that I had been searching for years to acquire). Ive had the option to buy stuff like Dragoon Saga and Magic knight Rayearth and Little Samson but once you break your limit for something thats not really all that important, you find the following times it gets easier and easier and you end up broke with stuff you can live without.

3) Do what you like. If you want to collect every single copy of Shaq-fu you can find, go for it! Dont let all the "cool" collectors out there tell you what you should and should not collect. I personally am a big fan of stuff like copies, repros, etc and I couldnt care less who else likes it or not. I have replacement labels on some of my NES games. It makes my game look better and thats all I care about is what I personally like.

Thats about all I can add right now.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: disgaeniac on February 07, 2014, 12:08:48 pm
Good idea for a thread/topic.

I think that just about all of the things that I would say...have pretty much, already been said.

The only thing that I can think of to add would be this:

If you're already here (at VGCollect) and reading this topic ==> make use of the people & topics here!

In other words...don't be afraid to ask...about anything  :)

'tis cliche -but- "the only stupid question is the one not asked"  8)

There's decades worth of experience, a wealth of knowledge, and a pretty friendly community of people here who would be glad to help new members & new collectors by answering their questions...Hell...We've even got a thread/topic telling just *WHAT* the different member's here areas of knowledge/specialization are  ;)
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: blipcs76 on February 07, 2014, 04:50:41 pm
Unless you live somewhere that gives you access to lots of thrift stores, garage sales and flea markets, concentrate on one system or one console maker.  Collect Nintendo games and consoles, or Sega, or PSX.  Trying to collect a little bit of everything can be maddening.  I do it, but I still focus mostly on Nintendo, SNES, N64 and GC, as well as Game Boy.

Unless you have a lot of disposable income and/or patience, avoid collecting CIB or boxed games.  Some will run you as much as 10x more than the cart alone (Urban Champion, for example).  Don't hesitate to grab one if you see it in the wild at a good price though.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: stethebubble on February 07, 2014, 05:33:09 pm
Play and enjoy the games you buy.
its nice to have them on the shelves and look at the art work but playing the game is the main thing for me. everything from the level design to what your character does if you leave the controller alone
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: scott on February 07, 2014, 05:35:37 pm
Play and enjoy the games you buy.
its nice to have them on the shelves and look at the art work but playing the game is the main thing for me. everything from the level design to what your character does if you leave the controller alone

Right? I love just wandering around in some games and watching dust/dirt kick up when they run. Or checking out water effects, I could watch water falls and rivers in Skyrim all day long.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: 90snostalga on February 07, 2014, 05:40:36 pm
Play and enjoy the games you buy.
its nice to have them on the shelves and look at the art work but playing the game is the main thing for me. everything from the level design to what your character does if you leave the controller alone

Right? I love just wandering around in some games and watching dust/dirt kick up when they run. Or checking out water effects, I could watch water falls and rivers in Skyrim all day long.

Are you two high or something?  lol  ;D 
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: scott on February 07, 2014, 05:46:42 pm
Think about it. In 8 bit games it was amazing what the games were doing. Now its no different, only it is. Instead of being amazed that the screen scrolls sideways, we are amazed that all these little details are being added in.

Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: 90snostalga on February 07, 2014, 05:53:17 pm
Think about it. In 8 bit games it was amazing what the games were doing. Now its no different, only it is. Instead of being amazed that the screen scrolls sideways, we are amazed that all these little details are being added in.

I guess that's true lol ;)  I just did not think of it.  When I played my very first ps3 game in December (Red Dead Redemption); I guess I did find myself time to time admiring the grass blowing with the wind as well as the horse' tails lol.  I would turn the camera to focus on the horse from the side directly to see how realistic it looks.  Is this what you mean?
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: scott on February 07, 2014, 05:54:45 pm
Ya. Like Flea's NES car too. Or Uncharted and the way Nate's clothes react to water. Wind blowing is a good example too.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: 90snostalga on February 07, 2014, 05:58:30 pm
Ya. Like Flea's NES car too. Or Uncharted and the way Nate's clothes react to water. Wind blowing is a good example too.

The only main thing that has irked me with the new games I have played on the 360 and ps3 is how they still cannot get facial reality and actions correct.  Like, sometimes you can see their eyes either dont move at all like they are glued to their face, or either move in unrealistic ways.  And the mouth movement.  I don't know why, but I can't stand when they talk and their mouth is off a little or unrealistic lol.   Other than that, they are getting good on graphics. 
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: soera on February 07, 2014, 08:04:44 pm
I think facial expressions can be a big graphic sink if they put too much effort into it. Im really happy with today's graphics. Sometimes it makes me wonder why I still collect a lot of retro games when, for me anyhow, today's games have so much more to offer. Sure some of them are filled with FMV but for the most part, I really enjoy them.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: stethebubble on February 07, 2014, 08:07:33 pm
Play and enjoy the games you buy.
its nice to have them on the shelves and look at the art work but playing the game is the main thing for me. everything from the level design to what your character does if you leave the controller alone

Right? I love just wandering around in some games and watching dust/dirt kick up when they run. Or checking out water effects, I could watch water falls and rivers in Skyrim all day long.

Are you two high or something?  lol  ;D

i wish.
sadly my work in USA drug tests. not worth the risk.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: stethebubble on February 07, 2014, 08:09:27 pm
Play and enjoy the games you buy.
its nice to have them on the shelves and look at the art work but playing the game is the main thing for me. everything from the level design to what your character does if you leave the controller alone

Right? I love just wandering around in some games and watching dust/dirt kick up when they run. Or checking out water effects, I could watch water falls and rivers in Skyrim all day long.

the water in farcry blew me away.

but i also like the little things. like the cameraman on a cloud in mario64
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: bikingjahuty on February 08, 2014, 10:53:00 am
I dont know what I could add here. Almost everything I would say has already been covered here. But my personal rules are these

1) Cardboard and paper are just that. Paying $100s of dollars for the paper and cardboard that came with a game is silly as hell. Nintendo/Sega/etc never meant for these things to be collectible so none of it was done with any sort of special stuff. It was the cheapest material they could use and rightfully so.

2) Set a limit and stick to it as strictly as possible. My limit has always been the Benjamin and Ive only broken it twice (My PS3 was brand new and I bought a lot of special editions with it ... and my arcade machine was $200 but that included a 50 mile drive delivery plus it was my childhood arcade game that I had been searching for years to acquire). Ive had the option to buy stuff like Dragoon Saga and Magic knight Rayearth and Little Samson but once you break your limit for something thats not really all that important, you find the following times it gets easier and easier and you end up broke with stuff you can live without.

3) Do what you like. If you want to collect every single copy of Shaq-fu you can find, go for it! Dont let all the "cool" collectors out there tell you what you should and should not collect. I personally am a big fan of stuff like copies, repros, etc and I couldnt care less who else likes it or not. I have replacement labels on some of my NES games. It makes my game look better and thats all I care about is what I personally like.

Thats about all I can add right now.

These are all excellent pieces of advice, especially #2. I have pulled back a lot in recent months, but at one point I was probably going $200 to $500 over my spending limit per month on games. While it was fun at the time, getting my credit card statement at the end of the month or seeing how dangerously low my bank account was kind of negated the enjoyment of what I found. So yeah, don't be afraid to pass on something, especially if it is an average price, or only a few bucks off. My rule of thumb, unless I really, really want something, if I will pay no more than 1/3 of a game's current average Ebay price. If it's over that I pass on it 95% of the time.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: theflea on February 15, 2014, 10:30:11 pm
I agree with most every tip people said here.
I started collecting video games way before it became popular, Most people looked at me like I was nuts back then.
But I didn't care, I enjoyed it, and that's what I would tell a new collector. Do it because you enjoy it, Hunting for those good or rare games at cheap prices. Don't start just because you hear other people are doing it or you watched some guy on you tube.
And if you want to start, then do some foot work and look for the games & consoles you loved, start small and don't go crazy on ebay and click "buy it now". The stuff I get off ebay is when I see a good fair price, I make offers and get lucky sometimes.
Don't get caught up in a bidding war. I've seen items go for WAY over the price of the same item that someone has a Buy It Now for.

I have over 8000 video games & hardware because I have had a passion for it for over 25 years, I always knew my limit and passed down many items because I didn't want to pay the price the seller was asking at the time. (I few I could kick myself for now) but that's the fun in the hunt.

Don't think just because you have a collection of 50 games that the rest of the collectors will think less of you, if fact we don't care if you have 10 or 10,000 items, so take your time and it helps finding other people in you area who share your passion and help each other out. When I go out hunting I look for my friends who collect too, and most of them tell me about stuff they think I might be interested in. Hell we even get together on hunts (these are a ton of fun)

If you want to be a collector then collect what makes you happy, whether it be Action Figures, Barbie Dolls, Beenie Babies, Movies, Salt & Pepper Shakers, Pez Dispensers and of course Video Games. I even love to talk to collectors who collect other items and love to see their collections.

If your getting into collecting because "i'm going to make money off of it" then your in the wrong mind set. If I found an expensive game for cheap, If I don't have it I keep it, If I already own it, I use it to trade for something I need.
And it's always fun to brag about a great deal you got.  ;) I'm not in it for the money, I'm in it because I enjoy it.
And I enjoy other people who share my passion. If you enjoy gaming/collecting and the hunt of finding games you want to play or finding a good deal on that rare piece and add it to your collection then your welcome to the club.
Just don't do it just because it's the "in" thing to collect.

If video game collecting crashed tomorrow and everyone was bailing to sell their collection I would still be looking for games I want in my collection and buy those pieces out of other peoples collections for cheap. I collected before it was popular and I would continue after it crashes.  ;D

Nuff said.  8)
 
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: disgaeniac on February 16, 2014, 07:28:27 am
I agree with most every tip people said here.
I started collecting video games way before it became popular, Most people looked at me like I was nuts back then.
But I didn't care, I enjoyed it, and that's what I would tell a new collector. Do it because you enjoy it, Hunting for those good or rare games at cheap prices. Don't start just because you hear other people are doing it or you watched some guy on you tube.
And if you want to start, then do some foot work and look for the games & consoles you loved, start small and don't go crazy on ebay and click "buy it now". The stuff I get off ebay is when I see a good fair price, I make offers and get lucky sometimes.
Don't get caught up in a bidding war. I've seen items go for WAY over the price of the same item that someone has a Buy It Now for.

I have over 8000 video games & hardware because I have had a passion for it for over 25 years, I always knew my limit and passed down many items because I didn't want to pay the price the seller was asking at the time. (I few I could kick myself for now) but that's the fun in the hunt.

Don't think just because you have a collection of 50 games that the rest of the collectors will think less of you, if fact we don't care if you have 10 or 10,000 items, so take your time and it helps finding other people in you area who share your passion and help each other out. When I go out hunting I look for my friends who collect too, and most of them tell me about stuff they think I might be interested in. Hell we even get together on hunts (these are a ton of fun)

If you want to be a collector then collect what makes you happy, whether it be Action Figures, Barbie Dolls, Beenie Babies, Movies, Salt & Pepper Shakers, Pez Dispensers and of course Video Games. I even love to talk to collectors who collect other items and love to see their collections.

If your getting into collecting because "i'm going to make money off of it" then your in the wrong mind set. If I found an expensive game for cheap, If I don't have it I keep it, If I already own it, I use it to trade for something I need.
And it's always fun to brag about a great deal you got.  ;) I'm not in it for the money, I'm in it because I enjoy it.
And I enjoy other people who share my passion. If you enjoy gaming/collecting and the hunt of finding games you want to play or finding a good deal on that rare piece and add it to your collection then your welcome to the club.
Just don't do it just because it's the "in" thing to collect.

If video game collecting crashed tomorrow and everyone was bailing to sell their collection I would still be looking for games I want in my collection and buy those pieces out of other peoples collections for cheap. I collected before it was popular and I would continue after it crashes.  ;D

Nuff said.  8)

Preach on, brother FLEA -Amen!
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: argyle on February 19, 2014, 04:31:32 am
I'm relatively new to the site but hardly new to collecting, so I thought I'd throw in my .02.  ;)

I completely agree with everyone who says pick a system you love.  It seems like there are "cool" systems to collect for (in the circles where people consider video game collecting to be cool...) and a lot of people seem to feel like if they don't collect for those they aren't real collectors.  That's silly.  I'm 38, grew up on Atari 2600 and NES, and I don't really care for collecting for any cartridge-based console.  The PS2 is my system of choice.  I have a few old games, mainly ones that I have a nostalgic connection to or that I just stumbled across at a yard sale or flea market for so cheap that I couldn't pass them up, but I don't go out of my way looking for them because I don't enjoy playing that type of game anymore.  I had my fill as a kid. 

Also don't feel like collecting means getting EVERY game for a system.  It can mean that, and if you enjoy it and that's what you choose to do then more power to you.  But it's also perfectly acceptable to feel that games like Superman 64 lower the overall quality of your collection.  I straddle the fence a bit in this area.  I enjoy collecting JRPGs and I'll admit I'm pretty indiscriminate in regards to game quality if it's a JRPG for a system I collect for.  At the same time, I'm trading in Modern Warfare 2 for a whopping $2 tomorrow, because that isn't my kind of game and it bugs me to see it on my shelf.  It's YOUR collection, so the only "rules" that apply are yours!

Finally, something I haven't seen mentioned, if you enjoy collecting for current systems and have a habit of trading or selling games after you've finished them with the intention of buying them again later once they're cheaper (I'm guilty of this) - or if you're the type to wait for them to get cheap to begin with - then try to be aware of what types of games typically become hard to find.  It's easy to plan on picking up a game but because you seemingly see it everywhere you put it off & forget about it.  Then by the time you do remember it, it's suddenly very difficult to find and the value has skyrocketed.  You have no idea how many times I've regretted not picking up Suikoden II back in the day, but at the time I wasn't a collector and was fine with having borrowed a friend's copy and beaten that.  On a related note, if you go to trade in a game at a major retail chain and they seem to be giving an unusually high value for it then you might wanna check around & see if the game hasn't become rare without you knowing it.  ;) 
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: karyann on February 19, 2014, 10:24:28 am
Finally, something I haven't seen mentioned, if you enjoy collecting for current systems and have a habit of trading or selling games after you've finished them with the intention of buying them again later once they're cheaper (I'm guilty of this) - or if you're the type to wait for them to get cheap to begin with - then try to be aware of what types of games typically become hard to find.  It's easy to plan on picking up a game but because you seemingly see it everywhere you put it off & forget about it.  Then by the time you do remember it, it's suddenly very difficult to find and the value has skyrocketed.  You have no idea how many times I've regretted not picking up Suikoden II back in the day, but at the time I wasn't a collector and was fine with having borrowed a friend's copy and beaten that.  On a related note, if you go to trade in a game at a major retail chain and they seem to be giving an unusually high value for it then you might wanna check around & see if the game hasn't become rare without you knowing it.  ;)

That's a great point, too. I still have a hard time with that, but I'm trying to learn some patterns!

Also, welcome to the community!  ;D
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: htimreimer on March 04, 2014, 01:31:06 am
lets talk about pong console because you will see them a lot on places like ebay or amazon, there are two kinds of pong console out there,
the ones that have a gun game and the ones just play pong but in both cases, there is no value in the gameplay because 9 out of 10 chances they will have the have same chipset (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AY-3-8500) and will play exactly the same as any other pong console even if the console comes from the EU also rarity doesn't matter , the collectibility of pong console comes from the design because they are conversation pieces and nothing more,for an example, a zanussi ping o tronic (http://www.pong-story.com/zanussi.htm) is more collectible then a telstar model 6040 (http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=3&c=665) do to the zanussi having a better design
   
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: Warmsignal on March 07, 2014, 02:43:56 am
If I could impart any wisdom, it would be the following

- Do not count your chickens before they hatch... err.. something like that. In other words, don't get caught up worrying about a million different games you want at the same time, focus on certain titles. Know the games you want, not just the name, but why you want them. Research the kind of games you're into and for what platforms. Which leads me to my second point...

- Don't go all willy buying everything you come across, try to stick to making informed choices. While quantity can be impressive, quality is more so. Try to refrain from impulses, unless you've got a really good feeling about the content or the value of what you have found. Game hunting is a great idea of just starting out, but waiting 6 months and some change to find a game you'd like to have for $3.50, instead of shelling the $25 to go ahead and get is a very small victory in the grand scheme.

- I wouldn't recommend going for any complete collections unless you've got lots of money, lots of time, and live in a densely populated area. While it's just my opinion, completionists end up spending a lot of time and money buying lots of junky stuff out of necessity. There's more junk out there, than there is good stuff.

- If you find games that appear to be boxed or cased, always check that it's actually inside, and if it's a disc check the condition. The one time you take this for granted, it will bite you.

- The time to buy something rare is when you see it (in the wild). Otherwise, you'll regret it.

- If you're going to flea markets, get up no later than 5:30 AM and go, take a flash light if you need one. Be there as people selling arrive and set up, and no later.

- If you're into collecting modern on the cheap, don't discount GS as some evil empire because they offered you $4.83 for that game you brought in that one time. They're everywhere and their used games are heavily discounted. 2,500 games under $20, as they say.

... and that's all she wrote.

 :P
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: kamikazekeeg on March 07, 2014, 03:50:30 am
I'm technically a new collector, I've sorta done it off on and over the past 5 to 10 years, I get some stuff and then I either moved or needed to slim down and it wasn't till the past year or two that I tried to collect more consistently and I regularly go out to the flea market near me and get some stuff at cheap prices and try to get stuff at the thrift shops or at gamestop.  Right now, unless I come across stuff really cheap like only a few bucks a pop or less, I do try and focus on the things I really want, stuff I use to have, which has worked reasonably well for me.

For right now, I get a couple new games every week or two generally, sometimes less depending on how well it goes.  At the flea market, I basically have to compete with this one reseller and if I don't get there right at 9 when the gate opens, I'm not likely to get anything to good.  Frustrating, but I think I've done okay there. Resellers can be so annoying for a small scale collector like myself.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: htimreimer on April 22, 2014, 12:41:40 pm
if you buy a game still in its original unopened shrink rap, don't be alarmed if you see that the box is a bit crushed because that's side effect it being in shrink rap for certain period of time and i do wish i knew why shrink rap dose this
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: darko on April 22, 2014, 04:30:32 pm
My best advice? Don't buy anything because you expect it to be valuble. It likely never will be. If you're going after a complete set of something, buy lots - be patient - expect to get duplicates and sell/trade for pieces you're missing.

Also - DON'T go for a complete set of anything if you're just starting out. That's the best way to get 300 garbage NES titles and waste a lot of space :) Trust me, I know!

Start collecting what you want to play/have based on nostalgia or taste or whatever. Figure out a theme for your collection if you have no idea where to start. For example, I like SMT games. I have most of them because I like them. None of them are that valuable, but I feel good everytime I pick one up. I don't regret purchasing any of them.

A lot of people say that being patient is important. While I don't technically disagree, I will say that you should be ready to pick something up if it's on your shortlist. This is especially true if you're concerned about condition. If you're just starting out, I would recommend that you choose your condition requirement from the getgo. If you don't mind a torn label? Fine. Just don't pick something up with a torn label expecting to replace it later on. That only sometimes works, and, if you care, you'll end up with multiple copies of potentially expensive games that no one really wants.

I could keep rambling, but I think you guys can pick out of that. I've been doing this for a while. If you have any specific questions I'll answer them.

EDIT: For the love of god, don't freak out over CE stuff. I collect some of it, but some of it is utter garbage. Most of them end up being on Amazon for half the asking price when they're new. Unless you actually want the game that comes with that statue? Don't waste your time. Just my opinion.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: bikingjahuty on April 22, 2014, 09:23:00 pm
EDIT: For the love of god, don't freak out over CE stuff. I collect some of it, but some of it is utter garbage. Most of them end up being on Amazon for half the asking price when they're new. Unless you actually want the game that comes with that statue? Don't waste your time. Just my opinion.

I mostly agree with this. When CEs come out they definitely have to have more than just an artbook and soundtrack to cut the mustard for me. If I find them for dirt cheap though, I'll still pick them up.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: sin2beta on April 22, 2014, 09:42:32 pm
EDIT: For the love of god, don't freak out over CE stuff. I collect some of it, but some of it is utter garbage. Most of them end up being on Amazon for half the asking price when they're new. Unless you actually want the game that comes with that statue? Don't waste your time. Just my opinion.

I mostly agree with this. When CEs come out they definitely have to have more than just an artbook and soundtrack to cut the mustard for me. If I find them for dirt cheap though, I'll still pick them up.

Agreed. I have one collector edition. It's perfect dark zero, which I wager is more common than the standard edition.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: argyle on April 22, 2014, 10:32:46 pm
EDIT: For the love of god, don't freak out over CE stuff. I collect some of it, but some of it is utter garbage. Most of them end up being on Amazon for half the asking price when they're new. Unless you actually want the game that comes with that statue? Don't waste your time. Just my opinion.

I mostly agree with this. When CEs come out they definitely have to have more than just an artbook and soundtrack to cut the mustard for me. If I find them for dirt cheap though, I'll still pick them up.

Agreed. I have one collector edition. It's perfect dark zero, which I wager is more common than the standard edition.

IMO this falls back into "don't buy games with the intention of sitting on them for a profit later on" - there are better things to invest in if that's your goal.  But some people like CE's, just like some people like their games to be complete & some don't care.  And while it's true that MOST (not all - see The Last of Us for a recent example) of the AAA blockbuster CE's are overproduced & end up dropping down cheap in a few months, many of the more niche ones you either get at launch (or before!) or not at all - see almost anything NISA puts out.  So if you want these sets, you'd better get them while you can.  There are a few upcoming CE's this year I'll be getting - some NISA ones, Drakengard 3 and Tales of Xillia 2.  Others - like the inevitable Batman: Arkham Knight set - I want, but I know they'll drop down to $50 or less soon enough, so I'll wait. 
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: negatron1000 on April 24, 2014, 10:25:02 am
start collecting for systems that you can afford and enjoy playing games on. Many of the Nintendo retro games are quite pricey so you may want to think twice before diving into that realm. Also, don't be afraid to pick up doubles (especially RPG's) if you find them for a good price and use them as trade bait down the road
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: instantreplay on April 24, 2014, 12:46:21 pm
What do you guys think about Limited Editions/Collectors editions?

I rarely buy collectors editions anymore since most of the stuff that they come with is junk.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: disgaeniac on April 24, 2014, 01:04:14 pm
*PROTIP!

(For both new & veteran collectors):

Avoid.

the.

soera...

...that is all  :P
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: soera on April 24, 2014, 01:09:05 pm
LEs/CEs are an interesting discussion. I prefer them to the normal Wal-mart shelf version of a game cause a lot of my stuff sits on display. But I also dont have that many. If you consider the life of the PS3 or the 3DS so far, my LE/CE selection is pretty small. For the PS3, I have : God of War Pandora's box edition, MK2011 Bookend edition w/arcade joystick, Ni no Kuni Wizard's edition, Witch and the hundred knight NISA edition, FF X/X-2 slipcover edition, and Tales of Symphonia Chronicles "cube" edition. Wish Diablo III would have had a CE :( And I wish the ones for Amalur wouldnt have been so crazy expensive. For the 3DS I only have Bravely Default and the soundtrack version of Conception II.
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: soera on April 24, 2014, 01:09:27 pm
*PROTIP!

(For both new & veteran collectors):

Avoid.

the.

soera...

...that is all  :P

This right here is horrible advice!!!  8)
Title: Re: Tips
Post by: slothingXPIG on April 25, 2014, 04:09:17 pm
Probably the best advice I can give anyone who is just getting into collecting is to be patient. You will see a lot of games when you're on the hunt for them, but the vast majority of them (especially retro games right now) are overpriced. Looking frequently at thrift stores, flea markets, craigslist, garage sales and places like that will save you a ton of money in the long run. Even carefully combing game stores can pay off when you catch them slipping.

In addition to being patient, it is also good to be well informed about the games you are after and what they typically go for on Ebay. That way you have a point of comparison as to whether or not you are getting a good deal.

Amen to that..
Title: Re: Tips for New/Newer Collector's
Post by: MJMaranan on April 27, 2014, 09:45:24 pm
As far as collector's or limited editions go, the decision depends on whether the contents would pique my interest.  I usually cave to cloth maps and replicas of in-game items, soundtracks and small statues/toys are hit-or-miss, while huge statues/toys and art books are mostly a no.

Researching what the contents are will definitely influence my decision.