SNES and Saturn collecting trouble

The purpose of this thread is to see if anyone else has had a great amount of difficulty collecting for the SNES and Saturn in recent years? The reason I mention these two consoles is that it seems like it's becoming harder and harder to collect for these consoles without taking out a second mortgage, selling your organs, or consulting a loan shark. I typically find most of my games at places like thrift stores or flea markets, however less common SNES and Saturn games have evaded me almost constantly at these places. I've got lucky a few times, but overall, they are the two main consoles I have the most difficulty finding good deals on. I don't even attempt Ebay anymore and video game stores are even more expensive. It's just frustrating because there are so many great games on those consoles, however they are not worth the $50+ pricetag to me. For several, I'd gladly pay $50 even, but those games are the ones that consistently break $100 (ie Earthbound, Hagane, EVO, ect). Please share your own frustrations in collecting for these consoles, or even other consoles that you've had a hard time finding good deals on. Oh, and good resources for finding cheaper prices on these console's games is appreciated.

My only advice is to check out yard sales. They sort of die down during the cold winter days, but spring is a big time for them. Heirren

I do this, however I usually strike out more at these then I dod flea markets or Goodwill. I went to a garage sale earlier this past summer that promised Saturn and SNES games, needless to say I was very interested. What I found was mostly a bunch of disk only sports games on the saturn, and a copy of Astal that looked like it had been buried in a sandbox for years. I did find a copy of Super Mario All-Stars which was cool, but other than that it was pretty disappointing.

im having trouble locating a working original snes got plenty games lol

For sure. Saturn games especially. The prices have just shot up in the last few years. I think it's due to the exposure that classic gaming has gotten in the last few years due to classic game collections getting released (Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection, Midway Treasures, etc.), Wii's Virtual Console, emulators & roms, and online classic game reviewers like Angry Video Game Nerd and Classic Game Room.

With SNES it's the RPGs and Nintendo-First-Party titles in particular that hard to find, but other than that a good portion of it's library is still pretty easy to come by.

For the last few months, I've been lucky and have gotten a few SNES games for just a few dollars a piece at the local offiical Goodwill store that opened up in our area earlier this year. I got Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, MMPR: Fighting Edition, Super Empire Strikes Back, Super Return of the Jedi, F-Zero, and Super Mario Kart. All great games for a great deal! I haven't seen one Saturn game there yet, though.

Now, I don't collect SNES or Saturn games but I go to Goodwills all the time and I have never seen any video game at a goodwill other than like NBA 2K3 on PS2 and Two Worlds on PC. hahaha I would kill to find some good/old games.

Now, I don't collect SNES or Saturn games but I go to Goodwills all the time and I have never seen any video game at a goodwill other than like NBA 2K3 on PS2 and Two Worlds on PC. hahaha I would kill to find some good/old games.

Masenkoe

I've heard other people say this as well. I don't know why our Goodwill is special. But we have plenty of games, just not for rare systems. I usually find PLENTY of PS1, PS2, XBox, Gamecube, and PC games. And I can usually find some NES, SNES, N64, Genesis, 2600, Dreamcast, and even a few Sega Master System games there. There's even a small handful of Wii games there. There's often consoles, too. I've seen plenty of PS1s, Gamecubes, and XBoxs (original) go through there, a couple Genesis's, and even an XBox 360.

[QUOTE="Masenkoe"]

Now, I don't collect SNES or Saturn games but I go to Goodwills all the time and I have never seen any video game at a goodwill other than like NBA 2K3 on PS2 and Two Worlds on PC. hahaha I would kill to find some good/old games.

Emerald_Warrior

I've heard other people say this as well. I don't know why our Goodwill is special. But we have plenty of games, just not for rare systems. I usually find PLENTY of PS1, PS2, XBox, Gamecube, and PC games. And I can usually find some NES, SNES, N64, Genesis, 2600, Dreamcast, and even a few Sega Master System games there. There's even a small handful of Wii games there. There's often consoles, too. I've seen plenty of PS1s, Gamecubes, and XBoxs (original) go through there, a couple Genesis's, and even an XBox 360.

I know some Goodwill stores sell all their potentially valuable stuff (incuding retro games) on their auction site shopgoodwill.com or on Ebay. I understand that it's within their best interest to make as much money as possible, but it has made finding good retro games in their stores for a good price very difficult to say the least. I know of maybe 2 goodwills in my area out of the probably 20 that still occassionally put out rarer titles, however I fear that someday they'll turn to the dark side as well.

I'm just glad I got most of the CIB SNES games i wanted when i did. I found almost everything i have from goodwill and criagslist but both of those sources are either taken over by resellers (CL) or everything cartridge based is put online (goodwill) I haven't seen a super nintendo system or cart that's not a sports game in a store in 2 years everything is online now It's disgusting. I started collecting about 6 years ago when earthbound carts were 50 bucks. And everything else snes related was on the cheaper end. I think the kids that grew up with snes have grown up to full on adults now compared to 6 years ago so it's just maddness trying to get a hold of them.

[QUOTE="Emerald_Warrior"]

[QUOTE="Masenkoe"]

Now, I don't collect SNES or Saturn games but I go to Goodwills all the time and I have never seen any video game at a goodwill other than like NBA 2K3 on PS2 and Two Worlds on PC. hahaha I would kill to find some good/old games.

Shenmue_Jehuty

I've heard other people say this as well. I don't know why our Goodwill is special. But we have plenty of games, just not for rare systems. I usually find PLENTY of PS1, PS2, XBox, Gamecube, and PC games. And I can usually find some NES, SNES, N64, Genesis, 2600, Dreamcast, and even a few Sega Master System games there. There's even a small handful of Wii games there. There's often consoles, too. I've seen plenty of PS1s, Gamecubes, and XBoxs (original) go through there, a couple Genesis's, and even an XBox 360.

I know some Goodwill stores sell all their potentially valuable stuff (incuding retro games) on their auction site shopgoodwill.com or on Ebay. I understand that it's within their best interest to make as much money as possible, but it has made finding good retro games in their stores for a good price very difficult to say the least. I know of maybe 2 goodwills in my area out of the probably 20 that still occassionally put out rarer titles, however I fear that someday they'll turn to the dark side as well.

I was just at the goodwill today and they had a Mega Man 6 for the nes which caught me off gaurd at first untill i saw the price $25 bucks under the glass case... I have a huge collection and I can't tell you how little i collect now because of all the sources to collect from have dried up. I've never been a ebay buyer just couldn't pay high prices for stuff i could find in the wild with some hardwork... Those days are gone...

well , I have to agree that Saturn games are getting more expensive and have been for the last year or so, maybe its because more collectors are starting to realise its got more good games than just Daytona and Virtua Fighter, which obviously drives up demand and thu price.

although its not totally impossible to find good deals on the internet, but one has to wait, sometimes quite a while for a decent deal to come along.

and its not just the fault of sellers either, sellers will price the games at whatever they think people will buy the games at, which means that people are letting them price the games that way.

yeah it's getting harder and harder these days, the retro gaming boom is really hurting us collectors :Prilpas

[QUOTE="rilpas"]yeah it's getting harder and harder these days, the retro gaming boom is really hurting us collectors :PDarkman2007

[QUOTE="rilpas"]yeah it's getting harder and harder these days, the retro gaming boom is really hurting us collectors :PDarkman2007

yep, I think it's due to the popularity of the AVGN, screwattack and other such internet celebreties.

but yes, I think there's a retro gaming boom, just like there was a retro toys boom back in the early 00's

the price of old/vintage toys kept rising every year until it reached a point where even relatively common vintage toys had reached disproportionaly high prices. That was around the point the boom came crashing down an though the prices never completly reset they are now a lot lower then they used to be (this was told to me by a friend who collects vintage toys)

[QUOTE="Darkman2007"][QUOTE="rilpas"]yeah it's getting harder and harder these days, the retro gaming boom is really hurting us collectors :Prilpas

yep, I think it's due to the popularity of the AVGN, screwattack and other such internet celebreties.

but yes, I think there's a retro gaming boom, just like there was a retro toys boom back in the early 00's

the price of old/vintage toys kept rising every year until it reached a point where even relatively common vintage toys had reached disproportionaly high prices. That was around the point the boom came crashing down an though the prices never completly reset they are now a lot lower then they used to be (this was told to me by a friend who collects vintage toys)

[QUOTE="Darkman2007"][QUOTE="rilpas"]yeah it's getting harder and harder these days, the retro gaming boom is really hurting us collectors :Prilpas

yep, I think it's due to the popularity of the AVGN, screwattack and other such internet celebreties.

but yes, I think there's a retro gaming boom, just like there was a retro toys boom back in the early 00's

the price of old/vintage toys kept rising every year until it reached a point where even relatively common vintage toys had reached disproportionaly high prices. That was around the point the boom came crashing down an though the prices never completly reset they are now a lot lower then they used to be (this was told to me by a friend who collects vintage toys)

I'm personally hoping that the retro game bubble bursts here soon because it is so discouraging trying to find certain games for a reasonable price. I would love to own EVO for example, but there is no way in hell I'd pay $100 for it. Part of me thinks it's just going to get worse though with the way modern gaming is turning a lot of people off. Unless I'm making 6-figures someday or I just get really lucky and find cheap copies (it's happened before) I may never own some of these games. It's so sad :( . . .

[QUOTE="Shenmue_Jehuty"]

[QUOTE="Emerald_Warrior"]

I've heard other people say this as well. I don't know why our Goodwill is special. But we have plenty of games, just not for rare systems. I usually find PLENTY of PS1, PS2, XBox, Gamecube, and PC games. And I can usually find some NES, SNES, N64, Genesis, 2600, Dreamcast, and even a few Sega Master System games there. There's even a small handful of Wii games there. There's often consoles, too. I've seen plenty of PS1s, Gamecubes, and XBoxs (original) go through there, a couple Genesis's, and even an XBox 360.

NinjaLegacy

I know some Goodwill stores sell all their potentially valuable stuff (incuding retro games) on their auction site shopgoodwill.com or on Ebay. I understand that it's within their best interest to make as much money as possible, but it has made finding good retro games in their stores for a good price very difficult to say the least. I know of maybe 2 goodwills in my area out of the probably 20 that still occassionally put out rarer titles, however I fear that someday they'll turn to the dark side as well.

I was just at the goodwill today and they had a Mega Man 6 for the nes which caught me off gaurd at first untill i saw the price $25 bucks under the glass case... I have a huge collection and I can't tell you how little i collect now because of all the sources to collect from have dried up. I've never been a ebay buyer just couldn't pay high prices for stuff i could find in the wild with some hardwork... Those days are gone...

While you wouldn't be saving money, you're not really getting ripped off, either. $25 is about the going rate for that game, and it's not an easy title to track down in the wild.

[QUOTE="rilpas"]

[QUOTE="Darkman2007"] theres a retro gaming boom?Shenmue_Jehuty

yep, I think it's due to the popularity of the AVGN, screwattack and other such internet celebreties.

but yes, I think there's a retro gaming boom, just like there was a retro toys boom back in the early 00's

the price of old/vintage toys kept rising every year until it reached a point where even relatively common vintage toys had reached disproportionaly high prices. That was around the point the boom came crashing down an though the prices never completly reset they are now a lot lower then they used to be (this was told to me by a friend who collects vintage toys)

I'm personally hoping that the retro game bubble bursts here soon because it is so discouraging trying to find certain games for a reasonable price. I would love to own EVO for example, but there is no way in hell I'd pay $100 for it. Part of me thinks it's just going to get worse though with the way modern gaming is turning a lot of people off. Unless I'm making 6-figures someday or I just get really lucky and find cheap copies (it's happened before) I may never own some of these games. It's so sad :( . . .

The entire retro scene is becoming rather disgusting, IMO. There's a small chain in Chicago called 'The Exchange' which has zero character, is filled with scene kids, and charges way too much for old consoles. I can understand if it's mint, but there's no variance in price.Heirren

[QUOTE="Heirren"]The entire retro scene is becoming rather disgusting, IMO. There's a small chain in Chicago called 'The Exchange' which has zero character, is filled with scene kids, and charges way too much for old consoles. I can understand if it's mint, but there's no variance in price.Darkman2007

[QUOTE="Darkman2007"][QUOTE="Heirren"]The entire retro scene is becoming rather disgusting, IMO. There's a small chain in Chicago called 'The Exchange' which has zero character, is filled with scene kids, and charges way too much for old consoles. I can understand if it's mint, but there's no variance in price.Heirren

[QUOTE="Shenmue_Jehuty"]

[QUOTE="rilpas"]

yep, I think it's due to the popularity of the AVGN, screwattack and other such internet celebreties.

but yes, I think there's a retro gaming boom, just like there was a retro toys boom back in the early 00's

the price of old/vintage toys kept rising every year until it reached a point where even relatively common vintage toys had reached disproportionaly high prices. That was around the point the boom came crashing down an though the prices never completly reset they are now a lot lower then they used to be (this was told to me by a friend who collects vintage toys)

Darkman2007

I'm personally hoping that the retro game bubble bursts here soon because it is so discouraging trying to find certain games for a reasonable price. I would love to own EVO for example, but there is no way in hell I'd pay $100 for it. Part of me thinks it's just going to get worse though with the way modern gaming is turning a lot of people off. Unless I'm making 6-figures someday or I just get really lucky and find cheap copies (it's happened before) I may never own some of these games. It's so sad :( . . .

While this isn't the most ideal thing to do, it's probably one of the best ways to get a good deal on Ebay. It does pay to be persistent because you occassionally run into one of those postings that just got put up with a game/console for really cheap, or one of those strange auctions that noone bids on for whatever reason. I've scored this way several times on Ebay. I just wish there was an easier way :(

[QUOTE="Darkman2007"][QUOTE="Shenmue_Jehuty"]

I'm personally hoping that the retro game bubble bursts here soon because it is so discouraging trying to find certain games for a reasonable price. I would love to own EVO for example, but there is no way in hell I'd pay $100 for it. Part of me thinks it's just going to get worse though with the way modern gaming is turning a lot of people off. Unless I'm making 6-figures someday or I just get really lucky and find cheap copies (it's happened before) I may never own some of these games. It's so sad :( . . .

Shenmue_Jehuty

While this isn't the most ideal thing to do, it's probably one of the best ways to get a good deal on Ebay. It does pay to be persistent because you occassionally run into one of those postings that just got put up with a game/console for really cheap, or one of those strange auctions that noone bids on for whatever reason. I've scored this way several times on Ebay. I just wish there was an easier way :(

I know what you mean OP, I want to start collecting SNES games but I can't bring myself to do it. It's just way too expensive for me. Saturn is also a very expensive system to collect for.

However, I have a TON of great games for Saturn which I'm really proud of because Saturn is one of my favorite consoles of all time. Like others have said though you just have to be patient and check every day. I was able to get the enitre Panzar Dragoon Series (1,2, Saga) on Saturn CIB for all games for $250 if I remember correctly. The monetary value might be wrong but I remember I got a GREAT deal on it.

Online prices for SNES and Saturn are overblown. I visit my local retro game store every weekend to see if they have anything new and interesting. Picked up Zelda Link to the Past in great condition boxed with manual last week for £30 and Super Metroid cart only today for £25. Both of those go for around £40 on eBay usually for loose carts, so I consider that a pretty good deal. They also have Yoshi's Island and Donkey Kong Country both boxed for £22 and £18 respectively, but I can't afford them at the moment. :( As for the Saturn, the prices are just ridiculous on western releases. The quality of the games just doesn't warrant the price imo. You're paying for rarity. I bought my Saturn to play Sega Rally believe it or not, but I manage to get good deals on the first two Panzer Dragoon games. My Saturn collection currently stands at 6 games, and I don't foresee it getting any larger unless I find a reasonably priced copy of Saturn Bomberman. I must invest in an ST Key/Action Replay at some point. I'm surprised that Gamecube games are hideously expensive still. People seem to think that just because it's Nintendo, they need to double the asking price! Imo, the best system to collect for is the Mega Drive/Genesis. It has good games a plenty, and the majority are dirt cheap. Those plastic cases also mean that you're likely to find games still boxed.. Which is nice.Nismology

I absolutely agree with everything you just said.

NTSC Saturn games have become ridiculosly expensive, so much so that about 2-years ago I decided to invest in a NTSC-J Saturn just because every American/PAL Saturn release is about 50 - 90% cheaper. Point in case, I bought Panzer Dragoon Azel (aka Panzer Dragoon Saga) for $10 complete and in like new condition, online no less. After playing it, I can't see how it's $300 price tag is justified in PAL/North America (it's a good game, but not THAT good). The same goes for other very expensive US Saturn games, as you said people are mostly paying for rarity, not quality.

And you are very right about the Genesis/MD. With the exception of MUSHA(which I got for only $40 compared to it's usually $100+ pricetag), I've bought most of my Genesis games for less than $5, and I have some quality titles. I just feel it is underrated and under appreciated. Especially considering games like Phantasy Star II and Shining Force are on par with many SNES games that are worth 5-times as much. Still, I wish I could own and play those really expensive SNES games, I just refuse to pay the ridiculous prices that 99% of them go for online and at game stores.

Saying that though, there's a gaping hole in my Mega Drive collection where Phantasy Star IV needs to be! I played though it on the PSP, but I really, really want a real Mega Drive copy. There's one on Amazon UK at the moment for £40, but it's cart only with a ripped label. I'm not paying that much for a game in horrible condition. If I find a loose cart in nice condition for <£30, I may pick it up. I'd love a boxed copy though.Nismology

[QUOTE="Nismology"]Saying that though, there's a gaping hole in my Mega Drive collection where Phantasy Star IV needs to be! I played though it on the PSP, but I really, really want a real Mega Drive copy. There's one on Amazon UK at the moment for £40, but it's cart only with a ripped label. I'm not paying that much for a game in horrible condition. If I find a loose cart in nice condition for <£30, I may pick it up. I'd love a boxed copy though.Darkman2007

[QUOTE="Darkman2007"][QUOTE="Nismology"]Saying that though, there's a gaping hole in my Mega Drive collection where Phantasy Star IV needs to be! I played though it on the PSP, but I really, really want a real Mega Drive copy. There's one on Amazon UK at the moment for £40, but it's cart only with a ripped label. I'm not paying that much for a game in horrible condition. If I find a loose cart in nice condition for <£30, I may pick it up. I'd love a boxed copy though.Nismology

I hate living in Pal-land sometimes. Nismology

Me too. Especially concerning most systems' game libraries in the PAL region compared to the NTSC regions.

The purpose of this thread is to see if anyone else has had a great amount of difficulty collecting for the SNES and Saturn in recent years? The reason I mention these two consoles is that it seems like it's becoming harder and harder to collect for these consoles without taking out a second mortgage, selling your organs, or consulting a loan shark. I typically find most of my games at places like thrift stores or flea markets, however less common SNES and Saturn games have evaded me almost constantly at these places. I've got lucky a few times, but overall, they are the two main consoles I have the most difficulty finding good deals on. I don't even attempt Ebay anymore and video game stores are even more expensive. It's just frustrating because there are so many great games on those consoles, however they are not worth the $50+ pricetag to me. For several, I'd gladly pay $50 even, but those games are the ones that consistently break $100 (ie Earthbound, Hagane, EVO, ect). Please share your own frustrations in collecting for these consoles, or even other consoles that you've had a hard time finding good deals on. Oh, and good resources for finding cheaper prices on these console's games is appreciated.

Shenmue_Jehuty

if you don´t think they are worth 50$+ then just burn them. I always get so sick about people complaining about prices.

yeah it's getting harder and harder these days, the retro gaming boom is really hurting us collectors :Prilpas

what retro boom?

panzer dragoon saga costs 200$ just like 10 years ago, dragon force and guardian heroes have actually become cheaper the past 10 years and shining force 3 is still around 70-80$ and I could name a lot more

[QUOTE="rilpas"]yeah it's getting harder and harder these days, the retro gaming boom is really hurting us collectors :Pbultje112

what retro boom?

panzer dragoon saga costs 200$ just like 10 years ago, dragon force and guardian heroes have actually become cheaper the past 10 years and shining force 3 is still around 70-80$ and I could name a lot more

please, 10 years ago you could buy ducktales for the nes complete in box for 5-10 euro, now you'll be lucky if you can get the cartridge alone for that price

and your example of panzer dragoon saga? yeah, the game used to cost 200$

now it costs 300

that's the only english copy available on ebay.com

[QUOTE="bultje112"]

[QUOTE="rilpas"]yeah it's getting harder and harder these days, the retro gaming boom is really hurting us collectors :Prilpas

what retro boom?

panzer dragoon saga costs 200$ just like 10 years ago, dragon force and guardian heroes have actually become cheaper the past 10 years and shining force 3 is still around 70-80$ and I could name a lot more

please, 10 years ago you could buy ducktales for the nes complete in box for 5-10 euro, now you'll be lucky if you can get the cartridge alone for that price

and your example of panzer dragoon saga? yeah, the game used to cost 200$

now it costs 300

that's the only english copy available on ebay.com

[QUOTE="rilpas"]

[QUOTE="bultje112"]

what retro boom?

panzer dragoon saga costs 200$ just like 10 years ago, dragon force and guardian heroes have actually become cheaper the past 10 years and shining force 3 is still around 70-80$ and I could name a lot more

Darkman2007

please, 10 years ago you could buy ducktales for the nes complete in box for 5-10 euro, now you'll be lucky if you can get the cartridge alone for that price

and your example of panzer dragoon saga? yeah, the game used to cost 200$

now it costs 300

that's the only english copy available on ebay.com

I think that non retro gamers woke up to the fact that some old games can be worth quite a bit, so they try to pawn them off at inflated prices.

then other non retro gamers go to ebay and see that the game they own was sold for... let's say 100 dollars, so they decide to sell their copy for 120

then the next guy sees that copy being sold and sells his for 140

and so on and so forth, just my two cents :P

[QUOTE="bultje112"]

[QUOTE="rilpas"]yeah it's getting harder and harder these days, the retro gaming boom is really hurting us collectors :Prilpas

what retro boom?

panzer dragoon saga costs 200$ just like 10 years ago, dragon force and guardian heroes have actually become cheaper the past 10 years and shining force 3 is still around 70-80$ and I could name a lot more

please, 10 years ago you could buy ducktales for the nes complete in box for 5-10 euro, now you'll be lucky if you can get the cartridge alone for that price

and your example of panzer dragoon saga? yeah, the game used to cost 200$

now it costs 300

that's the only english copy available on ebay.com

pls show me any auction of saga selling for 300$

[QUOTE="rilpas"]

[QUOTE="bultje112"]

what retro boom?

panzer dragoon saga costs 200$ just like 10 years ago, dragon force and guardian heroes have actually become cheaper the past 10 years and shining force 3 is still around 70-80$ and I could name a lot more

bultje112

please, 10 years ago you could buy ducktales for the nes complete in box for 5-10 euro, now you'll be lucky if you can get the cartridge alone for that price

and your example of panzer dragoon saga? yeah, the game used to cost 200$

now it costs 300

that's the only english copy available on ebay.com

pls show me any auction of saga selling for 300$

I can't, because that is the ONLY auction of saga that is on ebay

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Panzer-Dragoon-Saga-Sega-Saturn-1998-/190746127438?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item2c695aec4e

here :roll:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Panzer-Dragoon-Saga-Sega-Saturn-1998-/190746127438?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item2c695aec4e

here :roll:

bultje112

no manual, no front covers and no overlay?

oh yeah, good job there :roll:

what's next? are you going to link me to an auction of someone only selling the CDs?

[QUOTE="bultje112"]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Panzer-Dragoon-Saga-Sega-Saturn-1998-/190746127438?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item2c695aec4e

here :roll:

rilpas

no manual, no front covers and no overlay?

oh yeah, good job there :roll:

what's next? are you going to link me to an auction of someone only selling the CDs?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Panzer-Dragoon-Saga-Sega-Saturn-1998-/190749558893?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item2c698f486d

:roll: