NeoGAF

DidntKnowJack · 09:59 AM

I've noticed a lot of people posting their new pickups of old SNES games, and I thought it might be a good idea to have a place to discuss the entire process. Because we all know how expensive some of these titles can be and we certainly know how tough it can be to find the best bargains. And let's face it - prices aren't coming down. They're starting to reach ridiculous levels.

Now, I didn't want to just have a place for people to post their collections, though some of that could be cool too and I don't want to completely discourage that, but rather a place where we could share what we've learned over the years.

Also feel free to talk about what you're on the lookout for, or even what you recently purchased, or where you've been looking. Let's help each other out.

edit: Super Famicom and games discussion also welcome! They are certainly a cheaper alternative.

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Speaking for myself, I have to admit I haven't had much luck with flea markets, thrift stores, and the like. I've actually had a hard time finding any here in southern California. I know they're out there, but a lot of them would require some travel time. Which I don't have right now.

What I'm on the lookout for:

DKC 2 and 3. Ever since Nintendo delisted these from Virtual Console, I've been wanting to get the physical copies. I recently got the first game, now just 2 and 3 to go.

Super Castlevania IV. Since I've only just begun collecting for SNES, this is one of those must haves I...well...must have in my collection. And I've noticed this game in particular is starting to rise in price. I have to get it before it gets to unattainable levels.

Contra III: The Alien Wars. Again, another one of those games you just want in your collection, and so far I don't have it. Plain and simple. Also, starting to become quite expensive.

Pipe Dreams:

Earthbound. Fuck. I'm depressed just thinking about how much this game costs now. One of those titles that has been become unattainable. Dammit.

Demon's Crest. Again, I want this so bad but God damn if it isn't way out of my price range.

And finally, links to all of the Retro threads on GAF:

Retro GAF Unite!

BroBuzz · (02-03-2013, 06:29 AM)

Subbed, looking forward to reading the response here.

And the prices of Earthbound are fucking outrageous now. I bought mine 3 years ago for $100, which is still expensive, and now it's almost doubled!

entrement · (02-03-2013, 06:36 AM)

Just save for Earthbound and Demon's Crest, OP. Shouldn't be hard. Unless you want them CIB.

A few suggestions about the thread. Why not also include Super Famicom? I see quite a lot non Japanese gamer get those because Super Famicom titles are much cheaper comparatively. Plus the Super Famicom had the better industrial design.

Kobiekun · (02-03-2013, 06:43 AM)

If you're gonna buy and play a lot of retro games, I'd recommend picking up a FrameMeister so you don't have to hound Craigslist, garage sales, thrift shops et al. for a CRT.

Olly88 · (02-03-2013, 06:47 AM)

I badly want Demon's Crest, but yeah, it's a tad expensive for me. I'm sure one day I'll say fuck it and just buy it, but I'm still hopeful of finding a good deal one day... (same with Castlevania: Vampire's Kiss). I'm going to be buying DKC 2 and 3 soon. Well, the second soon, and then the third a bit later on.

Apart from those two though, some of the main ones I currently want are;

- Legend of the Mystical Ninja
- Super Metroid
- Secret Of Mana
- An American Tail: Fievel Goes West

There's a lot more but those are the ones I want most at the moment. I also want to get a Super Famicom since I see loads of cheap games on eBay, and it'd be cool to get some Japan only games, like DoReMi Fantasy, even though that one is pretty expensive.

thekonamicode · 06:57 AM

I finally picked up Demon's Crest for about $10 early last year, been looking for a copy locally for ages. I realize I could have gotten it online easily, but for whatever reason I didn't bother looking. I've been boxing all my classic cartridge based games with the assets available from the Cover Project. It's an invaluable resource for like-minded people.

giggas · (02-03-2013, 06:55 AM)

It's a real bummer that retro game prices seemed to have shot up within the last two years or so. I've had a few in my Amazon wishlist that I really wish I jumped on when they were cheaper. Of course I didn't think they'd jump up the way they did. Seems like SNES games, for whatever reason, are the ones that are raising in price the most.

Does anyone know why this happened? It's just strange to me how quickly things doubled. Is it because more people are into retro gaming now? Weird thing is, it seems like Super Famicom game prices have remained the same. Sometimes it's cheaper to buy Super Famicom versions now.

Anyway, I have about 40 - 50 games in my SNES collection, about half of those boxed, good ones too. Still, there are a bunch I want to get and the increased prices make it tough.

I just picked up The Great Circus Mystery (Mickey's Magical Quest 2) off eBay for 2 dollars (5 shipping). It seems to usually go for around 10, but this copy had black sharpie marker all over it. I had confidence I could get the sharpie off and was the only person that took the bid on it. I managed to get nearly all of it off with a Magic Eraser. Only a few tiny bits are left, but it's not really noticeable. Glad I swiped that one up.

DidntKnowJack · (02-03-2013, 06:57 AM)

Speaking of Super Famicom (and yes, by all means SF games talk is welcome) I have 2 SNES' and have half a mind to mod one of them so I can play SF games. I understand it's a fairly simple process to remove a couple of plastic tabs so the Japanese games can be fully inserted into the system. That's literally the only thing preventing those titles from being played. I really should do that.

Unfortunately that wouldn't help me with Earthbound as I can't read the language. But maybe Demon's Crest? Is that import friendly? (Not a lot of text...?)

Stumpokapow · (02-03-2013, 06:59 AM)

Originally Posted by Olly88

There's a lot more but those are the ones I want most at the moment. I also want to get a Super Famicom since I see loads of cheap games on eBay, and it'd be cool to get some Japan only games, like DoReMi Fantasy, even though that one is pretty expensive.

Please know that if you have an NTSC (US) SNES, it is not region locked and can play JPN Super Famicom games, so there's no need to buy a Super Famicom. You will need to remove a plastic tab inside the cartridge slot for the JPN cart to fit, but it works fine.

Some recommendations:
DoReMi Fantasy
Seiken Densetsu 3
Go Go Ackman 1-3
Mario & Wario (Lemmings, the Mario Paint Mouse, and Mario characters. Trust me.)
Marvelous: Another Treasure Island

Olly88 · (02-03-2013, 07:02 AM)

Originally Posted by Stumpokapow

Please know that if you have an NTSC (US) SNES, it is not region locked and can play JPN Super Famicom games, so there's no need to buy a Super Famicom. You will need to remove a plastic tab inside the cartridge slot for the JPN cart to fit, but it works fine.

Some recommendations:
DoReMi Fantasy
Seiken Densetsu 3
Go Go Ackman 1-3
Mario & Wario (Lemmings, the Mario Paint Mouse, and Mario characters. Trust me.)
Marvelous: Another Treasure Island

I have a PAL SNES :P But I didn't know the US ones could play SF games. I could just get one of those then I guess and then I'd have all regions covered. Thanks for letting me know :)

kamakazi5 · (02-03-2013, 07:03 AM)

The main games I'm looking for right now are:

Secret of Mana
DKC 2 and 3
Zombies Ate My Neighbors

I don't focus too much on SNES collecting but I'll pick up stuff I find for a good price. Like most of my other cart collecting I don't care for looking for CIB stuff unless it's something special to me (like Mario or Final Fantasy).

Teknoman · (02-03-2013, 07:18 AM)

Subscribed.

Sunsetriders is another to add to the list. Same with Mario RPG and Wild Guns.

EDIT: I'd think Demon's Crest should be import friendly...but I bet that version has gone up in price too. Same with Majouu or whatever.

IrishNinja · (02-03-2013, 07:33 AM)

as someone replacing his genesis collection, i feel bad for SNES fans because there's tons more speculation making much of ebay/amazon useless. can't be said enough: keep an eye on craigslist (they do garage sales as a separate section, and hit up craigfind to search other cities!) and local garage sales/salvation army/swap meets are the best.

thekonamicode · (02-03-2013, 07:34 AM)

Sadly my launch SNES has yellowed like so many 80s/90s era consumer electronics. Still works great though, and looks great since I have a pretty old DLP with s-video input. It seems all these fancy new sets lack s-video, so I might have to shell out $500 for that FrameMeister when the time comes. My original bulb (Samsung DLP) lasted 7 years, and I just changed it out today with a bulb I bought over a year ago. Looks better than I remember!

teiresias · (02-03-2013, 07:43 AM)

Does anyone have a source for plastic boxes that fit SNES carts well? I have a few boxes for my collection but prefer to keep them flattened so they stay in better shape (though I don't own anything that's sealed).

thekonamicode · (02-03-2013, 07:47 AM)

Originally Posted by teiresias

Does anyone have a source for plastic boxes that fit SNES carts well? I have a few boxes for my collection but prefer to keep them flattened so they stay in better shape (though I don't own anything that's sealed).

Personally, I use the universal game cases from mediashelving.

http://www.mediashelving.com/Merchan...duct_Code=USCG

Teknoman · 07:52 AM

Originally Posted by thekonamicode

Personally, I use the universal game cases from mediashelving.

http://www.mediashelving.com/Merchan...duct_Code=USCG

Seconded. These work great. Pair them with covers from thecoverproject, and you've got a pretty nice way of storing things.

Keep in mind that 1 just equals a box of like 100 or something, not just 1 case.

thetrin · (02-03-2013, 07:57 AM)

Originally Posted by entrement

Just save for Earthbound and Demon's Crest, OP. Shouldn't be hard. Unless you want them CIB.

A few suggestions about the thread. Why not also include Super Famicom? I see quite a lot non Japanese gamer get those because Super Famicom titles are much cheaper comparatively. Plus the Super Famicom had the better industrial design.

It's actually kind of stupid how much cheaper SuperFami games are. When I lived in Japan, I ended up getting a lot of games I had missed out on in the past, because it was that much cheaper. It's almost criminal.

GhostSeed · (02-03-2013, 08:01 AM)

Best of luck to all you new SNES collectors, it's my favorite system of all time. Although I can't imagine trying to piece together a good/complete SNES collection these days with prices being what they are. I still need a US copy of Wild Guns to round out my library but I've never seen one of these carts out in the "wild".

Tain · (02-03-2013, 08:02 AM)

ayyo how can I get Japanese Wild Guns for less than $125

BocoDragon · (02-03-2013, 08:03 AM)

Originally Posted by thetrin

It's actually kind of stupid how much cheaper SuperFami games are. When I lived in Japan, I ended up getting a lot of games I had missed out on in the past, because it was that much cheaper. It's almost criminal.

It makes sense when you consider the print runs. Take Chrono Trigger, for example. 2.3 million copies for Japan (a country of 130 million people), and 200,000 copies for the entire English-speaking world.

vincent vega · (02-03-2013, 08:04 AM)

What do you guys do with your dead batteries? do you replace them? I was thinking about swapping out my dkc1 battery

DidntKnowJack · (02-03-2013, 08:05 AM)

I've actually never encountered a dead battery. I mean, not even with NES games. That's weird.

thetrin · (02-03-2013, 08:09 AM)

Originally Posted by BocoDragon

It makes sense when you consider the print runs. Take Chrono Trigger, for example. 2.3 million copies for Japan (a country of 130 million people), and 200,000 copies for the entire English-speaking world.

Oh, it makes sense. I just meant I felt like I was circumventing some law by getting JP copies.

Bururian · (02-03-2013, 08:09 AM)

Is there anywhere I can find a decent, non scratched or damaged cart of Secret of Mana for less than $50? I know it's a good game and all, but there seems to be this wall of where I find a copy of the game, I don't even care about box or manual, but it's always in bad shape.

Pikma · (02-03-2013, 08:10 AM)

I have only experienced battery deaths once, it happened to my Shadowrun cartridge, lost my 40+ hours save, I haven't been able to finish that game :(

A Black Falcon · (02-03-2013, 08:17 AM)

Originally Posted by vincent vega

What do you guys do with your dead batteries? do you replace them? I was thinking about swapping out my dkc1 battery

I haven't taught myself to solder, so my piles of dead-battery cart (like 8 or 9 now for the SNES alone... plus two for the NES, 8-10 for the Game Boy and GBC, and 2 N64 Controller Paks...) are just sitting around collecting dust. :(

DidntKnowJack · (02-03-2013, 08:19 AM)

Originally Posted by Bururian

Is there anywhere I can find a decent, non scratched or damaged cart of Secret of Mana for less than $50? I know it's a good game and all, but there seems to be this wall of where I find a copy of the game, I don't even care about box or manual, but it's always in bad shape.

Did a quick search and found this...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Secret-of-Ma...item337fab8b54

vincent vega · (02-03-2013, 08:22 AM)

Originally Posted by A Black Falcon

I haven't taught myself to solder, so my piles of dead-battery cart (like 8 or 9 now for the SNES alone... plus two for the NES, 8-10 for the Game Boy and GBC, and 2 N64 Controller Paks...) are just sitting around collecting dust. :(

Yeah I need to learn how to solder one of these days. I just don't want to destroy my cartridge

Bururian · (02-03-2013, 08:24 AM)

Originally Posted by DidntKnowJack

Did a quick search and found this...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Secret-of-Ma...item337fab8b54

haha, Guess I should have mentioned that I don't use ebay or paypal due to being burned too many times by both of them.

Teknoman · (02-03-2013, 08:28 AM)

Originally Posted by Tain

ayyo how can I get Japanese Wild Guns for less than $125

Count me in. Was the only way I got Megaman X 3 for a reasonable price.

televator · (02-03-2013, 08:31 AM)

I was the kid that totally bought the "Genesis does..." marketing. Today, I know the glory and have seen the light that is Super Metroid.

Linkhero1 · (02-03-2013, 08:33 AM)

I like this thread. I've been collecting for the past five years.

I still need to get many games but I have most of the essentials already. I just need to get some of the obscure games. I do have an OCD with needing the boxes and manuals for most of the games which sucks.

Originally Posted by Bururian

haha, Guess I should have mentioned that I don't use ebay or paypal due to being burned too many times by both of them.

It's different when you're a buyer. If someone tries to screw you over then you'll most likely get your money back.

luka · (02-03-2013, 08:35 AM)

Originally Posted by Tain

ayyo how can I get Japanese Wild Guns for less than $125

you can't. i've tried. ╥﹏╥

DidntKnowJack · (02-03-2013, 08:44 AM)

Originally Posted by Linkhero1

I do have an OCD with needing the boxes and manuals for most of the games which sucks.

I don't have OCD about it, but I feel your pain because I find the boxes so aesthetically pleasing. I realize as far as 16 bit games go, some people consider Genesis/MegaDrive boxes to be superior in a practical sense, but there is something about the cardboard boxes of SNES games I have an unhealthy hunger for. They're certainly more prone to the test of time, but almost like perusing an old comic book's art, I just find them so appealing. Not to mention 9 times out of 10 their manuals were full color and you can tell they actually gave a shit about what was in them.

Linkhero1 · (02-03-2013, 08:48 AM)

Originally Posted by DidntKnowJack

I don't have OCD about it, but I feel your pain because I find the boxes so aesthetically pleasing. I realize as far as 16 bit games go, some people consider Genesis/MegaDrive boxes to be superior in a practical sense, but there is something about the cardboard boxes of SNES games I have an unhealthy hunger for. They're certainly more prone to the test of time, but almost like perusing an old comic book's art, I just find them so appealing. Not to mention 9 times out of 10 their manuals were full color and you can tell they actually gave a shit about what was in them.

Exactly how I feel in regards to the SNES boxes. I even spent a hefty amount of money on some of the boxes. The only box I wanted and haven't been able to obtain was Earthbound. It's so expensive that I didn't even consider saving up for it. I ended up buying one of those plastic fan made cases instead, but it's not the same thing =/

Seik · 09:03 AM

Great thread DidntKnowJack! :D

The SNES was the very first console I started collecting for, 5 years ago. It was wonderful to go back to all the wonderful titles I went through when I was younger...and then traded like a fool. I'm keeping those until I die this time!

Back then I was reticent about using a Paypal account with my bank account and everything, so I was searching in every damn freaking shops, flea-markets, online post in my region. I learned that there were many fools who tries to overprice their games, simply because they were 'classics' (I don't know, something like SMW for 35,99$, heh.), I wasn't a member on Ebay but I learned the general prices of the games browsing it intensively in my debuts. The deals I got by searching and be patient are the best of rewards.

Pro-tip: In flea-markets and places like that, I always try and ask if I can get X game for 5$ less than it's tagged price, it worked more than it didn't, especially when you buy more than one at once, hell, even try 10$ off for bigger lots (Over 4-5 games at 10$-15$ ea.). You have nothing to lose.

Here's some shots I took just for this thread. :P

and behind

Pro-tip 2: Patience, impatience leads to paying more.

EDIT: Pro-tip 3: Buy some plastic protector cases for your complete games like I'm going to get soon, those are really useful and it'll prevent some shelf damages on your boxes.

Olly88 · (02-03-2013, 08:57 AM)

Add me to those that has to have the boxes. I've got the boxes for my copies of Yoshi's Island and Kirby's Fun Pak somewhere but I have no idea where and it drives me crazy.

DidntKnowJack · (02-03-2013, 09:02 AM)

I've been thinking about picking up some of these box protectors myself. I treat my boxes with care, but I have a feeling over time some of the edges will start to wear.

Linkhero1 · (02-03-2013, 09:08 AM)

You know which game is hard to find complete? Super Mario World. Took me ages to get the box and manual for it.

Originally Posted by DidntKnowJack

I've been thinking about picking up some of these box protectors myself. I treat my boxes with care, but I have a feeling over time some of the edges will start to wear.

Where did you find these? I really need them.

Seik · 09:14 AM

Originally Posted by Linkhero1

Where did you find these? I really need them.

I will buy mine from this guy. But he had an overload of orders in january so his next batch of SNES-N64 cases is coming March (He said that in the Nintendoage forums). :(

Linkhero1 · (02-03-2013, 09:14 AM)

Originally Posted by Seik

I will buy mine from this guy. But he had an overload of orders in january so his next batch of SNES-N64 cases is coming March. :(

Thanks. I'll keep an eye out for some.

DidntKnowJack · (02-03-2013, 09:15 AM)

Originally Posted by Linkhero1

Where did you find these? I really need them.

They're not my pics. I snatched them from this blog post.

tiggerkiddo · (02-03-2013, 09:17 AM)

Only titles I really want cib are Harvest Moon, Chrono Trigger and LttP...I hope to luck out and not pay an arm and a leg but I really doubt it!

Linkhero1 · (02-03-2013, 09:19 AM)

Originally Posted by DidntKnowJack

They're not my pics. I snatched them from this blog post.

Oh. These box protectors are in very high demands it seems.

On an unrelated note, I think I'll be needing box protectors for my N64 games too.

DidntKnowJack · (02-03-2013, 09:23 AM)

Originally Posted by tiggerkiddo

Only titles I really want cib are Harvest Moon, Chrono Trigger and LttP...I hope to luck out and not pay an arm and a leg but I really doubt it!

If I had the money I'd be all over this. But I already have the game and manual, just no box. But that's not a bad price for a CIB LTTP.

Seik · 09:57 AM

Originally Posted by Linkhero1

Oh. These box protectors are in very high demands it seems.

On an unrelated note, I think I'll be needing box protectors for my N64 games too.

Welp, it's the same guy that I linked earlier!

Hope I'll be able to grab 50 of those before I move. D:

Originally Posted by DidntKnowJack

Heh, someone bought that LTTP. That was quick. Don't blame them, it was a decent deal. And no, I swear that wasn't my auction.

Oh, you mean it wasn't sold? Holy shit that was quick indeed! :lol

DidntKnowJack · (02-03-2013, 09:55 AM)

Heh, someone bought that LTTP. That was quick. Don't blame them, it was a decent deal. And no, I swear that wasn't my auction.

Chinner · (02-03-2013, 10:04 AM)

threads like this makes me sad that I have to sell my retro collection.

jonno394 · (02-03-2013, 10:05 AM)

I'm no collector, but threads like these get me very tempted. I used to have an extremely large collection of game, but when my sister moved out in 2000, she took them with her (i was too enamored with N64, PS1, DC to care) and then a few years later when she moved back, she left them with her ex and he threw them away :'(, I have never looked at her the same way since (hyperbole).

However, I was lucky to keep a few of my favourite games before letting her leave, I just took them out of storage to share:

My tips after seeing these, don't put them in a large cardboard box for storage underneath plenty of other things (ALTTP and Terranigma boxes are a bit beaten and worn)