Thinking about collecting boxed N64 games

[AppleQueso]

Perhaps because I've been having a lot of nostalgia over n64 lately, I don't know, but I've been getting the urge to start collecting CIB n64 games. Up until now, I've been perfectly content with loose carts, and since getting a new n64 a few months ago I've bought a handful already (about 10 or so).

See, the Nintendo 64 wasn't my first console, but it was the first game system I really got "in" to, the first one I was following new releases on, etc. I'm sure anyone else who's the same age as me and had an n64 during its heyday can understand perfectly.

Anyhow, I've noticed checking prices on ebay that CIB n64 games don't seem to be much more expensive than their loose cart varieties at all. Maybe 2-5 dollars more at the most. For some reason i expected them to be a lot more expensive but I guess not.

Anyhow, the reason I'm making this thread is because I'm hoping to get a bit of advice from some of the collectors here. Basically just asking what I should know before diving in. I'm not looking to do a complete n64 collection, just the 50-60 or so games I think were really great, the ones that were a big part of my childhood.

So, any tips collectors? Any games notoriously hard to find CIB?

[noiseredux]

I have nothing much to add, per se. But I knowing this, I'll try to keep my eye out for CIB N64 games for you when I'm on the hunt.

[winds]

You should check out a youtuber by the name of finngamer (http://www.youtube.com/user/finngamer). He has a complete n64 collection minus 3 or 4 games. In one of his videos he shows you exactly what should come in a complete n64 game. If you just want the box, cart, and manual than youre good to go, but if you want 100% complete then it should come with a few other things (including plastic baggies around the cart lol).
I have to say boxed n64 games look much better in a collection than the carts do, especially since they have no end labels.

[CRTGAMER]

A very daunting task. Would be amazing if you find a back room of a game rental store full of spares.

[Gamerforlife]

I just love the look of CIB cartridge games. There's simply nothing that screams retro more than a collection of CIB Genesis,S-NES,Neo Geo, or N64 games. Of all the games in my collection few give me that nostalgic feel more than looking at my collection of CIB S-NES/Genesis/N64 games, especially those big S-NES boxes

I would love to have every great S-NES and Neo Geo game CIB but that would be a time consuming, expensive goal. An N64 collection is a reasonable, attainable goal. The N64 and Dreamcast are both good choices for building a complete collection.

I wouldn't bother with anything more than box and instructions. Most of the other stuff that came with those old games was generic crap that came with every game. Most people don't care about that stuff and never did

[Ack]

So, any tips collectors? Any games notoriously hard to find CIB?

Your Blockbuster exclusives will likely be more difficult to find CIB. Transformers Beast Wars Transmetals, ClayFighter: Sculptor's Cut...titles like these, which were only available through rental offices, are going to be the downfall.

As for rarer games, Ogre Battle 64 can get expensive, but for the most part I think you'll be ok.

[Jrecee]

I'm doing the same thing. I got my N64 in 6th grade and had a subscription to nintendo power. Before that I had other systems but other than buying a magazine once every couple of months I didn't keep up that well.

I mostly just buy N64 games with boxes since I kept them over the years and there's not that many more N64 games I actually want. Maybe 15 or so. Plus they have no labeling on the top which is a pain in the ass.

[AppleQueso]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Looking around on ebay, it seems that even with the most valuable games (like Ogre Battle 64), there seems to be a price ceiling of around $55 give or take before shipping. That certainly sounds plenty manageable, especially compared to say, PS1 or Saturn.

Of course this isn't counting those rental-only games, which I imagine that even if one CIB would surface, I wouldn't be able to afford it anyhow.

Now I just need to decide whether, when I get paid, to go for one expensive game or go for several cheap ones.

[Gamerforlife]

Are you considering imports as well? Can't have an N64 collection without a copy of Sin and Punishment

[Curlypaul]

I have a small collection of N64 games, about 15ish, and most of them are boxed as they normally arent that much more expensive. I find that it tricky to remove the carts from the boxes without damaging the flaps a little every time though, so I end up keeping the carts next to the boxes. This is irritating as its hard to tell them apart when they are stacked together.

Anyhow I say go for it if you can afford it, and personally I'd go for a bunch of cheaper games to start with to get the collection rolling and then go for the trophies later on.