How to recognize "new" Dreamcast?

[Iah]

I am not sure if I am posting this in the right section, but anyways, here is my question:

How do you recognize a brand new Dreamcast from a refurbished one? I want to buy a never used Dreamcast on ebay, but on nearly every seller that is selling one, I see a user feedback like "it was't new but refurbished".

It may sound strange, but really I want a BRAND NEW Dreamcast, a one which I am the first user since it left the factory to put a game in it, because I played the Dreamcast as a kid in the demonstration stands but couldn't afford one, and when I finally had enough money to buy video games, I brough everything used, so I want to fullfil a childhood dream.

[millerjm2]

I know Star Land used to have them up to fairly recently. If you go here,

http://www.estarland.com/SegaDreamcast.html

they have a listing for new models. However I would call them first before actually making a purchase.

[final fight cd]

i once sold a factory sealed retro video game and once bought a factory sealed retro video game. i am taking my limited knowledge of sealed video games and applying it to large console boxes. hopefully it helps.

besides looking for the obvious - system is in absolute "mint" shape, all manuals/inserts are crisp, everything is in baggies, etc - i would also look at the box, specially the "hinge" of the flap. if this "hinge" is wrinkled or has cracks running along it, it probably has been opened a few times. however, even if there is evidence of wear 'n tear on the "hinge," the system itself could very well be new and unused.

also, i would think the system would have a smell to it. it has been a few years since i have opened a brand new system, but i think i recall them all having the "new console" smell to them.

[Hobie-wan]

Were DC boxes sealed? If you were looking at one in person, the baggies inside would likely still be taped up with no stretched bits from fighting the tape. The twist ties around the cords and whatnot would be smooth like they'd never been un/retwisted

[h8b1llg8ts]

It might be easier to just invest in a time machine. You know party like it was 1999 allover again ...

[Betamax001]

There may be tape on the hinge as well. Maybe some kind of tape that has Sega on it or Dreamcast. I know my brand new PS3 had some tape on the hinge opening up the box.

[CRTGAMER]

Your older post of the exact same topic one day earlier. Where's Luke!
http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=22234&hilit=new+dreamcast

It might be easier to just invest in a time machine. You know party like it was 1999 allover again ...

So true.

[Iah]

Your older post of the exact same topic one day earlier. Where's Luke!
http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=22234&hilit=new+dreamcast

False, one is to buy, the other one is to know how to buy, I don't agree that it's the same thing...

[Xionraserei1]

I tried to buy a new dreamcast that was factory sealed like 3-4 times. You just can't do it. The three or four dealers ive been trying to do this with have either had stock from a supplier who is lieing to them or they themselves are lieing.

Things to look for:

- Make sure controller is NTSC Red Swirl logo format instead of blue swirl PAL. (Commonly swapped in by people faking)
- Under a light, tilt the dreamcast unit from side to side front and back and make sure that the Dreamcast hasnt been cleaned. If it has been cleaned the unit will have a really weird texture to it and actually will show very small abrasions all around the console surface.
-Open the GR-Rom lid, Is there a ring-like circular scuff or cut into the plastic around the drive as if discs were played in it? If so its not legit.
- Flip the system over, look at all the stickers on the back, make sure none of the edges are browned or scuffed up badly.
- Check ALL the vents, especially the back one, if you can see crap collecting on the metal then it has been used, if its spotless your safe if everything else checks out. *The system can appear fine but if this is there then they just cleaned it up real good*
- Take out the Modem port and look at the metal in between, see if you can spot and cleaner residue or anything.

Every single one ive gotten in, even mutliple units from the same seller to replace, have been used.

3 out of the 4 systems came with a PAL controller ~_~
4 out of 4 showed Abrasive marks from cleaning
3 out of 4 had dirty rear vent
4 out of 4 showed the circular marks of a discs being used.
2 out of 4 had residue from cleaning left on the metal in the Modem port
2 out of 4 had scrapes in the stickers or browned edges somewhere.

Please please please be careful. Don't be taken in for a fool. I've gotten my money back each time and it just wasn't worth it. I just bought some used systems and modded them to look good.

[Iah]

I tried to buy a new dreamcast that was factory sealed like 3-4 times. You just can't do it. The three or four dealers ive been trying to do this with have either had stock from a supplier who is lieing to them or they themselves are lieing.

Things to look for:

- Make sure controller is NTSC Red Swirl logo format instead of blue swirl PAL. (Commonly swapped in by people faking)
- Under a light, tilt the dreamcast unit from side to side front and back and make sure that the Dreamcast hasnt been cleaned. If it has been cleaned the unit will have a really weird texture to it and actually will show very small abrasions all around the console surface.
-Open the GR-Rom lid, Is there a ring-like circular scuff or cut into the plastic around the drive as if discs were played in it? If so its not legit.
- Flip the system over, look at all the stickers on the back, make sure none of the edges are browned or scuffed up badly.
- Check ALL the vents, especially the back one, if you can see crap collecting on the metal then it has been used, if its spotless your safe if everything else checks out. *The system can appear fine but if this is there then they just cleaned it up real good*
- Take out the Modem port and look at the metal in between, see if you can spot and cleaner residue or anything.

Every single one ive gotten in, even mutliple units from the same seller to replace, have been used.

3 out of the 4 systems came with a PAL controller ~_~
4 out of 4 showed Abrasive marks from cleaning
3 out of 4 had dirty rear vent
4 out of 4 showed the circular marks of a discs being used.
2 out of 4 had residue from cleaning left on the metal in the Modem port
2 out of 4 had scrapes in the stickers or browned edges somewhere.

Please please please be careful. Don't be taken in for a fool. I've gotten my money back each time and it just wasn't worth it. I just bought some used systems and modded them to look good.

Thanks, that was really helpfull! Can you please give me the names of ebay sellers/websites that you brough fake new Dreamcasts from?