Starting a PS1 Collection

[lisalover1]

Up until now, the only console I have been seriously collecting for has been the Gamecube, but lately, I have been very interested in the original Playstation. I'm not exactly sure why; I guess it is just because I always looked down on the system as one that had its success handed to it based on circumstance, and that it just never seemed to have as much personality as the N64 or Saturn, both of which excelled in 3D and 2D respectively, whereas the PS1 was midrange in both. It just seemed like the console I would never take seriously beyond its group of undisputed classic games. But, now, through little to no provocation whatsoever, I am getting a great interest in not just playing on the system, but collecting for it. Its flaws now seem charming to me, and I really want to get a collection of games started. Does anyone have any suggestions for starting a collection? I have always loved JRPGs, which is probably one of the reasons why I want to start this. I am also interested in PS1 fighting games, despite them being noticeably inferior to their Saturn counterparts. Anyway, are there any PS1-specific collectors out there that can give me some pointers?

[CRTGAMER]

Get the older grey PSX that will take a cheat cart.
SCPH 7000 series have both the Soundscope and Cart port.

Wait till you find a DUAL ANALOG in the wild.

[winds]

If you are into JRPG's and beautiful 2D sprite animations, definitely get Suikoden 2. I know it's infamous for being expensive but I promise you will love it. My favorite rpg and game of all time and without a doubt the best story i've ever experienced in any medium whether its a video game or movie. If you don't like it, you can always sell it for the price you paid for it . Suikoden 1 is also highly recommended as well.

Also, imo, rpg's is where the playstation 1 excels at. A lot of them are very outdated but they have a certain retro charm to them for me. A lot of that is nostalgia talking though.

[lisalover1]

Get the older grey PSX that will take a cheat cart.
SCPH 7000 series have both the Soundscope and Cart port.

Wait till you find a DUAL ANALOG in the wild.

Really? What about the older models? Was there a model that had the superior audio quality, and the improved metal disc drive? If so, I will probably get that one. I already have a SCPH-5xxx PS1, but it's on its last legs; I have to turn it on its side for it to read discs. I am planning on getting on a modded PS1 from snowkitty, so I can test games out before I buy them.

Also, the game shop near me has Suikoden 2+Strategy Guide for $150. That's a good deal, I assume?

[Bradtemple87]

Thats an average price for that set. Suikoden was solid, but Xenogears is still my favorite game on the system because of the story and character growth. I have about 60-70 ps1 games now but used to have well over 100 before I sold a lot off. Be careful, ps1 can have a lot of shovelware like the wii, but it does have one of my favorite game libraries ever with a ton of gems.

[ZeroAX]

also don't buy psone games from ebay. people will send a mint condition game in a plain, barely any bubble wrap, folder and expect it to come in one piece, which it doesn't (unless you are getting the one piece game I guess).

[Hobie-wan]

also don't buy psone games from ebay. people will send a mint condition game in a plain, barely any bubble wrap, folder and expect it to come in one piece, which it doesn't (unless you are getting the one piece game I guess).

Must be the post in your area. I get PS1 and audio CDs sent in bubble packs here in the US all the time and usually everything is fine. Occasionally someone drops one in transit and I have to replace a case, but as long as it's a standard one I just take it in stride as a case is cheaper than paying more for priority shipping in a box.

[dsheinem]

go for collecting the longbox games

I have been most actively collecting games for the PS1 over the past two years (more than any other system) for many of the reasons you mentioned. For some suggestions, you can check out my list of PS1 games here: http://www.rfgeneration.com/cgi-bin/collection.pl (drop down for the PS1 list)

[winds]

Also, the game shop near me has Suikoden 2+Strategy Guide for $150. That's a good deal, I assume?

Hmm, depends on the condition. If it's in perfect condition, the guide too, it will be about what you would pay for them on ebay, roughly. But the guide, unless you want it for collection, isn't needed. I have it but there are a lot of mistakes in it and there are far superior guides on gamefaqs. How much would the game be by itself? I wouldn't pay more than 100 for it and that's in great condition.

[CRTGAMER]

Get the older grey PSX that will take a cheat cart.
SCPH 7000 series have both the Soundscope and Cart port.

Wait till you find a DUAL ANALOG in the wild.

Really? What about the older models? Was there a model that had the superior audio quality, and the improved metal disc drive? If so, I will probably get that one. I already have a SCPH-5xxx PS1, but it's on its last legs; I have to turn it on its side for it to read discs. I am planning on getting on a modded PS1 from snowkitty, so I can test games out before I buy them.

This always comes up. I think something to do with the first ones having the extra audio connections in the back. Problem is the first ones also had bad tracking. The 5000 - 7000 series are pretty good and you get that cart port. Maybe yours needs cleaning or has a lot of wear. If cleaning doesn't help a careful small adjustment of the laser potentiometer may help.

Don't forget all those PS1 guides at the blue bar links at the top.