Cheapest import system?

[k.vlaros]

Racketboy has articles listing titles and even a vs. article that answers this post, but I thought I'd float the question again to capture impressions circa 2011.

Which system, between the PS1, PS2, Saturn or Dreamcast, would be the cheapest to start an import SHMUP collection for? Assume I don't have any hardware or software already. I don't want to modchip or pirate and I only want CIB titles. I can live without the top 1 or 2 or 3 most expensive titles for each platform but I do want a decent collection eventually (10+?). I've used Yahoo Japan auctions before and am reasonably comfortable with it.

Thanks.

[flojocabron]

Are you looking for pristine consoles? Sometimes you may get lucky going to fleamarkets.

I've never seen an import saturn there, but I have seen JP PS1's and Dreamcasts. They may have a few scratches but they should work ok.

Just check the label on the bottom of the console.

Sometimes you may get lucky and find a PS1 that is already modded. I found one like this a year ago and been happy playing burned games.

But it seems that you like original stuff. Thats cool. Post whatever you find ok?

[Stark]

I would think you would add PC Engine to that list if you're interested in shmups.

[noiseredux]

Dreamcast. You can buy a GameShark disc (I paid $11 for a sealed one) that will work as a bootdisc for imports.

[jinn]

If you go with a Dreamcast, check out shateredsoul BST.
He has a JPN and USA DC system for Sale. Both are Region Free.

[k.vlaros]

Thanks for the feedback so far. I've bought most of the PCE SHMUPs that the Wii Virtual Console has, so there might be too much overlap to buy real NEC hardware. I probably am looking for pristine hardware. I didn't know there was an easy bootdisc region crack- thank you.

[noiseredux]

I didn't know there was an easy bootdisc region crack- thank you.

brand new copies of GameShark disc are still easily available here: http://www.estarland.com/SegaDreamcast. ... 14462.html

this is what I use, because like you I always prefer collecting real stuff instead of just burning a disc.

[mjmjr25]

I think he's referring to games as well, in which case SAT is def. out and i'd say DC is out as well, if he's wanting 10+ CIB games - on a budget.

I'd say PS2, there are plenty of great shooters under $30, many of them under $10.

[Purkeynator]

If you go the PS2 route then you could play backward compatible games for PSone too. You said you don't want to modchip so maybe you could use Mcboot. I've never used that so I'm not sure if it will let you play PSone imports as well as PS2.

[ZenErik]

The problem with finding the cheapest import system for shmups is that shmups just aren't cheap on any system. Resale value is always going to be high because it's such a niche genre and the print runs are pretty low. Dreamcast might be your best bet as a lot of DC shmups actually got US releases.