The Nintendo Cartridge Market in General

[BoringSupreez]

Isn't this similar to what happened to comic books a while back? That market eventually returned to normal didn't it?

Actually comics became almost worthless. All those 70's and 80's and early 90's comics people thought would be moving for $20 each are now all in 99cents bins.

Especially 90's comics which had the fifteen different variant covers. People are finding out that outside a few short lived niche (and good) series...those shitty comics are still worthless no matter how shiny the cover is.

I kinda like the way comic prices collapsed; I love being able to go to the game store and pick up interesting looking comics for $0.99 apiece.

You guys realize that Goodwill stores are there so that they can raise money for the needy in the community. They certainly aren't there to give you a good deal.

They aren't going to be raising any money for the community if they're gonna charge ebay prices for yardsale merchandise. Regardless of Goodwill's purpose, people go there for a deal. No deals - no shopping. The deals are what I love thrift stores for, and they're the biggest reason I have as good a collection as I do. You might think I have an average income for my age, considering I own things like Earthbound, Conker, MGS HD Collection LE, and an HDTV. But the only reason I was able to afford any of those things was because of how much money I save/make re-selling shopping at thrift stores. Were it not for them, my collection would suck. The best thrift stores are the ones which don't lose sight of who they're there for: low income people.

Now don't get me wrong, Hobie: I'm not saying they are obliged to charge low prices. I'm only saying that that is what I think is best for them to do.

Someday eBay will be useless for game collecting.

It almost is, and it's made worse by the fact that many retro game stores are now using ebay for their pricing.

Half.com is still good for a deal, I find. I maintain that it is highly underrated (but whatever; means less competition for me.)

[Michi]

Someday eBay will be useless for game collecting.

It almost is, and it's made worse by the fact that many retro game stores are now using ebay for their pricing.

THIS!

My local store doesn't even place tags on half their games. You walk up to the counter with it and the clerk says "hold on a sec" as he logs onto ebay. Sometimes I think they end up quoting highball buy-it-now prices without even realizing it. I find better prices on online distros like JJGames than I do ebay or most (local) retro game stores.

Every time I hear a story like this it make me like my local retro store even more. They don't do that crap. I mean, I know they look up prices, but they don't gouge you on it. For anything before PS2 the vast majority of games are priced at either $2.99 or $9.99. Sure there are exceptions, but even the rarer/more expensive games are below the prices listed at http://videogames.pricecharting.com/. Hell, today the guy sold me Super Mario RPG for $8.99 (that was with my discount card). He didn't have to even tell me he had it. He went out to his Jeep to get it for me because he was going to take it to the other store. And he told me he knew it was worth more than that, but he didn't care.

So, no. Not all stores price by ebay. You just have to pray when one opens up near you that they won't.

[sbk]

Could Bubble Bobble part 2 vary any more on completed listings on Ebay? Geez.

[ExedExes]

Could Bubble Bobble part 2 vary any more on completed listings on Ebay? Geez.

Well Bubble Bobble 2 can mean a few games.

Rainbow Islands: The Story Of Bubble Bobble 2

&

Bubble Symphony which was called Bubble Bobble 2 in other territories

Don't forget Parasol Stars (Rainbow Islands 2, Bubble Symphony in the storyline is after PS)

and don't get me started on Bust A Move Again

Taito sure messed it all up

[sbk]

Could Bubble Bobble part 2 vary any more on completed listings on Ebay? Geez.

Well Bubble Bobble 2 can mean a few games.

Rainbow Islands: The Story Of Bubble Bobble 2

&

Bubble Symphony which was called Bubble Bobble 2 in other territories

Don't forget Parasol Stars (Rainbow Islands 2, Bubble Symphony in the storyline is after PS)

and don't get me started on Bust A Move Again

Taito sure messed it all up

Well that is why I said Bubble Bobble PART 2. Which is the NES one. I am pretty sure When I say Bubble Bobble Part 2 talking about rare games and their prices people know I am talking about the NES one. I'll add that is is the one for NES from now on so you won't be confused or a smartass.

Edit: Just noticed how i kinda came off as a dick. I don't mean to be so don't take it that way.

[Mechblue]

Interesting thread. I've noticed this trend as well. Also seems the PS1 market has kind of fallen off. Doesn't seem to be the same demand for those harder to find PS1 titles.

I started playing Breath of Fire 4 i bought off PSN and was debating to buy the Physical copy of Breath of Fire 3 off ebay/amazon, but think ill just stick with PSN the prices dont change!

I don't know that prices have come down due to PSN releases, it just seems to be less interest regarding trades. It seems like among game communities like this one that most folks have moved on to collecting the rarer PS1 titles and have started to focus on cart system maybe? Everyone has their FF7s and other slightly uncommon RPGs so it seems.

[ExedExes]

Could Bubble Bobble part 2 vary any more on completed listings on Ebay? Geez.

Well Bubble Bobble 2 can mean a few games.

Rainbow Islands: The Story Of Bubble Bobble 2

&

Bubble Symphony which was called Bubble Bobble 2 in other territories

Don't forget Parasol Stars (Rainbow Islands 2, Bubble Symphony in the storyline is after PS)

and don't get me started on Bust A Move Again

Taito sure messed it all up

Well that is why I said Bubble Bobble PART 2. Which is the NES one. I am pretty sure When I say Bubble Bobble Part 2 talking about rare games and their prices people know I am talking about the NES one. I'll add that is is the one for NES from now on so you won't be confused or a smartass.

Edit: Just noticed how i kinda came off as a dick. I don't mean to be so don't take it that way.

That's fine, I forgot all about the Bubble Bobble II NES cart. It was released in 1993, right? That would certainly make it crazy rare. I was thinking of the mis-steps Taito made in having *3* official Bubble Bobble IIs!

[Pichu]

I hate to sound like this, but it sucks when hobbies gain in popularity. It just does.

[sabrage]

Not sure what the backlash towards Ebay is about; the prices really aren't any different than they are on the Buy/Sell/Trade forums here at Racketboy. The relative worth of these carts is only what an individual is willing to pay for them; if you don't like the prices, don't pay. Simple economics. Not all of us have amazing Goodwills and retro game stores within reasonable distance. The premium charged by Ebay is the price you pay in gas and time to find what you want at a thrift store.

[Retrogamer0001]

As a long-time Ebayer, I can honestly say that I love the site. As already mentioned, it's an amazingly convenient and really fun way to browse thousands of video games and I personally wouldn't have half the games I own now (almost 700) without Ebay. That being said, many sellers do price-gouge on the more rare/popular titles, but a big part of the draw for me is getting lucky sometimes and stumbling upon a newly-listed game for less than half of the BIN prices (yes, it does happen). Auction-style listing are also a great way to save some cash sometimes.