Help buying my husband a Colecovision?

[akturtle]

My husband is a big retro gamer, and he's been saying for a few years now that he really wants a Colecovision. I really want to get him one for Christmas, but I don't really know what I should be looking for (condition, peripherals, etc.). He doesn't care about having his systems in mint condition, as long as they're playable. Could someone tell me what I need to be looking for? Also, I live in Alaska, and our retro game market is extremely limited, so I'll probably have to buy it online. Any suggestions on good places to buy?

Thanks so much to anyone who can help me with this.

[CRTGAMER]

Colecovision, your title question is misspelled, an easy EDIT fix.

Look for a reputable seller with a lot sales and positive reviews listed. Minimal be sure the console has an original huge power brick cord and both controllers. TV cable is a coaxial cable with I believe an RCA connector at the console end along with a simple switch box. Donkey Kong is one of the better games to start with, it was the pack in the original box.

There are a few listed on EBay with an added Atari 2600 adaptor.

http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=colecovision

Pic Below
Left side: Big Power Supply
Top Row: TV cable, Donkey Kong Game cart and TV switch box.

[gtmtnbiker]

I would use the query "colecovision -table system -adam" to filter out most of the junk. Yes, you might overlook a couple of auctions because they didn't use the keyword system.

You can also post in the Buy/Sell/Trade section of this forum to see if anyone has a system with some carts for sale. I also suggest posting in the B/S/T forums over at atariage.com. I don't know if there are any other forums that would be worthwhile.

[Weekend_Warrior]

Well, if you're going to buy one and you're going to buy it online.. you might as well look for one that comes complete with its original box and is in good condition. Although price might be an issue for you, I still believe that "there's just something about opening a present and seeing that cool-looking box first that gets me really excited."

Also, having a Colecovision with its box could be seen as a possible future investment, as well. The collectibility of these older consoles will only go up as they become more and more rare in the future. Especially if everything is in really good condition

[Hatta]

Try to buy a lot that has a few games in it too. Sucks getting a shiny new system to play with and not having any software. It's usually cheaper to buy in larger lots anyway.

This for instance would be a nice starter lot for someone who doesn't care much for boxes. Reasonably priced so far, and the selection of games is good too.

[Ziggy]

Try to buy a lot that has a few games in it too. Sucks getting a shiny new system to play with and not having any software. It's usually cheaper to buy in larger lots anyway.

This for instance would be a nice starter lot for someone who doesn't care much for boxes. Reasonably priced so far, and the selection of games is good too.

I completely agree. Even if the lot doesn't have any good games, at least he can use the new system a little without having to wait to get games. But if an eBay auction for the system also includes a dozen or so games, there's bound to be at least 2 or 3 that are good ones. And yes, buying in a lot is usually always cheaper than buying it all individually.

[gtmtnbiker]

You should also go through the completed auctions for Ebay to see what a system and some games will go for. It seems that they're averaging around $100 shipped.

[akturtle]

Thanks everyone for all your help! I found one on ebay. Here's to hoping for an awesome Christmas morning.

[CRTGAMER]

Thanks everyone for all your help! I found one on ebay. Here's to hoping for an awesome Christmas morning.

Curious, a link of the won merchandise?

[Ziggy]

Thanks everyone for all your help! I found one on ebay. Here's to hoping for an awesome Christmas morning.

Congrats!

Thanks everyone for all your help! I found one on ebay. Here's to hoping for an awesome Christmas morning.

Curious, a link of the won merchandise?

Yeah, same here.