Might Get a Dreamcast - What to Look out For?

[marlowe221]

So there are a couple tempting offers on c-list in my area for a Dreamcast with all cables, controllers, memory units, and several games.

What should I be on the lookout for to avoid picking up a system that will crap out on me in a month or two? Any signs or signals?

I assume the CD drive is the weak point on these things - what's the survival/failure rate like these days? If it quits working, how difficult is it to replace/repair?

Thanks!

[AznKhmerBoi]

Well if you want to be able to play cdr copies you want to look for the earlier release DC.

PS: DC was released on 9-9-99

[mas]

what games are there with the system and how much are they asking for it?

[marlowe221]

what games are there with the system and how much are they asking for it?

The ad doesn't specify - I have asked, however. I know there are at least 15 games. Also 5 controllers.

Price for everything is $50

[CD AGES]

AVOID rev.2 Models at all cost! Every US dreamcast should have single circled digit number (0,1, or2) underneather unit on the bottom right corner of the silver manufacture sticker. Always go for a rev0 or the more common rev1 unit.

With that said, always ask the seller if they are the original owner. If the answer is yes then ask if they played a lot of back ups (cdrs) with the console or not. Less they use, the more reliable the GD drive potentially is.

[Erik_Twice]

The "backups damage the laser" myth has been debunked several times in this forum.

[CD AGES]

It is indeed an issue if one were to use unoptimized back ups like utopia back in the day! Why do you think there is a community out there that to this day that still looks to perfect dreamcast backups with direct GD rips and proper file arrangement! To avoid strain on the GD drive.

[mas]

if it's 15 games complete i would go for it. You can get a system cheap if it doesn't work. I would go for it. Hell you might just get marvel vs capcom 2.

[GameMasterGuy]

Ask for a pic, it might be yellowed.

[sabrage]

This is just general Craigslist advice, but I would always ask for a picture before driving anywhere if the description is vague. I wouldn't pay $50 for (as mentioned) a yellow console and 15 disk-only game, and I'd hate to waste gas just to find out that the listing was misrepresented.