Building a Nice Classic Gaming Ensemble--Input Anyone?

[sidgriffey]

Hey everyone,

I have been steadilly assembling a classic gaming collection (consoles, with games). Going for the rare and also fun and nostalgic. I am focusing right now on stuff from Nintendo onward. So far (including modern stuff too):

NES, SNES, Virtual Boy, N64, Gamecube, Wii, Gameboy, Genesis, Game Gear, Saturn, Dreamcast, XBOX, XBOX 360, PSP, PS2, PS3.

As for games and peripherals, I have some cool rare stuff like the Dreamcast BBA and Panzer Dragoon Saga for Saturn (arriving tomorrow).

I am really focusing on Sega stuff right now. Do I try to get the Sega CDX or do I try to get the Sega CD and get the Sega 32X to attach to it? Any ideas from fellow classic gamers? I welcome turning this into a good classic gaming thread for other collectors out there.

SidGriffey

[lordofduct]

I liked collecting for Sega the most (some bias comes from my being a Sega Fag). There are so many different versions of their consoles that it's kind of a collectors gold mine... for none collectors, the idea of several different choices probably annoys people.

The Sega 32X is a console I own, and choosing what version of the Genesis and SCD to get to go with it is difficult. You should first decide if you even want it. As a collectors item it is integral to the Sega collection, but as gameplay fairs... it really isn't all that good. There are only a handful of good titles on it, and a smaller handful of those are only on the 32X. The only game I ever play on it is my copy of "Knuckles Chaotix".

If you are going to get the 32X and want to keep it hooked up I'd suggest the Genesis Model 1/Sega CD Model 1/ 32X combo. It is probably the most difficult to get all the parts for in working order (especially the video cross over cable converter for the genny to 32X), but overall it is the sexiest looking of the single systems put together.

The 32X supports the CDX kinda... but I wouldn't advise hooking this up as it isn't very stable and just looks ugly. Even as a collectors item the Sega CDX is more of a, "Look what I got", kind of find.

Personally I use the Sega X'eye/Wondermega, it is a Sega Genesis and CD all in one system. I like this one a lot, because it supports S-Video (either it has it, or can be modified to have it, depending the model).


If you're gonna get a 32X, I'd advise that you'll probably just leave it in the closet. I only had mine hooked up for a short while because it looked cool, but 3 plugs just to play Sonic? Too much for my taste. That and you can't use the Powerbase converter with it hooked up.

[sidgriffey]

What is a good price at which to purchase a Sega CD (original model) in the box (used)?

What is a good price at which to purchase a New-In-Box Sega32X?

Thanks.

[sv650touring]

Do NOT forget NEC systems! Turbografx/PC-Engine and relatives are some of the coolest systems.

One of the best things about Nintendo and Sega is their first-party software and other exclusives. Hudson made some great games for the NEC consoles. The TG-16 was the Saturn of the previous ("16-bit") generation.

The most important thing to me is having the ability to easily go from one console to another, and quickly find games for the different consoles. This gets to be a pain with all the A/V wires and controller wires, but can improve your overall setup dramatically from someone who just has the retro consoles, but never bothers to play them.

I use emulators on the XBox to expand my library of "always available" games dramatically. And guess what emulated game I have played more than all others combined? Blazing Lazers. Too bad dad threw away my real TG and my real Blazing Lazers HuCard. The xbox (Mednafenx-PCE) plays it perfectly as long as you leave off software filters.

[lordofduct]

What is a good price at which to purchase a Sega CD (original model) in the box (used)?

What is a good price at which to purchase a New-In-Box Sega32X?

Thanks.

I'm not really sure, I haven't purchased on in AGES. I actually still have my model 1 from when the thing was released back in the early 90's. All the others I've picked up from friends at school who didn't want them anymore, the most I've ever paid was like 15 dollars. Same with the 32X, I've gotten all of those from people around school back in 99' for 5 to 20 dollars depending the number of games that came with it.

Your best bet for getting your hands on a 32X is going to flea markets, pawn shops, and other things like that. Sometimes you'll find them for very cheap at these places. But if it doesn't sound cheap to you, it probably isn't. I have been to pawnshops that wanted 100+ dollars for Sega Saturns, and 30 plus for Saturn games... which is a joke, they were never anything special... crap like "Clockwork Knight" and the sort.

Downside is, 32X's are hard to find with the cables and everything. When I got mine there was a company that was licensed by Sega that sold aftermarket replacement hardware for Sega, but they've ran out of 32X supplies years ago. That website is www.sega-parts.com , they are officially licensed BY Sega, it isn't some third party dealer...

[sidgriffey]

What is the precise name of the cable that is always hard to get for the 32X?

Also, is $99 a bad price for a 32X New-In-Box?

[lordofduct]

I don't know what they'd call it exactly. But it is basically the "Sega Genesis Model 1 Video crossover cable converter".

It turns the Amiga style video out of the Genny 1 (a generic 8 pin din plug) into the Sega Genesis model 2 video out jack (a custom 9 pin mini-din)


it converts this:


to this:


Both can be located fairly easy at an electronic parts dealer (radioshack usually has the 8 pin, but the 9 pin mini din is a little harder as there is different styles of it).

[Scooter]

The Model 1 32x cable is called the conversion cable.

$99 for a NIB 32x seems kind of steep given that they aren't that desireable and a good used one can be had for $20 or less. Look for a used but complete in the box copy and you'll be all set. Make sure to get one with all the cables. So it can be used with both styles of Genesis/MegaDrives you should have:

-conversion cable (required for Model 1 Gen/MD, not required for Model 2's)
-video connection cable (connects Gen/MD video out to 32x video in)
-32X AV cable (connects 32X to TV/VCR, etc.)

A complete 32X should also have a plastic adapter base which makes it fit better in a Model 2 Gen/MD but is not required for a Model 1. There are also little metal grounding plates used on the Model 1 installation. Some argue they aren't needed and others argue their 32x won't work on a Model 1 without them. Why not have them/use them and be covered either way?

The selling point of the NIB version is you know you'll be getting everything you need. This is assuming it is truly new in the box and still sealed. If it's every been opened a few critical parts like the conversion cable might just be missing. Having the original instructions are a bonus too so you know how to hook it all up given which Genesis/MD and Sega CD unit you end up with.

[sidgriffey]

Which would you guys buy first:

Sega CD (version 1 -- for use with my Genesis version 1) -- I see it in mint for $199

or

Sega 32X mint, NIB for $99


Both are sort of steep, but I never seem to find any good pawn shops here in NYC (save for this great store in the east village, but the stuff is not all complete --- such as the 32X without the 9-pin cable, etc.).

[racketboy]

I'd get a Sega CD before the 32X.
The load times are obviously worse, but there are more satisfying games for it.