A few questions about buying retro consoles and games from t

[guest5555]

I don't own a retro console (The PS2 is the oldest one I have), and want to buy one, preferably a Sega or Nintendo. I noticed that there are a few thrift shops near me, and that seems like a good place to find them.

Having never been to a thrift store, I have a few questions.

1. How much does an old console usually sell for at places like that? I don't want to come without enough money, but don't want to have too much (It's in a really seedy part of town). What about games?

2. Do I need to buy an old television along with it? All I have at home are HDTVs, and I recall reading somewhere that older consoles won't work on these kind of tvs.

3. Are there any areas in the store that are better to buy from than others?

[Shadowrunner]

I can't really help you with one or three, but as for question two you should be okay. If you got into really old consoles you could have an issue, but you shouldn't have any problem with Nintendo and Sega systems. The games might not look as good as they would on an old CRT TV though.

[hamie96]

Thrift stores are hard to mark a price for due to how some stores will overinflate the price of these consoles, while other stores will sell them for dirt cheap ($5-$10).

1. If you look at Goodwill every once in a while, you should be able to find a Genesis for around $10-$20. NES typically go for $20-$40 depending on the store.

2. Not really. The only time CRTs matter is when playing old fighting games since there is a tiny bit of lag when using HDTV. IMO, it's not worth it unless you want to play Smash Bros competitively.

3. I don't really understand what you're asking here.

[wyldephang]

Jixson,

The prices on older consoles will vary from store to store. Usually, it's best to get an estimate from online sources (e.g., eBay) so you can establish an absolute maximum amount you're willing to spend. If the person at the thrift store wants too much for the console, maybe you can persuade him or her to make a deal with you. First, pick a specific console--NES, Genesis, SNES, and so forth--and then see what it is commonly selling for. A Sega Genesis without the box generally sells for $20-25 with the cords and a basic three-button controller included. I've seen NES and SNES consoles sell for $40-45 as of a few years ago, and the prices may be slightly higher these days, especially if you're particular about the condition of the consoles. Some of the things you'll want to consider are as follows:

1. Determine which game console you're most interested in. Explore the game library of that console (preferably by checking out our reviews) and calculate what you think you'll need to spend to get those games. You can do this by referring to a video game price chart or by scouting eBay for listings.

2. Once you settle on a console, check out the different models and find the best one for you. For example, there are five official versions of the Sega Genesis available in North America: the Model 1, 2, 3, the Nomad, and the CDX. The prices on these vary from $20-25 to over $100, so this may factor into your final decision.

3. Purchasing used games can be just as varied an experience as consoles. Again, some thrift stores will know the value of their games and others will either overestimate or underestimate the value. I can't say for sure how much money you should take, especially if this place is in a bad area. Take as much money as you're comfortable taking, but at least as much as you think you'll need. Again, check the prices online so you can get an idea of what you should or shouldn't be spending. I'd recommend that you go with a friend or two if the neighborhood is bad.

4. A lot of people swear by their CRT (box style) televisions for classic game consoles. The truth is that the older consoles were designed with these televisions in mind: the aspect ratio is just right and the input lag is minimal. But I have my classic consoles hooked up to a 26" HDTV and they look just fine. The picture quality is bright and clear and it even brings out the high contrast in select titles. Some HDTVs have a higher success rate than others. And in case you wanted to get into the games that support light guns, like Duck Hunt, you should know that they're incompatible with HDTVs. So, eventually, you may want to invest in a CRT TV if your HDTV isn't cutting it. As long as your HDTV has a coaxial input and composite/RGB input, you won't have much difficulty hooking up an NES, Genesis, or SNES.

[ls650]

In my local area, the thrift shops are pretty much dead for carrying any retro electronics.  The staff are savvy to the fact that some of it is worth money, so they scoop anything out of the donations before it ever makes it to the shelf.  I used to see 8-bit and 16-bit items years ago, but now, nothing at all.

The local pawn shops are terrible.  They look at eBay prices, and assume that the higher asking prices for auctions are the actual value.  One local shop has a boxed Vectrex with 4 games for _$899_; they also have a boxed Atari 2600 Jr. with a few common games for $249.  Both items have set on the shelf for years.  These jokers have no clue.

Honestly, eBay is not that bad.  Just take a look for items that state 'TESTED'.  Stay away from any seller who won't post items as 'tested', or has a less than stellar feedback reputation.

[guest5586]

You were not mistaken, all is true