Modern collecting is weird with stuff like Bayonetta 1. I just don't consider Star Fox Zero or Bayonetta 2 complete without the bonus discs, but I don't think of them as separate games. Other print runs be damned.
I would say Wii U is the easiest to collect for right now.
I've been having this thought as well. Do we have a solid list of the 100% (US) titles? Is the NA database updated and correct? I'm curious how many unique titles were released in the US.
164 if I’m not mistaken. Also Limited Run Games is suppose to be releasing a game this month.
yeah, actually one thing that holds me back is that there are games I already own on Switch - BOTW, Mario Kart 8, AND YES Axiom Verge, etc that I'm not sure I'd want to rebuy on Wii U.
Funny, I have the opposite problem. I've got about 8 titles that I could rebuy for Switch, but I have no desire to play through them again. But I would rather have them on Switch than WiiU for collection's sake
Modern collecting is weird with stuff like Bayonetta 1. I just don't consider Star Fox Zero or Bayonetta 2 complete without the bonus discs, but I don't think of them as separate games. Other print runs be damned.
As a complete collector that makes perfect sense but you have to consider loose set collecting. They are also seperate games so the debate will continue for years to come. My job is to buy and not decide
I would also say Master System, but only if you count PAL copies as an alternative for the rare US games. It's a relatively small library (but still over 100 games) and every rare/uncommon game has an easy to find PAL version. If you insist on all games being US versions, than I would say the system would be much more difficult to collect for.
The only SMS game I'd count is Sonic, if only because Sega just imported the PAL version and slapped a NA UPC code on the box. The rest of the SMS library IIRC has differences in box/manual layout between the NA/PAL regions.
I would also say Master System, but only if you count PAL copies as an alternative for the rare US games. It's a relatively small library (but still over 100 games) and every rare/uncommon game has an easy to find PAL version. If you insist on all games being US versions, than I would say the system would be much more difficult to collect for.
The only SMS game I'd count is Sonic, if only because Sega just imported the PAL version and slapped a NA UPC code on the box. The rest of the SMS library IIRC has differences in box/manual layout between the NA/PAL regions.
But if you are going to do it with Sonic, you might as well do it with the other games that are difficult to find. Sonic wasn't the only game to get a US release with PAL cover art.
Ultimately, if you don't care what country it originated from, it is easy to get a full SMS set of each game that was released in the US.
Then that means you would excluded star fox guard as well? (That comes with a separate case and not sold New unless you consider GameStop that's sells it used)
I think about it years from now when someone finds it loose (if loose disc sets ever become a thing)
On my list I considered Star Fox Guard separated from Star Fox Zero.
So it does seem I'm not using the same criteria.
Luckily I already finished the set and have both Bayo 1 and SF Guard.
Yeah in my mind Bayonetta 2/Bayonetta are a single release; Star Fox Zero/Star Fox Guard are a single release. New Super Mario Bros and New Luigi Bros are two releases... but if you bought the release that includes both, you can check em both of your list.
I would also say Master System, but only if you count PAL copies as an alternative for the rare US games. It's a relatively small library (but still over 100 games) and every rare/uncommon game has an easy to find PAL version. If you insist on all games being US versions, than I would say the system would be much more difficult to collect for.
The only SMS game I'd count is Sonic, if only because Sega just imported the PAL version and slapped a NA UPC code on the box. The rest of the SMS library IIRC has differences in box/manual layout between the NA/PAL regions.
That's also true for Golden Axe Warrior (UK only), Strider, and Spider-man. Sonic just gets the most attention due to being the rarest and most expensive. It's interesting that "Sonic is the only one" dfalsehood gets passed around because most people know about it.
So, I feel quite qualified to talk about this, because I've completed quite a few loose cart sets, or am 1-2 away on others.
N64 is the easiest, by far, as many mentioned. If anything, the big problem with N64 is that games like Super Bowling, Stunt Racer, and Clayfighter have jacked up in price, because it's such an easy fullset. I considered it a 'starter' into making fullsets.
Game Gear was easy, but not that easy. Finding US copies of any of the codemasters games is pretty dammed difficult. Luckily, some euro copies have identical labels. JC Tennis gets the most attention, but US CJ the Elephant, Cosmic Spacehead, and Dizzy aren't always just BIN away on eBay.
US licensed Gameboy has pricey titles, but some patience, and you'll be guaranteed to find them all... loose. CIB is a completely different beast.
US GBC is just disgusting. Unless you can find a source of games for ~$1 each, you'll be paying way too much for absolute freaking garbage shovelware.
3DO is damn hard, thanks to Dinopark Tycoon. Otherwise, it's a fairly easy set to knock out, especially when you exclude all the 'non-game' software. Most of the ultra rares are stupid educational videos or cartoons.
US SMS is dammed hard, because you'll want to go CIB, and everyone lost their manuals or used them as coasters etc. Finding nice CIB US SMS rare games is a massive PITA.
Honestly, SNES and NES are also easy. Expensive, but easy. You won't run into games you can't find, aside from Stadium Events or Competition Carts. I know so many people who knocked out an NES set quickly... and then sold it off. The only 'difficult' part is finding things for decent prices.
I also have the feeling that a loose cart Genesis collection would be insanely easy. No one wants loose Genesis carts for the most part. The price composition for a CIB seems to be evenly divided into 3rds for cart box and manual. If it's in pristine shape, expect to pay through the nose.
Turbografx (94 games, close enough) is easy, if you skip Magical Chase. Hero Tonma has shot up in the last couple years too.
Atari Jaguar (lifetime) is also only 46 games, and incredibly easy. Pretty much could be done in a day of hitting BINs. If you also want the 11 CD games, you'll be waiting a while to find Brain Dead 13 or Primal Rage. I've gone 6 months without seeing a copy of Primal Rage on eBay.
Smaller sets, like the GX4000, Super A'can, Watara Supervision, etc, can be far more difficult than 100+ game sets.
PS1 is terrifying. 1,300 games, and they all look the same sitting on a shelf. When I get to fullsetting the PS1, I'm expecting to go blind from trying to read multiple end labels. Kill me now.
So, those are the ones I have personal experience with. Here are ones that I have second hand info for.
My ex-gf is fullsetting the PS2. She got half way through the set, paying $0.30-$1 a game. It's really easy to knock out the bottom half of that set. We broke up before she got further. How it is to finish that set.... I don't know.
Wii and Gameboy Advance have so much poorly selling shovelware, you can easily get through 2/3rds of the library, and then hit an incredibly difficult wall of unknown rarities. This has happened to some friends.
Sega Saturn - Hope you have deep pockets.... and no care for Daytona Netlink Edition.
Ah, yeah I guess different collectors will think differently. Like I have the NSMBU + Luigi U release, so I wouldn't be looking for both games as standalone on top of that release. As long as each physical GAME is represented.
Gamecube collectors go for the two expensive Windwaker combo releases.... which are the identical games, with $100 paper CD case inserts.
Gamecube collectors go for the two expensive Windwaker combo releases.... which are the identical games, with $100 paper CD case inserts.
Is that some of the most expensive paper in game collecting? Per square inch? Sure, it's dwarfed by some paper in other hobbies, but that's gotta be up there. I guess there are some instruction manuals that probably command a higher per-square-inch price.
I just can't bring myself to collect CD games. A scratch in the right place can easily make the game unplayable. I could maybe do PSP UMDs. I wonder if that's fun to collect? GVN says 632 games at $6740 (complete, not loose). That might be an option.
Honestly, I was on the line with the PSP a long time ago, but after getting many of the games I wanted, and topshelf titles (none are really expensive other than that Hilton title) but just felt 600 games was waaaaay to many likely shovelware titles.
@DarkKobold, that's some great info. I wanted to get serious into the Saturn but the games are to fragile for my liking, as are the cases. I have about 40 games still, but I'm looking to get rid of most of them because I'm not brave enough to play them.
I would also say Master System, but only if you count PAL copies as an alternative for the rare US games. It's a relatively small library (but still over 100 games) and every rare/uncommon game has an easy to find PAL version. If you insist on all games being US versions, than I would say the system would be much more difficult to collect for.
The only SMS game I'd count is Sonic, if only because Sega just imported the PAL version and slapped a NA UPC code on the box. The rest of the SMS library IIRC has differences in box/manual layout between the NA/PAL regions.
But if you are going to do it with Sonic, you might as well do it with the other games that are difficult to find. Sonic wasn't the only game to get a US release with PAL cover art.
Ultimately, if you don't care what country it originated from, it is easy to get a full SMS set of each game that was released in the US.
Did Buster Douglas get a PAL release? That's the one that's the bane of any SMS collectors existence as not only is it expensive, but it almost never comes up for sale. There are 5 up on eBay right now which is an unusually large number, typically there are only 1-2 with stupid high prices fishing for offers.
I always stand by the N64 for this question. Lowest amount of cartridges when compared to NES/SNES, the price of the rares (excluding NFR/test carts) is lower then NES/SNES rares, and it's still somewhat common to find N64 games. I find N64 games more often then NES or SNES games in my area.
I would also say Master System, but only if you count PAL copies as an alternative for the rare US games. It's a relatively small library (but still over 100 games) and every rare/uncommon game has an easy to find PAL version. If you insist on all games being US versions, than I would say the system would be much more difficult to collect for.
The only SMS game I'd count is Sonic, if only because Sega just imported the PAL version and slapped a NA UPC code on the box. The rest of the SMS library IIRC has differences in box/manual layout between the NA/PAL regions.
But if you are going to do it with Sonic, you might as well do it with the other games that are difficult to find. Sonic wasn't the only game to get a US release with PAL cover art.
Ultimately, if you don't care what country it originated from, it is easy to get a full SMS set of each game that was released in the US.
Did Buster Douglas get a PAL release? That's the one that's the bane of any SMS collectors existence as not only is it expensive, but it almost never comes up for sale. There are 5 up on eBay right now which is an unusually large number, typically there are only 1-2 with stupid high prices fishing for offers.
Yes but it has a different name in Europe (Heavyweight Champ)
I would think Wii U would be easier and cheaper than 64. Less games for Wii U and I can't think of a single Wii U game that would compare in price to a few of the 64 heavy hitters (not including the special NY release of Mario Kart and Hyrule Warriors). I think with a few bundle purchases you could knock out half the library. 64 is pretty easy though.. I've known people who've collected the whole set without much issue in only a few months.
Completing the loose N64 set inspired me to start collecting XBOX CIB. They were the two systems I grew up on and they both have a library that is easy to find on ebay.
Comments
I would say Wii U is the easiest to collect for right now.
I've been having this thought as well. Do we have a solid list of the 100% (US) titles? Is the NA database updated and correct? I'm curious how many unique titles were released in the US.
164 if I’m not mistaken. Also Limited Run Games is suppose to be releasing a game this month.
yeah, actually one thing that holds me back is that there are games I already own on Switch - BOTW, Mario Kart 8, AND YES Axiom Verge, etc that I'm not sure I'd want to rebuy on Wii U.
Funny, I have the opposite problem. I've got about 8 titles that I could rebuy for Switch, but I have no desire to play through them again. But I would rather have them on Switch than WiiU for collection's sake
Modern collecting is weird with stuff like Bayonetta 1. I just don't consider Star Fox Zero or Bayonetta 2 complete without the bonus discs, but I don't think of them as separate games. Other print runs be damned.
As a complete collector that makes perfect sense but you have to consider loose set collecting. They are also seperate games so the debate will continue for years to come. My job is to buy and not decide
I would say either N64 or Wii U.
I would also say Master System, but only if you count PAL copies as an alternative for the rare US games. It's a relatively small library (but still over 100 games) and every rare/uncommon game has an easy to find PAL version. If you insist on all games being US versions, than I would say the system would be much more difficult to collect for.
The only SMS game I'd count is Sonic, if only because Sega just imported the PAL version and slapped a NA UPC code on the box. The rest of the SMS library IIRC has differences in box/manual layout between the NA/PAL regions.
Ps1 only had like 12-1400 games I thought. That should be easy
1,284
I would say either N64 or Wii U.
I would also say Master System, but only if you count PAL copies as an alternative for the rare US games. It's a relatively small library (but still over 100 games) and every rare/uncommon game has an easy to find PAL version. If you insist on all games being US versions, than I would say the system would be much more difficult to collect for.
The only SMS game I'd count is Sonic, if only because Sega just imported the PAL version and slapped a NA UPC code on the box. The rest of the SMS library IIRC has differences in box/manual layout between the NA/PAL regions.
But if you are going to do it with Sonic, you might as well do it with the other games that are difficult to find. Sonic wasn't the only game to get a US release with PAL cover art.
Ultimately, if you don't care what country it originated from, it is easy to get a full SMS set of each game that was released in the US.
Then that means you would excluded star fox guard as well? (That comes with a separate case and not sold New unless you consider GameStop that's sells it used)
I think about it years from now when someone finds it loose (if loose disc sets ever become a thing)
On my list I considered Star Fox Guard separated from Star Fox Zero.
So it does seem I'm not using the same criteria.
Luckily I already finished the set and have both Bayo 1 and SF Guard.
I would say either N64 or Wii U.
I would also say Master System, but only if you count PAL copies as an alternative for the rare US games. It's a relatively small library (but still over 100 games) and every rare/uncommon game has an easy to find PAL version. If you insist on all games being US versions, than I would say the system would be much more difficult to collect for.
The only SMS game I'd count is Sonic, if only because Sega just imported the PAL version and slapped a NA UPC code on the box. The rest of the SMS library IIRC has differences in box/manual layout between the NA/PAL regions.
That's also true for Golden Axe Warrior (UK only), Strider, and Spider-man. Sonic just gets the most attention due to being the rarest and most expensive. It's interesting that "Sonic is the only one" dfalsehood gets passed around because most people know about it.
N64 is the easiest, by far, as many mentioned. If anything, the big problem with N64 is that games like Super Bowling, Stunt Racer, and Clayfighter have jacked up in price, because it's such an easy fullset. I considered it a 'starter' into making fullsets.
Game Gear was easy, but not that easy. Finding US copies of any of the codemasters games is pretty dammed difficult. Luckily, some euro copies have identical labels. JC Tennis gets the most attention, but US CJ the Elephant, Cosmic Spacehead, and Dizzy aren't always just BIN away on eBay.
US licensed Gameboy has pricey titles, but some patience, and you'll be guaranteed to find them all... loose. CIB is a completely different beast.
US GBC is just disgusting. Unless you can find a source of games for ~$1 each, you'll be paying way too much for absolute freaking garbage shovelware.
3DO is damn hard, thanks to Dinopark Tycoon. Otherwise, it's a fairly easy set to knock out, especially when you exclude all the 'non-game' software. Most of the ultra rares are stupid educational videos or cartoons.
US SMS is dammed hard, because you'll want to go CIB, and everyone lost their manuals or used them as coasters etc. Finding nice CIB US SMS rare games is a massive PITA.
Honestly, SNES and NES are also easy. Expensive, but easy. You won't run into games you can't find, aside from Stadium Events or Competition Carts. I know so many people who knocked out an NES set quickly... and then sold it off. The only 'difficult' part is finding things for decent prices.
I also have the feeling that a loose cart Genesis collection would be insanely easy. No one wants loose Genesis carts for the most part. The price composition for a CIB seems to be evenly divided into 3rds for cart box and manual. If it's in pristine shape, expect to pay through the nose.
Turbografx (94 games, close enough) is easy, if you skip Magical Chase. Hero Tonma has shot up in the last couple years too.
Atari Jaguar (lifetime) is also only 46 games, and incredibly easy. Pretty much could be done in a day of hitting BINs. If you also want the 11 CD games, you'll be waiting a while to find Brain Dead 13 or Primal Rage. I've gone 6 months without seeing a copy of Primal Rage on eBay.
Smaller sets, like the GX4000, Super A'can, Watara Supervision, etc, can be far more difficult than 100+ game sets.
PS1 is terrifying. 1,300 games, and they all look the same sitting on a shelf. When I get to fullsetting the PS1, I'm expecting to go blind from trying to read multiple end labels. Kill me now.
So, those are the ones I have personal experience with. Here are ones that I have second hand info for.
My ex-gf is fullsetting the PS2. She got half way through the set, paying $0.30-$1 a game. It's really easy to knock out the bottom half of that set. We broke up before she got further. How it is to finish that set.... I don't know.
Wii and Gameboy Advance have so much poorly selling shovelware, you can easily get through 2/3rds of the library, and then hit an incredibly difficult wall of unknown rarities. This has happened to some friends.
Sega Saturn - Hope you have deep pockets.... and no care for Daytona Netlink Edition.
Anyway, I love making and talking fullsets!
Ah, yeah I guess different collectors will think differently. Like I have the NSMBU + Luigi U release, so I wouldn't be looking for both games as standalone on top of that release. As long as each physical GAME is represented.
Gamecube collectors go for the two expensive Windwaker combo releases.... which are the identical games, with $100 paper CD case inserts.
Gamecube collectors go for the two expensive Windwaker combo releases.... which are the identical games, with $100 paper CD case inserts.
Is that some of the most expensive paper in game collecting? Per square inch? Sure, it's dwarfed by some paper in other hobbies, but that's gotta be up there. I guess there are some instruction manuals that probably command a higher per-square-inch price.
I just can't bring myself to collect CD games. A scratch in the right place can easily make the game unplayable. I could maybe do PSP UMDs. I wonder if that's fun to collect? GVN says 632 games at $6740 (complete, not loose). That might be an option.
@DarkKobold, that's some great info. I wanted to get serious into the Saturn but the games are to fragile for my liking, as are the cases. I have about 40 games still, but I'm looking to get rid of most of them because I'm not brave enough to play them.
I would say either N64 or Wii U.
I would also say Master System, but only if you count PAL copies as an alternative for the rare US games. It's a relatively small library (but still over 100 games) and every rare/uncommon game has an easy to find PAL version. If you insist on all games being US versions, than I would say the system would be much more difficult to collect for.
The only SMS game I'd count is Sonic, if only because Sega just imported the PAL version and slapped a NA UPC code on the box. The rest of the SMS library IIRC has differences in box/manual layout between the NA/PAL regions.
But if you are going to do it with Sonic, you might as well do it with the other games that are difficult to find. Sonic wasn't the only game to get a US release with PAL cover art.
Ultimately, if you don't care what country it originated from, it is easy to get a full SMS set of each game that was released in the US.
Did Buster Douglas get a PAL release? That's the one that's the bane of any SMS collectors existence as not only is it expensive, but it almost never comes up for sale. There are 5 up on eBay right now which is an unusually large number, typically there are only 1-2 with stupid high prices fishing for offers.
For instance, comparing Pal Saturn vs Pal N64 being from similar era:
Loose N64 carts ( easy-peazy); loose Saturn discs (tough to do because rarely do you see single discs being sold on their own!)
CIB N64 and CIB Saturn: similar moderate challenge to obtain fullsets?
Sealed N64 fullset: challenging for sure!
Sealed Saturn fullset: even more of a challenge! (in my opinion)
Sets smaller than ten are a funky bunch. China has 8 GBA games, and 5 DS games, stuff like that.
I would say either N64 or Wii U.
I would also say Master System, but only if you count PAL copies as an alternative for the rare US games. It's a relatively small library (but still over 100 games) and every rare/uncommon game has an easy to find PAL version. If you insist on all games being US versions, than I would say the system would be much more difficult to collect for.
The only SMS game I'd count is Sonic, if only because Sega just imported the PAL version and slapped a NA UPC code on the box. The rest of the SMS library IIRC has differences in box/manual layout between the NA/PAL regions.
But if you are going to do it with Sonic, you might as well do it with the other games that are difficult to find. Sonic wasn't the only game to get a US release with PAL cover art.
Ultimately, if you don't care what country it originated from, it is easy to get a full SMS set of each game that was released in the US.
Did Buster Douglas get a PAL release? That's the one that's the bane of any SMS collectors existence as not only is it expensive, but it almost never comes up for sale. There are 5 up on eBay right now which is an unusually large number, typically there are only 1-2 with stupid high prices fishing for offers.
Yes but it has a different name in Europe (Heavyweight Champ)