Why do official N64 controllers pull so much at auction?

Anyone know the answer to this? When I sell a system, I sell it for $15. The game store here sells them for $20 but if you check completed auctions, some auctions just for an official n64 controller pull $13-20 plus shipping. Anyone have any input why? I sell systems with 3rd party controllers only because of this. There is no right or wrong answer I don't guess but just wanted some opinions.

Comments

  • The joysticks wear out on the officials rather easily and many people refuse to buy 3rd party controllers. I wouldn't be surprised to see the N64 system to be worth half as much as a good official controller in 5 years-- or if someone makes a ton of money selling repair kits for controllers.
  • I wouldn't buy a 3rd party controller for n64 either. Those thumbsticks are expensive to replace so maybe they just assume buy a new one. Colors matters to an extent but I see the basic grey one fetch $13 shipped. That is crazy.
  • I was at a garage sale the other day and bought an Atomic Green and a Clear Purple N64 controller for $2 each.
  • Originally posted by: ducky

    The joysticks wear out on the officials rather easily and many people refuse to buy 3rd party controllers. I wouldn't be surprised to see the N64 system to be worth half as much as a good official controller in 5 years-- or if someone makes a ton of money selling repair kits for controllers.

    This.

    A beat up joystick is of little to no value for many games.  I remember when I used to speedrun Perfect Dark, there were several tests done and identical runs would be MUCH slower on beat up controllers.  Not to mention it's harder to aim and turn and look around.
  • Originally posted by: Shipsteam

    I was at a garage sale the other day and bought an Atomic Green and a Clear Purple N64 controller for $2 each.



    Good buys for sure. I didn't count but I was straightening up my shop today and I think I have around 40. The only colors I don't have is the gold and the lime green/yellow...whatever color it is. I think its the only one they didnt make a clear color system to match.
  • Hmm smokin joe perhaps you can help a brother out..
  • I sell these controllers all the time on ebay. I have sold 30+ n64 controllers this year and last year. The color controllers do bring more of a premium, I usually sell these for $14 shipped and they always sell. The grey I sell for $11 shipped. I have never had a problem selling these, and I always choose to piece a 64 system out rather than sell together. Plus, half the time if you sell just the system, you have to include a game just to get it to sell!



    Why do controllers sell for more? I dont know. But im not complaining image
  • ^Yep Right Now Pedro Is selling systems for $35 free shipping iirc



    Controller $12-15

    AC Cord 5-10

    AV Cable 3-5

    Jumper Pak $3-5

    Expansion Lids $2-3



    Toss the system itself
  • Originally posted by: pats1717

    ^Yep Right Now Pedro Is selling systems for $35 free shipping iirc



    Controller $12-15

    AC Cord 5-10

    AV Cable 3-5

    Jumper Pak $3-5

    Expansion Lids $2-3



    Toss the system itself


    Dont toss the system! I sell them for $10 with the standard pack in them for $10+ shipping. I have sold 3 about a month ago on the bay. image
  • Originally posted by: pats1717

    ^Yep Right Now Pedro Is selling systems for $35 free shipping iirc

    Controller $12-15
    AC Cord 5-10
    AV Cable 3-5
    Jumper Pak $3-5
    Expansion Lids $2-3

    Toss the system itself



    Wow....that is something! I may have to look into this.
  • Maybe we should also. We sell the base unit without the expansion one controller for 20.
  • I couldn't get $20 here for anything. I have even dropped them to $10 at the flea market and didnt sell any. This past weekend, I had some out there for $20 but they came with mario 64. I lucked out and sold 1 but that was all.
  • ^ I find that the units do better when packaged with Zelda OoT than Mario 64. Both great games, but Zelda OoT is often argued as one of the greatest games of all time and attracts more buyers IMO.
  • its because the 3rd party N64 controllers are garbage. you must have official controllers everyone refuses to get stuck with the one shitty third party controller.. lol
  • I hate 3rd Party controllers... The ones I had as a kid never really worked. At all. There's a reason why no one wants a 3rd Party one.



    That said, I need to grab a N64 controller with a good stick. The ones I've got work great, but the looseness of the analog stick is definitely annoying.
  • If anyone is interested in some CIB N64 controllers, PM me.
  • Originally posted by: jonebone

    ^ I find that the units do better when packaged with Zelda OoT than Mario 64. Both great games, but Zelda OoT is often argued as one of the greatest games of all time and attracts more buyers IMO.



    But if you package it with Ocarina of time, then you have to include an expansion pak or you get a pissed off buyer. If you can get probably $35-40 though, then it is worth it. But by piecing it out, it seems you will get more money is Pats1717's prices are on target.
  • Originally posted by: smokinjoe24

    Originally posted by: jonebone

    ^ I find that the units do better when packaged with Zelda OoT than Mario 64. Both great games, but Zelda OoT is often argued as one of the greatest games of all time and attracts more buyers IMO.



    But if you package it with Ocarina of time, then you have to include an expansion pak or you get a pissed off buyer. If you can get probably $35-40 though, then it is worth it. But by piecing it out, it seems you will get more money is Pats1717's prices are on target.


    That's interesting.  I'm glad I read this.  I have a ton of N64 stuff and I think I'm going to try piecing it all out.  It'll make things much easier than trying to think up bundles with games like I usually do.  Save me time taking pics too.
  • Dang, I was selling my N64 controller for $3.
  • Brought this one back from the dead so I wouldn't have to create a new thread!

    Has anyone used this N64 pad? I like the layout better cause my hand is too big and doesn't fit right in the OEM controllers. If it's any good and someone has one laying around that they want to part with shoot me a pm.

    image

    Any other suggestions would be appreciated also!

  • Nice to see you took the pic from Nintendo 64 Forever's website image



    Alxbly is an awesome and very knowledgeable N64 guru. I believe he has a CIB N64 set, and he has done many reviews on N64 items. I am a member of that forum and visit from time to time.



    As for the controller, I wouldn't use it myself. The joypad and thumbsticks seem very cheap, the start button looks like pressing it would make the controller blow up, and the A and B buttons look like smarties. Where are the trigger and Z buttons?
  • I've always sold my N64 systems with four official controllers, a couple worthless accessories and some great 4-Player games along with crap games.



    A loose N64 system is definitely the last thing I would hunt for.
  • In Mexico there's someone selling replacement joysticks (just the joystick part, to replace the old one in a original controller). Are these any good?
  • I have one of those Superpad 64 controllers...they're really not all that bad. Though it does take a bit of getting used to...and they are somewhat cheaply made :/ ...
  • I know for a fact that my PnT Boss lady gets replacement sticks REALLY cheap. She has me change every stick before we sell a controller. And we only sell them for $15. I can do a stick replacement "while you wait" and they only charge $7 for parts and labor. I think she said the replacement sticks are like $.25 each...
  • Another question, how do you guys ship an N64 controller economically? I shy away from buying these locally for $5 a pop because it seems I'd have to send them in a box for $5 priority just to get them anywhere in the US safely.
  • ^ I've always wrapped them in bubble wrap, then, kraft paper. Ship it first class I believe, never had a shipping complaint.
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