The state of retro game collecting…

[@janordanu2008]

I called it quits on retro collecting in 2020 and decided I have everthing I needed. Since then prices have only gotten worse

[@Fools_Requiem]

Prices skyrocketed after the pandemic. Everything was completely normal, and then the pandemic hit, and it was crazy. My hope is that we get more and more re-releases like the Capcom Fighting Collections. The Switch has been pretty important to the market. Loads of collection releases. Also, repros have gotten better. No way would I pay the 700+ on Little Samson, but I'd pay the 20 or so for a repro cart that lets me play on original hardware instead of an emulator. Even better are those Everdrives, which let you play emulated games on original hardware and let you decide what is worth shelling out for actual copies. Stuff is getting more expensive, but it is really nice to see that people are making it easier for the rest of us to get our hands on games and playing them on original hardware.

[@samuelbanya]

Imagine being this guy supporting Nintendo, when he could just get a Mister instead

[@Fools_Requiem]

@@samuelbanya ?

[@baboracus]

After cartidges went to discs the appeal of collecting diminished... Discs seemed too fragile.

[@lukebrady65]

It honestly depends on the system you're collecting for. GameCube, GBA, and Sega CD are insanely expensive. PlayStation and Xbox 360 are incredibly cheap.

[@KoRnKnoTTeR]

That dude selling a gameboy for 7k must be out of his damn mind. But the person willing to buy it, though, would be the crazier one.

[@Holdenmagroyn]

I think that's what everything has come to. People who sell things for a living now have the mindset of "SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE, EVENTUALLY, will come buy this overpriced item"

[@PostTraumaticChessDisorder]

The graded market comes crashing down. Go watch Karl Jobst videos on that topic. It's been a temporary trend within the 'collector' market. I can see the appeal, but the price tag of 7K means that just the fact some dude gave a grade and an acrylic case to it adds a multiplier of about 5 to 7 times its original value. Everyone once hopped on the grading bandwagon, now that bubble (which I knew was destined to burst after a short time) comes ricocheting back. I think this guy is never going to sell it anymore for that outrageous price since that market segment is completely out and on its way back...

[@johnb8190]

That’s why a year went by and no one bought it yet. No one dumb enough to pay that absurd price.

[@megamegaO]

They really don't care. There's a sucker born every minute. Someone will either be dumb enough to buy it...or buy it because they can and flex.

[@LordDiscord]

​@Holdenmagroyn No I honestly believe it's part of a scam, where they will over inflate the price of something to fool people into thinking this item is really worth that much the they wait for the copycats to come along and over inflate the market then they will decrease their price, to a more reasonable price but still well over what it's actually worth and then people looking for that item will then believe they found a deal when in reality they still got ripped off

[@Progressive.G]

The silver lining is that emulation is more accessible and better than ever before 👍

[@kumarp3074]

And for those that still want to play on physical hardware there are flashcarts like the Everdrive and optical drive emulators for disc based systems.

[@CassandraPantaristi]

​@@kumarp3074 If only jailbroken PS3/PS4/PS5 consoles can have optical disc emulators for older PlayStation games. If Sony won't give us optical disc backwards compatibility before PS4 on PS5 or optical disc backwards compatibility on all PS3 models, we should be able to do it ourselves.

[@GREEENZO]

Yup, I repurposed an old mini-PC to be an emulation system and I can play everything from 2600 to GameCube on it. Saves space too, physical game collecting eats space like no other. At this point I’m happy to just live vicariously through Metal Jesus and others 😂

[@CassandraPantaristi]

​@@kumarp3074 We should be able to implement optical disc emulation on a jailbroken PS3 or even a jailbroken PS5.

[@Frank-x1g]

​@GREEENZO Not going to get rid of my games nor systems. However, once I go along completing playthroughs I will be looking at a mini PC.

[@cloudseven9041]

There's something hilariously poetic about a guy selling an overpriced WATA graded Gameboy while wearing a Limited Run hat

[@DavySuicide]

Hahahah exactly my thought man 😅

[@TheDumontShow]

WATA has ruined game collecting. 5,000 for a Gameboy? Man, this is why I go the Everdrive route for everything now

[@cloudseven9041]

@@TheDumontShow I'm there with you man. Got an everdrive for my SNES, Genesis, NES, and N64.

[@TheDumontShow]

@@cloudseven9041 I love them. I got one for Super Game Boy 2 (the AliExpress version. I promise that I will get a real one later) and Super Everdrive X5. I have a MODE as well for the Saturn. I want to get another MODE for Dreamcast because I hate GDEMU. It suckssssss!!!!

[@dandiaz19934]

Both companies suck major ASS

[@helloruiz]

Retro game collecting used to be affordable. We have the MetalJesus effect to thank for this.

[@lewisgrant7622]

Yep pretty much. And the effect spread even further after all those buying guide videos and hidden gem videos came out before those came out I could go into a retro game shop find a game for like 10 go back the next week or month and it’s shot upto 40/45. I’m also glad I’m not the only one who thinks this

[@truthxbexheard1]

Everything use to be affordable.

[@lewisgrant7622]

@@truthxbexheard1 yep. Used to be now it isn’t

[@ricdoe5130]

True but fanboys and MJ himself will deny, enjoy.

[@too1leasy]

It is affordable. Emulators are free.

[@JusticeDragon]

$900 for the SNES 3DS seems comically out of touch. Even the over-inflated price charting website only lists $500-$700 for complete/like new.

[@JohnSmith-nj4zq]

Resellers = Price Gougers.

[@markmarkson7228]

@@JohnSmith-nj4zq that's kind of the point

[@FilmTrekk]

Anyone who pays that price is pathetic

[@God_Shen]

That thing is not selling a im glad lol

[@AllseeingWatcher]

What's worse is how do you know if it's in the box. lol Paying to do an X ray will run you even more

[@DrPepperMan85]

Some of those sellers are in such denial they might as well be in Egypt.

[@mareksan1123]

😂 boom tish

[@davy1972]

Haven't heard this in so long. 😂

[@JShadow6661]

They giving prices like everyone is Dubai rich and shit lol

[@Donaldthump-u1p]

​@@davy1972I know right 😂

[@viagramancer]

Can someone WATA grade that punchline? It's very retro.

[@mrmerlin6287]

$7,000 USD for a Gameboy Color. We've gone down the wrong timeline.

[@IanSane]

I think of the people I meet at these Expos and wonder who the vendor thinks is going to buy this. Why even bring it?

[@banditkeithkingofduelmonsters]

And it's graded. Who the hell wants some graded gameboy anyways. It could be a brick of top ramen in the cardboard box for all I know.

[@EnyoTaiz]

I can't imagine spending thousands on a damn Gameboy. Even worse, it will sit in a box on a shelf never to be used.

[@mtgamateurnight]

@@IanSane You would be surprised, I have seen some items sell that I never thought anybody would buy/pay a huge amount for.

[@raafmaat]

blame wata

[@cusernament]

If someone pays $5,000 for a Barbie 3DS game, just to say they have a complete collection...that seems really sad.

[@DegenGaming]

For some people $5k is like $50. Just because you can't afford it doesn't mean we're all poor.

[@BigChief1529]

​@@DegenGamingso it's worth paying 5k for something you literally don't even really want.

[@rareform6948]

@@DegenGamingI’d rather be poor than spend thousands on a game collection thinking it makes me look cool when in reality it makes me look cringe

[@Agent-vj3ns]

I'd rather buy something more useful for $5,000.. like an Omega seamaster

[@BigChief1529]

​@@Agent-vj3ns Hell yeah. Watches at least show your personality

[@WarioSaysSo]

$7.000 for a Game Boy with Pokemon theme skin? $5.000 for a 3DS Barbie game? Wow, I don't know what is worst. The people who sell them for such idiotic high sums of money or the ones who possibly buy for such prices (?) In any way it is freakin insane. I would never-ever pay anything close or half or more then a 5th of the prices etc.

[@lifeisyours8250]

$10.00 for the Barbie game and that's being generous

[@WarioSaysSo]

@@lifeisyours8250 Agree !!!!

[@Warrax22]

The problem is the buyer who's willing to pay that price, sellers are just adjusting to demand.

[@WarioSaysSo]

@@Warrax22 True. Still there are a lot of sellers who believe they can get that - but if buyers accept that, then it vecome a BS standard. So yeah you are right.

[@deathtrooper2048]

$7 is cheap AF.

[@mattb9664]

Those vendors can go ahead and keep their stuff at those prices, and continue taking them to Expos over and over again! Have fun storing and transporting it, along with setting up and breaking down those displays! 😂😂😂

[@housethemous]

But they wouldn't be doing it if they weren't turning a profit, so.... :)

[@relo999]

Dont forget the price they pay to be there

[@jeffreys4417]

@@housethemousyou’d think that but some people will do it because they are stubborn

[@limelight58able]

​@housethemous - yeah..... they all aren't making that kind of money. I collect comics, and it's the same scheme. Games/comic prices are over inflated because the seller can and will do it. A lot hype throen in the mix, and a bit of FOMO, lol. A lot of these folks can't sell the items, unless they find that one person that doesn't care about over spending on the item in question.

[@mattb9664]

I used to go to the NYCC before Covid- the 'Toy-Guy' (with the TV show) would be there at a booth and he'd look sooooo F'ing grumpy the whole time while trying to sell his Ninja Turtles Party Wagon or the Blimp or the Pizza thrower for $100-$150 a pop. Nobody would spend any extended time in that booth.

[@lynyrdprice]

The used game market is trash, They have totally ruined it with the fomo price gouging/gate keeping.

[@relo999]

It's not even that, it's flipping and collecting for the sake of collecting.

[@crypticsailor]

The games are literally cheaper than they used to be WITHOUT even considering inflation for more than 90% of games. What are you guys smoking? Millions of really good games under original market price by multiples. In 1990 games sold for $60 and in today's dollars that's > $200 each. Is it only ok if your parents wasted their money on you, so now you're angry you have to pay $30 USD vs $200 in today's money for the average game on Genesis/SNES/etc? Have you ever considered that you shouldn't buy games if you don't have money? Or at least don't hoarde them and think about what you want instead of buy to buy. Anyone trying to hoarde 500 games in 1991 would also have a problem with average salary.

[@NicEeEe843]

Emulate it then

[@NicEeEe843]

@@crypticsailor100%, there are a couple games that are outrageously expensive but most games aren’t. Stick with what you can afford, most games aren’t too crazy priced. If you really want to play kuon or rule of rose just emulate it😂

[@shefalichow7917]

@@crypticsailor Calling someone poor when they complain about unfair prices. Classic tactic of resellers. What a bum.

[@MikeAruba69]

I hate how retro games got expensive nowadays. Back then, during the PS3/Xbox 360/Wii era, you were able to buy a used NES game for less than $20. I remember during middle school, my cousin bought ten used Nintendo 64 games for $40 at our local game store. Super Mario 64, Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, Smash Bros., Mario Kart 64, Banjo-Kazooie, and Conker's were amongst them! Nowadays, those games are sold about $80 or $1,000. It's outrageous!

[@Frank-x1g]

Back then there were game stores and Blockbuster and other video stores. Now it's big box and Gamestop.

[@xxxprincethe2nd793]

​@Frank-x1g there are retro game stores out there depending on where you're from, however yes retro game stores became more expensive over the years

[@Frank-x1g]

@@xxxprincethe2nd793 Hard to find anything reasonable even at pawn shops anymore.

[@EnyoTaiz]

I bought my n64 around 2012, (after the classic gamestop trade-in mistake many kids made) i picked up most of the big hitter classic games for less than $15-$20 each. I sold my copy of Conker for almost $200 a little while ago, think i paid $50 for it and thought that was expensive!

[@Vanity0666]

more people are worse off financially now than at any point in the history of the United States since the gilded age and great depression. Economists have taken to calling the time we live in right now a second gilded age in fact.

[@VicodinElmo]

I hate to say it but the retro market going insane is largely (not exclusively) due to the retro community on social media - yes, including this channel. It’s well known that whenever a video on the MJR channel about a specific product is uploaded, the price of said item skyrockets. It’s fine to comment on the state of the industry, but we have to acknowledge that retro gaming influencers are a significant driver.

[@Auxodium]

100 percent

[@thesummaryguy3911]

made a video years ago about this, so true

[@lizardman7364]

Oh wow crazy no one has ever mentioned that before even 10 years ago whoa

[@thewonkwonk]

This guy and his friend are direct contributors to that shit! Granted C19 era sped up the procees but this guy is making money on YT with video like ‘hidden gems/cheap games you can buy’ . Look he just said the pc games boxes haven’t yet seen massive price increases.. wait and see now haha!

[@chandlerlowell5]

It isn't "well known" it's just a conspiracy because you fucking idiots don't understand how supply and demand works. 9/10 when MJR posts a video it's because he is in the know and becomes aware of hot products because people start buying them, THEN he talks about them. He doesn't drive up demand, he makes people aware of it as it already starts to go up.

[@RandallStevenson]

As much as I love Metaljesus's content, it's channels like his that are the reason that retro gaming prices are so out of control

[@MetalJesusRocks]

Are we the reason for the good deals too? Many of the games I talk about all the time are still cheap (SSX, Splashdown, Burnout, etc)

[@RandallStevenson]

@@MetalJesusRocks For people who love games, selling to people who love games, you guys' hands are pretty clean. For people who love money, exploiting people who love games, where do you think they got the idea?

[@Neronova888]

Man this is just so disheartening seeing the retro collecting market be as dead as it is right now. It looks like a fun convention but the prices are ludicrous.

[@eliv.1033]

Yep all those prices are diabolical. Good thing is I started my large ps1,2,3 and Xbox,360 collection back in the day when prices were cheap. The only small collection of games I had were on the nes and SNES but I started collecting games for those systems and the prices have been pretty good on ebay nothing astronomical..🤔

[@andywest5773]

Prices are ludicrous specifically because the market is not dead. If it were, prices would be low. That's how markets work.

[@leob4403]

​​​@@andywest5773the interest in video game culture is obviously still strong but the amount of purchases at an expo of this sort I would guess is pretty low, it's more of a social event where people go to the event to hang out with their friends and look at cool shit, like a zoo or something. The people that are charging these ridiculous prices, this is not their livelyhood, it's their hobby, they have some other job

[@cloudseven9041]

​@@andywest5773 I think they just mean dead as in ruined

[@DegenGaming]

Thankfully I'm not poor. More games for me I guess! ;)

[@chfgn]

We used to trade games with each other, give them away, or give great deals to our friends because we wanted to share experiences that meant something to us with other passionate people. They didn’t have an inherent monetary value, we just loved playing them. Nobody cares about playing anymore; everything has to be an investment. When’s the last time you saw anybody buy an old game because they wanted to play it without checking Price Charting first? These entertainment products have become a dystopian post-apocalyptic currency, which is a damn shame because they used to represent joy and nothing is less joyous than considering the soundness of an investment opportunity.

[@hadesmcfadden2982]

well put and to also mention I've been trying to get older games because I either missed the opportunity to try it when it was first released or available relatively used, or to try and get it for a system I didn't happen to own when I was kid or a young adult and now have "adult money" to actually get that system or game. the market has squeezed out anyone without a massive bank to drop on something they wanted to try. it's like getting priced out of a owning a classic car it's the purview of the wealthy and those focused on the market to make a buck.

[@sloppynyuszi]

There are many ways to play old games. I have bought a bunch of collections for my switch and Xbox. And for what I can’t find for a reasonable price or accessibility, my Miyoo mini + is lifting its weight. I think the DS and 3DS are the exception because the actual form factor is hard to emulate, and maybe a Wii like experience is the other. How many people live in huge houses to be able to collect all this stuff? And physical media breaks and deteriorates, especially the machines that play them.

[@scorpiousmagus]

Yeah. Any kind of hobby that goes mainstream at some point ends up turning into an overpriced crap show. Old comics, videogames. All that stuff that we use to trade and do together as kids for fun and want to come back to as adults. But what goes up must come down. Atari played a pretty big hand in crashing the market back in the day and I figure it will take a plunge again because of all this crap, Game corporations included.

[@NookStudios]

Whenever I sell games, I NEVER sell them for high price. For example, I got Kirby’s dreamland gb for 30$ but didn’t really like it, so sold it for 20. I know I lost 10$ but there might be another kid who wants it more than me. Sad to see this hobby die

[@muunprince1992]

Your comment really hit the nail in the coffin, exactly what I looking for. Just Screenshot this.

[@MultiPlatGamerGuy]

$100 for just the box!? That's outrageous.

[@jothain]

Downright stupid

[@drewbreezy5854]

You can't play a box

[@fresnokila3]

I thought the same thing the moment I saw that part in the video.

[@richardslotboom9250]

What about that $5000 for a 3ds game?? They must be on drugs or something!

[@nunyabusiness3082]

I have over 6000 games I've been collecting since 2011 and I haven't paid a dime except for electricity 😂 and internet access 🤣

[@lifeisyours8250]

Games priced as if they are ancient artifacts.

[@peterbariexca3737]

part of the reason they are priced that way

[@MFS45]

In terms of rarity, some of them might as well be considered that

[@d_arod_irl]

MJR, my guy... you're one of the reasons prices went bananas. I know it wasnt your intention nor you did it on purpose. but here we are...

[@jarretticeearthguard8614]

Don't act as if he is a really really big influence with the prices going up. The percentage of gamers watching his videos are not even 1% of every gamer out there. The darn pandemic is what really "made the prices go up." If you compare 2019 Pokemon game prices to nowadays for example, you will see a huge difference.

[@TheGoatPC]

@@jarretticeearthguard8614 MJR didn't help, but yes. The pandemic and all the free money gave people a means to buy things they normally wouldn't have had the money for. But, oh well. It is what it is, prices are gonna be what they are. I got out, sold my retro collection. Everdrives, modded CD drives and emulation are all that is needed.

[@danbooke2001]

​@@jarretticeearthguard8614 Lol, you're crazy if you think that MJR didn't have an influence here. Yes, probably 1% of gamers probably watch his channel. But I guarantee you 99% of people searching for a Top 10 video on what 360 games to buy or any other top 10 video he's done has been watched by collectors. That's who drove the prices up, collectors. Your casual gamer didn't inflate the retro market. Idiots like KZbin influencers making videos like "You gotta get these now" created fomo in collectors and they started going wild.

[@JGila357]

I agree , all these KZbinrs are at fault for the rise in popularity and consequently prices , before they were showing off on KZbin prices were considerably reasonable, they started hyping up rarity and scarcity and now we are here , is not metaljesus fault singlehanded but he’s part along with many people that he knows and hangs with in that retro community circle jerk , it’s funny how now he’s complaining about prices , welcome to our reality metal Jesus . You should be happy with all the games you hoarded and stop complaining.

[@danbooke2001]

@@JGila357 THIS

[@stuartcopland6243]

Remember the days when people used to flip out at NES games costing as much as $5 on the Wii Virtual Console because you could buy a box of NES games for that at a yard sale? …those days are also retro now.

[@scorpiousmagus]

😂

[@scorpiousmagus]

How much do those days cost?

[@danielpowers5891]

PepperRidge Farm remembers.

[@The_RadicalOne]

Man this was a fun event. I’m still shocked at how many vendors and guest were there. Pickups video definitely coming soon 🤜🏻 💥 🤛🏾 If any of you have a chance to attend the Portland Retro Gaming expo, your going ti have a mind blowing experience 🤯

[@MetalJesusRocks]

REGGGGGIE! Thanks for hanging with me dude. We had some good times as usual.

[@mjdf122]

Appreciate you Reggie and your new PS5 video your guys greatness continues

[@darrnellnott07]

Always happy to see these guys together! Plus, Reggie has a good channel of his own toooooo!

[@Mark-mu4pj]

Can't wait for the game pickups video

[@RetroGamePlayers]

🤓

[@D95er]

Years ago Gamecube games were actually affordable, you could find gems at Goodwill for $15 or less, consoles and handhelds were a fraction of what they cost now. I miss that.

[@techheadz00]

In my gamestop the majority of GC games were €7.99 BOGOF in the late 2000s. Wish id picked up more!

[@imgomes6425]

I JUST missed that opportunity to collect affordable Gamecube games when I first got into gaming. I even had a backwards compatible Wii. Gamecube game prices were pretty decent like 10-15 years ago. I still collect. Just at a slower rate. I get the games that I know I'm interested in.

[@MetalJesusRocks]

I got the majority of my GameCube collection when GameStop was blowing them out for Buy 2 Get 2 Free. That was the time to jump on them. Kinda like now with 360/PS3

[@imgomes6425]

@@MetalJesusRocks that's pretty amazing!

[@Progressive.G]

@@MetalJesusRocks PS3 right now is SUPER cheap...even PS4 has a ton of cheap games!

[@jimmygillard]

Game collecting is no longer for the common man. The internet ruined it, same with record collecting. Everything has a set price now, and everyone knows to look stuff up.

[@KratostheThird]

Nothing is anymore. Go try looking at some vinyl records and music CDs. Ridiculously expensive.

[@jimmygillard]

@KratostheThird Most CDs are still thankfully cheap here, which is why I switched to collecting those about ten years ago.

[@dmo848]

I remember watching someone in store years ago doing that 🤔I sat and watched them. Bastards ruined it

[@williamfinucane]

I wish you all luck. Im not a game collector, but i am a sneaker collector. Sneakers just went through a huge wave of hype. Prices were insane through the pandemic. Last year was better but this year has been great. I hope the retro gaming trent can level off for all the real ones out there

[@JohnJalas]

No point collecting anymore, those prices are obscene

[@aserr5660]

That’s the market, collecting is niche but back on demand.

[@Evoboss1]

They will get more expensive when physical media ceases to exist trust me.

[@jasonmax5758]

​​@@aserr5660I prefer higher prices because if it were cheaper there wouldn't be any sealed consoles up for sale, they would have been already been bought by collectors those collectors will never sell it ever

[@JohnJalas]

@@jasonmax5758 Anything sealed and the ridiculous prices is moronic.

[@josealqueres]

lol.... wtf right ??

[@cam9144]

Game prices and bulk buyers/resellers have ruined game collecting.

[@scottmckay8774]

I have an old Band-Aid that I found in Santa Monica. Looks like something a celebrity would have used to heal themselves with. $250 OBO. ;-)

[@LittleBigKid707b]

It's both fun watching these retro convention videos, but they also put things into perspective for me. I realized this year that I'm not a "retro game collector" anymore and haven't been for the past 3-4 years. Still love playing retro though. I bought most of what I wanted over the last 15 years, and I can truly say, if I never bought a retro game again, I'd be perfectly content with that. I guess, as least for most of us is the older we get, the less material goods we want or need. That's a good place to be in.

[@Mentally_Hilarious]

This is pretty much exactly where I am at. I'd always played retro games but I started collecting in that initial KZbin retro wave in the late 2000's. When prices spiked during covid I could not resist and started selling stuff I didn't feel attached to. That made me realize I didn't really care about 2/3's of my collection. I have a very nice collection left of stuff I want to have. There is still a few things I want but I'm far more tempted to sell more over buying the remaining things I want.

[@KratostheThird]

@@Mentally_Hilarious Back in the late 2000’s, Let’s Players were starting to emerge. Their content had me interested in many retro titles, many of which I bought at retro stores, even bought a few at GameStop. Today it just hurts to get anything because there is no real reason for me to spend a ton of money for a game that never received well.

[@davy1972]

I love kicking back amd watchimg this channel. Especially this time of year. Seems like you have a gift of being able to talk and get along with anyone.

[@retromegabitsegadude]

Thanks for the tour! And thanks for calling out expensive things as expensive. It helps keep everyone's expectation grounded. I love that you made a career out of retro games but you still focus on the deals. You're a good man Charlie Brown.

[@AlphaPapa69]

900 bucks for a Nes is insane

[@The_RadicalOne]

Insane to the membrane 🧠

[@SUPERSMASHTV177O13]

​@@The_RadicalOneepic reference

[@happy_camper]

@@The_RadicalOne insane in the brain!!

[@cool3865]

i like the $500 SNES but there is no Zelda: Link to the Past game inside, prolly took it out and selling it seperately.

[@Darth_CeeZeR]

People really buy them for that price too which is insane lol.

[@xMcWeenx]

I have enough of a backlog from years of collecting stuff when i found it cheap (mostly when new). I am completely done with anything retro that costs above the original msrp.

[@platinumuschannel]

I stopped collecting for the most part several years ago when everyone and their brother decided their copy of Tetris on the Gameboy, with a damaged label, was worth a lot of money. I'm clearly exaggerating, but everyone started doing it. Luckily I made out very well. Allow me to make a comparison: I'm into flipping vehicles now. Ten years ago, I could buy a rare Jeep Comanche or a common Jeep Cherokee for less than $500 in decent shape, flip it cheap (and thoughtfully, mind you, no tricks), and turn around and buy another and do it again. Now a lot more people are starting to do that and the margins just aren't there. I could say the same thing about buying a box of random stuff for 50 cents at auction, and turning that 50 cent box into $50 in a few days. Not anymore. Now here's the part that will potentially offend gamers (not my problem): Gaming has become too big for its own breeches, too mainstream, and too watered down. Everyone is doing it now, and when everyone is doing it, you either have saturation or in this case gouging/gate keeping. "My copy of Super Mario 64 may not actually be worth $50, but to the right person, it is!" I see it all the time now, and thus unless you've already amassed a huge collection and you did it when the market was still accessible, lesser known, and cheap, you aren't making reasonable investments. Sorry if you disagree, but I don't need confirmation, I see it.

[@darkridearts]

You're right

[@asimplenameichose151]

This is the truth. If you consider your 'retro' game collection an 'investment', especially if you're building it now, it is probably time to revisit priorities. Unfortunately, I am still slowly rebuilding a small collection now because I was compelled more than once in the past to sell a somewhat larger collection I had built in simpler times for home / medical emergency funding. Really trying to pare back my lists to what I really want, will play, will pass forward to my children or children of my friends / family in the future because the demand is too high / market is just too hot now.

[@BladeEXE67]

It's insane how everyone has become an expert in business over night, everybody wants to be a salesman raking in the money.

[@The_Bit_Player]

It’s no longer about sharing the joy of retro gaming-it’s about who can afford to participate.

[@BillB808]

The graded pricing is sickening tbh...hopefully none of that sells

[@spursdynasty7378]

A rich hipster will buy it just to brag to their snobby friends. Bastards think they can buy the world 😂

[@darkridearts]

I don't understand the graded stuff. Games are meant to be played imo

[@BladeEXE67]

@@darkridearts It's a cheap tactic to scam numbnuts out of there money. The grading systems are rigged and those companies make ton of money from it. This also hurts the current market, notice how every limited edition controller or anything special is immediately sold out. You can even find the latest PS5 games graded, it's ridicolous.

[@FilmTrekk]

Ive actually come to be annoyed collecting now. Everyone thinks they are holding onto to gold, when all I wanna do is play a game.

[@nathannowicki5336]

Emulate?

[@raafmaat]

Personally i just wanna play them games, so obviously i went and bought a handheld emulator device (i went for the miyoo mini+) i bring it with me everywhere now, i have a bunch of walkthroughs stored on it too, and even DOS games work fine, most notably point and click adventures like Monkey island is what im lately obsessed with, ive finished so many games now that in the past i thought i wouldnt have the time for! :) Ive now lined up a bunch of games like Earthbound, Chrono Trigger and the SNES mario RPG , wich i completely didnt know about as a kid!

[@dznutzonfyre4432]

@@nathannowicki5336not the same as holding a cart that you had as a kid. Big part is the cover art, manuals, etc.

[@nathannowicki5336]

@@dznutzonfyre4432 I agree 100% I still have all my old 8 and 16 bit games from being a kid but some games like little Samson on the nes which cost a small fortune today just aren't worth it when I can replay for nothing 😀 it will be a sad day when physical gaming stops!

[@nathannowicki5336]

@@raafmaat Chrono trigger one of the best!

[@keithdosik]

How in the world is that Super Nintendo New 3ds worth anywhere close to 900 dollars

[@keithdosik]

@@RetroGamePlayers dang must be special! I feel like I see a lot of those

[@God_Shen]

@@RetroGamePlayers allegedly* lol there's no proof of that

[@jothain]

​@@RetroGamePlayerswhy would lie? Are you serious? Obviously to keep hype up...

[@Digger-Nick]

Because chumps are buying them for that price. Nobody to blame but the consumers

[@darrell5363]

its not

[@00ABBITT00]

The retro market is still awful I see. Thanks KZbinrs!

[@lewisgrant7622]

Also thank wata

[@jarretticeearthguard8614]

It's not just youtubers. The pandemic is what really affected the prices the most.

[@lewisgrant7622]

@@jarretticeearthguard8614 the pandemic just made it worse

[@RetroFixer101]

Blimey how prices change country to country Xbox 360 F1 2013 Pal sealed £9.99 on eBay in the UK compared to $380 at that show amazing 😮

[@bratsmovies17]

I'm done with game collecting. I don't have a complete collection of anything, but the prices are outrageous even at thrift stores and some yard sales. I only go to the conventions to LOOK at things now.

[@aidanwatson910]

$750 for Haunting Ground is absolutely criminal. I saw it for $200 local. I also saw a complete Persona 3 copy on PS2 for $70. I may need to go cop that.

[@wdcain1]

Four years ago I bought a copy of Haunted Ground for $212. Hands down the most I've ever spent for a video game. At the time I regretted the purchase but now it feels smart.

[@CassandraPantaristi]

​​@@wdcain1 I did the same four years ago, except mine was $210. I was cringing at the price, but I'm glad I have it in my collection now. Haunting Ground was that one game I really wanted.

[@joeyisabsb1]

I got it for $115 but it didn't come with a booklet. I dont think I care enough to get it to make it complete but this game is actually very good! sad its overpriced.

[@mgshock]

I got Haunting Ground new for twenty bucks at a K-Mart.

[@argoth231]

It's averaging on ebay for 40-450. Conventions can be rough with over pricing

[@Blitzburgh17]

I don’t understand how games keep rising in price like they do. I bought Silent Hill 3 four years ago complete with soundtrack for $25 on eBay. Now it goes for almost $300. I don’t feel guilty one bit about emulating retro games. The entire industry is just sad now. Developers only care about turning record profits over making fun games and consumers just want to scalp and flip everything

[@JD-xz1mx]

"I don’t understand how games keep rising in price like they do" There are more dollars trying to buy retro games than there is supply of retro games to buy. Its really that simple. "Developers only care about turning record profits" If they do not do everything they can to maximize returns to investors, they will go to prison for violating their fiduciary duties. "and consumers just want to scalp and flip everything" Eh, that's more than a bit overblown. Over 80% of all game sales are digital. Clearly these customers don't care about flipping or scalping.

[@Blitzburgh17]

@@JD-xz1mx you can paint with a broad brush and gloss over the underlying issues if you wish.

[@shanenice5380]

I have to get for ps3 HD then.u get 2 and 3 for 25 dollars maybe next year 300 for that lol

[@davidp420]

@@JD-xz1mx holy flurking schnit, did you seriously just say that developers will go to prison if they don't maximize their profit? hahahaha

[@MrSlowestD16]

@@JD-xz1mx lol, not upholding your fiduciary responsibility isn't a crime, it's a civil suit (See Dodge v Ford Co that spawned the idea in the first place). Prison could never be a part of that. That being said, courts have made it very hard to file suit, as what is "positive" and "negative" is VERY subjective. This is why programs like DEI are allowed to exist even though there's no financial benefit to the company. The jurisprudence simply says that the people in charge must BROADLY do what is best for the company, they can't act against the shareholders maliciously.

[@chhf2010]

Retro games prices skyrocketed by 300% since 2020. Scalpers during the days took new released consoles, now they invaded retro gaming. Its sad.

[@KratostheThird]

We saw what they did with the PS5 in 2021.

[@Davidskates603]

Man Ive been watching your videos off and on since I got in to collecting around 2016 and you still remain one of the most wholesome youtubers. Everything from your voice over and general demeaner is pleasant. Thanks for the great content!

[@Tom85AVFC]

As much as I love your videos, this channel (and those similar) have definitely played a big part in driving up the prices of retro video games over the past 10 years.

[@samuelbaugh4952]

This is a "play stupid games get stupid prizes" situation

[@-valkyrie-00]

same with the CRT community, good luck finding me one because they all have 3 each

[@Tom85AVFC]

@@-valkyrie-00 I can’t even get half the 360 games I want without paying a fortune!

[@niallmclarney]

True ... but did you see the price of 360 games rise when it was a month before the 360 store closure and every youtube game channel had a list of games to buy before the store closes and yet most of the games on the store were available digitally.. madness

[@Tom85AVFC]

@@niallmclarney exactly the point I’m trying to make. These content creators create a false sense of FOMO and drive up the prices for everyone else.

[@chocolocojames213]

I've slowed down a lot on retro collecting. The price is getting way out of hand for me 😄😄😄

[@GrigoriRasputin]

I saw you running around on the floor looking very determined, next time I'll be able to catch up and say "thank you" for your great channel and videos. Cheers, dude!

[@MetalJesusRocks]

Yeah, it was a crazy busy weekend…but I hope you had a good time!

[@GrigoriRasputin]

@@MetalJesusRocks this year more than ever! So blown away, it'll be hard to wait for next year 😞

[@vintagecrazyjay4970]

Cool! Thanks for taking us along with you to the Portland Expo! Cheers!

[@sebastianlesny2230]

Its been a few years that ive not had my ear close to the retro gaming scene. Really cool to see whats happening, prices, interest, etc. Great vid

[@P5ychoFox]

I remember feeling like an idiot paying $20 for a mint condition empty but complete Super Nintendo box in 2009!

[@figvania4805]

You make really awesome videos for pwople that never been places. Taking the time to show what's outside a convention is super smart and very appreciative

[@MetalJesusRocks]

Glad you like them!

[@AyratHungryStudent]

19:29 That little girl happy to see you, melts my heart.

[@jd-py5nm]

this is why most of us just use a pc now you can emulate most things pretty well and play most of the new titles no need for a console

[@Zipzopzoobitybop]

Bro you made it this way 🤷🏻

[@josh1364]

Great video. Our attendance was up over 20% this year!! We’re so proud of our growth and owe it to all the attendees, guests and volunteers. Love❤

[@MetalJesusRocks]

Great job!

[@leorojas6390]

Just stick to emulation, man. At this point, Scalpers have ruined the love of retro game collecting. Actually, they just ruined video game collecting in general. Even though I still collect video games, I'm just looking for games that are selling at a decent price or just buying games that might become rare in the near future. I try to be positive when it comes to video game collecting. But like every other hobby, it always comes at a price. Side note: Love the vlog, MJR! Glad you and Reggie had a fun time over at Portland. I can't believe Johnny Millennium was there too, that's dope!

[@enorma29]

scalpers are guaranteed sales so manufacturers will never combat them

[@lukaskidd4621]

Scalpers aren't a bad thing.

[@therealone1288]

True. Get a real job

[@barryklinedinst6233]

​@lukaskidd4621 yes they are.

[@leorojas6390]

@@lukaskidd4621 Are they though? I mean they already bought them PS5 Pro PS1 editions and they are already price gouging them.

[@snowontheweb]

Good Lord people are ridiculously greedy.

[@hectorleon465]

And the KZbinrs are willing to pay it cause they got the money.... They're part of the problem....

[@Shannon-ul5re]

As always great video and thank you for bring these types on conventions to those can’t get there… so amazing!

[@Seemorebucs]

You guys are my favorite duo on KZbin. You are a great team. Keep doing what you're doing. Love the videos! 🤘

[@SpecialAgentBillMaxwell]

Only the whales are in the market now. It's been ruined and all of the prices are artificial. I can still occasionally find something, but it's never from a reseller. Maybe once a month I'll find a single title that hasn't been gouged through the roof. It's probably closer to once a season though. I'm essentially done, and though it's interesting seeing these old games, all I get to do is watch them on videos.

[@KratostheThird]

Pirate if you want to play them. Don’t waste your money paying those high prices.

[@Grant_Bennett]

That guy will absolutely never get $7,000. EVER. That grading sticker does nothing. It's MAYBE $1,000-$1,400. I respect the hope, but it's incredibly out of touch.

[@jothain]

I wouldn't pay 200 for that 😂 I all seriousness video oozed way overpriced stuff. Hundred for empty boxes of like zapper. Good luck in sales..

[@Rey_Fantasma]

agreed, its just a sticker adding $6000 to a gameboy🤣🤣

[@Warrax22]

All it takes is one rich buyer.

[@TheDumontShow]

@@Grant_Bennett Word. 7,000 for a Gameboy is very hard sell. Especially in this economy today. 1,000 is a hard sell. Imagine 7,000.

[@TheDumontShow]

@@Warrax22 Good luck for him. Don't see too many rich gamers attending events like this

[@bushidoblues9302]

I just think the cost of everything is up now. We're in a terrible economy.

[@lukaskidd4621]

Nope it's just older systems. Now's the time to collect for Switch and PS3/4/5.

[@bushidoblues9302]

@@lukaskidd4621 have you not bought food the past few years? It's everything.

[@robo-slut]

Economy is actually much better than it was a few years back. The reason why everything costs so much is corporations never set their prices back to what they were pre COVID because they want the huge corporate profits

[@chasejackson7248]

Better vote for the right person.

[@CassandraPantaristi]

​@@lukaskidd4621 Were you in a coma from 2019 and just woke up? Everything is expensive now.

[@Oravankarva]

KZbin ruined collecting video games. Before KZbin people didn't talk to much about it. But now coz Tube, the more they talk the more the games will cost.

[@KratostheThird]

Personally I didn’t care too much because most collectors just grabbed games because they were worth some value, rather than just playing them themselves. But now the hobby within a hobby has been ruined by scalpers and media influencers who are just looking to cash in.

[@gamernaut8864]

Looks like an epic year for the Portland Retro Gaming Expo. I will have to make a trip next year. Great video MJR!

[@ozera16]

And this is why I emulate idgaf im not paying those prices

[@TheDumontShow]

@@ozera16 the best thing next to it is getting Everdrives and play on the consoles itself. It's a great experience. Especially getting a MODE for Sega Saturn

[@letstacobout]

In 40 years when we are in our 80 there be a large influx of retro games back in the market

[@enorma29]

if the assholes at DK oldies don't buy them all first

[@Frank-x1g]

For me 20 years. Hope I can finish my backlog. 😅😅😅😅

[@digitointi3223]

Yeah. This market is eventually going to crash, because younger generation don't care about physical media and less so less people are going to be inspired by youtuber's to become collector's themselves.

[@Warrax22]

People that are in their 80s today are still collecting trains and other old retro stuff from their time. The whole generation would need to be wiped in order to retro stuff to get buried.

[@Mentally_Hilarious]

I'm figuring that type of influx is going to happen sooner, like in 20 to 25 years. The first big wave will be people who decide to cash out when they retire or want to retire. I think that first wave of selling off may cause panic sell-offs as others who planned to hold watch the value of their collections plummet. In my opinion most collectors have way too much money tied up into their collection as compared to other assets, which leads me to believe a lot of people are going to need to cash out at some point. I've already seen multiple long time collectors sell off that I didn't really expect.

[@RK4100]

Cool! I finally got to take a picture with you over there! 🤘🏻

[@RetroR0bbie]

5:51 *Ha it's me in the Blue Hoodie holding the N64 Box.*

[@ahmedchristianboussaa9964]

Games becoming full digital is only gonna drive prices up! Thank god I kept my collection from years ago! Greetings from Holland btw!👍

[@goodnightmoon]

everything retro that's graded are such scams

[@cool3865]

half of that stuff wasnt even graded, $150 for an empty SNES box?? come on

[@shanenice5380]

I watch that on KZbin about graded.i found couple sealed vhs tapes.u could grade them.i agree what u say

[@lewisgrant7622]

Graded stuff for the most part don’t even hold their value

[@wrathfultick]

I love that retro PC exhibit, that would have been amazing to see. I really need to get down to Portland for one of these expos sometime, your videos always make it look like a blast.

[@24framedavinci39]

I'm pretty sure MJR had a hand in inflating certain games. I know it wasn't on purpose, but it's definitely true for more than a few titles.

[@MetalJesusRocks]

Funny cuz I talk about SSX and Splashdown all the time, they are even in my intros… and they are still dirt cheap games.

[@pigs18]

​@@MetalJesusRocks I was bidding on a copy of Wade Hixton Boxing on the GBA on ebay and the prices almost doubled in 24 hours. I was confused until I watched your "GBA Hidden Gems" video.

[@joeyisabsb1]

Theres a video on this subject on if content creators driven up prices of games and they actually don't long term. They did the research necessary to follow the games talked about for months and found the prices rise after its talked about but they always go back down to its original price.

[@spockhozzer7207]

​@@joeyisabsb1well yeah, that's how hype works. It doesn't add value, it's a short term grift

[@maybelater7436]

It's ok guys. You have 2000 games in your collection. You'll be dead before you finish them all.

[@HaffDeadFred]

Cool video man really like that questions you asked the ppl running booths interesting to hear what ppl are looking for

[@unknown183]

Keep The Physical Dream ALIVE!!!

[@noble_wine]

Agreed

[@cool3865]

not with those prices

[@muunprince1992]

We want to keep them alive but the prices are outrageous

[@Marinealver]

"People need to get used to not owning their games" -former CEO of the late Ubisoft

[@MrSkullMerchant]

Aint gunna happen mr former ubisoft CEO

[@twincherries6698]

With these retro prices I get where he's coming from now! 😢

[@itsdeonlol]

Love the food you always show in your videos!

[@MetalJesusRocks]

Glad you like them!

[@anonymous2012s]

@@MetalJesusRocks revive Gamer Eats! awesome series

[@gaminggambino8185]

Love that you talk about music & food in addition to games!

[@TheMultiGunMan]

Awesome video. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@jerminator0688]

Sitting at work here in central FL, no power because of Hurricane Milton. Smashing a Publix sub watching a new MJR video! 🤘🏻

[@yeismeload]

Kelsey showing up made me almost do a spit take, unintentionally hilarious at how bone-shatteringly exhausted she looked from setting up, travel etc. I hope she had a crate of coffee and those energy drinks behind her.

[@samuraicollector2903]

I am so glad I stopped buying retro stuff around 4 years ago. Anyway, now is very common order gamers are having rerelease on actual consoles like switch or ps5, at a very cheap price, like the castlevania collections, cowabunga collection, etc. I care more about being able to play and own legally my games, I don’t mind not having the original retro release. The prices are crazy, I will not pay 1000 dollars for hagane, actually this one was one of the last retro games I buyed, got the super famicom version in Amazon Japan for around 60 dollars. For sure I stopped buying games, but I like looking at this kind of videos to see what they are selling, to see the prices, so much fun, thanks so much for sharing!

[@KratostheThird]

For me it’s a toss up. I hate modern console gaming, but retro gaming in its pure form is becoming unaffordable now. If you want to play TMNT on the actual NES, you have to pay an arm and a leg for them. For me, it’s better to just do emulation. It’s much cheaper and you can easily set up a PlayStation or Xbox controller to play it on your PC.

[@Ishin69]

metaljesus out here pullin a surprised pikachu face, like he isn't a main contributor to why prices are so ridicilous these days

[@Stance1988]

He isnt. He is a collector talking about games, not a reseller not a gouger not a store owner. NOONE of those things. He keeps what he buys and atleast tries to play most of it. Its the people watching his videos who sees opportunity and takes advantage of the used market as a business, not people like MJR. Doesnt take many braincells to come to that conclusion dude

[@Ishin69]

@@Stance1988 yeah ok lol

[@ViskasVelniop]

such a fun docu-vid, also great to see all our other favorite retroVG-tube stars in the wild.

[@t-money8572]

Wish you uploaded more often. Love the videos.

[@ChalkanCheese]

Its the small passionate retro hobbyists I feel sorry for, not the collectors. The players who don't want a full collection, but just those few nostalgic titles they owned way back when. I guess, If there's a market for it you'll always have resellers that take advantage.

[@Warrax22]

They can always emulate if all they want is a dose of nostalgia.

[@ChalkanCheese]

@@Warrax22 I'm not sure emulating nostalgia reciprocates the same endorphins, but I get your point.

[@MusicSkeletonKeys]

@@Warrax22, pushing emulation just reinforces how the gap between gaming and collecting has grown. And is it really collecting?

[@KratostheThird]

@@MusicSkeletonKeys When was emulation really collecting? You’re playing games digitally on your PC.

[@MusicSkeletonKeys]

@@KratostheThird, perhaps I wasn't clear. I'm referring to collecting. You know... as opposed to just buying or hoarding. And in that case it's not about gaming, it's an addiction or illness.

[@vertitis]

I honestly don't understand why people want to spend huge amount of moneys on a crappy game that they'll never play. Especially since it's too nisch to be a good deal for speculation. PS3 is for sure one of the systems to collect for now. But PS4 is almost in the same ballpark and one year or older PS5 games can many times be had for like five bucks too. Why pay full price for a digital download when you can have the same game for less than 20 bucks physical? * It just doesn't make sense to do digital download because you can not even trade it later. It's just such a poor deal.

[@kairoo84]

Living in a small country, I can just say that we have way too many resellers and it has also really hurt prices in a very bad way. On every second hand website whenover something pops-up you're immediately in a bidding war with resellers. And often you see the same items pop-up again on different sites or facebook groups offering the same item for a much higher price. Every summer we have a very large yard sale in my city, one of the biggest in the country. Me and my wife were still setting up the tables and the items we wanted to sell and before it officially even started I had like 4 guys already stopping buy to ask if I had retro games for sale. When I talked to them none of them were collectors themselves. Last year I actually did a fun project with my nephew for his statistics class where we compared around 250 retro games ranging in rarity with the prices from 25 resellers and on average in my country if you buy from a reseller, you pay around 52% more than the estimated price charting value per game and it only seems to be getting worse.

[@willmistretta]

I had an amazing time at PRGE this year. I bought one game, and not for much at all. Between the giant arcade, the awesome guests, the panels, and all the rest, you don't need to engage with crazed resellers at all for the trip to be well worth it.

[@lolizorz]

Such beautiful trees in that park!! And the food looks goood

[@maxmiller5370]

check out Mt Tabor Park next time!

[@dylives7667]

The retro gaming collector situation is crazy.

[@zombee38]

I like from MJR that he goes out to those Expos, had good company (Reggie) eats well and stay away from big spending on games and comes back happy ....that's the way !

[@SomeOrangeCat]

KZbinrs drove the prices up. There I said it. You are part of the problem.

[@samwhite9894]

Who do you blame for classic car prices and all other vintage electronics going up in prices?? Nothing is cheap to collect

[@jimmyjones6086]

Reggie and MJ, cant get any better! Your bro-chemistry is awsome!

[@anis6800]

If you pay 900$ for a NES you kind of deserve to be scammed ngl lmao

[@Darth_CeeZeR]

funny thing is people actually buy consoles and games for that price. I follow retrorick and a few others and they are always willing to spend that much.

[@shanenice5380]

those hdmi ones.i will grab mining 50 dollars over china

[@johnsimon8457]

Hour one of Portland retro on Friday - I watch a guy walk up to the Atari Age (new homebrews) booth and get one of everything, racking up a four figure bill like a mad king. I wish I had the love in my heart for the Atari 2600 but I just can’t Edit: 6:36 Everyone check out Mangia - this is the sort of game Strong Bad would have dreamed up 12:32 Phantasy Star III doujin! - when you get away from the same old game hardware and software, and into magazines, artbooks, merch - that's when things get iiiiiinteresting.

[@noneofyourbusiness4616]

I had it and a lot of games when it was new and would not spend time playing it now.

[@kdkseven]

Yeah, it was my first console and we played it all the time, but I have zero interest in going back to it. The games were very basic, and the graphics and sound were pretty awful. Once I got a Commodore 64, i never went back. I pretty much feel the same way about the NES, honestly. There are a couple of games I go back and play, but really, the earliest i go back and actually enjoy playing is the SNES.

[@johnsimon8457]

Modern 2600 games have all kinds of custom chips so homebrew can go waaaaay beyond what the 4kb games you got in the 80’s. So if you really liked the simpler games of that era. DUDE - it’s never been better

[@buckeye631]

Awesome video, MJR. I'm excited for Retrofest Arkansas tomorrow.

[@MetalJesusRocks]

Have fun!

[@muymachopenguin4314]

I’m excited to go to Game Point while the store is hopefully super empty and quiet while everyone is at the fest lol

[@buckeye631]

@@MetalJesusRocks I absolutely will.

[@BrD4GOD]

Good stuff man. Always love your videos!!!!

[@therealchucktaylor3392]

Great to see the Duo in action! Always enjoy the content! 👍🏾

[@AnonymousOne11One]

The prices are so high than most sane people have moved into emulation. I just want to enjoy video games, not play hot potato with a game that will eventually be worth 50 cents.

[@KratostheThird]

Especially when the game stinks and simply isn’t a fun one to play.