Classic Console Buying Guide
Overview
Ah, the glory days, when digital fun was defined by two on-screen paddles smashing a tiny ball back and forth, the only sound being a quaint "bloop" on contact. Video games have progressed quite a deal since the introduction of Pong 
in the 1970s; consoles nowadays are capable of producing photo-realistic visuals and authentic surround sound. Everyone once in a while, though, we all have the urge to to back and play the games with which we grew up. Whether it was Super Mario Bros. on the original Nintendo Entertainment System ,Galaga on the Atari 7800 or Golden Axe on the Sega Genesis , these old-school games and consoles have left us with a sense of nostalgia that is difficult to dismiss (that is, until we play them again).
Where to Buy
The main problem with trying to play your favourite games on out of production consoles is the fact that you can't just go to a store and buy them. Even used game stores, like Gamestop and Electronics Boutique, have phased out all of their used games that came out before the release of the PlayStation 2 . Finding old video games can be tricky. Here are a few pointers on where to look for your old favourites, and ideally save some money doing it.
- eBay should probably be the first place you look. At any given time, there are hundreds of auctions for various games and equipment, often by people simply looking to get rid of the stuff. eBay is a great tool for the beginning collector, but be careful; a lot of the games are incomplete with regards to packaging, and some auctions can be bid up far more than they're worth. Shop carefully.
- Tag sales are a great place to find old systems and games. Often enough, the ones selling don't even know the value of what they have, which is good for you. If you have the time, and a careful eye, there are some great bargains to be had.
- Likewise, pawn shops are a great place to go for classic video games. Similarly, stores like Salvation Army and Goodwill are also places you can have a lucky break if you look carefully.
First Generation Consoles
Second Generation Consoles
Third Generation Consoles
Fourth Generation Consoles
Fifth Generation Consoles
Sixth Generation Consoles
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