Is Gameboy collecting something that you avoid?

[shotblue]

Some time ago I started to ignore the gameboy and didn't really pay attention to the retro models/games either.

I ignored the range of color titles as I felt so many were just repeats and gimmicks and gave into the advanced for the first year during 2001. From then up until quite recently I’ve ignored it.

For some reason I always regarded the game boy as something that had been shoved down our throats and overhyped way too much and with the wealth of retro consoles and computers why go into something that like that?

Putting this aside, the screen issue and that that fact you were playing a watered down big name game or lengthy game based on the console versions added to the dislike of collecting gameboy and that you have so many titles to keep up with and conversions (almost all the big name snes and nes games released) to have a proper collection...just made me feel like this is way too much and out of reach.

I think the appeal of the gameboy up to the advance was the technology during those times made the portability seem mesmerizing and fun And the classic titles like Pokémon, tetris/super mario land, gameboy camera during their fad days really kept you engaged with them.

How many of you agree?

Honestly I have no clue about the ones about the other advanced and ds models released in the last decade. But judging quickly I don't feel that games would capture my attention or interest that much and I don't know why.

The original gameboy I felt was way too common even after it died. So it wasn't until recently that I got back into it for the following reasons:

Some games are just worth playing and owning.
I got a bunch of rare accessories that enhance screen and gameplay
My super game boy is now working
I'm in contact with people who are selling new or used games for really cheap.

In last year or two I’ve managed to get into it.

So what are your thoughts on this subject?

[Pondis]

I would have to say yes and no.

I personally do not buy into the whole mobile gaming scene when cut down versions of great console games cost the same only for the privilage of being able to play on the toilet. Ok, im sure theres more than that, but its just not my bag.

Saying that, now I love to play GB and colour versions of full console games to see how well they were ported now that they cost next to nothing second hand.

I only collect complete games, so i only have a handful of them, but ill probably buy some if i find them cheap

[shotblue]

"I personally do not buy into the whole mobile gaming scene when cut down versions of great console games cost the same only for the privilage of being able to play on the toilet. Ok, im sure theres more than that, but its just not my bag."

This is exactly what i've been trying to say.

But even back in the day there were too many games for a kid or even adult gamer to really get into. It was overhyped way after it's heyday and nowadays when the older games are too expensive generally speaking I think it would have to the among the most common and easiest retro line of stuff to collect.

I always face this issue of do I really want to play the original mega man, battletoads, and contra games over again with slightly different levels?

When it came out you had turbo express and game gear. The issues with these were the bulkiness and battery life and our dedication to the nintendo brand. But it was still good for it's time when you only owned a dozen games on a console and maybe computer and moved out of town that summer for example. Also great for college or the playground.

The fact that mobile technology has become very common has also taken away from the thrill of the gameboy to some degree.

[Pondis]

I do see mobile gaming platforms bow out for larger gaming phones in the future. Something i have noticed as of late, it took me a long time, is that great mobile games are something i would not play on a console. If i could play them on a console, i would.

Theres still a market for them, if people are using their Vita for music, movies and games, but if i can carry one device instead of two, im much happier

[RBT]

The Game Boy series is one of my favourite systems to collect for, there a lot of great games if you scratch beneath the surface, most of the games are also really cheap.

[Shadowman]

I enjoy collecting Gameboy games, mainly just from the company's/series I enjoy though (the Gameboy Megaman games are right up there as some of my favourites ever, as are the Mario Land games).

My main frustration with collecting Gameboy games (not just limited to GB games, but the problem is most common with them) is them getting crushed in transit. Nothing worse than finally finding that game you want in good condition than having the mail man crush it due to it being thrown in a padded envelope. I ended up requesting all sellers in the end asking them to box the games before shipping (especially for the rare stuff like Megaman IV and V).

[Mukki]

I would also avoid the watered down ports, but I only found this to be a real problem on the original GB. The ports were probably some of its best games, but I have no incentive to play them as I already owned superior versions on the NES. There are great exclusives on both the GB and GBC if you are willing to seek them out.

Ignoring the GBA, however, is criminal for a gamer. I've heard a lot of people complain that it is nothing more than a platform for SNES ports, but it has some of the best exclusives I've ever played. For example, I only keep games that I feel are absolutely indispensible and can see myself coming back to and I have just as many GBA exclusive games as NES, SNES, PS1 etc. Do yourself a favour and get into the Castlevanias, Sonics, Minish Cap, Pokemon, Golden Sun plus the ton of more obscure stuff available (Ninja Cop, Drill Dozer, Densetsu no Sutafi, Lady Sia to name a fraction of it). It's one of the best systems ever made and that's not a claim I make lightly.

[BuckoA51]

Gamecube + GBA Player + NTSC Boot disc + Gamecube component cable + Big TV = awesome... I mean come on the console has titles like Minish Cap, Advance Wars and Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga, no way are they just watered down versions for the handheld.