The Straight Edge Gamer

First of all the progress on this is going very well. I have pieced together the parts to complete my Genesis Model 1 and it’s in working order. The A/V mod I had done will give me crisper graphics and stereo sound which is great. I also just picked up a SNES with very little yellowing that works like new.

Speaking of the SNES I have decided to take on the very long term goal of a complete loose cart collection. The SNES is by far my favorite system of all time and deserves that respect in my collecting. This will take a long time as the set is quite large and at times VERY expensive.

An update to the systems I will be collecting for. NES is out completely. Just don’t have the shelf space with a SNES collection. In it’s place will be a Sega Saturn. I am a huge Capcom fighting fan and there is a lot to love on Saturn. I will be getting the cart that allows playing of Japanese games since the are normally MUCH cheaper than the US games but also come in easy to replace jewel cases. I used to own a Saturn and really liked the system. It will fit in nicely as the most modern of my classic systems.

Finally the TG-16. At one point I came close to getting a PC Engine instead the Japanese version. There are way more games released for it and normally less expensive. Instead I have opted for the more versatile idea of getting a PC-Engine adapter and using it with a TG-16 with the CD attachment. This way I get the best of the US system with the option to buy Japanese games.

That is all for now. I’ll update more if there is progress.

Previously i posted an article about getting into portable gaming very heavy in 2012. That progress has been going steady since with the arrival of a PSP3000 and DSiXL system. Well the other side of my collecting coin is i am also going back to my retro roots and abandoning modern gaming. Below are the retro systems i plan on collecting for going forward.

TurboGrafix16 – A system i have never owned sadly. Living in the midwest these really were no where to be seen. I am a huge fan of the 16-bit era of gaming since that is where my childhood obsession with games really started. This will be my big expense system going forward instead of a modern system like a 360 or PS3. I plan on getting the CD add-on and PC-Engine adapter as well.

Super Nintendo – My favorite game system of all time. I have more memories of this system than any other short maybe the NES. I plan on buying a lot of the games i remember as a kid as well as new finds from my trips through retro collector videos. Earthbound is a goal.

Sega Genesis – This one might seen odd since i tend to be looked at as a Nintendo fanboy for good reason since i kinda am . I did own a Genesis back in the day and really did love the system. I have a modded A/V HD Graphics model 1 that was created from a wrecked system i found at Goodwill by my friend Thomas on Youtube. If i can find one i might get a Sega CD model 1 just for Final Fight and Sonic CD.

NES – This one i am going to be very picky about. I want a top loader since they are way more reliable. When it comes to games i will only be getting games i know i will play and that are not upgraded later on other systems.

Maybes – I might get a Sega Saturn mostly for the fighting games, shooters, and imports and a Master System converter for the hand full of games i would play on there.

With the launch of the iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad I really saw them as great tools for the picker nation. I have since come to learn how great of tools they are for game collectors as well. Below I will list 10 apps that are great for the collectors out there.

- Ghost Stream Corp Apps: These apps are for Sony, Nintendo, and 360. They show a timeline view of all the games released for each system and are updated with new releases each week. I have edited this section to include all 3 apps not just the Nintendo one. All 3 apps are free with ads or $.99 for ad free.

- Backloggery Website: I have this site linked as an app as it is my choice for keeping track of my overall collection. Great simple to use site that is run by a small team of dedicated guys who like games.

- Puregaming.org Collection apps: These guys have collection apps for a bunch of systems but are most known for their NES, SNES, and Genesis apps. Each systems app Is $3.99 and well worth it.

- eBay App: This is a great way to buy on eBay. The app makes it really easy to track auctions, bid, and pay. It’s built in reminders also help you to get in those last second bids. Price Free.

- Amazon App: Like the eBay app this one is a great way to buy on Amazon. The clean interface is actually better than the website. Built in package tracking and wish list is very nice. Price Free.

- RetroGamer, NGamer, Other Magazines: There are some really nice gaming magazines available on newsstand from both the US and UK. RetroGamer is the big one as it way cheaper than buying it at a bookstore. Price About $4.99 an issue avg.

- AppShopper: I did a video review on this app a while back. It has top 200 lists of free and paid games for iPad and iPhone. It’s great for catching game sales. I have got a bunch of free and $.99 games using this app. Price Free.

- Numbers: If you’re like me you use spreadsheets a lot to keep track of games. This app is a version of Apples spreadsheet program that comes with iWork. Price $9.99

- Notes: Apples built in note program. I use it for want lists, quick price lookup notes, and other things where I need to jot down information. Great for keeping address for garage sales as well. Price Free.

- YouTube: Great overall app for looking up gameplay videos and keeping track of members from the gaming community. Nice to have when you see a weird game and want to see it action. Price Free.

Honorable mentions: Gamerspots website for finding game stores in the area you are in. Wikipedia app for game knowledge. Google Maps for garage sale address finding. Craigslist app for finding stuff locally. Gamegavel website as an alternative to eBay.