Collecting for the SNES

[RDNintendo]

Hey guys,
So I've always had a SNES, but I've only recently started collecting for it. I figured I should start because some friends of mine have told me that games for it are getting more scarce and the market is starting to close up. My most recent pickup was FFIII(VI). However, if you check my collection, it's easy to see my SNES collection is relatively weak. Does anyone know where I might find these titles for a bit cheaper than they usually run? As I'm sure most of you guys know, Student life and collector life don't quite financially mix haha. I'm looking for:

Super Mario RPG

Final Fantasy II (IV)

Super Castlevania IV

Chrono Trigger

Super Metroid

Mega Man X2 and 3

Lufia II

Secret of Mana

Aaaaand of course the hard one (you all know where I'm going with this  ), but no harm in asking anyway:
Earthbound

Also, as a bit of a secondary question: What hidden gems should I be looking out for?

Thanks in advance!

[blcklblskt]

The hunt!  Check flea markets, Craigslist ads, thrift shops, etc.  Most people know of ebay nowadays, but there are still quite a few people who don't know what they have or just want to get rid of their old video games.

[RDNintendo]

The hunt!  Check flea markets, Craigslist ads, thrift shops, etc.  Most people know of ebay nowadays, but there are still quite a few people who don't know what they have or just want to get rid of their old video games.

I really do need to get to a flea market. The problem is that the closest one is an hour drive O_O

[BadEnoughDude]

I recently went on a bit of a SNES kick, trying to fill in a bunch of the missing SNES titles I had been wanting. I just made a lot of "saved searches" in eBay and checked the newest listings a few times a day. If you're patient you can find great deals. I can't stress patience enough. Set a realistic price that you are willing to pay for each game and eventually you'll find it listed.

Obviously, buying loose games will save you a great deal of money versus what you'll have to spend on CIB games, especially Mega Man X2 and X3 (manuals alone are selling for $125+ for those).

Some recommendations that I don't see on your list:

Soul Blazer
Secret of Evermore
Breath of Fire I and II
Paladin's Quest

Good luck!

[RDNintendo]

I recently went on a bit of a SNES kick, trying to fill in a bunch of the missing SNES titles I had been wanting. I just made a lot of "saved searches" in eBay and checked the newest listings a few times a day. If you're patient you can find great deals. I can't stress patience enough. Set a realistic price that you are willing to pay for each game and eventually you'll find it listed.

Obviously, buying loose games will save you a great deal of money versus what you'll have to spend on CIB games, especially Mega Man X2 and X3 (manuals alone are selling for $125+ for those).

Some recommendations that I don't see on your list:

Soul Blazer
Secret of Evermore
Breath of Fire I and II
Paladin's Quest

Good luck!

Thanks for the suggestions. Also, my collection is loose cart based. Even if I had the dough to be a CIB SNES collector, I just don't have room haha. Basically, my rule of thumb is that if it didn't come in a clamshell case, loose is okay. Cardboard boxes are also just too much hassle, since I move often.

[Duke.Togo]

We talked about local and online collecting in early episodes of the Collectorcast if you want some tips. I'd recommend going local, as many of those titles aren't rare, just desirable.

[RDNintendo]

We talked about local and online collecting in early episodes of the Collectorcast if you want some tips. I'd recommend going local, as many of those titles aren't rare, just desirable.

Fantastic advice, thanks for sharing.

[Fleach]

What everyone said so far is excellent. I can only add that you be patient when looking for these games. Eventually they'll end up on Craigslist, or someone's sale thread.

In terms of ebay I highly recommend watching a bunch of sellers offer the same game and just keep an eye on the prices and if they sell. Low sale mean a price drop will come at some point. Budget for the game and when it's available at a price to can justify, go for it. This should be a last resort option if you can't wait very long (like for the monthly Community Playthroughs because we pick fun games ).

[Addicted]

What everyone said so far is excellent. I can only add that you be patient when looking for these games. Eventually they'll end up on Craigslist, or someone's sale thread.

In terms of ebay I highly recommend watching a bunch of sellers offer the same game and just keep an eye on the prices and if they sell. Low sale mean a price drop will come at some point. Budget for the game and when it's available at a price to can justify, go for it. This should be a last resort option if you can't wait very long (like for the monthly Community Playthroughs because we pick fun games ).

I would add the games on the June Community Playthrough to your list:

Aladdin
Goof Troop
Lion King

[Shadow Kisuragi]

FWIW, many of us here have gotten our copies of Super Mario RPG for < $5. I really should get the jackets printed for the group.

[engel762]

FWIW, many of us here have gotten our copies of Super Mario RPG for < $5. I really should get the jackets printed for the group.

This makes me very sad.  I haven't run across a copy below 40 bucks locally.  And the one I DID find online for 5 bucks was...  Super Famicom.  Japanese.  Damned language barriers.

[BadEnoughDude]

FWIW, many of us here have gotten our copies of Super Mario RPG for < $5. I really should get the jackets printed for the group.

Do we get an extra patch if it was a CIB copy? BTW, I'll take mine in a medium.

[Fleach]

FWIW, many of us here have gotten our copies of Super Mario RPG for < $5. I really should get the jackets printed for the group.

I paid $40 for mine. And it's the only copy I've come across so far.

[monkees19]

Yea, my Mario RPG came at $35 at a Play N Trade many years ago...

Anyways, to add to the list of gems you should seek out:

Actraiser
Batman Returns
Legend of Zelda A Link to the Past
TMNT Turtles in Time

[Fleach]

Robotrek is a quirky RPG you might want to check out.