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I don't know about all of you guys, but now that I have been collecting for a little while and have the "basics" covered as far as consoles go (NES, SNES, N64, Genesis, Dreamcast, PS1 I consider to be the bare essentials for consoles when collecting) and a little bit beyond that, I am starting to contemplate which console will be next.
The consoles I am considering (drooling over) are as follows in no particular order:
Sega Master system
Neo Geo CDZ (CD if I can't find a CDZ) - I would go for an AES but I'm not Bill Gates
Colecovision
Atari 7800
Jaguar CD - I know not technically a console
Does anyone have a suggestion in terms of which one I should snag next? My guess is the SMS is the cheapest option with most likely the largest library of cheap games. I am also guessing that the Jaguar CD is the worst value considering the cost of the unit, and the small library of games for it. I am just trying to decide without the eenie, meenie, miney, moe method of choosing.
Also note that I probably won't be getting any of the above consoles very soon, so please feel free to really take your time before giving a recommendation :-)
Looking forward to the input!
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I'm definitely not the most knowledgeable here, but I have an opinion and I hope it helps.
First, the losers.
Jaguar CD & Colecovision: Both disqualified for the same reason, unreliability. The first Colecovision I purchased came from ebay, and despite being "tested and working", it was a dud. Now, I have no experience with a Jaguar CD, but the AVGN went through several units trying to review the device, and only after many, many units and many, many dollars did he find a working unit. I will say, though, that if you can get your hands on a working Colecovision, it is a very fun console to collect for. However, don;t plunk down any cash until you see the unit work.
Atari 7800: Now, I love my Atari 7800, but it's library is small, small, small. Not much money will get you the whole shebang, and very few of those titles are worth it. I enjoy the system because it's like a Bizarro World NES, and playing Nintendo games such as Donkey Kong and Mario Bros on it is quite an experience. However, I can't recommend the system on those grounds unless you're crazy like me.
Now, the winners:
That's right, winners, as I think both the Master System and the Neo Geo CD/Z have merit and will give a very similar collecting experience.
Both systems were niche in the States but popular abroad, and you can make use of this extended library because both systems are region free (the Neo Geo CD/Z will play US/JPN games, and the Master System will play US/UK/Brazil games). Both systems have large enough libraries to be fun to collect, with games ranging from cheapo commons to expensive status symbols.
While the Master System is the cheaper console to buy, certainly, I think it's a good time to import/obtain a Neo Geo CD or CD/Z console. They certainly aren't going to get cheaper as Americans and other gaijin drain them from the Japanese market. If picking up a CD or CDZ drains your budget, it happens to be copy protection free as well as region free, so you can use that knowledge to your benefit.
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@Ikariniku:Wow, thank you for the insight on that. I wasn't thinking about reliability, and didn't think it would be an issue with regards to the Colecovision, that is sad.
I think I will focus on a CD/Z or SMS.
Thanks so much for the input!
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@Gamer4Lyfe: You're welcome. About the Colecovision, the repair necessary to restore most Colecovision consoles to working order is apparently pretty easy. You just clean and replace the power switch. However, I'm not very handy and don't know how to do that. Also, I consider console tinkering to be a separate aspect of the hobby from collecting and playing games. If you're a whiz with a soldering iron, Colecovision may be for you, but, hey, it was my opinion and I gave it.
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SMS and Neo Geo CD would be at the top of my list for those 5 consoles, easily.
And picking from those two, SMS would probably win out. If you haven't spent much time with one, you'll be happily surprised. It's very NES like, maybe not quite as good but most of the way there. The CIB games are really nice. It's not super expensive. Collecting the whole library isn't impossible, if you ever wanted to do that. And the games are fun.
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From your list, I'd go either Colecovision or SMS. I've never had the Coleco issues that others are mentioning, but you should certainly take that into consideration. Your main question to yourself is do you prefer 2600-like gaming or NES-type gaming more. While the Coleco is similar to the 2600, it is vastly superior to the 2600 graphically and game-wise is a great bridge between the 2600 and NES. The SMS has a fun library too and one I am really digging into at the moment. I'd say this decision should be based on your personal preference and what you enjoy more. Best of luck!
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SMS for me. Great games and easier to get CIB. I also like cards rather than carts. It's just so novel. Games worth mentioning:
Phantasy Star, Alex Kidd games, Sonic, Miracle World (I think that's the name), the 3-D games were cool with the 3-D glasses.
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Why not do both? Grab a power base converter for your Genesis and import a CDZ. The SMS really has a great library and you can't beat Phantasy Star. The CDZ will allow you to dip your toes in to the Neo Geo market without spending too much money. Also Crossed Swords 2 is a great game and CD exclusive.
If you are really indecisive I would try emulating a couple games to see what is for you. In the end it is your money and you should be happy with your purchase.
Have fun!
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I would grab the 7800. It is fully backwards compatible with all 2600 games and you can buy CIB copies of most of the games for under $10. Far too many classics from that time to pass up. I find myself struggling to name SMS games and I have no experience with the other systems.
It helps that I have a soft spot for the 7800 as it was my first console ever.
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if you like juggling monkeys i think we have an cd-based front-runner in this decision making ! you can collekt for the sms in between the loading-times 
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@ericeskapade:LoL, yeah I hear the Neo Geo CD is painfully slow load times, thus why I am hoping for the CDZ as it appears to have sped up the CD drive dramatically.
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If you don't have a Saturn, might I suggest that? Japanese games are plentiful and inexpensive compared to the North American counterparts, and a Pro Action Replay 4-in-1 cart can be had on the cheap as well. If you do, excellent! Strictly from your list, I'd say SMS, because of the reasons listed above. Games are still easier to come by, especially since there's a wealth of Brazilian releases you can probably also take advantage of.
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@MetalFRO:I do have a Saturn, it was the second console I got when collecting. SMS seems to have the strongest following so far...
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