The True Holy Grails
of Video Game Hardware

 
Everyone is very familiar with the term Holy Grail - we see it utilized in auctions and being bandied about in user forums like a birdie during a badminton match. At times we may not agree with the assessment as we deem the item 'not worthy' of this high compliment. In all honesty, this is truly a very subjective arena and really comes down to whatever your heart is fixated upon.  That being said, this collector posed the very simple question to myself:  How does a video game system truly merit the lofty title of being a Holy Grail?

When tackling this question, I conferred with my friend and fellow hardware collector 98PaceCar. We both agreed: it is all about rarity and availability (almost synonymous). That was the easy point of our discussion. We now we had to tackle the lineup of consoles that justify Holy Grail status. Let me tell you, this was no small feat.

When developing our list, we limited ourselves to considering the standard release of a console (no crazy development units, clones, protos or LE/SE editions). Even after this filtering, we still were left with 20 systems that warranted accolades - way too many for one article.

This initial entry of this two part series is entitled The Minors - those systems that just missed out being in the top ten Holy Grails of all time. Let's check out the consoles 11-20 on our list.
    

20.  Nintendo 64DD (Disk Drive)

 
Though system peripherals were not to be initially included in this countdown, the Nintendo 64DD will be an exception.  Released on December 1, 1999 as an add-on for the Nintendo 64, the 64DD was doomed from the start.  Technology had passed up the capabilities that it offered (see the PS2 and Xbox) and development for this system ground to a halt.  Only nine (9) titles were ever released for this Japanese exclusive.  Even the promising RANDnet online gaming service could not save this sinking ship.
 

19.  FM Towns Marty

 
The Fujitsu Company decided to make an attempt to penetrate the console games market by taking their popular FM TOWNS line of computers and adding in some special components to create a stand alone video game console. The result was the FM Towns Marty, the world's first 32-bit video game console.  This is a system that is not hard to find, but the cost to purchase one is steep.  Another rare bird is the FM Towns Car Marty - a portable gaming unit that you could plug into the cigarette lighter and enjoy gaming on the road.
 

18.  Sony PSX DESR-5100

 
The Sony PSX is a high priced multimedia device designed to be the center of your home entertainment experience. The Sony PSX is driven by the "heart and soul" of the Playstation 2 console.  This gives the Sony PSX all the features found in the Playstation 2 console (Progressive Scan DVD playback, Music CD playback, Playstation 2 and PlayStation games) combined with full DVR capabilities (and the XMB found in the PS3).  The DESR-5100 model was the only edition released in the cool Satin Silver finish (hence this is the desirable model).  This Japanese exclusive is not hard to find, but acquiring one is a very pricey proposition.
 

17.  Aiwa Mega-CD

 
The Aiwa Mega-CD (pictured to the right), was one of these such machines.  The system consists of two parts - the top CD player and the bottom docking station that provided the Sega Mega Drive/CD interface/capabilities (except sound).  This rare bird was a Japanese exclusive and will lighten your pocketbook quite a bit (if you can find one).

16.  Pioneer LaserActive with All PAC Units

 
Everyone is familiar with the Pioneer LaserActive, but to have one with all of the add-on PAC units is a true feat for any collector.  The Sega Pac is rather common, but the NEC unit is the exact opposite.  Add to the that the Karaoke and the Computer Interface PACs and you are looking at some serious cash.  The rare 3D goggles are another expected expenditure.  It was the second most expensive video game console ever released during its day - it retains that expensive distinction to this very day.
 

15.  Gakken Compact Vision

 
Gakken was a popular manufacturer of arcade and handheld games throughout the 1980s. In 1983, Gakken decided to try their hand at the home console market with the Gakken Compact Vision.  This is definitely one strange bird - the controller is built into the system itself and is definitely one of the oddest designs ever created.  All games (only 6 were released) are single player affairs.  This system never saw the light of day outside of the Japanese market.
 

14.  Nichubitsu My Vision

 
Another console released only in Japan. Arcade game maker Nichibutsu wanted to take a chance on the console market. In 1983 they released the KH-1000 better known as "My Vision" (manufactured by Kanto Electronics). The My Vision carts were all based on board games. Its biggest focus was on the game Mahjong. The My Vision also provided an external port for Mahjong expansion cartridges.  This is another system that never took off and owes its inclusion on this list due to its obscurity.
 

13.  Sharp Famicom Titler AN-510

 
Having the distinction of being the only Nintendo Famicom system that delivered S-Video output, this console is truly a behemoth.  In addition to being a full gaming machine, the Titler incorporating video editing capabilities (subtitles, credits, etc.) complete with a writing pad and styles.  You could plug your video camera directly into the back of the system and edit to your heart's content.  To this day, I still can not fathom why this was done.  It any case, this oddity is definitely a prized possession in any collector's display.
 

12.  Commodore 64GS

 
In 1990, Commodore set their attentions on the videogame console market. They followed the same concept as other computer companies (Fujitsu with the FM Towns Marty and before that the Amstrad GX400). Their new system was called the Commodore 64GS (GS = Game System) and was released only in Europe. The unit was basically just a repackaged Commodore 64 computer.  It did not fair well as all since technology had already passed it by at the time of its release.
 

11.  Tomy Pyuuta Jr.

 
The Tomy Pyuuta Jr. was the dedicated console release of the Tomy Pyuuta, a hybrid computer released in Japan in 1983.  The original Pyuuta had a moderate amount of success, enough so to have models released in Europe (Grandstand Tutor) and in North America (Tomy Tutor).  This is another Japanese exclusive and is a tough find due to its limited release as well as its unpopularity.  Expect to import this if you are able to find one at all.
 

 
What Consoles Do You Think Will Make the Top 10??
 

  
Stay tuned for Part II in this series, The Majors!!
 

Loose Games
The Salvation of Lost Souls
 

 
Loose games are definitely the red-headed stepchildren of the video game collector. Regardless of how many hours of enjoyable game play they provide, I always find myself harboring a certain disdain for these orphans. I can organize till my heart's content and yet they don't even come close to presenting as well as their CIB counterparts in my Room of Doom. In all honesty, I find myself utilizing them as 'spacers' or 'props' for their CIB brethren rather than integrating them fully into my collection.

I love the game Halo and (believe it or not) the actual disc (pictured to the left) still plays great, even though my brother's dog got at it like it was a piece of fresh steak.  The only reason this would be displayed in my collection would be as a conversational piece.  Now that is just wrong.

As any CIB purist will tell you, the solution is to simply re-buy a game in its complete state. I wholeheartedly agree, but let's face reality - not many people (including me) have the unlimited discretionary funds at their disposal to do this. I just want to be able to proudly display these strays, while keeping my financial investment at a minimum. To accomplish this, there are basically two areas that we need to focus upon - the casing and the accompanying artworkcover. 

Let's provide some redemption for these lost souls - all for around $1 per game!!
 

 
The first step in our 'orphan makeover' is to get them a new holder. Seeking out some of the oddball packaging (Sega CD, CD-i, 3DO, etc.) is not really an option since we need to keep the total cost per game at about $1.  The table below shows what replacement case to use for a respective system, along with some popular web links on where to purchase (these will open in a new window).

Standard CD Jewel Case Approximate Cost $0.24	You can use these for any of the CD based systems, including the TurboGrafx (Hue Card - with modification).  I am not a big fan of these, but they do save on space.  Systems that originally came in this packaging were the Sony Playstation (for the most part), Sega Dreamcast (various colors). TG-16CD, Philips CD-i (without the big box) and the Bandai Pippin (though deeper).  The Casio Loopy and Bandai Playdia also came in modified versions of this CD case. Purchasing Quick Links:   eBay   Amazon   BlankDVDMedia.com
Standard DVD Case Approximate Cost $0.38	This is my preferred method of storage for loose disc-based games.  Tall, plenty of room for artwork, manuals, easy to display, etc. - I love DVD cases! This was the standard casing for the Sony Playstation 2, Nintendo GameCube and NUON titles.  In addition, this is the casing of choice for Sega CD, Panasonic 3DO, Philips CD-i, NEC PC-FX, Memorex VIS and the original longbox Sony Playstation games. Purchasing Quick Links:   eBay   Amazon   MediaShelving.com
Wii DVD Case Approximate Cost $0.42	The standard casing for the Nintendo Wii is the white DVD case - nothing flashy but highly effective in it's presentation.  I haven't had the need to replace any of my Wii titles as of yet, but these will run you a few more cents. Purchasing Quick Links:   eBay   Amazon   MediaShelving.com
Xbox  Xbox 360 DVD Case Approximate Cost $0.51	These translucent green cases are designed for Microsoft Xbox and Xbox 360 games.  These are a little bit trickier to find.  You will pay through the nose for them on the various auction sites - I definitely recommend getting a lot of these and split them up with you buds.  This will save you a boatload of cash. Purchasing Quick Links:   eBay   Amazon   MediaShelving.com
PS3 BR Case Approximate Cost $0.62	This frosty clear Sony PS3 case can be rather expensive. Sometimes you can score these pretty cheap on the mainstream sites, but don't expect them to have the signature Sony logo on them.  If you want that be prepared to shell out  another $3.50 or so per case. Purchasing Quick Links:   eBay   Amazon   OpenTip.com
Universal Game Case Approximate Cost $0.57	The Universal Game Case - our orphan's true savior.  This marvel can hold nearly any cart that you have lying around.  It is the same height / width of a DVD case, but is twice as deep (1").  Definitely purchase them in bulk - you will end up three times as much if you don't. Purchasing Quick Links:   eBay   Amazon   MediaShelving.com

 
Now that we have some new digs for our loose games, it is time to get them a little 'paint'.  There are a few websites out there that offer downloadable artwork, but the best by far is The Cover Project.

At this website, you can download very professional renditions of the original game's jacket, as well as some customized versions.  With all cover art organized by system, the site is very easy to navigate and downloading the artwork is a snap.  For each submission the author lets you know what game case the design was intended for.  Simply down, print and place in your previously purchased game case and you are ready to roll.  Here are some of their sample offerings (size scaled down for this article):

Samples for use with The Universal Game Case

Sample for use with a CD Jewel Case (FrontBack)

Samples for use with DVD Style Casing

To print the full-sized inlays at home costs around $0.20 (depending on your printer) per copy.  This is based on using regular paper - not the shiny high-gloss variety (which you really don't need for this project).  To send it over to your local Kinkos will run you around $0.53.  This is not a bad deal either to be honest, especially if you do not have the means at your home to produce quality color documents.
 

 
My bro is never going to get a free pass for letting his dogs destroy my copy of Halo, but for around a buck I can once again fully integrate it proudly into my main collection.  Do not give up hope on those loose, misbegotten souls - new life is just $1 away.
 

NOTE: None of this is necessarily 'new' info, but I thought it would be helpful for all collectors, regardless of experience, to have this info all in one place.  And no, I am not getting any kickbacks from any of the sites listed/featured in this article.  I am listing them only as a possible resource for you.

This series of articles focuses on the real life tribulations, joys and helpful tips for all
collectors in our shared passion - video games and the hardware that drives them.  

Monster video game collections - they are out there, but so few of them are rarely displayed to the general public.   This is true of most significant compilations, regardless if the passion of said person are video games, stamps, coins or even Barbie Dolls.  There are really two main reasons for this - security and privacy.  These are genuine concerns for any avid collector, especially in today's economic climate.  This is a sad reality, but appropriately pragmatic in nature.  The well known collection displayed above is an exception rather than the norm - but yet he has remained completely anonymous to most everyone. 

I don't classify myself in the class of collectors that I am referring to, but I still nonetheless take the following safeguards.  These are a few items that I would recommend to alleviate the stress in owning a large collection (however you define it).
 

This seems like a no-brainer, but do not overlook this most important aspect.  Take pictures, catalogue items and keep your insurance company updated.  You will need to provide a value for everything (if you truly want to insure your collection).  This will take some time, but it will be well worth it.  Not doing so might have you underinsured.
 

Be Wise When
Posting Pictures

Eliminate/erase any personal references in the pictures that you do choose to share with the general public.  This includes personal photos of family members, menus, anything that might be in the background that may identify you.  Do not unnecessarily subject yourself - black out/blur completely where appropriate.
 

Do not use the address of your collection (or your personal home) when making purchases.  You can get verified easily through PayPal without having to reveal this information.  This is completely legit and will in no way harm your reputation as a buyer or seller - you just have to have a safe haven to sign/receive goods and a verifiable payment source.  Do not have things delivered directly to your homeplace of your collection.  This will unknowingly result in the widening of your 'circle of friends', regardless if you think so or not.  Also, make purchases from trusted sources when sharing this info if you must, and only with those whom have as much to lose as you do.
 

Remain
Anonymous

Prudently share information, and with only those you completely trust.  This is of paramount importance.  Ensure that your 'inner' circle is completely trustworthy.  Not doing so will put you at risk.  Make certain that members in your circle of trust are limited to a select few.  Even with this small number, do not trust that their own respective inner circle(s) can be trusted.  Instruct them that this sharing of your collection is privileged for one - not the many (including family). Can they guarantee that none of their personal entourage will spout off at some point about what they saw. This is important to consider when sharing.  I have hurt someone in the past by having to instruct them not to share any info about my collection (modest as it is) with their family simply due to the fact that I was aware they were a bit too loose with their mouth after having a few pops on a Friday night at the local speakeasy.
 

This article is not meant to be a "fear-for-your-collection" piece at all, more of how to take the proper precautions in protecting your investment, both now and in the future.  Trepidation in sharing what one has amassed is natural.  Taking some steps to be able to alleviate this stress will put your mind at ease.  You can share your collection - all of us gamers love seeing it.  Just be wise when doing so.