What's up with all the loose Genesis cartridges?

[KillerBean2]

This really pains me :(

I mostly collect PAL Megadrive games and I usually have no trouble finding them boxed with manual on eBay, while the loose PAL cartridges are (rightfully) considered to be worth next to nothing.

But sometimes, when it's a title that was never released in the EU and the japanese version has to much text to be playable (or doesn't exist), I'm forced to look for a Genesis version. And that's when I find myself drowning in a ocean of loose cartridges. To make things worse the loose cartridges are often priced like it's what you're expected to buy, and the few CIB copies are ridiculously overpriced (even the ones in clamshells).

I can't help wondering why there's so many loose Genesis cartridges?

Has it something to do with the immense popularity of the NES and it's crummy cardboard boxes? Did they just make the US youth completely oblivious to the idea of keeping the case for a purchased game?
(Or is it merely eBay that has twisted my perception?)

If that's the case, I know what I would do if I had a time machine. I would travel back to the early nineties U.S.A. and beat the crap out of any kid that didn't seem to have the utmost respect for clamshell boxes :D

[NeoVamp]

You're so fucking right, i have like 30 loose games that i got for free over the years (i'd never pay for a loose cart)
and i can't help but wonder "where the hell did the cases go???"

I remember hearing stories of kids who's parents would demand that they
only keep the game and throw the rest away to save space..

[SF78]

Truly a mystery. Why the hell would anyone throw away a plastic case? I can understand how a cardboard case would be different or that it would rot away in a few years, but the MD/Genesis case is perfectly functional and keeps the cart and manual intact. This is the reason why I can accept a loose NES/SNES/N64 without a problem, but I really would like to get my MD games complete or at least boxed.

[cheaterdragon1]

I was going to order some universal game cases to fix this.

[Bablefish]

The problem is a lot of people threw away both the boxes and manuals. I would honestly love to have them for mine. But I know that is impossible.

[csgx1]

I would travel back to the early nineties U.S.A. and beat the crap out of any kid that didn't seem to have the utmost respect for clamshell boxes :D

:lol:

Maybe because of the space the cases take up? Or maybe because a lot of games were rentals?

NES games seem to be no different. But it seems that a lot more Sega Master System games that people sell do have the boxes.

It's a mystery.

[Why-Disciple]

I would always keep the manuals but whenever I saved the boxes they would just end up lying in a drawer wasting space. Since it was easier to just plug a cart in without pulling it out of a box, and since I didn't expect that I'd be a collector in 15 years, I threw them out for space. Instead of using a shelf I used a shoebox. I'm sure that's what everyone else's situtation was too.

[Assman]

In my situation, some of the boxes have simply disappeared, while others have managed to become completely thrashed to the point where I can't use them (some broken from moves during periods where my Genesis wasn't getting much action, some pissed on by a cat or two).

I gotta think that moving around has a lot to do with it, though, especially in a country where people are constantly moving around. Moving from one place to another just seems to cause shit to disappear, and you don't always have the time to make sure everything is completely intact during the process. It's a fuckin' pisser, man.

[Jibbajaba]

It drives me nuts as well. Throwing away cardboard boxes I can understand, but why would anyone throw away the cases for SMS or Genesis games? I have ~25 loose Genesis games, but I pay FAR less for them than I would for a complete copy. If it's a game that I like, I keep my eye out for a complete copy to replace my loose cartridge.

Chris

[Zz Badnusty]

I always took care of my belongings, so it is a complete mystery why someone would throw away the protective case.
There are a lot of sloppy and careless people in the US, so it really doesn't come as a surprise though.

[TrekkiesUnite118]

Well don't forget there were a lot of rereleases that later came in cardboard boxes. Especially the Majesco ones. For example, Sonic 3 had a clamshell release, a cardboard box release, a Mega Hits cardboard box release, and I think a Majesco Rerelease as well in cardboard. So it's entirely possible that most of the loose Sonic 3 cartridges out there came with cardboard boxes.

[sheath]

I think that prior to last generation Genesis stuff, the only reason the clamshells were thrown away was because of habit from NES owners (90% of the market prior to '91). That is also why people have ruined so many carts by blowing on the contacts, something that is simply unnecessary on a Sega system.

[KillerBean2]

I was looking for a CIB copy of Master Of Monsters, and I was thinking "That can't be so hard. It's a clamshell game for crying out loud!" But when I browsed through what Amazon.com had to offer, I found a ton of loose cartridges and a small handful of overpriced CIB copies. That was the last straw that made me make this thread...

[gavica]

remember alot of these games passed thru electronics boutique/babagges, etc, and they were notorious for disposing the cases and sell the carts in a huge bin because it would take less space.
Also alot of the games are rentals too.

[Christuserloeser]

Most of the loose Genesis games I've seen seemed to be rentals. That's something that's much less common in Europe.

Plus loose Sega games aren't worth the effort of reselling in most European markets. Thus you rarely see them popping on ebay or Amazon.

In the US it seems more common to collect loose games (which does have the advantage of taking up much less space) and that's why you see so many on ebay and Amazon.

Plus: If you look at it from a Nintendo perspective (one out of three US households had a NES) it'd not be too unusual to just keep the cart of your game and eventually part with the rest - or simply collect loose games.

VvR_3OTxs8A

[SF78]

Hmm, a local bookstore is emptying their old computer/games section and they have a few boxed N64 games, but only loose MD games. The only reason behind this must be the bigger box for those MD titles and they just took too much space in the shelf so they threw them out at some point. What's even more messed up is that the boxed N64 games go for 5e, but the loose MD cart is twice as much! :daze:

[Wynstar]

I used to wonder the same thing. When I still had my first Sega Genesis, I kept the whole thing and never threw away any part of a game. Unfortunately, when I picked up vintage video gaming and bought another Genesis, it was next to impossible to find a complete game....unless I wanted to pay out the nose for it. :(

[A Black Falcon]

In the US, disc or cart only games are common for any platform, no matter what it is. PS3, 360, DS, Genesis, NES, Atari... whatever it is, disc or cart only copies of games are very common. Just go into any American Gamestop to see that fact for any of the newer systems, huge numbers of games are being sold used (or sometimes even "new") in those generic Gamestop cases, disc or card and plain Gamestop-branded case only...

Really, for older consoles, Genesis cases, because they are plastic, are actually more common than other systems. It's not very hard to find Genesis games in cases, really, despite what you say. This is very much not true for the NES or SNES for instance, good luck finding THOSE games in box for anything resembling a decent price...

Anyway though, is it really true that in other places complete games are more common, or something? I've heard that about Japan before, but is that true in Europe too?

[Sticky Note]

I don't understand this either. My Genesis suffered through the hands of me and my 4 siblings and we still have all of the boxes for our games. That includes cardboard boxes for accolade and EA games too!

It's like buying a record and throwing away the jacket! Its the part of the media that adds a tangible 'real world' identity. To me the casing is just as important as the cartridge / record / CD / DVD, even if these things may function completely without it.

[tomaitheous]

I was looking at used Genesis carts today. There sure are a lot of loose carts, but I think the NES, SNES, and N64 totally got it beat in that area. Specifically due to the paper boxes, me thinks.

[KillerBean2]

Anyway though, is it really true that in other places complete games are more common, or something? I've heard that about Japan before, but is that true in Europe too?

As far as I can see, yes. Sure eBay.co.uk has a lot of loose Megadrive cartridges, but it's a modest amount compared to the heaps of loose Genesis cartridges on eBay.com :)

[tz101]

Being a collector in the USA, loose carts are a common thing. I pick them up without a second thought because often that is the only way I can get a rare title.

Best thing I have found is drawer-type audio cassette tape storage bins. They are sized exactly right to fit Genesis/MD carts in their drawer slots, and keep all the carts out of sight until time for playing.

[Defolto]

well most people are selfish and when they throw something away they do not think that anyone else will care about sort of like the authenticity of a genesis when you mod it, may as well smash it with a hammer :(

[KillerBean2]

sort of like the authenticity of a genesis when you mod it, may as well smash it with a hammer :(

Well, that depends on how "collectible" the console is. I have a loose Megadrive II, and it gets modified all the time. But I also have a mint CIB Megadrive II that I wouldn't dream of modifying :)

[djhotwheel]

Here might be some USA insite for you. Back in the early 90's, I was a manager of (now defunct) Funcoland stores (which over time became GameStop). The locations would just dump games cases in the trash and sell the carts in dump bins near the end of the Genesis cycle around here. Another thing is many private video stores who rented titles sold them loose without docs or cases. Back in the day too many mothers had purchased media centers to hold games and not the cases. Saves on space.

[fr@ser]

Being a collector in the USA, loose carts are a common thing. I pick them up without a second thought because often that is the only way I can get a rare title.

Best thing I have found is drawer-type audio cassette tape storage bins. They are sized exactly right to fit Genesis/MD carts in their drawer slots, and keep all the carts out of sight until time for playing.

That's exactly what i use too.Perfect fit,except for any non standard conforming shaped carts like EA's!

[Lordnicon999]

I know my reason for not having boxes was FUNCOLAND. They sold loose cartridges and they were much cheaper and had printed instructions so when I was a kid and didnt have much money, this was the next best thing. The boxes/manuals were great but I really just wanted to play.

Now i get the boxes if I can but if I see something I like for a good price, I'll snag a loose cartridge. Same principle - I love complete games (I wont buy incomplete cd games) but sometimes you just want to play the game so much that it doesnt matter lol.

The worst part is when you have a box and manual but NO GAME (uhg)! I can find everything for my copy of ThunderForce III but not the damn game. So upsetting.

[MeeMaw]

I remember buying used SNES carts at Funcoland during the N64/PSX era and at that time they kept the carts in a drawer behind the counter. But, they also had a display shelf on the floor with some SNES boxes and they would give me the boxes along with the game I was buying. Pretty clear they were aiming to get rid of those boxes all together.

On eBay and Craigslist, I usually will only buy complete games. Thrift store/yard sale, I will buy loose carts.

[zetastrike]

The local game shop I go to had about four shelves of CIB genesis games, but he took all of those cases and threw them out and now he just has a big section of loose games. I almost said something to him.

[tz101]

The local game shop I go to had about four shelves of CIB genesis games, but he took all of those cases and threw them out and now he just has a big section of loose games. I almost said something to him.

The guy's an idiot who needs told.:mad:

[Chris]

The local game shop I go to had about four shelves of CIB genesis games, but he took all of those cases and threw them out and now he just has a big section of loose games. I almost said something to him.

That is unbeleivably stupid. Games around here sell for at least $5 more with the box. What a waste. I'd strangle the guy.


One thing I don't think anyone has brought up is theft. Sega Genesis cartridges are constantly being stolen out of the boxes at the thrift stores and video game stores I go to. Even PGA Tour Golf, it sat on the shelf at my local Value Village for weeks, if not a month or more, and someone finally stole the cartridge about a week ago. PGA Tour Golf for crying out loud, well, I've seen it all now, I guess people will steal anything. I got the case and manual for free today.


Another scenario I can imagine is break ins at a home where the theif grabs a bunch of loose games that weren't put back in their case, or maybe a so called friend slips a cart in their pocket as they're leaving. I'm sure these are some of the ways that have contributed to so many loose carts.


By the way zetastrike, you should say something to that guy, maybe he'll think twice before he throws any more away.

[zetastrike]

That is unbeleivably stupid. Games around here sell for at least $5 more with the box. What a waste. I'd strangle the guy.


One thing I don't think anyone has brought up is theft. Sega Genesis cartridges are constantly being stolen out of the boxes at the thrift stores and video game stores I go to. Even PGA Tour Golf, it sat on the shelf at my local Value Village for weeks, if not a month or more, and someone finally stole the cartridge about a week ago. PGA Tour Golf for crying out loud, well, I've seen it all now, I guess people will steal anything. I got the case and manual for free today.


Another scenario I can imagine is break ins at a home where the theif grabs a bunch of loose games that weren't put back in their case, or maybe a so called friend slips a cart in their pocket as they're leaving. I'm sure these are some of the ways that have contributed to so many loose carts.


By the way zetastrike, you should say something to that guy, maybe he'll think twice before he throws any more away.

I actually really can't stand that guy. He's lied to me quite a bit. When I bought my genesis and asked for AV cables, he said it only ever had RF. Not that he just didn't have any at that time, it never had them. I've since gotten AV cables because that RF box he sold me was horrible. All of the pins were bent and it didn't work until I got them back in position with pliers. It still produced a loud buzzing sound when I played a game. The first time I tried to buy a 32X from him, he tried to sell it to me without the mixing cable, claiming he never heard of it and it didn't need it. Both times I felt like telling him I'm not an idiot (along with a few other things) but I'm not a combative person. In the cases where he keeps his consoles, he has a NES 2, SNES 2, Genesis 3, Nomad, GB, GB Pocket, and some other things marked "not for sale". He said that was because they're not worth anything. A NES 2, SNES 2, Nomad, and Genesis 3? Either he's using them himself or he's an idiot. He wouldn't take my original GB for any price, but he has a mountain of Game Gears that he buys from people.

[A Black Falcon]

Oh, and I should add, in the US, in my experience it's probably about 50-50 as to whether Genesis games with cases actually have the manual inside the case... it's very, very common to see games with just the game and case, no manual.

[joshvox]

I do think alot of it has to do with storage. Alot of the times at used game stores I only see the higher dollar games in cases. Doubt it is uncommon for those types of places to throw away cases. No need to have 20 copies CIB of Sonic 2 I guess. Stupid. I never threw cases away, even the crappy NES cases.

[bohokii]

blame funcoland damn box chuckers

[gennyfan]

I have been buying back some of the games I owned but sold off like Contra hard corps and gunstar heroes cart only it does not bother me one bit in fact I prefer it this way the boxes takes up too much space as long as the games work I am happy.

[H. Dunlin]

blame funcoland damn box chuckersYou are 100% correct. I remember selling my SNES games to them (something I seriously regret doing). I kept every single manual and all the boxes that hadn't been completely destroyed. They wouldn't take a cent more for the complete copies--they only wanted the cartridges. This is why every complete SNES game out there is selling for $100.

My brother and I were actually just talking about this the other day. If Genesis games came with an appropriate case, why would you throw it away? You wouldn't throw away the case for a DVD or CD (of course these media are over ten times more vulnerable, but regardless).

The practice does have its benefits, though. You can easily get unboxed copies for half the price of one boxed. This is better for the more uncommon but popular games like Gunstar Heroes that you don't feel like paying $30 for just to play. What I really don't understand is people who think their unboxed copy is worth more than someone else's.

[SegaMan89]

The local game shop I go to had about four shelves of CIB genesis games, but he took all of those cases and threw them out and now he just has a big section of loose games. I almost said something to him.

Same here. At Level 8 Games they used to keep the boxes for all Genesis games that were traded in with them. About 4 months ago they started selling the carts only. I did ask the owner why and he said that keeping the game cases was more of a hobby only for a select few people and also took up too much space.:daze:

Luckily though he did tell me if there was a game I was looking for with box and manual that he would keep it for me if he got it in. :)

[deadpixels]

blame funcoland damn box chuckers

You hit the nail on the head here.

When used game stores (Funcoland in particular) started getting in their 32 and 64 bit inventories, Genesis games (and all of the other bargain bin systems at the time) ended up having their cases and mauals tossed in order to make space for the newer games.

Most loose cart games were unceremoniously dumped in bargain bins as loose carts and sold as such, while the boxes found their new homes in the dumpster.

[Dandy_Sephy]

Not sure why this is being billed as an american problem, it's widespread in the UK as well.