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At their E3 press conference in 2005, Nintendo revealed a trailer for an upcoming title, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. After showing the video, the gaming giant announced that all attendees would receive a Nintendo DS cart featuring the trailer.
Now, five years later, this unique handout can be yours on eBay for $300. And while that might seem like a steep price, you need to consider a few things. It was only issued at the press event. It's likely that there are fewer than 1,000 in existence. And only one is currently up for sale on eBay.
In time, it’s possible that this cart containing no gameplay will become just as desired as Stadium Events for the NES or the fabled, unreleased U.S. version of EarthBound Zero.
Before you try to score one of these rare finds, you should educate yourself. Navigating the Internet marketplace can be brutal. Here are a few tips that collectors should keep in mind.
1) Gather as much information as possible
If you don't have enough knowledge, you might pay too much for an item. Check out Google, Allgame, Wikipedia, and other resources to get useful information. Look up listings at different online stores to find a range of prices, so you can spot a good deal.
Personally, I use Amazon when deciding how much I'm willing to pay for something. Since the site uses a flat shipping fee for everything, sellers rarely raise prices to compensate for shipping costs.
For example, let's focus on the Amazon page for the action-adventure classic, Super Metroid. It shows a few new, used, and "collectible" Super Nintendo versions available for purchase. Prices range from $20 for a used cart to $1,400 for a sealed unit. Each listing tells you what you're getting, where it’s coming from, product condition, and seller ratings.
I usually stay away from people with negative feedback, and I also like to ask for more information before making any decisions. Super Metroid went through multiple printings, so if you want to find an original release or Player’s Choice version, this is a good way to find out.
When I was shopping for the Final Fantasy Legend series on Game Boy, I made sure to find copies published by Square, not Sunsoft. These little details increase value and make collectors a lot happier.
2) Manipulate the search data
A great trick for finding a deal is to simply change the way you sort information. On eBay, sift through newly listed search results to find undervalued offerings. I bought the Sega Dreamcast role-playing game Record of Lodoss War sealed for $20 when used editions were selling for the same price.
3) Take advantage of online offers
Keep your costs down whenever possible. You can save money by signing up for retailer emails, which frequently highlight unique savings.
Loyalty programs also provide potential bargains. Though some might cost money to join, they are worth consideration. Small discounts, coupons, and point systems can be a collector's best friends.
4) If you are unhappy with a purchase, return it immediately
Most sellers and retailers will allow you to return something for a refund if you're not satisfied. You might have to pay a small fee in some cases. If possible, leave positive feedback when someone accepts a return.
Click here to read part one about starting a game collection.
In part three, I will talk about gaming swag that can make a collection more interesting.
Please leave comments if there is anything you’d like to add or if you want to discuss what you find wrong with this post, the author, or the world in general. You can see more at TaiPow and at our YouTube channel, TaiPowGaming. Listen to our podcast, the Powcast, available on our front page and on iTunes.