US/Euro Cart Market

I think that the US/Euro AES cart market is about to experience another period of price inflation.

Ebay seems to have an almost non-existant selection of US/Euro carts and the selling forum is quite light on them too.

Periods like these tend to make collectors a little more anxious to acquire these carts. High-profile, high-price sales tend to bring carts out into the market to meet demand.

What do you guys think?

[I'm putting this thread here in hopes that it gets discussed, but not draw attention.]

Wolf:
Ebay seems to have an almost non-existant selection of US/Euro carts and the selling forum is quite light on them too.

Click to expand...

If only this was in discussion, we'd have about 50 replies by now

People hate the so-called "collectors" who are supposed to hoard Euro carts. However, as you have just pointed out, it's all about supply and demand. It has been ages since I have seen euro titles such as Last Blade 2, the Real Bouts (especially 2), KOF97, and other desirables on eBay. Forum sales have similarly been sparse or private and away from public's eye.

The few titles that pop up here and there are far from the mint condition desired for aesthetic pleasure and gaming efficiency. A mint cart shows its value not only in a collecting sense, but also in the knowledge that it has been properly cared for. A sparsely played game from an adult household has a much better chance of remaining fully functional for years of future gameplay. On the other hand, a dusty dirty cartridge could have been thrown around, left out in a damp environment or been jizzed on, for all one knows.

I suppose these factors would imply that inflation and Euro demand is right around the corner, but the market seems to have genuinely cooled off due to a lack of new game fever. Maybe when Metal Slug 5 comes out?

I don't know why I decided to post. Maybe just to stimulate this thread. The Gaming forum has had sparse reading info lately and the DHP has been super quiet. help

Sincerely,

Mikhail

Kiselgof:

Wolf:
Ebay seems to have an almost non-existant selection of US/Euro carts and the selling forum is quite light on them too.

Click to expand...

If only this was in discussion, we'd have about 50 replies by now

People hate the so-called "collectors" who are supposed to hoard Euro carts. However, as you have just pointed out, it's all about supply and demand. It has been ages since I have seen euro titles such as Last Blade 2, the Real Bouts (especially 2), KOF97, and other desirables on eBay. Forum sales have similarly been sparse or private and away from public's eye.

The few titles that pop up here and there are far from the mint condition desired for aesthetic pleasure and gaming efficiency. A mint cart shows its value not only in a collecting sense, but also in the knowledge that it has been properly cared for. A sparsely played game from an adult household has a much better chance of remaining fully functional for years of future gameplay. On the other hand, a dusty dirty cartridge could have been thrown around, left out in a damp environment or been jizzed on, for all one knows.

I suppose these factors would imply that inflation and Euro demand is right around the corner, but the market seems to have genuinely cooled off due to a lack of new game fever. Maybe when Metal Slug 5 comes out?

I don't know why I decided to post. Maybe just to stimulate this thread. The Gaming forum has had sparse reading info lately and the DHP has been super quiet. help

Sincerely,

Mikhail

Click to expand...

It's funny since I remember Mikahil and John selling time ago one of the RAREST cart to find on the market:
Real Bout 2 US.

It may seems odd but out of the real bouts,that is by far the rarest to find in my experience.

A great difference is becoming clear day by day:english carts are really collector items,well more than jap home carts.

You can find almost every jap home cart on ebay and prices are so competitive that it's a shame to pass on them sometimes.
Like the aero fighters 3 for $120 I just seen..

The way it appears on eBay or anywhere else that sells NGH carts, it is definitely a collector's market. Though that doesn't explain why most Eng or Euro carts are in such poor condition. Why are they worth so much more but look so beaten/worn out? Perhaps the failure of the US Neo market?

And another thing I think about, is how long will it take before the value/interest of the market vanishes?
Until the NeoGeo truly becomes worthless?

Just wondering myself, I hope someone knows the answers...

I don't think there is really a large amount of people around who collect US/Euro Neo Geo carts. However, the people that do while I think are potentially small in number are enough to keep the prices rather high on most of the titles.

It doesn't really seem like there is as much of a desire IMO for the US/Euro carts. Then again, I think it really depends on what one's interest in the Neo Geo is. Are they in it just to collect the games to make their overall gaming collection more complete? Or are they in it to actually play and enjoy the Neo Geo.

If the people are the typical collectors who have no desire really to ever play the games, then they will probably go after the US/Euro carts as they have more collectibility value than the Japanese.

Not saying people don't collect the Japanese carts, but I know if I was in the Neo for the sheer to purpose just to get the games as long as I was not concerned about money I would go after the US/Euro releases.

It seems most people shy away from US carts once you start getting towards the more uncommon and rare carts as they are simply too much for most people. But I will say, the US carts do look great IMO as far as the aesthetic looks go.

Well perhaps the market for the US/Euro carts is about to hit a big inflation period. There really has been very little in the way of big name Neo Geo US carts popping up. I think possibly because the owners of a lot of the bigger titles have no desire to ever get rid of them. Or they were part of the Neo market in the mid to late 1990's and just figured the Neo died out. After all not everyone is aware of this website.

MVS + jp AES = for gamers
US/Euro AES = for collectors

You can talk about Chibi Quiz that, BTG Over Top this but the Euro/US AES collection is the most difficult one to complete out of every game system out there. To find US/Euro carts in true collector`s quality is MUCH more difficult than jp ones thus the challenge is much higher. Finding jp carts is very easy in comparison (except maybe a handful but not more).

FTL:
It's funny since I remember Mikahil and John selling time ago one of the RAREST cart to find on the market: Real Bout 2 US.

Click to expand...

You mean this one:

<img src="http://www.shockmatrix.com/sales/realbout2/DSC01113.JPG" alt=" - " />



It's one of my last remaining pricy carts that I just don't play enough to justify the cost. I keep toying with the notion of selling it, but it's not like that $2800 Metal Slug. This puppy will barely cover half the rent, so it continues to sit on the shelf. However, I'll give it (along with lots of cash) away to anyone who can get me original Stephen Platt comic book art...hint hint wink

I do think your evaluation is correct, Simone. For some inexplicable reason, it's tougher to find a Real Bout 2 for sale than it is Metal Slug.

<strong> A great difference is becoming clear day by day:english carts are really collector items,well more than jap home carts.

Click to expand...

It's a real shame, just because I am one of those people who prefers playing games on a home cart system. Having tried out a SuperNova, a Sigma 6000, and an off-brand supergun, the home cart system remains the most convenient and nostalgic way of playing my favorites.

Cnidarian: And another thing I think about, is how long will it take before the value/interest of the market vanishes?
Until the NeoGeo truly becomes worthless?

Click to expand...

I doubt it will ever become truly worthless, much to my dismay. Nothing would make me happier than owning the entire Metal Slug library on the home cartridge format for under $500. However, much like with all collectibles, whether it's Pez dispensers or comic book art, there is always a niche crowd that will have interest. And it seems that with the Neo, the last bastion of quality 2-D gaming, it's inevitable that demand only continues to climb as more and more people become financially stable and able to afford the dream system of their teenager years.

Sincerely,

Mikhail

And another thing I think about, is how long will it take before the value/interest of the market vanishes?
Until the NeoGeo truly becomes worthless?

Click to expand...

Actually, after some more thought, as long as there are people who want to play these games and own the merchandise, it'll always be worth money. As I've seen how complete Gen or Snes games can cost, even though they are worthless to game retailers/stores.

So nix that question.

And yes, I'm quite used to talking to myself...
Been doing it for years now... tickled

Ah, thanks for the response, Mikhail. That was my sentiment exactly.

<small>[ February 10, 2003, 05:18 PM: Message edited by: Cnidarian ]</small>

Retaliator:
MVS + jp AES = for gamers
US/Euro AES = for collectors

You can talk about Chibi Quiz that, BTG Over Top this but the Euro/US AES collection is the most difficult one to complete out of every game system out there. To find US/Euro carts in true collector`s quality is MUCH more difficult than jp ones thus the challenge is much higher. Finding jp carts is very easy in comparison (except maybe a handful but not more).

Click to expand...

That's a good point.
Take the Metal slug 1 going now on ebay.
The manual is in shitty condition,like the previous owner had put it into his wallet.
The cart as well is full of scratches.

So what the end of the story?
better paying $2000++ for a MINT one,in collectable condition than even $1000 for a bad one.

Yep, I've found that Real Bout 2 is the hardest cart to acquire. Because it's desired for its gameplay, a mint copy is even more rare.

Kizuna and Ultimate 11 (euro) are harder to find, but RB2 is quite rare.

True that - I was very lucky to score a RB2 US copy a year ago and never saw one up for sale ever since. I wonder if RB2 has the lowest production run out of all the FF/RB series. Even a US MotW pops up from time to time but no RB2. Really kind of strange.

About that MS1 on Ebay - really funny guy offering this copy for the I don`t even know how often time already.

I have to disagree on the comments that the US/Euro carts are a collectors only thing. I realize there are exceptions but looking at it from my standpoint. I collect, I want my games as mint as possible, but at the same time I play my games.

The reason I want US games is because I can't read Japanese. Plain and simple. I wanna look at the spines and know what game it is at a glance and it is kind of handy being able to read the manuals.

The reason I want nearly mint games is because when I buy something used I want that item in the same condition it would be in had I bought it new (When it was available to purchase new).

I have definitely noticed though that there isn't shit out there right now for nice condition US carts. Actually the only home carts I have bought recently have been JP only releases, and I have been giving some serious consideration to just going to the JP carts and hopefully replacing them someday as the US versions become available.

I gotta agree with Wolf though. Once some desired US carts start showing up on the market I think the prices are going to be real high.

Retaliator:
MVS + jp AES = for gamers
US/Euro AES = for collectors

Click to expand...

tickled so I must be a gamer only.

would you like please to share your knowledge and tell me more about the definition of 'collectors' tickled - I'm curious...

edit: sigtest

<small>[ February 13, 2003, 03:53 AM: Message edited by: garou_d ]</small>

Ok, lets not make this a collectors/vs gamers discussion. Being a collector doesn't mean you can't ALSO be a gamer.

Here's the RB2 I sold on ebay a year ago. It was in "great condition", not near-mint or mint

<img src="http://www.artificialhorizon.com/games/neogeo/realbout2watermarked.jpg" alt=" - " />

nice piece...

just for info - does anyone have an idea of the production run of it (?)

No one knows production runs for Japanese or US carts. With the exception of a few titles. SNK Japan and SNK USA never released that information unfortunately. frown

« PESTILENT »:
The reason I want nearly mint games is because when I buy something used I want that item in the same condition it would be in had I bought it new (When it was available to purchase new).

Click to expand...

I have to agree with your perspective. It is an unfair stigma to be considered a "greedy collector" just because you seek out mint US home carts. I prefer US carts not because they are necessarily rarer or more desirable, but because I like the uniform look they have on the shelf. As much as people may disagree with the importance of packaging aesthetics, it is an industry standard feature. You will notice that the vast majority of X-Box/PS2/GC games all have standard packaging to create product identity. The Neo is no exception, especially when the presentation itself can be viewed as art.

I remember about three years ago when a date of mine walked into my room and stared at the small row of Neo carts. "What are all these books?" she remarked. It may seem like a stupid remark, but as long as I play Neo Geo games, they will be a part of my room decor, as I am sure it is with a lot of gamers here. It is certainly financially unwise to spend more money on US carts just to keep up this decor, but then why do we spend money on art prints or original artwork, on room furnishings and other decorations?

Gaming in itself can be a horrible taboo of "dorkiness". I do not wish to have people stereotype me as some 20-hour-a-day Everquest or Unreal Online socially deprived computer junkie virgin just because I "play" with video games. The Neo is an art form, a classic entertainment unit representing the best that classic 2D gaming has to offer. I certainly have a desire to downsize to bare MVS carts just for pure gameplay pleasure, but then I would lose a key component: my appreciation of the Neo Geo art form in its original form.

Sincerely,

Mikhail

garou_d:

Retaliator:
MVS + jp AES = for gamers
US/Euro AES = for collectors

Click to expand...

tickled so I must be a gamer only.

would you like please to share your knowledge and tell me more about the definition of 'collectors' tickled - I'm curious...

Click to expand...

You can of course collect jap home carts.
But you must be die gard collector go after the US versions of each title.
take Metal slug 1 jap:can be found easy with $1500 or even less.
If your after a US version there is no competitive market.
AND

And when you do find it,you will be lucky if the rare US home cart is in acceptable condition.

"If your after a US version there is no competitive market."

That is exactly the point. As a US/Euro AES collector you practically do not have much of a choice most of the time for the carts being much more rare than their japanese counterparts
and very few sellers offer them. And then there`s condition yet ... *sigh*

Retaliator:
MVS + jp AES = for gamers
US/Euro AES = for collectors

Click to expand...

Us carts more difficult to find - yes!!!!!!!!!

but that statement above - absolute crap annoyed annoyed annoyed

FTL:
But you must be die hard collector go after the US versions of each title. take Metal slug 1 jap:can be found easy with $1500 or even less.
If your after a US version there is no competitive market.
AND

And when you do find it,you will be lucky if the rare US home cart is in acceptable condition.

Click to expand...

kinda agree to an extent Simone but its not the case with every single Us aes game

Both my Us (mint) Windjammers cost the same for my mint Jap version and the Japanaese version looks much better

I mainly collect Japanese carts because i want to try and get a full collection one day - thats right every single Neo game (released on AES) and if i tried to do this with the Us market it simply isnt possible as a few games never got a western release

for the most part uniformity is the key and i know alot of guys who dont like the spines of teh Japanese games, but the artwork everywhere else looks so much better

I have around 30 us carts all in great shape but i also have the Japanese equivalent as well

i am glad my Garou only cost me 380usd for the Japanese cart. If i was a us collector only i would cringe if i have to pay more than that

But i agree with the fact that alot of Us games cost more (kof series for a start) but because you pay more money for 1 specific game, does that make you more of a collector than somebody who gets the same game cheaper from a different territory????

No i dont think so wink

<small>[ February 11, 2003, 08:05 AM: Message edited by: buster_broon ]</small>

buster_broon:

Retaliator:
MVS + jp AES = for gamers
US/Euro AES = for collectors

Click to expand...

Us carts more difficult to find - yes!!!!!!!!!

but that statement above - absolute crap annoyed annoyed annoyed

FTL:
But you must be die hard collector go after the US versions of each title. take Metal slug 1 jap:can be found easy with $1500 or even less.
If your after a US version there is no competitive market.
AND

And when you do find it,you will be lucky if the rare US home cart is in acceptable condition.

Click to expand...

kinda agree to an extent Simone but its not the case with every single Us aes game

Both my Us (mint) Windjammers cost the same for my mint Jap version and the Japanaese version looks much better

I mainly collect Japanese carts because i want to try and get a full collection one day - thats right every single Neo game (released on AES) and if i tried to do this with the Us market it simply isnt possible as a few games never got a western release

for the most part uniformity is the key and i know alot of guys who dont like the spines of teh Japanese games, but the artwork everywhere else looks so much better

I have around 30 us carts all in great shape but i also have the Japanese equivalent as well

i am glad my Garou only cost me 380usd for the Japanese cart. If i was a us collector only i would cringe if i have to pay more than that

But i agree with the fact that alot of Us games cost more (kof series for a start) but because you pay more money for 1 specific game, does that make you more of a collector than somebody who gets the same game cheaper from a different territory????

No i dont think so wink

Click to expand...

Actually Buster that a point I wanted to mark time ago:
EVEN IF you collect jap home carts you will NOT get a complete neo geo collection,plain and simple.
To achieve that goal ,MVS IS the only way to go.
Period.

You collect jap home carts,well,your missing gems like super dodge ball,strikers,Breakers REVENGE.


Waiting for countermove here,IF possible but do not think so.

<small>[ February 11, 2003, 11:53 AM: Message edited by: FTL ]</small>

FTL:
You can of course collect jap home carts.
But you must be die gard collector go after the US versions of each title.
take Metal slug 1 jap:can be found easy with $1500 or even less.
If your after a US version there is no competitive market.
AND

And when you do find it,you will be lucky if the rare US home cart is in acceptable condition.

Click to expand...

yes, you right. but for my point of view, I don't have any preference. if I can catch an US cart like I did for MOTW and MSX, it's OK - but japs are fine also.

having a complete US/EURO collection is a hard challenge since KIZ & U11 are nearly impossible to find.

I think US/EURO is for hardcore collector and the jap for collector - cause people we must admit that we're all collector. putting hundreds of $$$ in a game - a simple gamer won't do it...

garou_d:
I think US/EURO is for hardcore collector and the jap for collector - cause people we must admit that we're all collector. putting hundreds of $$$ in a game - a simple gamer won't do it...

Click to expand...

Word. wink

Great minds think alike! buttrock

Very interesting conversation guys! It makes me wonder sometimes where all these carts go if the collector market for these games isn't as big as we all assume. I am doubtful that any cart had a smaller print run that 500 in any one language. I believe that it was once stated that anything smaller than that would not be profitable.

On a side note. One of the hardest games to find that is rarely mentioned is the US/Euro Puzzled cart. I looked for this cart for a long long time and just recently caught one that was being sold. I had offers for ones that were missing instructions or inserts but never complete. Opinions?

About the complete Euro collection: I think we will never be able to resolve the mystery why these two carts U11/KE are that incredibly rare. There MUST be a whole warehouse full of those somewhere - they cannot simply vanish or all be converted into jp ones.

"On a side note. One of the hardest games to find that is rarely mentioned is the US/Euro Puzzled cart. I looked for this cart for a long long time and just recently caught one that was being sold. I had offers for ones that were missing instructions or inserts but never complete. Opinions? "

Well if that is so then I must be lucky as well. I never searched for that cart too hard since it`s not my type of game but now since my collection is nearing its end I was looking for it simply for completion reasons and immediately found one (thx Simone btw!).