Diary of a Retro Collector: Week 22
What additions I have this week for my collection? Well, here’s a weekly overview of some of the pieces I’ve been able to find and add to the Randall museum of retro hardware and gaming.
ZELDA: link to the Past SNES BOX Only (eBay BuyitNow)
One of my saved searches on eBay is for “Nintendo Box Only”, so everyday I get an email to let me know about any new listings with these keywords. This is a great tool for finding specifics like this and highly recommend anyone else to use this system. This Zelda box is not exactly mint, but it is a condition step up from my current boxed copy and for the price I got it for, not a crazy purchase at all. Whilst there is plenty of copies of this game floating around, it’s definitely not a rare item, it is in this condition. My older box only I guess will be going on eBay too.
ZELDA: Link’s Awakening DX (eBay Auction)
It would seem I am quite the fan of the ZELDA series and that is true in some way, I am more of a fan specifically of Link’s Awakening. One of my favourite Game Boy games of all time and potentially my fave Zelda title for many reasons. I already have the non DX version in my collection but since playing the colour dungeon on the Switch release, I wanted to go back and try the Dx version.
I won this on action at a decent price. To me though, it’s not about grabbing a bargain or saving pennies (although that’s a bonus), I like to know exactly what condition a game is like. eBay is great for this. If the photos are blurry or missing an image of the back, I will stay clear. If I see an item at a decent 7/10, I will go for it. This particular one is just about a 7/10 but I am very happy to add it to my collection for sure.
Game Boy Play it Loud Hard Case
As luck beholds, only a week after I got the Play it Loud DMG, one of these empty cases came up as an auction listing and of course I went for it. The case itself is a really good case and display solution. The Game Boy has a raised platform so it sits proud at the top, plus space underneath for the booklets. Two compartments to the left side that can house 5 carts (3 at the top and 2 on the bottom) and a rigid holder for the 4x AA batteries. There’s even an embossed Nintendo Logo on the back.
Slowly I will restore this as close to the original glory. Manuals, included accessories and the artwork that slips inside. This hard case edition is not that common as the traditional carton boxes, so finding a source for the card inserts will be a tough step, I will possibly have to make them myself for decoration purposes.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System Controller: Switch Online (Nintendo.co.uk)
This official Bluetooth controller in the shape of the original SNES pad, is a little short on supply and spends most of its time “out of stock”. But if you can grab one, it’s well worth it. An official SNES pad for the Switch generation. Although the 8BitDo alternatives are awesome as well, it’s always great to have the official version.
It’s designed to work with the Nintendo Switch, but I am keen to see what other devices I can get to work with it. My hopes, is that I will be able to get a Bluetooth receiver for the original SNES and pair with my Analogue Super NT, for the closest to genuine experience in HD. I will of course, be sharing my findings on social, on here and maybe even a video if I think it’s worth it.
What stuff have you lot been busy collecting? Anything I clearly am missing and wanna show off? Give us a shout on social media to chat retro.
Authored with care by Tom Randall
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