Diary of a Retro Collector: Week 24

Following on from last week’s huge acquisition of a Panasonic Q GameCube console, I was quick to get started finding the matching accessories to start building the full package together. Plus, I continues my obsession with the Hard Case Game Boy Pockets with a third, but it came in a decent little bundle. Take a look at what’s arrived on my doorstep this week.

Official Panasonic Q Branded GameCube Pad + Emerald (eBay, Auction)

Just as I begin restoring my Panasonic Q gamecube, a listing on eBay came up for two GameCube controllers. Obviously the highlight is the official Panasonic Q pad to match my new console, but almost a cheeky bonus entirely, is also the Japanese only Emerald Blue version too – which I have also had my eye on for some time. I never disclose exactly how much I pay or win auctions for exactly, but what I paid for both was roughly market value on the Q pad, so I got the emerald for free (in a way).

Sadly, you can see that the left stock on the Q controller is discoloured, but far more concerning is that both of the controllers analogue sticks are incredibly loose. I never knew that Gamecube sticks got loose like this. N64 yes, of course. But Gamecube No. In fact, I’d say they are both a write off and I will need to find two donor pads and steal their innards from and restore these more rarer versions. Plus looking at the photos, they definitely need a good clean too.

Game Boy Pocket Blue Hard Case Bundle (eBay, Auction)

So last week, I was talking about the fact that until the other week, I never knew of, or had ever seen these hard case packaged versions of GB Pockets at all. But like the old bus analogy, you wait and wait and many come at once. Well, I have acquired no.3, in Blue.

The actual Pocket is in incredible condition itself. No wear on the back, no serious scratches to the lens and upon adding some triple A battery goodness and a cartridge, it performs perfectly. Once again reminding me just how awesome the pocket is. Look at that screen, it’s brilliant.

Now I guess, I just need to get a clear one and I can walk away from this little obsession.

Replacement Game Boy Cart Cases (eBay, Buy It Now)

There’s one thing I hate more than loose cartridges… fake cartridge cases. Through the years I have seen some terrible fakes and the rough, sand paper like plastic used, makes my skin crawl. With all the random cartridges I have acquired recently from auctions, I needed a boost in spares, so bought a batch of official ones. I think including shipping, about £1-£1.20 is a fair price for these things if buying out right. I mean, if you buy as part of a bundle then you’d probably get for free with games.

Seen as though every game came with one of these cases, it makes me wonder how so many cartridges over the years have become disconnected with these. Maybe people didn’t see the point in them. I can tell you now, even my 6 year old self had developed a level of OCD for such things.