RangerG

Tempest -- incredible site! I like that you are going slow and doing such a top-notch in-depth job -- thanks. One question -- what does this mean: All Your Protos Are Belong To Us! Is it a typo/grammar mistake/code or slogan I don't know?? Keep up the great work! -- RG

I think the Playstation controller has a button for analog/digital mode? I think this is why it will work so well with the Mastercontrol? I may be wrong.

Andy -- thanks for the reply. You make some good points. I do think Ebay will more and more become the price-guide if there are no alternatives. I was just reading somewhere about how we are only at the beginning of the Internet Age. Not that many people have DSL/cable lines, and a much lower percentage of people have access to a computer or Internet than you would you think. I have taught at community college for several years and I never make the assumption that my students have a computer or can easily access the Internet. However, just as phones and televisions made it into the homes of all socio-economic groups, so will the Internet. Even the man or woman selling at the flea-market will be able to check prices. I still hate to lose the rush of the hunt and the thrill of the thrift - we'll see what happens. Glad to see you actually care about collectors and hobbyists and aren't The Official Company looking to expand into video-game price guides to make some money. Well, really nice job on the book. I'm sure it will only get better with revisions. Time to get back to reading The Video Game Bible and then time to put some peel and stick lamination on the cover because it will be well used! Take care, RG

I don't really know where to post this or if it has already been posted, but I am in for a few hours of happy reading. I got my Video Game Bible in the mail today (it's like the DP guide, but for systems from 1985-2002). I really only play pre-85 classic stuff, but you all know how many NES and Genesis carts one finds so it is nice to have a Genesis list in case I come across a rare one in my Atari hunts. I really think the book is well-done. It has a few grammar errors (which bug me as a college language teacher), but I say really nice job to the authors. Anyone else get their copy in the mail today -- how do you like it? I see they are planning an entire series or books covering all video games/handhelds, etc. I hope this isn't the beginning of the end for finding rare carts in the wild (like when rarity guides became so accepted in other collector fields like comic books or action figures, etc.) What do you all think?

I am excited (like many) about the new mastercontrol for the 5200, but I don't want to use a stock playstation controller on the 5200 (just like I dislike the look and feel of the Genesis controller on the 2600). I want something more classic for the best classic system ever (some may disagree:). I have been searching the Internet and even looked at the local used video game store for a more classic alternative to the stock PSX controller. The two best I have found are one by Nyko and one by Namco (both are no longer made). I think it is the Nyko Dynamizer and the Namco Arcade Stick. They both work for the original Playstation, but I can't tell if they are both digital and analog. There are several arcade sticks out there for the PSX, but they look cheaper and/or are only digital. The Nyko and Namco even look classic. The Namco looks really cool and sturdy, but it is yellow . If anybody comes up with an option please post it. On a side-note -- what games would I need an analog controller for if I already have a trackball and paddle? Thanks for the replies, RG

The 2600 stick modified for the 5200 looks great. I second Mr. Retrogamer -- would you share how you did it (and how hard it was). Even if it is too hard for me, I enjoy reading about how the mod was conceived and completed. Nice job Voltman!

You found the dream score for a 5200 fan. Congratulations -- at least it makes me hopeful Masterplays are still out there. It would be so cool to actually find one and not resort to buying one. Yours is even in mint shape -- wow!

This is just a general Pac-man question: There are websites that discuss and show patterns that were used and can now be used to score really high scores on the arcade Pac-man. Do these patterns work at all on the 2600 or 5200 or 7800 versions of Pac-man? Are there any patterns that can be used on the home system versions? Thanks -- RG

The Nyko trackball looks nice and is cheap whenever I have seen it at stores. It says on the package that it works with games that use the mouse (or something like that). That would be an asset for the MasterControl if the Nyko worked. The trackball is even called classic and looks made for the 80s :wink: . However, I doubt you can beat the stock 5200 trackball (it may be big, but it is a really great controller).

Voltman -- Thanks for the tips! I will tell you when I get the checkered flag. It might be awhile though . I will be sure to set my Wico because I think I do have a little left/right drift. Take care, RG

Sounds great and I am interested in looking into it. I just want to wait until someone reviews it and a few people try it. However, it is very nice to see someone working on 5200 hardware. Congrats. and nice product. Are there any Playstation alternate controllers that are a joystick and look classic? I just couldn't bring myself to using a joypad or stock Playstation controller on the 5200.

Maybe a month or more ago, Skatepunk (Joe H.) posted that he would make a 5200 paddle for anyone if they sent him a 5200 joystick and 2600 paddles. I don't know who contacted him about it, but I did once I finally had a working joystick and a set of paddles. Yesterday I got my paddle in the mail. I just want to say thanks and great job to Skatepunk for the effort and instructions via e-mail. I am enjoying Super Breakout and Moon Patrol (hopefully I'll find Kaboom soon). It really is a nice addition to the 5200 and just makes it more my favorite system. Thanks again Skatepunk. -- RG

Hello -- I e-mailed a congrats. So everyone -- what is the temperature cart? That is really cool. Please talk to your aunt about what she did and how she got the carts -- stories are always great and let everyone share in the fun. Take care, RG

I'm surprised by the resentment against reserve. I don't sell that often, but I have in the past used reserve and I bid on items with reserve. I tend to only bid on items in really nice shape and actually I see reserve as a sign that something is worth something. For instance, if I want a Colecovision, I want one that looks near mint and that the person has cleaned/tested/checked. I fully expect him/her to put a reserve on it if it a nice machine to protect their time and investment. It shows me they really have something. I second what Mr. Retrogamer said about putting a reserve that isn't too high, but something to make you not lose too much either. I hate to think putting reserve scares bidders, but I have had two auctions not make reserve one week and then I relisted them and they ended up double the reserve the next week. Prices on Ebay are unpredictable and I think it is fair to put a reserve -- just my 2 cents, but thanks for the opinions.

I found Star Ship today (I didn't have it). I thought it was a pirate cart at first because the text is yellow and huge and the background is all black. Are there any other carts in this style? Why the strange look on a 1977 Atari cart? Nice find for me (I also finally found Burgertime today).

Cafeman -- I'm glad I am in good company with the not being able to finish. I thought I just stink. It's funny because I love collecting and playing old videogames, but I'm a very average player. Also, I really can't take long complicated modern video games so that is probably why I still like Atari so much. Mr. Retrogamer -- I was keeping it a secret until it arrives, but Skatepunk made me a paddle with a 5200 joystick and 2600 paddles I sent him (when I get it I'll post a thanks). It doesn't have the switch so I wasn't planning on using it for Pole Position, but I didn't know the Comp. Pro stick would work as a gear. Hummmmmm! or maybe I could put in a switch myself -- how hard is it? Thanks for the info.

Everyone is always super helpful with tips on Atari play so thanks in advance. I need some advice on Pole Position (5200). I just can't seem to finish the race. I get so close, but I die in the 4th race/heat. Any hints on better Pole Position play. Do you ever brake or use the grass? I am using a Wico stick -- should I take it off centering? I must complete the race and see the checkered flags ! Wow -- time for bed. Tomorrow early is my fantasy football draft.

Just wanted to plug my auction which finishes on Sunday. It is a really great 5200 system that I got from an old man that had them from his grandson. This was the grandkid's back-up 5200 so it is in great shape (the kid must have grown up a bit richer than I did : http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...1373013793&rd=1 I am also selling a Sega Master System lot (15 games). Thanks!

I just wanted to ask the opinion of some of you that sell systems or small lots on Ebay. What are the advantages and disadvantages of setting a reserve on your auction vs. just putting a high minimum bid (which is in effect like your reserve)? I have always put reserves on anything worth over about $50, but what are your comments, opinions! Thanks -- RG

Dan -- Good luck on the auctions! Please tell us how you go them. This is not to prove anything. I am just fascinated (and envious) of how people got such great games. Take care, RG

Thanks for the tips. Off to battle . . . . .

I found Battlezone last weekend. I know it's not rare, but it's one I didn't have and it always seems to be liked by gamers so I was really happy about my find. I've played it now and I love the tank view and shot firing and the battle sequence. However, I stink in that I have no defensive talent. It is so annoying to be hit by bullets that are coming from behind me or to the side of me. What is the best way to dodge the other tank bullets? I play the Atari with volume on low (when my wife is home in the apartment) so I now realize you need to listen for the shots (reading the instructins has helped some ). However, I'm still pretty bad. Anybody have any advice to turn me into a Battlezone master!

Dan -- Glad to see that you posted. That should ease fears. WOuld you mind telling everyone how you collected them. For me, it is more interesting to bid on a cart when I know the person I am buying from and any history about the merchandise. The pics are great (but too big). Thanks -- RG

AtariJunkie -- I sent you a private e-mail. I would like to trade or buy the sticks, but are you sure they are for the Intellivision? I don't mean to doubt you, but I find stuff all the time for other systems in with my finds. There is a stick for the Atari 2600 with that exact name. Does it say for Intellivision on it? You say it won't work on the INTV II. Can anybody else add any expertise? I know there are all kinds of joysticks out there that few have heard of (like ones for the CoCo and Odyssey2), but I would to research it. Congrats. again and take care! -- RG

I get two more posts!