classicgamingguy

I recommend the Paper Mario game for the Gamecube. I just purchased that not too long ago and it's simply awesome. You'll not regret the choice. Simple, clean, FUN gameplay. Steve

Oh yeah, I can really relate to this. In the last month, seems I've been buying a ton of stuff for the classic game systems. I never intended to buy a Gamecube. Well, I came across one at a yard sale awhile back, with several games and complete for only $35.00, so I had to have it. Then I had to go buy some more games for it I wanted to play..in the meantime, my poor Atari 2600 needed something else, etc. Rinse and repeat. I've recently put the brakes on, as I should KNOW better than to go hog wild like this, but alas couldn't resist the impulse!! -Steve

It's true about the wired-in cables of some of the systems. the Odyssey 2 I used to own had wired-in controllers that drove me absolutely batty. I know I'm going blind, but I don't need to prove it by sticking my face in the television! "Basement of Doom"....sounds like my "Denizens of the Damned Den"... -Steve

Probably better to make sure the system is off before inserting or removing the carts, just on general principle as well as not promoting any damage to either the system or games/applications. I can't believe the thing weighs an easy 10 pounds. Wow, I wonder how much it cost Texas Instruments to produce a single PEB? Must have been pretty expensive. And the man hours (back in the day) to make each one must have been pretty intensive as well. Again, thanks. Steve

Tursi, thanks. My friend also told me the main heavy part of the PEB was the transformer, but the metal seems of the "heavy" variety. No light steel in this thing, for sure. I really wasn't in the market for a TI, but after several days thinking about it, and knowing that it was going to be separated into parts for recycling, I couldn't let it end up that way. Thanks for the link, too. I've already been scouring the web to look for resources on this system. One thing I read was that the cartridges could be pulled while the system is still on. That was unique for computers at the time. More often than not you needed to shut down the system before taking something out or putting something in. My small TV (the monitor that I thought was with it didn't work right, so I decided not to try and tinker with it) I have will work with the RF unit, as it has a cable attachment on it. I might need another 6-plug power strip to get everything connected. My Atari 2600 right now is hogging the table the TI is going to go on. I need a bigger den... -Steve

That's a great price for the starter system. Well, update for all. Just snagged the TI, the PEB, and a box full of goodies (controllers, RF unit, power adapter, games, boxes, instruction manuals), so I own one officially now. I didn't realize how HEAVY the PEB was!! I mean seriously...if I dropped this thing on my foot it would break it in a million pieces! The main computer unit is the silver/black one (not the cream-colored). Is there a difference between models? Is one "better" than the other? I didn't really see any differences between them, but someone here might be able to explain the difference, if any at all. So, besides this, anyone know where I can get started learning about the TI? Online resources or fansites, perhaps? Or someone here could give me some advice or just give the TI a plug on how much you think it's the greatest computer ever made..something like that. Steve

I'm going to have to throw in my vote for the heavy 6 as well. I own the light version of said 6, and I wouldn't part with it (except for a heavy 6..that might do it for me). I've owned a Darth Vader model, and although it is a great Atari 2600, it just isn't better than the heavy, IMO. Steve

Overall, your list is spot on. I also am an E.T. fan, having enjoyed the game more so than most, it would seem. However, Demons to Diamonds IMO is a GREAT game. Perhaps it's just my own personal appeal, but I love it. Good to go on the rest, as far as I'm concerned. -Steve

Great advice...and by the looks of the thread, mostly for getting the system, accessories, and games. Good thing I've decided to pick it up, as the recycling truck is on it's way as I type this! I'm not 100% sure what all the carts are yet, but there IS TI Invaders in there, plus Hunt the Wumpus. Unfortunately, no Tunnels of Doom, so that will be one I'll want to snag at some point. The guy says he has more games for the system, but he just has to find them. I hope Parsec is in that pile! Oh yeah, thanks for the link to the games. I'll have to bookmark that for future reference. I have a huge table downstairs that's littered with miscellaneous stuff, but I can clear it off and make room for this gem. Many books and instructions are with the system as well, so it's about as complete as it could be. Two of the TI's joysticks are included for gameplay. I'll check the games/applications out for the Assembler cart. There's a good chance it might be in there. Am I right in seeing that there's versions of Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man? That makes me a happy camper as well. Steve

How about: "Playing with Yourself: The epic rise of video games" Catchy and suggestive!

That would be a great idea, except I have an SUV..

That's true about bringing it straight downstairs, out of sight.. But, alas, we carpool together..Maybe I'll hold it here at work until an opportune moment arises!! I've never owned a TI before, back in the day up to this point. I've owned Apple's, Atari's, Amiga's, and Commodore 64's, so this would be a unique find. Steve

Hi all: Well, I have an opportunity to grab a TI-99 4/A system with games, controllers, the original box it came in, the expansion box (PEB I think it's called), and all other hookups. This would be completely free to me, and I've REALLY been thinking about snagging this before it's off to the recycling center and eventual separation/grinding. My space is limited, however. I want your opinions on this, especially all those that have owned or do own this system. It comes with the speech device as well. It's complete by all means, and some of the games have their original box and instructions. My brain keeps telling me to let it go...as I have little space to work with (I currently own a more modern PC, a Gamecube, an Atari 2600, and a Gameboy Advance Sp)...so what does everyone think? Should I do this or not? I have a TV to hook it up to (I could even take the small monitor that is with it, exclusively for the TI-99 4/A)...my only concern is bringing home that "one more piece of equipment" my wife is going to be rather cross about. Not that I'm hooking it up anywhere near her...it would go into my den downstairs and be "out of sight, out of mind". But you all know that doesn't matter...it's what you're bringing home that initially gets an eyeroll or something. So, thoughts on this? I am at a crossroad and have a limited time before the recycling guy comes by to take it away.. -Steve

I have heard MANY comments about my "older gaming habits". I'm sorry that I don't own a PS3...but from what I've heard, would I really want to? And let's not even touch base with the non-functioning 360's out there. I'm not trying to disrespect the newer game systems, but I prefer the older gaming consoles to them in general. I GREW UP on this stuff, so it has just as much to do with nostalgia than anything else. And yes, price is a point. I have other responsibilities these days, as do we all. I can actually afford an older gaming system AND the games! Back in the day, I really couldn't, or I had to wait for a couple of months between game purchases. And where I work now, sometimes gets in older computers and consoles. There's a TI-99 4/A complete with box and all the extras with games for free sitting here, ready for the taking. I can hear the kids now: "WHAT? Why would you want THAT old thing? The games SUCK!!!!" Yeah yeah...go watch your 360 generate it's "red ring of death"...have fun with that. Anyway, trying to stay on topic here....the most I always hear is "The graphics of your system are soooo crappy!" What I always usually say in response: "Someday, you'll be old like me. I can't wait and I hope I'm around, because kids your age will be telling YOU your old system's graphics stink." A sense of justice and balance in the world. What goes around, comes around.

That's true about the games that you just bought. They are "new" to you, even though they're considered "old". So the system gets new life with games you've never played before, and the Atari 2600 sees a resurgence in life. It's a great system hands down. There's probably tons of games I have yet to collect and play, so the Atari 2600 will be around for a good deal of time to come. Steve

Another feature I enjoy is the connectivity of the Gameboy Advance cable. I use this mostly for Animal Crossing to visit the island, so that feature makes the Gamecube that much more enjoyable in my eyes. The little things of a console appeal to me, so the Gamecube (with it's compact square design) is unique. Another things I love is the controller. I never really got into the N64 controller, but the Gamecube controller seemed so much tighter and responsive. I thought the N64 controller was a little too large, but the GC controller was "just right". I know it's not a Wii and the GC games play on the Wii, but I've really had no interest in obtaining a Wii. I promised myself I wouldn't go any further than the Gamecube for game consoles. So far, so good. I kind of got disillusioned with the new systems anyway, and found that my gaming habits needed to be toned down for the duration. I just can't afford systems that cost over $200.00 and games that cost $60.00 each. -Steve

Here's a few thoughts on the Atari 2600 system: Sturdy, excellent CX-40 controllers, paddle controllers for the games that required them, colorful box art and cart art, excellent commercials, and the music in the commercials was awesome. The unit itself always appealed to me, since it was just so darn sexy with the woodgrain finish. The carts were also sturdy, dependable, and easily storable. Steve

Metroid Prime 2 is harder than I thought it was going to be, so I'm a little discouraged. I had to go back to Prime and practice (and beat this game) before tackling Prime 2. I am pretty rusty on the "lock and shoot and dodge" thing that's famous in Prime. I read reviews (after I bought the game) that most thought it was too hard, but if you're a Prime veteran, you might be challenged, but not to the point of frustration. That does sound like a great set up for the Zelda series. I think I should find myself a Gameboy Player and pursue collecting all the Zelda titles. I also want Twilight Princess, but it's the most expensive of the set. I'll get the other Zelda titles first before going after this one. -Steve

I don't think I've ever physically taken apart a game system to see the inner workings of it. Back in the day when I bought brand-new consoles when they were released, I was always afraid to void the warrenty so I kept my hands out of the game system's innards. As far as keeping games in good shape, the usual stuff applies: Always leave it in it's case, handle compact discs on the outer edge and keep your fingers away from the main part of the disc, wipe the system down to prevent accumulated dust, etc. As I get older, I appreciate things more than when I was just a youngster, so things I have these days tend to remain in great shape over the years with a little TLC once in a while. -Steve

Very nice!

Great find. Some of the yard sales around here have absolutely nothing regarding the Atari 2600. Mostly "modern" games (Xbox, Gamecube, Dreamcast), so I've had no luck thus far acquiring new Atari trinkets. Congratulations to you! -Steve

Despite the sales and whatnot for the Gamecube, it's good to see that several people around here still have theirs and play them on a regular basis. I just went a little crazy this past weekend and bought a few titles: Metroid Prime, Prime 2: Echoes, Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventure, and Paper Mario (this is my personal favorite). The games were no more than $20.00 each, but Metroid Prime was only $7.00. FINALLY got both games together, so I'm happy with the whole thing so far. I plan on picking up many more titles down the road (Animal Crossing is on it's way..that game just really appeals to my "cute" gene or something), so I'm overly happy. My poor Atari 2600 is a little neglected lately, but one thing I've learned over the years is DO NOT part with a game system. My mistake in the past was getting rid of my game systems. Now I'm collecting them all over again. I'm more pleased now than I was before with the Gamecube, so overall it was a good thing to find one again and start buying all the titles I enjoyed the first time around. -Steve

I personally do not have much choice in the matter about where to get my older games. Unfortunately, Gamestop is the only place around that has Gamecube games available, so that's where I have to go. I was in there the other day, leafing through their titles and finding many had no instruction manual. Perhaps this is particular, but I won't usually buy a Gamecube game that doesn't have an instruction manual with the other little leaflets that are inside. I also asked them WHY they have to put a million stickers on their game boxes, and the typical answer was that they need to put the stickers in several places to make sure "they are priced right and the prices are visible"..please! Wouldn't ONE sticker suffice to let the consumer know what the price is? It's not like the sitckers come off that easily, if at all!! -Steve

The colors I know of are: Purple Black Silver Not sure if there was any more. Perhaps more in Japan.. -Steve

Well, yes I have an internet connection..............at work, so I don't think my boss would appreciate me plugging in a Wii and playing games. And yes, before you say so, Atariboy (WHY are you on the internet when you should be working...??), my job is slow sometimes so I have "time" to access the internet. And sorry I missed your post about carrying the game system back and forth. Guess I'm just not that observant. Jeesh. Steve