How many backup consoles do you keep?

[SlowCoder]

This is not a question of how many consoles you've collected, or what variety. I just want to know how many consoles you keep for backups. For instance, I typically keep one of each console type connected, and another one stored for the day when the first one dies. If at some point the main one dies, I'll swap it for the backup and buy another backup.

 

But in the case of my CV or Intv, I have two backups due to their tendency to die. And in the case of my 2600s, I have one of each model, so they act as rotating backups for each other.

 

So you see this thread is more about utility than collecting.

[jaybird3rd]

I have "backup hardware" for my main systems, but in my case, it's mostly replacement boards, chips, and other parts that I can use to repair my main units if/when they fail. I did it this way because I was able to pick up these parts relatively cheaply, and because they take up a lot less space than whole consoles/computers (although I have my share of those, too).

 

If anyone's interested in numbers ... I've got three functional Intellivision consoles (one each of the original Master Component, Intellivision II, and INTV System III) and about a half-dozen replacement boards and hand controllers, three or four 5200 boards and about four complete sets of replacement chips, three 7800 boards, and seven or eight Mattel Aquarius systems and about a half-dozen Mini Expanders with hand controllers.

[HatefulGravey]

I will keep maybe 1 "backup" though it is normally also another model of the same console. So I have a front loading and top loading NES for example. I try not to keep 2 of the exact same model in the house.

 

Not too long ago I started getting 1 boxes and 1 loose system of all the more common consoles for this reason. I can have a back up console and display it in the box instead of having to take consoles out of boxes all the time to play them.

[thegamezmaster]

Usually at least one backup unless the console is really rare or expensive.

[BassGuitari]

I don't really have "backups," just variations and spares (which I've been meaning to fix up/clean up and sell/trade) I acquired in lots over the years, though I suppose they kind of serve the same purpose.

[+Atari_Warlord]

I used to just have one of each console, but over the years I've ended up with multiples because of lot purchases and relatives and friends passing on their collections. The only ones I still only have one of are the Jaguar and SNES. I've only had two system failures in 35 years, my original Sears Tele-games 2600 and the PS3 60GB. The 2600 was repaired and still works today, the PS3 is more of a door stop at the moment as it erased my hard drive with my saved games when it got the overheating problem.

[Metal Ghost]

I was never really into having a back-up system, however during the recent past some good buys have kind of led me down that road. It also doesn't hurt that I've really reduced my overal breadth of consoles in order to concentrate on the depth of each one and to really be able to fit enjoying the games for the consoles I had into the amount of time I have to game. Consequently I simply have more room for back-ups, plus I'm more concerned with how well any one system is functioning.

 

Anyway:

• N64 - got as a birtday present from my girlfriend (now wife)
  
  • Found a box with a system along with something like 4 or 5 games at goodwill for $10. Sweet!
    

  [*]Gamecube - my in-laws got me a Gamestop gift card for my birthday back when the Gamecube was still current gen. It covered I think more than half the purchase price of a GC (maybe around '04?), so I jumped in.

  • Back-up purchased 4 or 5 months ago at Microgames here in Syracuse. $20 bought a system, all cables plus a brand new 3rd party controller. With a Groupon-like coupon I had, that price went down to $5. The eject button sticks awful on it, but I'm going to take the cover off for a 2nd time to see if spending some more quality time with it won't fix that problem. In any event the system works great otherwise.
    

  [*]Xbox 360 - got my 360 at a midnight launch. My only launch console ever.

  • I actually have 2 'back-up' 360s. But I didn't really set about getting any back-ups, per se. Our Linksys Media Center Extender died on use a couple of years ago, so I purchased a new 360 to serve that role. Long story short after an enjoyable 5 years using Media Center, it was simply too easy to use FiOS set-top boxes, so we use those now for TV. That 360 is still hooked up in our bedroom though....mainly to watch Netflix and Zune content purchases on.
    
  • I bought a used 360 for my Mom for her to game on and to play some games with her grandkids via Live. She had been talking for years about wanting a gaming system to play on. I get it for her, and she never used it. Ever! Said she always felt like she was going to break it or something. Anyway, I'm over there one day and I boot it up and get the RRoD. D'oh! So much for that experiment with Senior Gaming. So I take it home and am trying to figure out what to do with it, and decide to try it again and it works. Realizing that it will likely give out again, it has since been hooked up in our play/workout room to watch Netflix on and it has worked fine ever since, for a couple of years now. Oh well, back-up #2.
    

Edited August 28, 2012 by Metal Ghost

[genesisguy]

I've got 3 Sega Genesis consoles. All different models.

2 NES

1 SNES

 

Rarely play the SNES so I don't really need a backup.

[Protoplasym]

I would like to have at least 2 backups, one in brand new condition cib, and the other in vg-m.

[jhd]

I have one each of the various 2600 models (except the Vader, but including a Gemini). There may even be one or two consoles beyond that; this stuff has all been in storage for many years.

 

I also have a PS One (still sealed in the original box) and a slim PS 2 (bought new, but open box); both of these were purchased specifcially as backup systems.

[akator]

I've got at least 3 backups for all of my systems except the Genesis, for which I only have 1. I need to pick up a few more Genesis backups, but I'm waiting for the right condition and price

[GKC]

I was just thinking about picking up a spare Jag but prices seem to be skyrocketing. Ideally it would be nice to have one spare for everything but I don't live in an ideal world. I have back ups for NES, SNES, Genesis, GameCube, N64, Dreamcast and Playstation.

 

No back ups for, Jag, Jag CD, Virtual Boy, 32x, Sega CD, Saturn, 3do, Atari 7800.... Writing these out I just realized these are the ones I'd rather have the spares for

[csgx1]

I keep 1 back up for each system. Except the Turbo Grafx/PC Engine, I have multiple CD systems and spare parts since I've had many break down.

[godslabrat]

Oddly, now that I've decided to stockpile spare NES toasters, I never see them in the wild...

[lushgirl_80]

I have 3 Atari 2600's. The one I currently use is a 4-switch woodgrain model and for backup I have a Vader and another 4-switch woodgrain. All have the original boxes.

 

Also have 3 Atari 5200's and 3 NES(one is still boxed, the Action Set).

 

 

Sega Genesis model 2 with a Sega Nomad as backup.

 

 

[NinjaWarrior]

2 or 3

[+wood_jl]

Generally, at least one backup for cartridge-based units.

 

Generally, at least 2 backups for optical drive-based units.

 

Oddly enough, my original PS1, Saturn, Dreamcast, PS2, Xbox (1), and Gamecube have never failed.

 

 

edit: After reading RedRaider's post below, I remembered that my original PS1 (SCPH-1001) DID fail, after months of playing it upside-down extended its life a little. It's a SCPH-5501 that I replaced it with, but it'd been so long I forgot!!!)

 

Thanks for reminding me, RedRaider!

Edited August 31, 2012 by wood_jl

[RedRaider]

It was only recently I decided to begin acquiring "backup" consoles, but only for those that have CD/DVD drives. Once the collecting bug bit me again, I began to get worried about my Sega CD and Saturn dying on me, since those two systems make up the bulk of my game collection. I have the Sega CD covered, but haven't come across a good deal on a Victor Saturn.

 

Don't play my Dreamcast much, but bought two backup systems only because I came across good deals.

 

My PS1 SCPH-1001 has finally died, so ill be investing in a replacement for it. Started playing my PS2 launch model again recently, so considering getting a backup soon. Same goes for the XBOX, looking to acquire two backups for it.

 

GameCube isn't a priority to me, since my unit never had much playing time on it.

 

Just replaced the laser in my PS3 FAT 60GB, but don't play it much, so no backup planned right now.

 

Own three 360's, two FAT Elites and a Slim. Putting one of my FAT's on water soon and installing it in one of my Lian Li PC-XB01's, which should help extend it's life span. Man oh man where those early 360's poorly designed / assembled. Had five go RROD on me, luckily all were replaced my Micro$oft.

 

As for my cartridge based consoles, I've been blessed so far, since I have not had one die on me. NES did require a 72-pin replacement, but that is a given. Only one I have a backup for is the Vectrex ( 3 units), IMHO a person can never own too many Vectrex's.

[SlowCoder]

Oddly, now that I've decided to stockpile spare NES toasters, I never see them in the wild...

I'm in the same boat. Wouldn't mind having a top loader myself, but I'm not going to spring for one on eBay, and I have never seen one in person. I have 4 NES101s (front loaders).

[CGQuarterly]

I have zero. It's not like a replacement Genesis is hard to come by. I do have three NES systems and 2 SNES systems, but that's not for "backup" purposes.

 

Chris

[SlowCoder]

I have zero. It's not like a replacement Genesis is hard to come by. I do have three NES systems and 2 SNES systems, but that's not for "backup" purposes.

 

Chris

You make a good point. I just prefer to have my backups now, rather than rely on market availability and pricing later when/if a console fails. Each of my backup systems is prepped and ready to play right out of the box. Another thing I use my backups for is the very infrequent times I need to take one somewhere. I don't have to worry about disconnecting the ones I already have hooked up.

[CGQuarterly]

I have zero. It's not like a replacement Genesis is hard to come by. I do have three NES systems and 2 SNES systems, but that's not for "backup" purposes.

 

Chris

You make a good point. I just prefer to have my backups now, rather than rely on market availability and pricing later when/if a console fails. Each of my backup systems is prepped and ready to play right out of the box. Another thing I use my backups for is the very infrequent times I need to take one somewhere. I don't have to worry about disconnecting the ones I already have hooked up.

 

I get it, and I'm certainly not going to criticize someone else for keeping system backups. My thing is that I don't feel like I need a backup of a readily available system like a Genesis, SNES, NES, 2600, etc. because there are a mazillion of those out there. It would make a lot more sense for me to have a backup for my RGB/region modded PC Engine Duo-R, but then I'm spending another ~3 bills with shipping for something that I'll hopefully never need. Plus there's the problem of storage space.

 

Chris

[RedRaider]

Plus there's the problem of storage space.

 

Tell me about it! I have four rooms in my house that are full of VideoGames (Consoles / Games / Literature) / Sports Memoribillia / RC Gear / PC Components / WaterCooling Gear !!! Recently starting storing the crap in my pseudo-photography studio room, which now is getting on my nerves.

 

These f'in old CIB Classic carts are driving me insane. I seriously need to take the time to research shelving and make that damn invest soon, to keep my sanity!

[+Gemintronic]

About 2 or 3. Not exact duplicates usually, though. For instance, if my Jr. doesn't work I use my 7800. If my 7800 doesn't work then I use my Coleco with 2600 adapter. I've got over a half dozen NES clones but that's because I casually collect them.

[AtariLeaf]

Um I won't say exactly lest I be labeled a "hoarder"