^Sad tale, looks like the days of retail gaming is coming to a fast end.
I haven't been in a Gamestop since before 2020 I believe. It was sad then, so I can only imagine these days.
If I were to become a single console owner, it would be the PS5. I'd go PC exclusive but the GPU prices are beyond nuts and console ports to PC have been pretty bad.
Interestingly though, in that time we've also have a couple retro game stores pop up that really target the collectors more than the average consumers. I never see more than one other person in those places, so I have no idea how they stay in business, but some way or another they're making it.
As for your one-console future, I think that your logic is sound and healthy. As for me, I'll always have whatever Nintendo puts out + PC + Playstation. I just can't help myself.
I think in the long term, I'll rely on a PC hooked up to my TV + my backlog + whatever Nintendo puts out.
And get rid of consoles and collections that I'll never touch again, (Wii U, TG, 3DO, etc...).
For me, PS + Nintendo + PC (strategy games) would be ideal. Nintendo is becoming a bit more iffy. I've not been into their games as much as I used to be this gen.
I'll keep all my mini consoles for that nostalga trip. NES, Wii and Wii U can go. PS3 I'll keep for now. I can reduce my Atari 2600/7800 carts down from 150+ to around 30-40 easily; I should just emulate them on PC and sell the systems and games to save space but I never will. Xbox Series S is another iffy one since I don't play it much, but I like having it there just in case. And I want to play through some of the Gears of War games this year too.
I'm also not writing off PC gaming. I don't need anything too high-end. Just something to play Heroes of Might and Magic 3.
robio said:I'm probably going to be a PlayStation gamer from here on out, which is a bit of a surprise since I've owned every Nintendo system they ever put out (aside from Virtual Boy). I suppose I'll make that call when the Switch 2 is announced though.
I'm also not writing off PC gaming. I don't need anything too high-end. Just something to play Heroes of Might and Magic 3.
Yeah it's funny how our allegiances switch over the years. At times XBOX, PS, Nintendo and Sega have all been my favorite manufacturers. This last gen I've had the most game completion rate with Switch, so that's where I play things if available -- and that's because of the handheld format.
Tonight I actually had someone just a few miles away from me. Reach out and I thought since they were so close if they were willing to coming around $200, I would take it since I wouldn't have to worry about any traveling or meeting up. So after a few rounds of questions I get the offer.
"Would you take $100 cash?"
I'm very proud that I haven't used any profanity in my response. Yet.
gamingeek said:Why not ebay?
eBay takes too big of a percentage these days. The buyers are definitely more reliable, but paying out 13% is too much. Marketplace is a better option when you can afford to be patient and wait for a legitimate buyer.
Fortunately things did work out for me. I found a buyer last night, and this morning we made the exchange. Both of us were very happy with the transaction.
Yikes, I remember that sound with my first PS2. I probably would have just let it die and not get another one if I wasn't right in the middle of Kingdom Hearts 2.
robio said:Thank you. I'm sure I'll regret it though. Over the weekend my PS4 started to make an odd grinding sound. Tough to describe, but whenever a video game console makes a noise it's not supposed to, it's rarely a good sign. Oh well, I'll still have a Wii U.
Your PS4's fan might be dirty. It's pretty easy to pop off the top and clean the blades off. Lots of videos on YT.
So with the gold in mind, I made my way to the local GameStop. I figured I could start putting it towards a PlayStation 5, when I'm ready to buy one anyway, and in the meantime I could use a good pair of gaming headphones. Unfortunately I was in for a bit of a surprise. Well two surprises actually.
First of all, my closest GameStop looks like it's going to close any day now. I've never seen a game store with that week of a selection. They didn't even have a whole lot of crappy general merchandise that GameStops always seem to have. So the writing is very clearly on the wall. This is actually the second time in several years that my closest GameStop has closed. There is still another location. Not much further, just in a different direction from my house. But it is definitely a clear sign of what is to come.
The second surprise was actually a bit more annoying. They wouldn't accept my switch. They require all items that originally came with the console being included, and that means the little wrist straps that no one actually uses. I'm sure I have them in a drawer somewhere, but I haven't even thought about those damn things since I bought the console. So ultimately the trip was all for not.
Anyway, it looks like I'll be a switch owner for a couple more days, but whether it goes on craigslist or marketplace or some other service, I don't think I'll be hanging on to it much longer.