Lately, there's been a lot of conversation about the value of keeping old consoles as well as some diminishing time and interest for gaming in general. A lot of those conversations have led me to the decision to go ahead and sell my Switch. Once it's predecessor is announced, I suspect it's going to have reduced value, so if I'm going to do it the time is now. And as I've mentioned recently, going forward, I just don't see the need to have two systems anymore. I never get around to playing all the games I want to on one system, so having a second is just silly. The days of FOMO are done for me.
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.
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.
Recently Spotted:
travo (2m)
^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.
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.
If you want $200, list it for at least $250.