Is there a market for old/retro consoles?

[Titan]

I'm just curious of everyone's thoughts. I came up with this idea of buying old consoles (Atari, Masters System, NES, SNES, etc) and their games and peripherals at places like yard sales, CraigsList, really where ever I can get my hands on them for really really cheap (or free. See them from time to time on CraigsList). The idea is buy them working or not, reconditioning and fixing them and then reselling them either on a web store, eBay or even flea markets (quite a few around here).

I got this idea because I've seen at like Toys R Us and catalogs, companies make a remake of the Atari and Genesis that play the original cartridges. Got me thinking if there is a market of nostalgic gamers like me that would buy the original equipment. Plus, I really enjoy pulling apart and fixing electronics

I guess I'm looking for thoughts on this subject because its something I'd like to persue as a side business (mostly for fun) so I guess I'm starting the research process here

Thanks!

 

[Tomba]

The market is definitely there for the games themselves. For the consoles, there's probably a small market for hardcore retro gamers. Me personally, I'd hunt a Master System or a Saturn just to have (and the Master System games with the cases because old school, poor artwork most of the time on a grid just warms the cockles of my heart).

 

[NuclearDragon]

I can't say there's a huge market for retro games where you're guaranteed to move consoles and games, but who knows. Maybe you could kick it off on a smaller scale to test the waters or see what others are doing on retrocentric forums.

 

[Dmadman72]

I would say yes. I have a few friends that are into collecting old games and systems. I think you might do pretty good for your self if you set up a website and sold 1 system. Collectors seem to have the own little groups and once word of mouth got out you might just be surprised. that being said you would have to be able to supply the demand.

 

[DrRipley]

Yes there is a market for it, and if you buy an old console, it will most likely sell - if not now, then in the future. I think it's a worthwhile venture to get into, especially since you plan on fixing it yourself and therefore you can eliminate the cost of having to send it to someone. Like I said, it will sell sooner or later, so even if you can't find a buyer for any console you have now, as long as you can keep it looking good then it will eventually be bought, probably even at a higher price in the future.