The Video Game Critic

I know that the Virtual Boy is a good system to own as a collector and probably makes a good conversation piece, but is it a good system for actually playing games?  From what I've read on this site, the games are better than you'd think, but I get the feeling that it would be fun for a few weeks until the novelty wears off, and then it would rarely get touched. 

Those of you who own one, what do you think of the system?  Do you still play it from time to time, or does it just sit there as an interesting conversation piece?

I know that the Virtual Boy is a good system to own as a collector and probably makes a good conversation piece, but is it a good system for actually playing games?  From what I've read on this site, the games are better than you'd think, but I get the feeling that it would be fun for a few weeks until the novelty wears off, and then it would rarely get touched. 

Those of you who own one, what do you think of the system?  Do you still play it from time to time, or does it just sit there as an interesting conversation piece?

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I love the system.  I think it's fun, and definitely unique to any other system out there.  Give it a try.

Most of the games on it are great. The problem is there aren't that many, so just know that if you buy it there are probably only 10 worthwhile games. A few of them are really addictive, like Mario Clash, but just make sure you know your not finding too many games.They are cheap though, so if you have the money, and any other notable systems you can get for around the same price, I say go for it.

I'll throw out the one disenting opinion thus far.  I was going to buy one but a friend loaned me his to see if I'd like it.  There's a reason the system warns you before every game to only play for 30 minutes at a time that is if you can even stomach it that long. 

Regardless of how good the games are you're eyes becomes quite warped by sticking your head in a black box with red lights dancing around.  At first you'll think, this isn't so bad, I don't know what everyone else was bitching about.  And then you'll slowly start to feel it.  It's hard to describe other than you're about to get one heck of a headache combined with a loss of focus.  Imagine watching a movie at the theatre during the day and then coming outside to a bright sunny sky.  Your pupils are so dilated it's hard to see anything, well, multiple that by 10 and then figure that everytime you need to do anything you're going to get that same feeling.  It's annoying as all get out.

I'm so glad I never bought one as it would have just set on the shelf as a collectible to never be played.  My Odessey 2 has gotten more love than the VBoy.

If you can borrow one from someone, go that route first, to see what you think.  Wario's an awesome game but after 30 minutes, I never wanted to touch the system again.

They are pretty cheap to find on eBay, and I'm glad I got mine. Sure, I don't play it everyday, just every once in a while. But the games are cool and its totally unique.

-Rob

Appoximately how much would I expect to spend on ebay?  I can get one at a store near me for $99.95.  That includes the system, the game Teleroboxer, and a cool carry case that I would like to have.  Also, I would be buying from someone who I've bought used systems and games from before so I know I can trust it will be in good condition and work well.

I seem to remember buying mine for about $60 (eBay).

-Rob

Appoximately how much would I expect to spend on ebay?  I can get one at a store near me for $99.95.  That includes the system, the game Teleroboxer, and a cool carry case that I would like to have.  Also, I would be buying from someone who I've bought used systems and games from before so I know I can trust it will be in good condition and work well.

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Whoa nelly. Check Ebay before you get that. I got mine used, with the box, and 12 games for $100 on Ebay.

Appoximately how much would I expect to spend on ebay?  I can get one at a store near me for $99.95.  That includes the system, the game Teleroboxer, and a cool carry case that I would like to have.  Also, I would be buying from someone who I've bought used systems and games from before so I know I can trust it will be in good condition and work well.

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Whoa nelly. Check Ebay before you get that. I got mine used, with the box, and 12 games for $100 on Ebay.

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Does that $100 include the shipping costs?  I browsed through the listings on ebay and kinda figured that $99.95 is a bit of an inflated price, but I am thinking about getting it if only because it comes with a neat case.  It doesn't sound like a big deal, but I don't know if you could find one anywhere else.  It's a sturdy case made specifically for the virtual boy.  It's basically the kind of case that video stores use for their systems.