Price for an Asteroids cocktail arcade?

[Panman]

Hey everybody.  I am currently a big collector/player of everything that is original NES (131 games and counting), however, I came across an Asteroids cocktail arcade the other day in a flea market.  Since then, I have been obsessed with researching it and learning as much as I can about it.  It is listed in the flea market at $500, although I have a feeling that this is too steep.  I had them plug it in for me the other day, and the game works fine, I thought I heard a really soft low hum the whole time, but the controls worked perfect on both the 1 and 2 player sides and the sound was good.  There is some cosmetic issues (hopefully you can see them in the pictures) such as scratches on the glass, missing decals under the glass, some normal wear 'n tear, the coin return gets stuck etc., not huge issues, but from what I've read, $500 for this game would be a price for one that is in great shape.  What would be a more accurate offer for this cabinet?  Also, as I stated, I'm new to the whole arcade thing, is there anything in particular that I should look for on the inside that would be warning signs?  Any help with would be GREATLY appreciated as I do not want to overpay for it, although I don't want to low-ball the guy either.  Again, I appreciate all you experts chiming in to help.

Lee

[boardjunkie]

Depends on how bad you want it. For the average Joe off the street I don't think 500 is a bad price. A games dealer would sell that for around 800-1000 at least. Is it in working condition? It is in nice shape otherwise, and complete (not missing the access door). So if you want it, buy it. Just keep in mind games of that age are getting kinda "grumpy" these days and it might need attention every once in a while to keep it running. These games weren't intended to last 30-odd years to begin with.....

[opt2not]

I'd ask to see the insides, verify the boards. Looks like its missing the original glass artwork, some leg caps (the plastic square ends on the legs), and there's minor chipping damage.  If it works, thats great! What the screen brightness like? Is there much monitor burn-in? Does the coin insert and start buttons light up? They're supposed to. You may need to do some maintenance to the innards. You should ask if they've done any changes in there, i.e cap-kit (especially big blue), Ram updates, fuses...These cabinets ARE 30 years old now. the hum maybe a loose connection with the speakers, or a failing audio amp.

I'd ask for $300-400, and barter from there.

[boardjunkie]

Oh ok, it works.....didn't see that part. The hum in the audio is from aged filter caps. Dirty edge connectors or other connectors right down to the fuseholders can cause similar issues as well. You'd be smart to have it completely gone thru and tuned up. If you want it to run reliably that is.....

Looks like some of the painted art on the bottom side of the glass flaked off so they prob'ly just finished the job by scraping it off. No big deal, it wasn't that elaborate anyway. Thats not a collector price, so who cares if its not in collector condition.

The board doesn't need to be verified....its a dedicaded game so it has the right board in it. The serial # might not match with the rest of the number stickers....it was common back in the day to send out your board and get a working replacement sent in place of the non working one just to save downtime.

[leapinlew]

Astounding, the fervor for an Asteroids button layout

[opt2not]

Astounding, the fervor for an Asteroids button layout

lol

[Panman]

I really appreciate everyone helping me out, as I said, this is my first arcade endeavor.  I'm a big NES guy right now, and always will be, but I'd love to get into the arcade thing too, why the hell not, I just love any old games anyway.  My only concern is this; I don't just want it, I want to to be in great shape physically and operationally.  This means that even though the glass might not be a huge deal, I don't want it scratched up at all (doesn't help that I have washed windows professionally for six years, haha) and I want the decals in great shape, meaning I would most certainly buy new glass as well as decals.  I don't want to offer the guy a real cheap price, but I do want him to understand that as soon I purchase it, I will be making further purchases to improve the condition of it.  If I offer 250 or so (although I'm willing to pay quite a bit more) and barter up from there, do any of you think that that would be a real jerk move?  Keep in mind, this is being sold at a flea market, not a vintage arcade distributor so there should be some room for haggling.  Also, do any of you have a ball park figure of what a new piece of glass with fresh decals would cost, as well as any immediate fixes to the innards that should happen?

To answer a few questions, the screen had pretty good "color", it wasn't super dull or anything, and there was not any  burn in that I noticed.  Also, the player 1 and 2 lights, as well as the coin return light, all illuminated when turned on.  Although, the coin return gets really stuck. 

Again, I really appreciate everyone helping me out, no matter how much I try to read and learn about this machine, one cannot beat experience in the field.  Thank a ton.


Lee

[leapinlew]

I really appreciate everyone helping me out, as I said, this is my first arcade endeavor.  I'm a big NES guy right now, and always will be, but I'd love to get into the arcade thing too, why the hell not, I just love any old games anyway.  My only concern is this; I don't just want it, I want to to be in great shape physically and operationally.  This means that even though the glass might not be a huge deal, I don't want it scratched up at all (doesn't help that I have washed windows professionally for six years, haha) and I want the decals in great shape, meaning I would most certainly buy new glass as well as decals.  I don't want to offer the guy a real cheap price, but I do want him to understand that as soon I purchase it, I will be making further purchases to improve the condition of it.  If I offer 250 or so (although I'm willing to pay quite a bit more) and barter up from there, do any of you think that that would be a real jerk move?  Keep in mind, this is being sold at a flea market, not a vintage arcade distributor so there should be some room for haggling.  Also, do any of you have a ball park figure of what a new piece of glass with fresh decals would cost, as well as any immediate fixes to the innards that should happen?

To answer a few questions, the screen had pretty good "color", it wasn't super dull or anything, and there was not any  burn in that I noticed.  Also, the player 1 and 2 lights, as well as the coin return light, all illuminated when turned on.  Although, the coin return gets really stuck. 

Again, I really appreciate everyone helping me out, no matter how much I try to read and learn about this machine, one cannot beat experience in the field.  Thank a ton.


Lee

You know... at the price he is asking and your lack of exposure, I think you might be better off doing more research and possibly building a mame machine in the meantime. Build 1 machine that plays 100's of games and if you really like it - you can decide if you want to collect dedicated machines.

As a bonus, you can put the NES games on your mame machine, or build a NES themed MAME machine like this guy did:

[opt2not]

I'm going through an asteroids restoration myself, I've post a bunch of links there that might help answer some questions you may have (including where to get a repro decal underlay): http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=107874.0

Good luck!

[Panman]

Opt2not, I think I've read your current thread three or four times over, haha.  I've also checked out almost all the links you've posted, by far some of the most helpful information I have gathered so far.  I think what I need to do is just go ahead and start making offers.  What the hell, I'm not gonna end up with it unless I start trying to buy it.  I'll keep this thread going and keep you all informed.

Leapinlew, I appreciate your input, but I'd rather not make a NES cabinet.  I'd really like to just dive in to the old stuff, I'm not unwilling to follow up on the necessary maintenance for that cabinet.  Also, the whole point of collecting NES stuff is to play the original console, all about the nostalgia, haha.  I do appreciate your alternate ideas though.

I'll keep everyone posted on how this goes, especially since I'll need to start another post about restoration once/if I get it.

Lee

[leapinlew]

Opt2not, I think I've read your current thread three or four times over, haha.  I've also checked out almost all the links you've posted, by far some of the most helpful information I have gathered so far.  I think what I need to do is just go ahead and start making offers.  What the hell, I'm not gonna end up with it unless I start trying to buy it.  I'll keep this thread going and keep you all informed.

Leapinlew, I appreciate your input, but I'd rather not make a NES cabinet.  I'd really like to just dive in to the old stuff, I'm not unwilling to follow up on the necessary maintenance for that cabinet.  Also, the whole point of collecting NES stuff is to play the original console, all about the nostalgia, haha.  I do appreciate your alternate ideas though.

I'll keep everyone posted on how this goes, especially since I'll need to start another post about restoration once/if I get it.

Lee

Nintendo made quite a few arcade games... you could start with any of the donkey kongs, popeye, etc. Personally, I don't think the cabinet is worth $250.

[Xiaou2]

leapinlew,
 
 Have you even ever played a real vector game, on a real vector monitor?

  Anyone can play Excite Bike on a nes / emulator.  But you cant play Asterioids or any other vector game correctly without the real vector monitor. Its nothing close to the same experience.

 I think $400 to $600 is about the price you are going to see on this game.  (unless its not working)

 A good standup Asteroids will probably go $600  to +$1000.

 You can find standup Asteroids Deluxe for a bit cheaper than the original Asteriods.  I always find that strange, considering, IMOP... that AD is a superior game in every way. (including the awesome 3d blacklit artwork)

[SithMaster]

leapinlew,
 
 Have you even ever played a real vector game, on a real vector monitor?

  Anyone can play Excite Bike on a nes / emulator.  But you cant play Asterioids or any other vector game correctly without the real vector monitor. Its nothing close to the same experience.

 I think $400 to $600 is about the price you are going to see on this game.  (unless its not working)

 A good standup Asteroids will probably go $600  to +$1000.

 You can find standup Asteroids Deluxe for a bit cheaper than the original Asteriods.  I always find that strange, considering, IMOP... that AD is a superior game in every way. (including the awesome 3d blacklit artwork)

Those prices might not reflect the current market in his area though.  I'm not experienced with vectors so I'd be a little concerned about the monitor continuing to work.

I skimmed over your posts Panman and didn't notice anything about this being a favorite game of yours.  If there is another game that you enjoy more than this I'd skip this one and try to find one you'd prefer to keep long term.  Otherwise offer an amount that factors in all restore costs (glass might be around 60 usd online so add shipping and decals might be another 30? maybe).  So "for the condition that its in I'll offer $300" and see what the seller says.

[opt2not]

The klov forums are a good source of reference. Here are a few posts of Asteroids Cocktail cabinets that have been on sale for the last few months:
http://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?t=156205 $325
http://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?t=164955 $300
http://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?t=140867 $200

Here's a recent ebay listing for a Deluxe cocktail (which didn't sell):
http://cgi.ebay.com/Asteroids-Deluxe-Cocktail-/320650993396?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item4aa849def4  $300
 

[leapinlew]

leapinlew,
 
 Have you even ever played a real vector game, on a real vector monitor?

  Anyone can play Excite Bike on a nes / emulator.  But you cant play Asterioids or any other vector game correctly without the real vector monitor. Its nothing close to the same experience.

 I think $400 to $600 is about the price you are going to see on this game.  (unless its not working)

 A good standup Asteroids will probably go $600  to +$1000.

 You can find standup Asteroids Deluxe for a bit cheaper than the original Asteriods.  I always find that strange, considering, IMOP... that AD is a superior game in every way. (including the awesome 3d blacklit artwork)

I've played Asteroids on a vector monitor. It is definitely an experience that cannot be duplicated without a vector monitor.

I think your pricing might be out of date. Arcade games have plummeted. A standup asteroids in my part of the country isn't getting anywhere near $600. I've also seen the decline in the multicade machines. The market is saturated, people are out of work, or people aren't interested, no matter what the reason is, arcade games don't fetch the same prices as they used to. I still think the asteroids cocktail table cost too much.

Regardless, the suggestion I made was in relation to the notion I have that the OP doesn't know much about arcade games and doesn't necessarily have any connection with Asteroids. Mame is an excellent way to get into the hobby. How many times have we seen Mame builders advance to dedicated collectors? It happens all the time. It was just a suggestion. I thought combining his love for NES with arcades could be a good first step. 

[RayB]

When the game is running, are the vectors stable? Look for what looks like a "wave" going through the screen, or parts of graphics "shaking". Those are not good signs. Use it either as a bargaining angle, or just walk away if you are not comfortable with the idea of fixing the monitor one day.

The hum as mentioned before is probably from the main big capacitor. It's a good idea to replace it. You'll be paying about $11 for a new one. I'd also rebuild the power / audio regulator just to feel it satisfied the game will last a good time longer. A rebuild kit is about $10. Those expenses, shipping of the parts and your time soldering can be another bargaining angle with the seller. (You know, point out the flaws, make a lower offer).

I'd offer $300 as a start. If the monitor is exhibiting any of the things mentioned above, I wouldn't go above $350. It's a gamble. If the flyback in the monitor goes out, there are no new replacements.

If the monitor is good, then set your limit higher. I'm not sure I'd spend $500 though, knowing I'll dump a minimum of $30 in "maintenance" parts to ensure it works for a good while more, and if the buttons are yellowed, there's more expense there, buying nice new ones.

PS: What do you mean the monitor had a nice color? It's black & white.

[Panman]

Ray, I did not see any squiggly lines anywhere on the screen.  The spaceship, as well as the asteroids seemed as though they had a pretty good brightness still.  The bullets that came out of the ship were bright as all hell too.  I started to piece together price deductions to make an offer.  Yesterday I found the decals for 45, but I can't find anywhere on the internet that sells replacement glass, if this is the case, then I'll have to have a custom piece of glass cut from some shop or something, I'm assuming that wouldn't be too cheap, haha.  All together, it seems as though the initial maintenance would be around 150ish, of course as time passes I'llfind other things to replace/customize.  I still have to get a peek at the insides too, I'll try to do that this week, that should be a great way to show that I'm serious in buying it.  Is there anything specific I should be looking for on the insides, I've read about people having issues with boards that are burnt a little, or have black spots?  Glad you all are taking the time to help.

Lee

P.S. Ray, that's why the word "color" is in parentheses, it was sarcasm, haha.

[RayB]

Make sure you look inside with the power off. ;-)

When you open it, the main board will be attached to the door. There is a wide connector on the right side. The area that burns is the right end of it (the end towards the guts of the machine). If you see burn marks there, you can point it out to the guy. I wouldn't disconnect or touch anything. He could blame you if anything broke.

It looks to be in pretty good condition actually. The guy may think you are nitpicking. Offer $300 and meet in the middle at $400 tops. (Unless you REALLY love this game. Then the sky's the limit!!)

[RayB]

PS: I just noticed those aren't the proper glass clips. ;-)

Good reference thread: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=107874.msg1161776#new

[SithMaster]

You found the decals at arcadeshop then, maybe?

Thing is I keep reading how people find better prices locally for glass usually in the 20-40 range.

So far I've found this for used glass but that really isn't what you want.  I think the best bet is to get it local custom made.

[leapinlew]

You found the decals at arcadeshop then, maybe?

Thing is I keep reading how people find better prices locally for glass usually in the 20-40 range.

So far I've found this for used glass but that really isn't what you want.  I think the best bet is to get it local custom made.

This is what I did. I took the old glass into a shop to use as a template and picked up a new piece a few days later. I opted to not get the tempered glass due to costs.

[leapinlew]

Well, did you buy it?

[opt2not]

Well, did you buy it?

Yeah, what's the word?

[HaRuMaN]

Well, did you buy it?

Yeah, what's the word?

Ah word up!

[leapinlew]

leapinlew,
 
 Have you even ever played a real vector game, on a real vector monitor?

  Anyone can play Excite Bike on a nes / emulator.  But you cant play Asterioids or any other vector game correctly without the real vector monitor. Its nothing close to the same experience.

 I think $400 to $600 is about the price you are going to see on this game.  (unless its not working)

 A good standup Asteroids will probably go $600  to +$1000.

 You can find standup Asteroids Deluxe for a bit cheaper than the original Asteriods.  I always find that strange, considering, IMOP... that AD is a superior game in every way. (including the awesome 3d blacklit artwork)

Showed up in my craigslist today
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/app/2433841206.html

this machine has just been re capped and serviced by the arcade cup monitor boss in michigan. it is 100% working and sceen looks awsome. have all recipts for service work 5-2011. will deliver, set up, and test, within 40 miles. $500.00 cash only.

$500 and it's been recapped, looks to be in great shape and he will deliver and setup. The arcade market is the titanic.

[lilshawn]

Well, did you buy it?

Yeah, what's the word?

Ah word up!

pfft.... everybody knows that the bird is the word...