Arcade machine Blue Book

[CCM]

Is there such a thing as an arcade machine blue book?  Or a pricing guide for machines?

[myntik1]

I would venture a guess and say no.  Most people have a sentimental attachment to certain games.  I couldn't care less about my SI, and I would pay through the nose for a Vanguard.

[SavannahLion]

It was discussed elsewhere. Can't remember which thread though.

Here's the gist though.

Arcade machines are too varied to have any sort of set pricing guide. Even from the manfacturer, it's possible to have the same game constructed differently. Either with different monitors, joysticks or even scavanged wood components from still other arcade machines. In other cases OEM cabinets can even be retrofitted with a differet game even before it leaves the warehouse. I believe Donkey Kong is a good example of this. (If I'm wrong I'm sure PBJ will pipe up and correct me.   )

More importantly, creating a price guide would encourage sleazy non-arcade enthusiasts to make money by artificially driving prices high. eBay already does a pretty good job of that, thank you very much. When prices are driven too high, it would unfairly push this hobby out of reach of too many people.

Yeah, I thought the same as you, coming from hobbies that literally centered around publications like Beckett, Scrye, Inquest and others of the same ilk. But even in the short.. six months? I've been here I've spotted some really good steals and deals. The only thing I ever wonder is, would those $400 Tempest monitors drop in price or go up if a price guide was created? Oh well.  

[SavannahLion]

OK, I found the thread: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=68034.0

At the end, someone does say there is a price guide, but the link never worked for me then. Still seems to fail for me.

[CCM]

Thanks for the info. 

[ark_ader]

OK, I found the thread: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=68034.0

At the end, someone does say there is a price guide, but the link never worked for me then. Still seems to fail for me.

There is a price guide, and it shows the value of the games when the book was published. 

Now most of the games incuded in the publication will have changed due to the economy.  The game Dragon's Lair 3D bumped the original cabinets up like $3000, but today you can get the same game much lower.

I bought it for all the neat cabinets, and I got it from Amazon.  I cannot believe I played nearly all these games when I was a kid.

The title: The Encyclopedia of Arcade Video Games

ISBN: 0-7643-1925-6  I got it for $29.99

Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Arcade-Video-Schiffer-Collectors/dp/0764319256/ref=sr_11_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1204771299&sr=11-1

One of these days I might learn how to just type the name and hide the link.....

[paigeoliver]

I don't think you have to worry much about game prices raising anytime soon. They have been going DOWN as long as I have been involved in the hobby. Mame cabinets are basically the reason too.

[SavannahLion]

I don't think you have to worry much about game prices raising anytime soon. They have been going DOWN as long as I have been involved in the hobby. Mame cabinets are basically the reason too.

Yet there are still twits asking $1500 for a single slot NeoGeo on Craigs. 

[Ken Layton]

Is there such a thing as an arcade machine blue book?  Or a pricing guide for machines?

Yes, there is. Coin op machine distributors use a book called, "Distributor's Blue Book" (published quarterly). I believe it sells for around $100. It lists all games (including pinballs and redemption games) going back ten years from publication date.

[CCM]

Is there such a thing as an arcade machine blue book?  Or a pricing guide for machines?

Yes, there is. Coin op machine distributors use a book called, "Distributor's Blue Book" (published quarterly). I believe it sells for around $100. It lists all games (including pinballs and redemption games) going back ten years from publication date.

Can a non-distributor get one somewhere?

[Ken Layton]

Yes, I think ordinary people can buy them, but the price is considerably higher. I think you can buy the book thru Vending Times, Playmeter, and Replay magazines.

[CCM]

Yes, I think ordinary people can buy them, but the price is considerably higher. I think you can buy the book thru Vending Times, Playmeter, and Replay magazines.

Thanks!  I'll check those out.