Opinion: "Custom"/"modded"/"hacked" devalues it

[kupomogli]

I pretty much just want original unmodified systems, I avoid altered ones like NES systems with new connectors. The exceptions are systems with mod chips like PS1s or PS2s, those would be more monetarily valuable modified. I still would want unmodified systems too but the modified ones in that case would be useful to have as well.

Someone recently found how you can run content on an unmodded PS2.

https://kotaku.com/ps2-hack-runs-gam...-re-1844197947

[Rickstilwell1]

Modded systems can be cool, but then I end up wanting both a modded and unmodded copy of each system. For example I like my new backlit DMG Game Boy, but I still keep a couple unmodded DMGs too. I have no reason to buy any HDMI modded consoles because I also collected enough CRTs to probably last me a lifetime. If I want to run something on HDMI why not just use an emulation based system like a modded classic mini or my laptops?

[Gameguy]

Someone recently found how you can run content on an unmodded PS2.

https://kotaku.com/ps2-hack-runs-gam...-re-1844197947

That's really neat, I think I heard about this earlier but didn't look too much into it then. While it does work, it hasn't been made for every PS2 firmware version so it's not entirely practical, at least not yet. And it's about 15 years too late so using a mod chip or soft modded memory card is already the most accepted options.

I also didn't know the PS4 dropped CD support so that's something new I learned. It kind of sucks as the console is less functional now. I would want as much compatibility available as possible, I personally use CDs more than Blu Rays.

Modded systems can be cool, but then I end up wanting both a modded and unmodded copy of each system.

That's what I do. I own several PS1 and PS2 consoles, I usually just use the modded systems just for homebrew or translations, I don't want to wear out the lasers when I could just use stock systems for normal games.

I wouldn't mind modded handhelds with added backlights like the GBA, Gameboy Color, and Gameboy Pocket, etc. I just never wanted to pay much for these as the GBA SP is already backlit. Finding modded PS1s and PS2s for cheap wasn't too bad around 10 years ago. I still prefer keeping systems original as much as possible, especially with more rare consoles like the Nomad. Repairs are different than mods.

[jperryss]

I'm fine with internal upgrades as long as they are done properly and cleanly. I have four RGB-modded consoles and they all look completely original on the outside. I also added power LEDs to my AV Famicom and SNES Jr.

As for "real collectors", who cares? For every so-called collector there are dozens of real gamers happily paying premiums for modded hardware. And it's not like unmolested versions of these consoles are hard to find.

[gbpxl]

not hard to find right now. gets harder and harder each year though. good luck finding a virgin NES in 2030

[Niku-Sama]

i've got a closet full

i think it depends on the console, if theres a known problem and theres a mod out there to fix like to the vectrex hum, then i dont think it hurts value but i also dont think it makes it much more valuable if at all.

My NES toploader i bought not working and it had a roasted PPU, i scored a working replacement off of a lone bare NES toaster board to stick in the top loader, with a socket just in case. is it modified, technically. is it worth any more, well again technically because it works now. i dont think it would hurt the value either if any one asks, sure the PPU is in the socket now but again, it works where as before when i got it, it didnt.

i can make other examples of this but i dont feel the need

[Gameguy]

It really depends on the situation, there's plenty of common failures where some mods are needed to actually repair an item as there are high failure rates with stock hardware. It's like this a lot with vintage computers, like adding heat sinks to RAM chips or installing sockets so future repairs will be much easier, replacing stock ROM chips with eproms as original replacements aren't available(I still don't like this if an original can be tracked down), or adding additional circuitry to protect components from surges or other poor engineering problems when originally built.

It's a bit different compared to modifying the video or audio output to run in ways completely different from the original outputs. Again it's just a personal preference of mine.

I've seen some people complain about the Genesis having horrible sound quality compared to the SNES, and playing a game on an emulator or aftermarket system as an example to show others. In the example, it really sounded like crap, but I have the same game and on actual original hardware it sounds nothing like that at all. So various people are agreeing with this person on how awful the Genesis sound really is based on that, and it's unfair because I know it's wrong because of the hardware being used. This is why I'm big on original hardware so much.