Which games fall into the "Goldilocks" zone of rarity?

supertechnoboy

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Which games fall into the "Goldilocks" zone of rarity?

That is to say, rare enough to make them highly desirable and collectable, but common enough that lots of people have enjoyed playing them. Just right.

I have two projects lined up that I think fall into this category: EDOT and a Joust cocktail. Since I've barely started on the EDOT and I haven't started on the Joust at all, I've got some time to think about it.

I'm trying to decide which game to lust after next, and for me, the Goldilocks zone coincides with the $1,000-$3,000 price point. EDOT is certainly in there, and Joust CT is close (when restored). I think a natural choice would be a Star Wars cockpit. Certainly lust-worthy.

What else should I be considering? (Also worth noting--this is completely hypothetical, since I don't currently have a $3,000 surplus.)
 
Of the ones you listed I would probably opt for the EDOT.

However, for $3000 you can get an very nice pinball machine to two.
 
Lust after the ones you like and will enjoy, not the ones everyone else thinks are cool.
 
I dunno if I would classify the EDOT or $2k-$3k machines anywhere near a goldilocks zone...unless goldilocks lives on the beach in malibu and drives a ferrarri....
 
Some games I'd love but have not had the opportunity to purchase (more likely due to location than anything else):

Q*Bert
EDOT/DOT
Space Fury
Star Trek
...and more.

Considering I've been pretty much on top of the hobby for over 5 years now and none of these have come up, they're rare around here. Also, strangely enough, I've not had a single opportunity to purchase a mini cab of any sort.
 
Q*Bert is a good one. It's a lot more rare that I originally thought. One came up locally last month, but the guy's definition of "good condition" was different than mine. The game had been outside for who-knows-how-long, and had swelled magnificently.
 
I can't think of many games I'd pay $3000 for other than a minty Star Wars cockpit or EDOT. Or maybe a Quantum.

Also only a very few I'd pay over $1000 for - Star Wars upright with multi comes to mind, Food Fight is one, and dedicated Major Havoc could push up toward $2000. I don't think I'd put a restored Joust cocktail in that range at all honestly.


Minus rep for calling it the "Goldilocks Zone" btw. :/ Worst. Attempt. To. Coin. New. Phrase. Evar.

EDIT: Wouldn't put Q*bert in that range either unless we're talking rebuilt, probably in a repro cabinet, and decked out with all new repro art.
 
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A "planet within a habitable zone that is unlikely to host life"?

Drugs are bad, mkay? LOL

My Joust cocktail will totally be worth $10,000. You'll see.

LOL I guess... just hope you're not planning to become another new 'reseller', not that their $10,000 BIN auctions and Craigslist ads don't amuse me and all, just hate to see people go all in on a venture where there is little or no money to really be had.
 
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