It's August, which means it's episode 002 of Retro Relics, an article series dedicated to searching eBay for weird and wacky retro-focused items that are either rare, absurd, or darn right awesome.
For those that listen to our Collectible Club Podcast, you'll know I have an obsession with buying weird retro things, such as the recent Frogger Handheld I picked up, and finally a sealed copy of Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers on XBOX.
I want to put this weird addiction into article form and to show other collectors some epic things that I have come by on my scouting missions across eBay and other various marketplaces.
So, sit back, grab a cuppa, and enjoy a scroll through this month's retro relics of eBay. ☕️
Small Soldiers MB Handheld - $55
Milton Bradley
Who remembers Small Soldiers? What a movie, and a movie that I wish got a sequel or even a remake. The characters were awesome, it made Toy Story look like, well... a kids movies and the storyline was pretty fast paced too.
However, the games didn't really match up to that, but this small MB LCD handheld that is still sealed could be a great snag for a Small Soldiers fan who wants an incredibly unique way to play a Small Soldiers game.
It's collectible, and sealed if you want to add this to the collection, and not too expensive for those who want to crack it.
Graded "Not For Resale" Halo: Combat Evolved on Xbox - $12,000
Unbranded
If you're a fan of the original Halo game, then you may not know that there are a small number of scarce versions of the game. Known as "Not For Resale" or. "NSR" versions.
These units were the first to make their way out into the world, distributed to a number of Microsoft Staff, Bungie Developers and a handful of game stores across the globe.
It's unknown how many copies of these are out there, but they're incredibly limited and sought after by some of the most avid video game collectors, seeing as it's one of the greatest retro games of all time.
If you have a spare $12K and want one of the rarest XBOX games ever made, there's one up for grabs.
First Edition Digimon TCG Base Set Booster Box - $400
Digimon had its time, and although you may think it's now gone under the radar for many years, you would be correct. However, Digimon could be making a comeback in video game form, after their popular release of Digimon Story: Time Stranger, turning heads.
The original trading cards are still reasonably priced in comparison to Pokémon, and with the turmoil of the Pokémon TCG right now, in regards to scalpers, too many set releases a year and a disregard for their customer base, it's a good time to take a step into Digimon.
Perhaps over the coming years, Digimon will start growing in popularity due to the awesome artwork, great gameplay mechanics and the fact that you can actually buy the stock?
If that does happen, it's a good time to begin collecting the older, vintage sets. Yes, it's risky if you're looking at this from an investment, but it could pay off, especially before the onslaught of content creators getting their grubby mittens on them to open for profit. This is not financial/investing advice.
Limited Edition One Piece Nintendo 3DS LL - $400
Nintendo
For a fact, One Piece is growing at an incredible rate, especially since the TCG has picked up, and the launch of the Netflix Show has welcomed a large, new audience of young fans.
With it being popular in the nostalgic and collectable niches, it's only a matter of time before the younger audience starts collecting things in the space, and I believe that audience will be the perfect age to remember the Nintendo DS/2DS/3DS consoles and want a "piece" of the collectable pie in the future.
The limited edition 3DS LL made in collaboration with One Piece is beautifully designed, illustrated with classic manga scenes, alongside the added video games to make this console an incredible collectable for One Piece fans.
I myself have already picked up a few One Piece items since watching the show, so it's working, and I can imagine a lot of gamers will start exploring the great game library this franchise has to offer, leading them into the collectable side over the next 5 to 10 years.
1979 Milton Bradley Microvision - Sealed - $468
The Microvision was the world's first video game handheld console with interchangeable cartridges. It's the handheld that inspired Nintendo to create GAME BOY games, and likely the one that started the ongoing trend of cartridges.
Is it any good? Not really? I have one, boxed, and it rarely comes out of my wardrobe, but it's certainly a wonderful handheld to experience, to get a sense of that technology back in 1979.
I found a boxed and sealed version up for grabs, in incredible condition, which is insanely rare. If you're like me and are obsessed with handhelds, it's an opportunity to snag a remarkable handheld, sealed. There must be very little of these still sealed in the world.
Vintage Pokémon Digital Watch 1999 - $50
innovative time
I like to add in some form of quirky watch in each episode of Retro Relics, this time a vintage 1999 Pokémon digital watch featuring a very unique version of Ash Ketchum.
I remember having something like this as a kid and I have also noticed a rise in collectable watches over the years, so mixing Pokémon with that new trend is probably a reason for the $50 price tag.
This one is still sealed and comes with an additional strap so that you can pair it with your clothes. That's if you're cool enough to wear this out in public.
And there's a look at this month's top retro relics on eBay. We'll continue this series next month, so be sure to come back if you enjoy seeing unique collectibles up for grabs!
