Hey Collecters: VidPro Cards for NES, Genesis, SNES

[jlued686]

I saw this over on 1up and thought some people might be interested.

http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=9011894

VidPro had a (patented) system so smart that I honestly don't understand why it's not still in practice when I go to Wal Mart or Target or whatever; instead of displaying the actual games, VidPro displays had a colorful card hanging on the wall for each title. Customers could browse the box art for every title the store sold, and even flip the cards over to read the text and see the screenshots on the back. If they wanted to make a purchase, they'd grab a slip of paper and bring it up to the cashier. After making a purchase, the customer would take a slip over to a "cage" near the store's exit and claim their games.

I remember these.  It's the system Toys R' Us used to use when I'd go buy Turbo games.

So anyway, the auction is here:
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=vidpro&_ssn=cheapgamestuff

Unfortunately, there aren't any Turbografx-16 VidPro cards listed, but there are some really cool ones for NES, SNES, and Genesis.

[esteban]

I saw this over on 1up and thought some people might be interested.

http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=9011894

VidPro had a (patented) system so smart that I honestly don't understand why it's not still in practice when I go to Wal Mart or Target or whatever; instead of displaying the actual games, VidPro displays had a colorful card hanging on the wall for each title. Customers could browse the box art for every title the store sold, and even flip the cards over to read the text and see the screenshots on the back. If they wanted to make a purchase, they'd grab a slip of paper and bring it up to the cashier. After making a purchase, the customer would take a slip over to a "cage" near the store's exit and claim their games.

I remember these.  It's the system Toys R' Us used to use when I'd go buy Turbo games.

So anyway, the auction is here:
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=vidpro&_ssn=cheapgamestuff

Unfortunately, there aren't any Turbografx-16 VidPro cards listed, but there are some really cool ones for NES, SNES, and Genesis.

Yes, I remember these from Toys-R-Us as well. I don't recall seeing them used in any other store/chain, though.

Kmart, for example, kept new releases/expensive games in a glass case (preventing you from looking at the back of the box). Many mom-n-pop stores did the same thing.

Anyway, from what I can remember, the TG-16 VidPro cards were full-color reproductions (front + back retail box) on  flexible, white plastic cards.

During the TG-16's launch, I am pretty certain that Toys-R-Us required you to bring a slip for the TG-16 console as well, which they brought to you after you paid at the register. My memory is hazy, but I am 92% certain.

R-Type was $59.99 (or more!) at Toys-R-Us at this time.

Crazy.


Update: I contacted the seller, hoping that he might have some TG-16 cards. You can read his curt reply below. Oh well...

[jlued686]

Ha!

Short and to the point.

I think I've purchased from that guy before.  The screen name looks familiar.  Good seller, if I remember correctly.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

That's kind of cool, but pales in comparison to this.  Did anyone here buy this slice of sex?

[RoyVegas]

That's kind of cool, but pales in comparison to this.  Did anyone here buy this slice of sex?

Wow!  That thing would look amazing right next to Sparky's Kiosk.  

[BlackandBlue]

I think I remember Child's World having that system too.

That's kind of cool, but pales in comparison to this.  Did anyone here buy this slice of sex?

I was talking to that guy during the auction.  Very nice guy.  I was going to work out a deal with him if it didn't sell for the reserve price of $250.  He assured me that a very excited collector got it to put in his game room.  I only said something because the buyer had like 3000+ feedback, so I told him that he may be seeing it on ebay again and that it would be a shame.  I'm a little upset that it sold, but glad the guy got the amount he was asking for.

[esteban]

That's kind of cool, but pales in comparison to this.  Did anyone here buy this slice of sex?

Wow, that is kool. But I don't have any place to put it, so I don't feel as envious as I expected.

Still, it would be neat to have that. I want to fondle the display's embossed images with my tender fingers.