That "black stuff" in the game is normal; if you never clean the game up.

A good theme can make the game, good flow can be a deciding factor, and how complex the rules are might deter a noobie from some games. But the biggest deciding factor is usually budget.
$1000 will get you a good '80's game.
$2000 will get a good '90's game or an "A" list '80's
$3000 will get you a "top 20" game
$4000 is getting into games from the 2000's
$5000 is almost a new game, or a great "top 10" game.

$10000 is the holy grail. That will find you a MM

There is a super mario bros on kijiji in Montreal. My buddy was looking thinking about getting it. That's easily a 2k or less machine.

Don't get TOO hung up on one game, there is a large market of trading games once you get bored of a table. The only option is to get a second pin.... But that's a slippery slope. Before you know it you'll have 4. Then you'll be moving furniture to get the fifth....then sixth.