To give you an idea of how much has truly changed, my first two machines cost the same as today’s newest topper. Both beautiful examples(not mint but nice): Lethal Weapon 3 and Bally Party Zone.

Over the years, bought projects, fixed, kept then sold/traded. Only two times I’ve invested straight cash: my first two mentioned above, and my Rush Premium from earlier this year.

Other than Rush, nothing really jumped out and said it was worth that kind of money to me. There’s a lot of great games sure, just nothing I really had to have, especially at those prices. Too many other things I can do/have done with that money.

So to answer your initial question: I was priced out, as soon as I bought my first two machines, lol. Not because of affordability, more sensibility, needs to make sense on why I’d acquire something else.