Says the guy with 14 at home in a collection. Oh and I am sure the dozens you sold never turned a profit. Right?

Maybe...however you are missing a big reality in this hobby.

This hobby is very very expensive to engage in and maintain a presence in. There is a huge percentage now in the hobby that really for all practical purposes and financial logic have no business being in the hobby. Lots of guys with +\-60k income with 60k +\- worth of machines. How does that happen? Either very poor financial decisions (credit cards, loans, etc) or alternative income source - in this case usually directly from this flipping / profiteering zeitgeist we are in the midst of.

It’s true, all NIB machines depreciate, some faster and worse than others but all depreciate. If you stay committed to finding projects and deals, learn how to repair and don’t overspend on silly mods you will absolutely make a profit every single time with used games.

This has become not just a biproduct of the hobby but for many the ONLY point of entry and a requirement to participate.

NIB all shiny and sexy and with a new car smell are seductive for those who get to a place where they have a few good valuable games in their lineup or a stockpile of profits from flipping. It’s tempting to buy NIB but the sexiness masks the inevitable depreciation and ultimately those “hobbyists” who rely on the profits get caught off guard with the reality of the depreciation loss.

I have no ill will with manufacturers driving up costs and pumping out vaults of vaults. Why wouldn’t they?? We just keep buying!