Top loading NES, is it worth it?

[Taco]

I feel like someone already made a topic like this but I can't remember. Anyways does anyone recommend the top loader over the toaster (as in top loader being modded?) because I've been thinking of getting one but they get pretty darn expensive on the internet so I need opinions.

[TDIRunner]

In my opinion, no.  I would never pay market value for one.  With that said, if I ever see one for a steal, I would snatch it up in a heartbeat for the collection.  But even if I found one, I would continue to use my original model in my setup.  The top loader is good if you have trouble getting your games to work due to a bad pin connector, but for me I've found ways around that issue and I just prefer the looks of the original.

But again, that's my opinion. 

[palmer6strings]

^---- agreed.

[FritzWhite]

What about the mini SNES? Like the NES top loader, it seems to be worth more than the standard Super Nintendo, but I understand that the video connection is a lower quality. Why would it be more expensive if the video isn't as good?

[gam3rz3r0]

I'm assuming there aren't as many snes minis as the original one.

[tiktektak]

Top Loader NES with full rgb mod from the Aussie guy definitely THE best NES!

Region free -> check
Top picture -> check
Good looking -> check
Easy to use and reliable -> check

[Megatron]

As has been said, an unmodded NES top loader is not worth the price unless you REALLY want it on your shelf.  Coaxial cable only, AND no game genie support, as game genie is too big for it.  Game genie isnt really a deal breaker for me, but it is annoying.
I recently found one for a pretty good price and I am glad I have it, but I never use it.  Plus I am not the biggest fan of the dogbone NES controller.

As for the SNES mini, I have one and have not noticed any difference in picture quality to a regular SNES.  That said, they are hooked up to an older (pre 2000) TV, so that may not be the best judge of picture or sound. 
As for why they cost more, because they are less common so people assume they should be more $$$.  Some stores near me charge $5 more, but that's it.  There are rumored to be mini SNES controllers that originally came with it, but I cannot confirm this.  I'm not the biggest fan of the power and resent switch.  They feel tight and tend to stick, plus no power light.

Either way, unless you are a die hard collector who wants them on your shelf, stick with the originals.

[KalessinDB]

Top Loader is amazing if you mod it for at least composite.

Speaking of which, anyone want to buy a composite modded top loader?

[marioxb]

AV Famicom with adapter for US games. Same as top loader, but AV instead of RF.

[wiggy]

What about the mini SNES? Like the NES top loader, it seems to be worth more than the standard Super Nintendo, but I understand that the video connection is a lower quality. Why would it be more expensive if the video isn't as good?

The 101 actually has the best output of any SNES model. Though, if you want s-vid, you have to do a small amount of modding.

AV Famicom with adapter for US games. Same as top loader, but AV instead of RF.

This.

[redsox2012]

There are actually some U.S. NES top loaders with A/V built in.  From what I've read elsewhere, people were unhappy with the video quality of the NES-101 when it first came out.  If they complained, the customer could send it to Nintendo, and they would replace the RF output with an A/V output for free, making it just like the Famicom.  Apparently, there was a very short window to have this service done.  I think Nintendo had some walk in service centers in the early 90's where this could be done as well.

[Taco]

Top Loader is amazing if you mod it for at least composite.

Speaking of which, anyone want to buy a composite modded top loader?

I might depending on the price