Favorite videogame storage format?

You know, I was looking at my videogame shelves this morning and realized just how much damn space my PS2 and GC games take up, considering the fact that they're in DVD cases. I mean, I own more DC games, and they take up less space. Remember when early PS1 (and all Saturn) games came in the big, suitcase-sized cases? Everyone hated them- after all, look how small a CD is. I think everyone was happy when Sony started releasing the games in jewel cases. Yet no one seems to mind the current trend of using DVD cases, even for GC games, whose discs are so small you could probably store 50 of them in a Pringles container. I don't hate DVD cases (I do like the larger area used for cover art now), but I wish a smaller storage format was used. After all, do we really need a memory card holder in each game?

Anyway, which system's games had the best format, for the purpose of storage? Carts are included in this question- I liked the Neo Geo Pocket Color's games, and how they came in little snap-shut plastic cases, which in turn came in bigger snap-shut plastic cases (well, the Japanese ones did- the U.S. ones came in cardboard cases). I suppose that this certain format goes against what I was saying about size in relation to the size of the game in the first paragraph, but I just thought it was neat. Besides, the Neo Geo Pocket was a portable system, so the overall size of the box wasn't a big deal. It ended up not being much bigger than a PS1 jewel case. Of course, I liked SNES carts too, and how they came with the little plastic dust cover over the end. Until, that is, Nintendo got too cheap to include them anymore.

Anyway, I think jewel cases are the best solution. Of course, DVD cases are here to stay, to that renders my opinion moot. I guess I'll just have to buy a bigger videogames shelf. :) I wonder what the format will be for the next round of systems in a few years? probably DVD cases again, unless Sony tries something new like storing games on dried feces or something so they can control the dried feces market. They could ship them in zip-lock baggies... :p

Anyway, what system's cases/format do you like the best? Sorry, this was just the ramble of a veeeery hungover guy... :D Happy Near Year!

I hate, hate, hate DVD cases(I have my reasons). Especially for Gamecube games, what a waste of plastic. I much prefer the Japanese gamecube cases.

As for my favorite, I'll have to go with good old jewel cases. They are nice and small and when you have a nice amount of games that is important. As far as carts go, I prefer hardcases ala early Genesis or Japanese/Asian NGPC. I hate cardboard as it is a pain removing a game without bending the case.

I like DVD cases myself. The glossy look is nice when you have a bunch of them lined up, and the spines look much better (featuring actual logos and clearly labeled platform). I like jewel cases as well, and I always thought the NGPC cases (both types) were really neat (though it seemed everything NGPC related was neat :)).

DVD cases for games are awful.. i thought they'd phase out and be replaced by jewel cases again, like what happened w/ the huge early PS1 games..
i was obviously wrong, and it's a shame we have to deal w/ dvd cases now.

i can take comfort in the fact that they'll soon be replaced by something smaller, though.

The best storage format were the Mega Drive cases. They protected the manual, cartridge and insert perfectly. Durability was great and meant that the games' condition did not depreciate. The worst offender is Nintendo with their bullshit cardboard policy. Finding boxed Famicom stuff is a real chore and the SFC is fast becoming a big problem for those that won't accept unboxed cartridges. The Japanese Gamecube cases are horribly designed and are a good reason to avoid the Gamecube versions of multiformat titles. I prefer CD cases over DVD cases as the latter has the tendancy to scuff the manual.

I really like Jewel cases the most because they are so standard and easy to store but I also like the Japanese Game Cube box. As for cartridges..I always was fond of the original gameboy cases.

Jewelcases are the most worthless type of storage ever... They break so fucking easily, it's rediculous

That's why I love DVD cases: Bendable plastic. You drop it? it bounces. No little ends that break off with the lightest touch. Maybe they could use the same type of plastic, and make smaller jewelcase sized DVD cases, just don't give me that hard plastic crap

I am glad the jewel cases have been replaced by DVD cases. One major reason is that I get a lot of second hand games. The DVD cases don't crack, and the manuals do not double is the front insert. Since the cases don't crack, it is much harder for the actual plastic ring that holds the disc in place to break. Thus, there is less chance of a game coming loose and scratching. Finally, I love the look of the block of DVDs cases running across my shelf. :D

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Originally posted by johnk_
DVD cases for games are awful.. i thought they'd phase out and be replaced by jewel cases again, like what happened w/ the huge early PS1 games..

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I had thought the exact same thing.

Jewel cases all the way.

The Neo*Geo Pocket clamshell cases are by far and away my favourites. Those things are beautiful. Also, they used those in NA and Europe as well as Japan.. it was only towards the end when they switched to the cheap cardboard ones (which were preetty decent for cardboard ones to be honest). Anyway, those are my favourite. :)

After NGP I really liked the SMS/Genny clamshells. They were wonderful! :)

As for jewel/case DVD debate.. I have mixed feelings. Originally I loved jewel cases because I was sick of the Sega CD/Saturn ones that were just way too big. I hated the DVD cases at first but I do like the plastic. Ideally what I'd like to see them do is just uses smaller clamshell style cases for CD-sized media... Or digipaks. ;)

Oh yeh and there is no excuse for those cute little Gamecube discs ending up in those gigantic case. With PS2/Xbox it's not so bad but with Gamecube it seems ridiculous.

Jewel cases break easily but are also easily replaced. What do you do when a DVD case breaks or you need extras? No store at all in my area sells empty DVD cases and I want them for my OXM demos.

I like the DVD cases. The extra space for the art work, plus they look nice and are easy to organize. I don't have to worry about the spindle breaking (as easily) or the tabs that hold the cover in place snapping off. I'd really like to see companies use those plastic cases they use to hold DVD Audio. It's looks snazzy.

EDIT: Wow, I totally misread this thread's topic. Anyway, I don't bother with disc storage like CD jewel cases and DVD cases. My disc-based games (along with the manuals and covers) go into disc wallets for safe, compact storage.

I'm in the fan club with sggg. NGPC clamshells are gorgeous little things: sturdy, small, and super sexy. They're golden.

i hate jewel cases, they break and scuff SO easily. I like DVD cases the best because they hold everything very securly, and have room for a decent sized manual. I think it's good that the DVD case is more substantial than a jewel case, but still thin enough to fit many on a shelf unlike old genny, snes boxes.

I think the look of the US Saturn boxes is cool. I always like when there's a different case shape for each system.

But my favorite would probably be the plain CD cases. They take up less space and look a little more expensive =)

I like the DVD cases. I hated the jewel cases little tabs that would break off just by opening them sometimes. I think the DVD cases look better. Sure, they take up more space than the jewel cases, but I bought a DVD rack that holds a ton of them and looks really nice displaying all my games.

DVD cases rocks the socks. First off is the strength. Second they close nice and tight and keep shut. Thrid they look real smart on a shelf. And 12th they provide more room for real boss art work.

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Originally posted by Melf
Jewel cases break easily but are also easily replaced. What do you do when a DVD case breaks or you need extras? No store at all in my area sells empty DVD cases and I want them for my OXM demos.

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I have all kinds of empty AOL dvd cases...

I actually just switched Devil May Cry into one of them, because my dad bought it used from EB, and it had forty fucking "return within 14 days if seal is not broken" stickers on it, which leave highly unattractive goo on the case...

a case that doesn't allow sticker residue would be nice :) I hate stickers on them...I use goo gone.

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Originally posted by FirstBlood
I have all kinds of empty AOL dvd cases...

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Are you willing to part with some of them? ;)

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I actually just switched Devil May Cry into one of them, because my dad bought it used from EB, and it had forty fucking "return within 14 days if seal is not broken" stickers on it, which leave highly unattractive goo on the case...

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Easily remedied with a $1.49 container of Goop, which can be readily had at any Pep Boys or somesuch auto parts outlet. Spread some Goop on the sticker residue and wait about 20 seconds. Then, gently wipe with a damp towel and no more residue! :D

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Jewelcases are the most worthless type of storage ever... They break so fucking easily, it's rediculous

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What, when you sit on them? I've never had one break.

Smaller is always better for game storage. Jewel cases or those TG-16 style jewel cases (especially neat because the cards are just slick). I don't mind DVD cases because they're thin and somewhat of a universal shape.

Boxes all shapes and sizes annoy me, especially cardboard. Genesis cases would be cool if I didn't have so many of them. Plus, I hate how many different styles they went through with the slip artwork. Looks like a mess on the shelf.

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Originally posted by Rob
What, when you sit on them? I've never had one break.

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what are you talking about? Half the time jewel cases come pre-broken straight from the store. I sure do love those nice cracks that run along the very front of the case. Or how about when you open them up for the first time and the disk, along with about 10 little plastic bits that used to hold the disk in place, all fall out.

I prefer jewel cases to anything else. They're economical, small, and easy to store. They're not that durable though. DVD cases are a nice compromise between the big Saturn/early PSX cases and jewel cases. I absolutely loved the cases used for Wipeout and Twisted Metal on the PSX. Easy to open AND durable. DVD cases tend to be a pain in the ass to get the games out of.

The very reason I keep DVD cases and throw away jewel cases is because jewel cases are so incredibly fragile. So I much prefer clamshell DVD cases to jewel cases.

I've never broken or damaged a jewel case either. The only ones I have that have any damage were either used or came in the mail. What do you people do to your games that makes jewel cases seem "incredibly fragile"? Sheesh... :p

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Originally posted by sggg
I've never broken or damaged a jewel case either. The only ones I have that have any damage were either used or came in the mail. What do you people do to your games that makes jewel cases seem "incredibly fragile"? Sheesh... :p

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You never get pissed at a video game and throw it around? ;)

I take really good care of my games and jewel cases. Those bitches iz fragile so stop denying it!;)

A lot of stores have the little plastic thing on CDs especially and they break the case 80% of the time trying to use their little "key" to get the cd or game out of it. You don't have to abuse your games or their cases to cause the jewel case to break. I have had a lot of them break just when I open them up to put them in.

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Originally posted by Melf
Jewel cases break easily but are also easily replaced. What do you do when a DVD case breaks or you need extras? No store at all in my area sells empty DVD cases and I want them for my OXM demos.

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http://www.baysoftgames.com/dvdrepcas3pa.html

Im also in favor of the dvd cases, it takes nothing at all to break a jewell case...

I'm pretty sure that walmart has plain black replacement DVD cases too by the jewel cases

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Originally posted by NeomegaCloud
I'm pretty sure that walmart has plain black replacement DVD cases too by the jewel cases

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I think I have seen them there also...

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Originally posted by NeomegaCloud
I have had a lot of them break just when I open them up to put them in.

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:wtf:

That's amazing. When you shake people's hands do they also scream in pain? :p

ummmm, no. I just open them like any other one and they will just sometimes break...I don't know why they do.. I think some of them someone else cracks them and then when I open the case, it just breaks all the way off...

My personal Favorite is either the DVD or Q-Pack. Well DVD for the reasons above, and I;m guessing most of you don't know what a Q-Pack case is. It's this case like a jewel case except its solid plastic with a high gloss sticker in the front and back. Inside is more high gloass stickers and then the normal manual. Plus it's made of softer DVD style plastic so it doesnt brake.

I've only see one of these so far (there are others) and it came with my mushroomhead cd. Its a pretty nifty case. Aside from the lack of interchangeability and the showing of fingerprints everywhhere, the Q-pack is the nicest case I've seen :)

I have always loved the huge, horking Saturn game jewel cases. Don't know why.

oh come on, jewel cases are about as fragile as thin glass. Used games almost always have broken/mangled jewel cases. I hate them.

I like their size though, why no one ever stopped and came up with a still small but much sturdier case, I have no idea.

But yeah, NGPC clamshells and second generation Neo Geo cases all the way, SNK knows packaging.

I prefer hardcases. It's a shame the SMS, Genesis, and MD games didn't all go with the same box size as MD Super Fantasy Zone (rather small). Anyway, I've never had one of these break.

Jewel cases can crack easier than peanut brittle if you so much as look at them wrong. By the way, I am as careful as can be with them. Truthfully I've only had a few of them get broken, but the risk of breakage is still higher than with DVD cases. sggg- You must be lucky with jewel cases to have never had one break.

Cardboard boxes can get torn easily unless you use the utmost precision in opening them.

DVD cases are the next best to hardcase. They don't crack so easily due to the flexibility of the plastic. As Yoshi said, it doesn't look bad to have a shelf full of DVD cases.

DVD cases I guess... it doesn't really matter to me though.

I agree jewel cases break too easily they're made so shoddily with those cheap plastic hinges. I prefer DVD cases. But nothing beats the early genesis games, cartridge games in sturdy plastic boxes now that's how to package a videogame.

I dropped Devil May Cry on a sofa...yes a SOFA and one of the tabs that holds the instruction booklet fell off. When I bought Virtua Fighter 4, one of the tabs that holds the instructions was already broken off! Final Fantasy X also had one of the three little pieces that holds the disc in broken when I bought it.

I still like DVD cases though

DVD cases. They don't crack like half of my jewel cases do. :mad:

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Originally posted by gameoverDude
sggg- You must be lucky with jewel cases to have never had one break.

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I guess so... I have about 400+ music CDs and about 40 Dreamcast games and I have not broken a single one of them. The only broken ones I have were used or damaged in shipping. Even then, it's cheap to replace.

I guess I am just careful with my things.. but I don't do anything special.

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what are you talking about? Half the time jewel cases come pre-broken straight from the store. I sure do love those nice cracks that run along the very front of the case. Or how about when you open them up for the first time and the disk, along with about 10 little plastic bits that used to hold the disk in place, all fall out.

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1. Stop shopping at that store.

2. Yes, a case has come pre-broken about 2-3 times out of 200+, but I have no idea what happened to them, as I've never been able to duplicate the results under my personal care.

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Originally posted by SpoDaddy
But nothing beats the early genesis games, cartridge games in sturdy plastic boxes now that's how to package a videogame.

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Carts are almost indestructible. What do they need sturdy plastic boxes to store them in for? :)

Anyway, I'm careful with my jewel cases, and I've never had one break just by opening it up. Still, nothing's more annoying than buying a game, bringing it home, and discovering a crack or something. If it's a huge crack on the front of the case I'll usually exchange it, but if it's somthing small on the back I'll live with it. After all, if the game and manuals/cover is okay, who cares? It used to bother me a lot if a game's packaging was in any way less then perfect but I've been trying to mellow out about it, is it was getting to be a huge pain in the ass having to carefully examine a game before buying it, and once again when I got it home. I've always kind of admired my friend who doesn't give a shit about the condition of his game's cases, as long as the discs themselves were okay. Almost all of his cases have scratches or cracks and he's okay with it. I think most of us here, based on threads like this one, have mild Obsessive Complusive Disorder or something. :)

And while DVD cases don't crack, they are susceptible to dents...