Favorite videogame storage format?

[Dolemite]

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...

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

[UndeadKing]

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.

[Andy]

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 ).

[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..
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.

[Adrian]

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.

[Psx]

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.

[FirstBlood]

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

[Yoshi]

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.

[Kidnemo]

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..

I had thought the exact same thing.

Jewel cases all the way.

[sggg]

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.