Besides ebay, what is the best source of old computer games?

[Vieo]

I've decided I want to collect old computer games for fun and maybe as a small hobby. When I say old games, I mean games that can been ran on the windows O.S. and at some point in time were released on CD format.

Anyway, I decided to start my hunt with the Ultima series. I'm trying to get all of the games by way of the 'Ultima Collection' compilation. Though, the only place I've seen the thing for sale is a few used copies on Amazon.com and they don't even contain the original content that came in the box.

And I'm also looking for stuff like Magic Carpet 1 & 2, King's Quest Collection, Master Levels for DOOMII, Quake, etc...

So, aren't there any websites out there that specialize in old computer software in case some joker (like me ) wants to buy some old game that hasn't been around in years??

I'm pretty sure that like... in some company's warehouse's basement in some unmarked crate, they have a huge surplus of old computer games. If a friend of mine can walk into a pawn shop and find a factory sealed Atari 2600, it must be possible, damn it!

(Also, I live in the NYC area just in case you know of any shops that might carry old computer games.)

[cka]

Flea markets, mom & pop computer stores, wholesale catalogs, and I'm sure there's dozens of sites on the internet where you can either download abandonware or order yourself copies of old games.

[Vieo]

Flea markets, mom & pop computer stores, wholesale catalogs, and I'm sure there's dozens of sites on the internet where you can either download abandonware or order yourself copies of old games.

LoL. I've been searching and searching HARD. There's even a huge computer show held around my way every month. I didn't find any of the old treasure there.

If theres dozens of sites out there, someone please post them up!

I used www.yahoo.com to search. I hear google is the best but I get nearly the same results.


EDIT: By the way, what are wholesale catalogs and how do I get my hands on them?

[cka]

Wholesale catalogs = catalogs from big software distributors and such. I know I've seen dozens of ads for them in my old issues of PC World (quake 2 was GOTY that issue if I'm not mistaken). As for some old software sites:

http://www.voicenet.com/~generic/ (I dunno the reliability of this, it looks like somebody trying to privately sell their own collection of stuff)
http://www.classicpcgames.com/
http://www.dosgamesarchive.com/index.php
etc etc etc

And the developer/publisher (of the game you're looking for) usually have links to an online store where you can buy older software titles.

[Eirikur]

www.xtcabandonware.com has some great games.

Also, www.suprnova.org has just gotten a bunch of old PC games like Sam and Max and Day of the Tentacles up. And they WORK

[Vieo]

Abandonware is nice and all, but I was at least hoping to be able to buy the original cds with the art and company's logo plastered on it and maybe the game manuals and boxes.

[skelly]

www.cdaccess.com has some decent stuff. Or has in the past.

[toxic]

Honestly, I have had the best luck at garage sales. It takes legwork and time ... but when you come across a whole collection of old PC games, still in the box, for 2 bucks a piece ... there is nothing better.