Sealed Shenmue 1

[LawXiu]

We've seen the question "Is this real?" with a link to Ebay so many times now it's boring. I've always said don't buy it because they are so easy to re-seal. But, I managed to pick up this Japanese copy for just £18. Currently on Ebay there is another copy for £34 and Shenmue 2 for a massive £240.

Bear in mind I got this so cheap is it worth opening or should I re-list it? If I open it and it's real then I'll have my first Japanese copy in mint condition. OR I could re-list it and try to turn a profit.

You lot voting in a two day poll will decide for me. I'm honestly not worried either way. If I do open it I will post the pictures whatever condition it's in. Hopefully when anyone else sees a sealed copy for sale in the future they'll have this in mind and not have to ask that same old question.

Should I open it?

[Crimson Ryan]

Sell for profit!

[LawXiu]

Sell it? But you voted open?

[Crimson Ryan]

I work mysterious ways. And was the iPads fault which I'm typing on..

[LawXiu]

That's it Grandad, blame new technology.

[Mitsuzuki]

Do you mind posting the name of the seller of the copy you have?

I'm curious, because I also got a sealed S1 Japanese version for a great price awhile back and I wonder if it's from the same guy.

[LawXiu]

^ Rocketway was the username. Came from Belfast.

Just had a look to see his other items but he only has one, Bass fishing. AND it's sealed. Is this a retired collector or someone that can re-seal games?

[Peter]

Those are the most common i have seen in terms of sealed Shenmue 1s. Japanese standard editions, i have seen sell for as little as £19.99 on eBay. In fact i think mines was actually £19.99. Of course i examined the sealing on hit once it arrived, and it looked the real mccoy (with miniscule airholes that Japanese DC games seemed to have) Plus the cardboard spine was in perfect condition, as well as the plastic cover free of any cracks, and also no rattling of cracked teeth coming from inside.

[LawXiu]

Mine would appear to be in the same condition but did you open yours? Cases are easily changed for good ones, I think the only way of knowing is to check the discs for scratches.

[Peter]

Nope, i didnt open mine. I was confident when it arrived that it was a genuine sealed Japanese Shenmue. Plus i also have an unsealed standard and special edition Japanese Shenmue for playing purposes.

[Mitsuzuki]

Mine came from Japan, in the same condition as Peter's. This appears to be the most common/low-priced sealed game across the board. I always thought it was particular, because some sellers ask for so much more for the other games.

[LawXiu]

Interesting. If it's not worth that much then I wont be turning a profit. The question is do I leave it sealed for another day or open it so people can see if there really are real "new" copies out there. It's worth carrying on with the poll. If it's good then people may be able to buy with a bit more confidence.

[Spokane]

You mean inspect the disc and manual and inside casing for wear and tear?

[LawXiu]

Yep, from dust to scratches. No one who's bought one before has ever opened theirs. How do they know it hasn't been sealed years after production?

[Spokane]

Would you regret opening it and finding out or coming to the conclusion that it was factory sealed and genuine?

Then again you might regret not opening it to find out the truth.