stufio Posts: 193 Registered: 1/30/2017
# 1 - Posted on 5/5/2020 0:32:16

Are there still plans to add consoles to the database? I think many of us would love to be able to add the consoles we have and pricecharting.com has the values of quite a few of them already. The last update I could find was from late 2019 at the end of this thread: https://www.completionator.com/Forum/PostList/3000?page=1

moho_00 Curator Backer Posts: 6844 Registered: 6/10/2011
moho_00
# 2 - Posted on 5/7/2020 12:27:32

I definitely still plan to add consoles at some point. It's a deceptively difficult thing to tackle though. I haven't quite settled on how I want to handle things, but slowly getting there. Here are a few of the things that I'm trying to iron out:

  • For starters, we need to have separate entries for different console variations, including colors. I think this makes more sense than using the Edition field (which could work), but requires research to ensure all variations are accounted for.
  • So what's a variation then? Like I said before, colors are the easiest thing I can think of. But also PS4 vs. PS4 Pro. And then the original NES vs. the top loader. And then Famicom, which we list under NES, would be a separate entry. The old Game Boy systems are a nightmare because they have different versions (GBA, GBA SP, etc) AND colors.
  • Just a cursory look at N64 resulted in roughly TWENTY color variations alone across all regions.
  • But it's not just colors (or cosmetic / additional hardware redesigns)! I think it's worth considering whether different model numbers should be loaded separately, specifically with something like PS1 since the various models had different outputs and thus different capabilities (and, presumably, different desirability). I've previously done this with GameShark versions since they also have this conundrum, but not sure that's the best approach since it can be confusing / cumbersome to someone who just wants to add a GameShark.
  • Taking that a step further, versions make it hard for VGPC integration to work since they don't get nearly as detailed as what I'm describing. With the current setup, only ONE version could be mapped to a VGPC entry, which means all others would report $0.00. I don't know if they have all of the color variations either, but I think that would be addressed over time, whereas I doubt they'll ever get into model numbers and whatnot.
  • Then there's the matter of bundles. For example, the old Donkey Kong 64 hardware bundle that came with the N64 console and controller (both in Jungle Green), plus Donkey Kong 64 and an Expansion Pak. It seems like this should be a compilation here, but how detailed should it be? Obviously the things I listed would be in it, but I think this also came with a Jumper Pak (would need to confirm that) and then the AC adapter and composite video cable. The power / video seems like way overkill to me, but I keep waffling here.
  • Taking that a step further, what about random other accessories like how the original Game Boy came with earbuds and a link cable (if memory serves correctly, it's been a while)? Those aren't quite as "generic" as power / video, but do they warrant cluttering things up as a compilation (which would result in a "Game Boy in a Game Boy" kinda situation since...what do you call the compilation entry?) Or maybe we have an entry for them and users can add them ad-hoc rather than having a compilation?
  • Previous bullets have touched on this, but if hardware bundles are tackled, then that means accessories need to be as well. That means all of those N64 color variations need controllers loaded. That leads into other miscellaneous things like memory cards, rumble packs, steering wheels, etc. I've already loaded in a bunch of accessories, but mostly limited to Saturn and Dreamcast since I'm very familiar with those

It's a lot of work (and research), but will be very useful once it's all loaded. I just want to make sure I have the data model figured out for all the random stuff we'll see before I start adding anything to ensure things are entered consistently (and accurately, based on our definition).

Post Edited on 5/7/2020 12:34:32
stufio Posts: 193 Registered: 1/30/2017
# 3 - Posted on 5/7/2020 13:50:40

Yeah, that's a lot to consider. There's no rush (at least on my part), I would just love to be able to add the consoles that I have to my collection. As always, I appreciate all the work you guys put in!