Buyer's Guides

GamePro’s 16 Bit Video Gaming magazine and Game Buyer are both very clearly objects of their time (the early and late 90s). They both detail different systems and video games for the typical gaming consumer to learn about, and inform their purchases. Ads within these magazines include popular characters advertising new games, movies, and products, a lot of them geared toward the “gamer”. GamePro’s magazine details the console war of the time between the Sega Genesis and the Super Nintendo (and the mostly forgotten about Turbografx-16), while Game Buyer focuses on the Nintendo 64, original PlayStation console, and PC. GamePro was a long-running publication, including special editions like the one featured here, while Game Buyer only lasted four issues.

Meanwhile, Scrye Magazine became the leading publication covering collectible card games making it number-one price guide and strategy publication for players of Magic and the dozens of similar games that followed. Similarly, Beckett Pokémon Collector served as an English-translated outlet for Japanese goods, containing information on Pokémon trading cards, which began to boom in popularity. Each magazine featured similar games, trending game media, and chances to win limited edition items for loyal clientele. Our collection of magazines serve as an outlet on how this market grew into a very profitable system.

Magazine cover with large type in orange, white, and black, a Final Fantasy VII character, and a colorful background.

Pictured here is the first issue of GameBuyer magazine, published in July of 1998. It features Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII and Banjo and Kazooie from Banjo & Kazooie on the cover. 

This is the first issue of Imagine Media’s Game Buyer magazine, published in July 1998. Only four issues were published (until October 1998) before the magazine was cancelled. This issue prominently features Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII on the cover, and contains within advertisements for related brands, reviews for the newest consoles and video games and even ends with gaming tier lists and a segment that houses reader’s opinions and art. Interestingly, the top selling Nintendo 64 game this month was Yoshi’s Story, for PC it was Deer Hunter, and for PlayStation (referenced as PSX) it was Resident Evil 2.

Magazine cover with three video game characters over a yellow background

Pictured here is GamePro's 16 Bit Video Gaming, published in February of 1992. It features the mascots from the gaming era of the time (Mario representing Nintendo, Sonic the Hedgehog representing Sega, and Bonk representing the Turbografx-16). 

GamePro's 16 Bit Video Gaming Special Edition Issue 1 (February 1992) features main gaming characters of the era– Sonic the Hedgehog, Mario, and the lesser known bald baby representing the Turbografx, Bonk – duking it out in a boxing ring. Inside, the magazine includes a buyer’s guide for the three 16-bit consoles, as well as related advertisements, video game reviews, tips and tricks, and more. What’s interesting about GamePro is their reviewing system – these “Pro-Reviews” are usually in depth, including graphics, screengrabs, and other pictures on a two-page spread for most games. The end of the magazine has several advertisements for upcoming games in a “preview” format, and several different ads for products and other games popular at the time.

Magazine cover with purple and blue background and image of vampire character.

Scrye #3 “On the Edge, Doomtrooper, SimCity” offers a focused look at collectible and trading games, featuring content on titles like On the Edge, Doomtrooper, and SimCity. Published by Krause Publications, this collectible issue is part of the Scrye Magazine series, catering to enthusiasts of gaming magazines. This third edition combines insightful coverage and collectible appeal for dedicated followers of Magic & CCGs.

Scrye magazine was the leading publication covering collectible card games like Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, and Yu-Gi-Oh!. Founded by Joanne White, who was introduced to Magic: The Gathering by Peter Adkison aduringthe game’s release at Origins in 1993. A role-playing magazine publisher, Joanne had Scrye running within months to cover the new product — and by the boom year of 1994, when Magic was being called “crack for gamers” because of the high prices its cards fetched, Scrye was solidly ensconced as the #1 price guide and strategy publication for players of Magic and the dozens of similar games that followed.

Magazine cover with image of Pokémon characters Pikachu and Ash on the background.

Beckett Pokémon Magazine Issue 1 (September 1999) served as the first unofficial buyers guide for Pokémon cards and merchandise. Issue one offered a preview for Pokémon SNAP Nintendo 64, as well as a chance to win a copy of Pokémon yellow.

Beckett Pokémon Collector contained, among other things, listings of prices for Pokémon trading cards. In addition to Pokémon coverage, the magazine also occasionally featured "Bonus sections" on other games and anime, such as Digimon, Dragon Ball Z, Yu-Gi-Oh! and Webkinz. Beckett Pokémon Unofficial Collector often hosted contests to win prizes such as plush Pokémon, Pokémon playsets, Pokémon merchandise and full boxes of Trading Card Game cards. Merchandise such as booster packs were also occasionally offered as incentives for purchasing or renewing a subscription to the magazine. Fun fact, the magazine created unofficial art of Generation two Pokémon and several Generation 3 Pokémon to use in early issues. Much of the art looks fairly off-model from the official designs.