Only a few hardcore Sega collectors know about the official Sega power strip released in 1994/1995. At the time Sega had three systems on the market (Genesis, Sega CD, and 32X) and, since there were three, the huge wall plugs could not fit in one outlet to properly power everything. So, Sega released this strip for a short time and then discontinued it and all three systems in favor of the Saturn in 1995.
Flash forward and a strip showed up at my favorite local mom & pop game store many years ago and I have been begging them for it, off-and-on, since then. Whether my offer was cash, or a trade, the answer was always: "We know what it is. It is a collectible. Sorry. Please stop asking." I finally managed to work a deal with them, but the real story is what the poor manager (I'll call him "Buddy") went through that night while considering my latest beg. "Buddy" is a good guy and this chain of stores is good; "But.." they get a lot of jerk customers. Anyone that has worked at retail can probably relate; all of these customers came in one after another in the course of just one evening. Here we go....
Problem customer #1, "Guy."
We've all had someone that shows up at our doorstep and wants to talk about religion. This one had the religious fever but wanted to spread the word about how "video games are evil" all at the counter of a used game store.
After displaying much patience "Buddy" finally says: Get F out of my store and don't come back, I've got no time for this.
"Guy" takes a pen from the counter...
"Buddy" yells across the store: I saw you take that pen. Either you bring it back to the counter or I will call the cops and press charges if you step outside of the store.
"Guy" says: Really?
"Buddy" says: You've got two choices.
"Guy" returns pen and slinks out of the store.
Problem customer #2 Gang Banger "GB"
"GB" comes into the store with an old receipt and says "Buddy" owes him a store credit.
"Buddy" looks at the receipt and sees the store credit part is ripped off.
"GB" looks nervous.
"Buddy" says: I know what you are trying to do. Don't do it.
"GB" agrees and knows better.
Problem customer #3 "Gal"
"Gal" works with a seasonal Halloween haunted house outfit. Like most, they all fold up after Halloween is over. "Gal" proceeds to start setting up a display stand in the store and puts some flyers on the counter.
"Buddy" says: What are you doing?
"Gal" says: Oh, this is no problem. I called and I have permission from the manager. We do this every year and give some great discounts to your employees too!
"Buddy" says: No you don't.
"Gal" says: What d'ya mean, I talked to the manager and he said it's all fine.
"Buddy" says: No you didn't.
"Gal" says: Yes I did!
"Buddy" says: Call them right now.
"Gal" says: Huh?
"Buddy" says: You are lying. Call them right now or get out of my store.
"Gal" looks caught in a lie because she is caught in a lie. "Gal" leaves.
Problem Customer #4, me.
Long story short, after decades of constant use, the power strip is powering half the store. It is also very inaccessible: near ceiling level, at least 10 ft above a pile of shelving parts and old handheld storage bags. We work out a deal for it and I think: there is no way this is all happening.
I run out of the store to make good on my end of the bargain and the owner of the chain walks in. I have been a customer of the chain since 1998 and the owner probably thinks I am a shoplifter or worse. In reality I am just a dedicated older game collector, not a re-seller or thief; over the years I have given them thousands of dollars for their products. But at this moment I think...no way is this going to go well. I run back an hour later with my trade and I actually leave the store with the strip. No trouble at all. I still can't believe it!
I am not crazy enough to use this. They said some of the outlets are broken, it is long past what I would consider safe to use on vintage $60-$100 consoles. I sort of want to open it up and see if any of the outlets can be bent back to functional, but then, what would that really get me? It is something that only I can appreciate and...it made for a good story.
Oh, and while I was writing this my fiancee looked over my shoulder and said "that website looks exactly like Hello Kitty, colors and everything." I have no comment.
Topic: Sega power strip story... (Read 555 times)
