[jonhohle]

I have two western models (the original mechanical tray was not released in the west), and have not had any issue. The gen 2 is one of the best looking systems ever made, imho. It’s built like a tank and the materials feel premium.

[jakderrida]

Angry Video Game Nerd, on Youtube, had a huge issue finding a working one and I don't think he ever did. He just kept ordering new ones and kept getting duds. Even took it to his friend that performs unusual repairs and the guy said they were all 100% broken. I believe you, though. Might have just been a problem with the resale market being flooded with all the broken ones.

[rasz]

FYI AVGN is not a gaming nerd irl or even interested in games in general. Afaik Mike Matei created and curated AVGN persona. Perhaps even worse James Rolfe doesnt even write his own movie reviews https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2021/10/05/the-cinemassacre-... https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/events/cinemassacre-plagiaris...

[jakderrida]

AFAIK, Rolfe's persona started with him including two added videos at the end of some horror DVD he made in Art School. One for Castlevania 2 and another.

However, I'd argue that Mike Matei provided all the serious production value of the show. Which is ironic, because fans of the show grew to hate him both for his lower production value experimental vids starring him on the channel and eventually for controversial cartoons made when he was like 18. So while they were clamoring for Rolfe to ditch Matei, the irony was that the show starred by Rolfe was like 98% reliant on Matei's professional talent. Just my take.

Also, I don't think he was ever intended to represent a modern gamer. If you were our age, you'd understand that Rolfe's gimmick was to dredge up the era whereby garbage games were being produced with Nintendo Power magazine giving them high reviews, leaving us horribly disappointed every Christmas and Birthday when we got the games we asked for. Has less to do with gaming than just an era in which we were ripped off constantly. Without social media, we would blame ourselves and his gimmick is relatable and cathartic in a sense.

[pbj1968]

There’s an optical drive emulator now, no need for discs.