Thanks Stephen! Yeah I've been hearing all about those days and really regret missing the boat on it! As for current prices, I partly blame the NES Classic, SNES Classic etc for re-igniting interest in retro gaming, but I think it's also just that people who grew up with these systems and have fond memories of them are now getting into middle age, when that nostalgia gland becomes especially active and there's a desire to resurrect some fondly-remembered part of the childhood (maybe some kind of mid-life crisis? :-)).

That's a good idea re Amibay etc. Only thing is that site seems to be very European (all prices in euros) and not really any cheaper than eBay generally. I might post though and specify local sellers. It doesn't seem like there are many where I am but could get lucky.