Building Your Collection

Building a retro video game collection can be a rewarding hobby for any fan of classic gaming. These old games offer a glimpse into the history of the medium and can be a lot of fun to play. However, building a retro collection can also be a bit of a challenge, as it requires knowledge, patience, and resources.

There are several steps to consider when building a retro game collection.

Step 1: Choose Your Focus

The first step is to decide which systems and games you want to focus on. There are countless systems and games to choose from, so it's important to choose a focus to avoid feeling overwhelmed. You could focus on a specific system, such as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) or the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Alternatively, you could focus on a particular genre, such as action-platformers or RPGs. Another option is to focus on a particular era, such as the 8-bit or 16-bit era.

Step 2: Research and Plan

Once you have chosen your focus, it is important to do some research and plan out your collection. This involves learning about the systems and games you are interested in, as well as setting a budget and creating a list of games you want to collect. There are many resources available for learning about retro games, including online communities, forums, and websites. It's also important to set a budget and be realistic about what you can afford. Finally, create a list of the games you want to collect to help keep track of your progress and organize your purchases.

Step 3: Find and Purchase Games

After doing your research and planning, it's time to start finding and purchasing games. There are many places to find retro games, including online marketplaces, physical stores, and private collectors. Online marketplaces, such as eBay and Amazon, are a convenient option but it's important to be careful and only purchase from reputable sellers to avoid fake or poorly-made copies. Physical stores and thrift stores can also be a good place to find retro games, but the selection may be more limited. Private collectors may have rare or hard-to-find games, but it's important to negotiate a fair price.

Step 4: Store and Preserve Your Collection

Once you have purchased your games, it's important to store and preserve them properly to ensure they remain in good condition. This includes protecting them from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. It's a good idea to keep your games in a cool, dry place, and consider using protective cases or sleeves. It's also a good idea to make digital backups of your games in case the physical copies are lost or damaged.

Building a retro game collection can be a rewarding hobby, but it requires some planning and effort. By choosing your focus, doing your research, finding and purchasing games, and storing and preserving your collection properly, you can build a collection that you can enjoy for years to come.