Many of us grew up playing video games and if you’ve found your way into this article, chances are games hold a significant place in your heart. Or perhaps you are just curious about how to start a video game collection.  

Whatever the reason, this guide contains tips and resources that I have personally used throughout my video game collecting journey and I hope that it will help you navigate your own adventure in the world of gaming nostalgia and collecting. Without further ado, let’s consider the most important steps when it comes to starting your video game collection:

Finding Your Focus

First, ask yourself what kind of collection you want to have. Do you want to focus on game series like Mario or Pokémon? Or maybe you want to focus on classic consoles like the Nintendo 64 or the Sega Genesis. There are even collectors who focus on niche games from Japan. Think about the games that bring back the best memories too. Were you obsessed with platformers like Sonic the Hedgehog or Crash Bandicoot?  Did you spend countless hours playing RPGs like Final Fantasy or The Legend of Zelda? Identifying the genres and eras that resonate with you the most is a fantastic starting point.

Whatever you decide, It is definitely important to plan this out before taking the big step. A smaller, well-curated collection that reflects your passion is far more rewarding than a random assortment acquired impulsively.

Setting Goals

After you have decided what type of collection you want to have, setting realistic goals will help you determine where you can start. For example, when I started my collection I began by writing down all of the games that I played in my childhood that I no longer owned. So if you have a particular attachment to a game series, perhaps that can be a place to start for you.

It is best to start small. Aiming to find five games in your chosen genre or even one rare game that you always wanted is a good way to kick things off. As your collection grows and your knowledge base expands, you can gradually elevate your goals and set your sights on rarer titles. Remember, starting your own video game collection lies not just in the final destination but also in the thrill of the hunt. Celebrating each milestone, big or small, will keep you excited and engaged on your collecting journey.

Doing your Research

Do you have your goal already? Great! The internet is full of excellent resources to help you learn about the games you want to tackle first. The best and easiest thing you can do is utilize online game retailers and reselling sites to gain a realistic understanding of current market prices. Remember, condition plays a big role in value. A complete game with the original box, manual and cartridge in pristine condition will fetch a much higher price than a loose cartridge missing its box and manual. 

Additionally, you can delve into communities dedicated to video game history and collecting. These online communities are a great way to find information such as personal experiences from other collectors or comprehensive game guides. Not only will research help you save money in the long run, but it will also help you identify authentic copies and avoid fakes. Even Gamestop, which is a well-known game retailer, has been known for re-selling reproduction copies. If you want to know more about this topic, I recommend watching this Youtube video by Snivy102 or checking out this guide that shows you how to identify fake games in detail.  

The more knowledge you possess about the games you seek, the better equipped you’ll be to make the right decisions.

Creating a Budget

Video games can range in price from a couple bucks to hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars. Before diving headfirst into your purchasing decisions, it’s important to establish a realistic budget. Consider how much you can comfortably spend towards your video game collection each week or month. If your money is tight and you can’t afford to buy games outright, putting a couple of dollars aside each month for your hobby will slowly but surely start to add up.

Collecting can be quite a pricey hobby but it really doesn’t have to be if you take advantage of sales or special deals. Black Friday deals are a fantastic way to purchase games for cheap, specially when Target and Amazon does its Buy 2 get 1 free deals. Gamestop also does this for pre-owned games, but beware that these games most of the time come without their cases and manuals. It is up to you if you care about the condition of the case or if you only care about the disk. 

I recommend starting with the cheapest games in your list and saving up for the pricier games. There is also a chance of finding a person re-selling that rare game for a discounted price, so this all depends on how much effort you put into looking around and on your luck.

Where to Buy

There are tons of places to find good video game deals for your collection. You can start with online stores such as Amazon, Target, Best Buy and Gamestop. These retailers are known to have sales and discounts yearly and around the holidays such as Memorial Day and Black Friday. Like mentioned previously, Target and Amazon also does a Buy 2 get 1 free video game deal one or twice a year. You can also look around re-selling websites such as Mercari, Ebay and Facebook Marketplace. What’s important here is that you are careful about fakes and that you always read the seller’s reviews before buying.

If you are into going out and physically hunting for your games, you can also try your local options as well. Game stores often have unique selections and they may offer competitive prices on niche or retro titles. Pawn shops and thrift stores can also be a good place to find games at bargain prices, though in my personal experience, I never had any luck in these places. Most of the games that I was able to find there were sports games or shovelware (low budget games). 

Finally, don’t forget to look into your online communities. Websites like Reddit’s r/Gamedeals or forums like Cheap Ass Gamer regularly share information about current sales, bundles and discounts across various platforms. Cheap Ass Gamer has a twitter/x account too that I recommend following, along with Wario64 as they are accounts that constantly tweet video game deals. 

Organization and Storage 

As your collection grows, you’ll eventually need the appropriate space to store or display your games. Keep your games in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and moisture can damage your games over time so it’s important that you invest in some good quality storage containers to keep your games dust-free. Also cleaning your games and consoles regularly will help preserve them and keep them in good condition. Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and debris from your cartridges, discs, and consoles. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the delicate components. 

When it comes to keeping your games organized, you can do so by arranging them by genre, platform, or series. This will make it easier to find specific games whenever you need them. Or you can also create a space in your shelves dedicated to a certain franchise. Labeling your games will save you tons of time in the long run if you plan to keep some of them in storage. If you want more ideas on how to store or organize your games, a Youtuber by the name of tvsonicgaming has a great video that you can check out.

Things to Keep in Mind

Starting your own video game collection is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be times when that rare game seems like an impossible find and frustration might set in. But remember, the thrill of the hunt is a big part of the collecting experience! Don’t get discouraged if it takes a while to track down or save up for specific titles. Embrace the challenge, enjoy the process of searching and celebrate the victories when you finally add that long awaited game into your collection.

To summarize some of the points that this guide touched on, here are some important things to keep in mind:

• Be Patient: Building a video game collection takes time and dedication. Don’t expect to find all your desired games overnight. Enjoy the journey and the satisfaction of gradually adding new treasures to your collection.
  
• Condition Matters: The condition of a game can significantly impact its value. While a loose cartridge might be a great way to play the game, a complete set with the original box and manual in good condition will be worth more for collectors. Decide how important the condition is to you when setting your budget and purchasing goals.
  
• Protect Your Collection: Once you’ve grown your collection, storing them properly is very important. Invest in quality storage containers to keep your games dust-free and protected.
  
• It’s a Hobby, Not a Competition: Don’t compare your collection to others. The most important thing is to build a collection that reflects your own passions and interests. Focus on finding games that you love and enjoy!
  

Above all, remember to have fun while collecting video games. It’s a fantastic way to reconnect with cherished childhood memories, discover hidden gems and connect with a passionate community of fellow gamers and collectors.