Starting a Retro Gaming Collection

Retro game prices have been climbing for years. What used to sit in thrift stores for a couple of bucks now regularly goes for $30 or more. And yet — or maybe because of that — now is actually a great time to start.

Why? Because not everything is expensive. Because collecting is fun. And because there's nothing quite as satisfying as building up a complete shelf.

Why Collect Retro Games?

• Nostalgia: Holding the games of your childhood in your hands again
• Value appreciation: Certain titles become more valuable every year
• Community: One of the most active and friendly collector scenes out there
• Playing!: Unlike many collectibles, you can actually use these

Which Consoles Are Worth Starting With?

PlayStation 2

The best-selling console of all time with over 155 million units sold and a library of more than 4,000 games. That makes it perfect for beginners:

• Consoles are cheap ($30-50)
• Massive game selection
• Many titles still under $10
• Backwards compatible with PS1

Budget tip: Start with Greatest Hits / Platinum versions. Same game, half the price.

Game Boy / GBA

Compact, durable, and affordable. Game Boy games are perfect for collecting:

• Takes up little space
• Many cheap titles
• Pokemon games as collecting highlights
• Cartridges instead of discs — more durable

Nintendo GameCube

Gets a bit pricier, but the library is fantastic. A hidden gem that's rapidly increasing in value.

Super Nintendo / Genesis

The classics. More expensive to collect, but the games are timeless.

Where to Find Retro Games

Flea Markets and Thrift Stores

Still the best place for deals. Many sellers don't know the value. Come early, be friendly, negotiate fairly.

Online Marketplaces

eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Mercari — huge selection, but:

• Compare prices! Don't grab the first listing
• Pay attention to condition — study the photos carefully
• Factor in shipping costs

Retro Shops

Fair price, verified condition, ready to play. Perfect when you value quality over bargains.

Conventions and Game Shows

Retro game shows and gaming conventions are pure gold. You meet like-minded collectors, can inspect games hands-on, and often trade.

The 5 Most Common Beginner Mistakes

1. Trying to Buy Everything at Once

Collecting is a marathon, not a sprint. Set a monthly budget ($20-50 is plenty) and stick to it.

2. Buying Into Hype

A YouTuber showcases a rare game and suddenly the price doubles. Don't buy into the hype. Wait it out — prices usually normalize.

3. Ignoring Condition

A CIB (Complete in Box) game is worth significantly more than a loose cartridge or a disc without its case. Look for:

• Original box
• Manual
• Media condition (scratches on disc?)
• Label condition on cartridges

4. Not Keeping a List

You're at the flea market and can't remember if you already have that game? Classic. Keep a digital list — you always have your phone on you.

5. Only Collecting, Never Playing

The most beautiful collection means nothing if you never pop in a game. Take time to play. That's what they're for.

Organizing Your Collection

Once you hit a certain size, you need a system:

• Alphabetical: Simple and effective
• By console: Natural choice for multi-platform collections
• By genre: If you prefer certain genres

Digital tracking is even better: total value, missing titles, statistics — everything at a glance. Tools like Kollekto make it easy with barcode scanning and automatic database lookup.

Conclusion

Retro game collecting is one of the best hobbies out there. You combine nostalgia with an active community, constantly learn new things, and build something that appreciates in value.

Start small. Set a budget. Keep a list. And most importantly: have fun with it.

What was the first retro game you consciously bought as a collectible? Share your story in the community.