Retro Game Collecting 101 Lesson 1

So you want to start collecting retro games and retro gaming related items? Well, there are lots of things you should know before you start buying these games because I know you don't want to be wasting your money or want to end up with non working consoles and cartridges/CDs. First of all, ask yourself what you are trying to collect or what you are interested in collecting, it's a lot easier to start like this as you will probably be familiar at what you are trying to build into a collection. Some of us want to have these video games mainly because we want to go back to our childhood memories by playing these games. It's always a good idea to start with the games you remember the most and build from it. Of course, if you want to build a collection and have no idea where to start, I'll just tell you one word, Mario. I'm really sure you will start enjoying your collection if you start buying off the many Mario titles out there for different consoles and handhelds. They are always a treat to pick up and play so there is no way for you to loose as they are both fun and hold up their value. Now, if you are not a Mario fan at all and hate that fat bastard then you should ask yourself where to start off? Maybe you want to go for Atari or start with the Master System. After all, your number one lesson here is to do your research, don't just go out and buy anything because I don't want to hear you come back from spending twenty dollars on a copy of Shaq Fu.


Another thing to take account for is that RPG games always hold up their value so you can't go wrong buying them. Also, make sure you keep your eyes opened for limited released games because since their production numbers were low, the value is higher. There are many ways to start off a collection and the number one place you should hunt for them are thrift stores and garage sales. I don't mention flea markets because they aren't as common as I though. At certain thrift stores you will be able to find great titles for really low prices. There are different times when they will bring games out from the back that are ready to sale so make sure you make friends with some of the co-workers as they will give you very important information. The stores might also have sales once in a while so it's always good to take note into that and come back the days of the sales. Don't forget that you are not the only one into retro game collecting, there are lots of other collectors out there ready to bring their game to the next level, so watch out. These “rivals” will do anything to take you out even if it costs them their souls but of course not all of them are like that so make sure to make friends with some of them but be very careful when you do and who you socialize, believe me I have been back staved by many so called friends so I know what I'm talking about.

Moving on, garage sales are crucial to your retro gaming collective obsession! You will not find any better prices than in garage sales. Make sure you go early as well because like in the thrift stores, you are not the only one into retro game collecting. Also, make sure you socialize with the sellers as they will eventually give you great deals if you buy a lot from them. It also wouldn't hurt if you ask them if they have something they didn't bring out as they might have a big box of games they forgot to pull out, believe me it might sound like a long shot but it has proven to work in more than one occasion. You will surely end up with incredible deals from garage sales, if you have no idea where to find garage sales, such websites such as Craigslist have a posting section for garage sales in your local area so don't hesitate to check those.


Speaking of Craigslist, that is another source of finding great retro gaming items. You never know what you might find so be sure to double check their “video game” listings and it wouldn't bother to check the “toys and games” and “electronics” sections as some sellers might mistakenly place their ads for games there. It never hurts to look once in a while, you never know it might be worth it.

As for price range, I suggest you keep it under three dollars per game or you will end up spending more than what you desire especially if you purchase games you don't even know about. I only pay up to two dollars per game especially if I have never seen it because I don't want to be wasting money or time trying to sell it if I don't like the game. Speaking of selling, it would be a good idea for you to buy to resale in order to keep your hobby alive. You have bills, rent, and other expenses so you can see where I am going through with this as collecting retro games will become an added expense. If you want to cancel that expense, resale. It might sound bad to some but I can admit I resale in order to keep my hobby alive and this blog alive, it also helps you bring retro gaming all over the world if you decide to sell that far.

So lets review!

-First of all, do your research! Find out what games and why you want them, don't buy just to buy them because you might end up with a very unsatisfying collection.

-Find out where your local garage sales are and be sure to be there early.

-Visit the thrift stores and find out their specials if any.

-Make friends with workers at the thrift stores as they might have very important information on what you are looking for.

-Use Craigslist to find information on garage sales or to look for games at their “video games”, “toys and games”, and “electronics” sections.

-Always have a smile on your face and be positive, karma! It's all about karma!

-Resale if this hobby will be an added cost to your expenses, I don't want you to go broke!

-Have fun, this hobby should be nothing but a good experience! Search for treasure, you might find something no one has ever come across!

So that should do it for lesson 1 of Retro Game Collecting 101, I hope you enjoyed this and stay tuned for the second part coming sometime in the next month! Class dismissed!