Five Steps For Starting An Old-School Video Game Collection

Make Sure You Get A System That’s Worthwhile – And Clean

The only time that you should really buy a system that's not in favorable condition is if it's cheap. For instance, let's say you find a Sega Nomad for $5 at a thrift shop, but it looks like it's been buried in a sand castle or something like that. That's a worthwhile buy, as all you need to do is clean it out a little bit (without the power plugged in, please), either on your own or with a little help. Sometimes you'll get lucky and it'll work like a charm. And, hey, if not, there's someone who can easily invest in broken hardware online, like eBay.

Otherwise, try to look for a system that looks like it's in much fairer condition. Check around eBay and get a closer look at the system in pics, and look out for any setbacks that are noticeable, like a broken analog stick on a controller. In most situations, you get what you pay for, so be careful and don't be afraid to drop a few extra bucks to get something of utmost quality. Otherwise, if you find a steal and it looks like it's worth salvaging, go for it.

Don’t Always Go Top Dollar With Games – Hunt Around

Okay, now suppose you want to go after something that's on the holy grail tier – we're talking maybe Panzer Dragoon Saga on the Sega Saturn, one of the rarest games in existence. If you hit eBay, chances are you'll be paying hundreds of dollars to secure a copy, provided you can find one in pretty good condition. With that, don't always take the impulse way out.

There are several game stores that specialize in retro purchases, and even though a select few really like to push the price up on rarities, for the most part they're in great shape and a reliable buy. But there are also online retailers that can lend a hand. Lukiegames.com, for example, is a terrific retailer that offers a variety of stuff for pretty cheap, and with free shipping.

I mean, if you see a steal, sure, jump on it – provided it doesn't have broken discs or anything like that. But it never hurts to do a little exploring and see what other deals you can find. And, for that matter, other games – "hey, I didn't know I needed Skullmonkeys!"

Flea Markets And Garage Sales

There are times that some people will tell you that flea markets and garage sales may not be dependable for game hunting, mainly because of the quality of the games that are involved. But I dunno – we did some recent hunts over the weekend and came away with a few fabulous deals, mainly because the people selling the games didn't know the value of what they were getting rid of. Depending how much you frequently visit them is up to you, but don't count out flea markets and garage sales. Sure, you'll see occasionally faded and beaten-up cartridges, but you might also find those diamonds in the rough that can really find a proper place in your game collection. Take it from someone who scored a $2 purchase on a game that originally retailed for $80. The bargains are out there.

Confer With the Community

You'd be truly surprised just how big the retro gaming community is nowadays. We're talking podcasts, YouTube broadcasts, Twitch streams, groups, clubs…all sorts of stuff. And for the most part, these groups are some of the best to turn to when it comes to learning more about the retro side of the gaming world and, more importantly, what games you should hunt after. Now, picks can vary depending on the user – some will suggest platformers like Crash Bandicoot; others preferring role-playing games like Chrono Trigger. But you'll come away with a wealth of knowledge of games that could pique your curiosity – and better yet, hold your attention. Do some searching around and you'll find a group that's right for you.

Make Sure You Get a Proper Gaming Space

This might be a tough step, considering where you live. After all, some people have a cramped apartment, while others may have a more luxurious space. But you'll want to make sure you set up your gaming so that it's comfortable. Don't cram up too much on a shelf to the point that your systems heat up, or your games have a risk of toppling over. Spend a few extra bucks, get a nice shelf, and build a collection that you can be proud of.

For that matter, add some extra décor to make the space yours. There's all sorts of cool stuff you can decorate a gaming space with, like posters, removable stick-ons, gaming chairs, whatever you feel like. You can even go all out and create a Funko shrine. You can't go wrong with a Funko shrine (unless it's bigger than your apartment, mind you).

Good luck, and happy collecting!