There are many retro game collectors out there like myself that have been collecting for many years. But what about new collectors? Are you a new retro game collector or maybe thinking about starting a small collection? If you are then you might be thinking is retro game collecting worth it, it’s a valid question.
In this post I’ll take a look at what to consider to see if the hobby is really for you.
I Think Retro Game Collecting is worth it But…
I love retro game collecting (I know that’s a biassed view) but with that opinion and my own experience of collecting retro games over the years comes some wisdom too. I think retro game collecting is very much worth it but you will have to consider the following.
Over recent years my collecting has slowed down a bit which is something that happens to a lot of retro game collectors and it usually for one of the reasons below. If retro game collecting is going to be worth it for you then think about these points below.
Find out more about retro game collecting and getting started.
Retro Game Collecting Posts:
- How To Get Started With Retro Game Collecting
- How I Started Retro Game Collecting
- Why Are Retro Games So Expensive?
- Why Are Retro Games So Popular?
- The Highs and Lows of Retro Game Collecting
- Retro Game Collecting Burn Out
You Need Some Space for a Retro Game Collection
To make collecting retro video games worth it you will need some space. That might be a few shelves or even a dedicated room. Physical media takes up space and the more you collect the more space you need.
Space has been the main factor that has made me slow down my collecting. That might sound negative but it has had a positive effect on my collecting habits. It has made me a lot more focussed on the physical retro games I want to add to my games room shelves.
If you have some space great, but if you don’t have much space to spare then it is something to seriously think about before you start retro game collecting.
You Also Need Some Disposable Income
Disposable income is crucial to make collecting retro games worth it. In Fact this is the case with any sort of video game collecting and just collecting anything in general.
From my own experience having the money to invest into a hobby came sometime after I had got married and my children had gotten a bit older. I had a bit more disposable income to play with and I started collecting retro games and consoles.
If you have a tight budget then retro game collecting might be difficult and worth starting.
Why are Retro Games so Expensive??
Can You Live With Rising Retro Game Prices?
Another thing to consider is the rising prices of retro games. Now I have seen prices rise over the years quite considerably and this is something to think about before you start collecting.
Rising prices can be quite eye-watering when it comes to some of the harder to find games and this especially the case for older consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Mega Drive. Some common titles are still reasonably affordable but you need to consider this before you start retro game collecting so ensure it will be worth it for you.
Do You Have a Connection With Physical Retro Games
I also consider this to be very important. You need to have a special connection with the retro games that you want to collect. If you loved a specific console or computer growing up then it makes sense to collect games for that system.
However if the retro games you start collecting don’t personally mean that much to you then there is the possibility of losing interest and selling the collection you started.
For me the hobby has always been about the nostalgia of playing games from when I was a child and teenager. Yes I have branched out into other unusual systems (like the Vectrex) over time but at the core of collecting is the nostalgia of enjoying video games from the 80s and 90s.
Find out How I started my retro game collection.
Perhaps Emulation Might Be The Answer
If you have now decided retro game collecting isn’t worth it for you, what next? Well if you still want to enjoy retro games then emulation is probably the answer. There are plenty of options such as emulating through a PC, plug n play consoles and even handheld emulators.
I have already written about cheap home arcade games which you might find helpful.
Final Thoughts on If Retro Game Collecting Is Worth It
Retro game collecting isn’t for everyone. If you have a genuine love of playing old games, have the space, time and money then you are in a good place to get started. If you are not sure then perhaps try emulation for the time being and give yourself some time to see if the hobby is something you really want to dive into.
More About Collecting Retro Games
What is considered retro gaming?
Why is retro gaming so popular?
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