Should You Quit Game Collecting? - Retro Bird
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- Опубліковано 9 вер 2024
- With prices going up (and some of them seemingly not coming down) some collectors question whether or not collecting is even worth it. Should you stop collecting? I go over all the reasons why you may or may not want to.
Should You Quit Game Collecting? - Retro Bird / Is the Cost of Game Collecting Still Worth It? / Is Game Collecting Worth It Anymore?
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Games Played: Soukyugurentai (0:10), Out Run (0:20) , Super Mario Bros (0:49), Vectorman (0:54), Star Fox 64 (3:00)
A little bit off topic: I would like to give an extra thumb up to all the lovely people here in the comments section.
No trolling, good inputs, feels like meeting you guys and girls in real life would be wonderful. Talking about our favourite hobby, some nostalgia and philosophying about the Ups and downs in gaming in general.
You have a great community over here, so again this "extra thumb up" goes to you all.
And great topic/vid, as always.
Definitely! I absolutely love my viewers and their comments.
Boy, this hits home. I've recently scaled back greatly on collecting. Was spending too much money on games I don't want and don't like. Plus, I got most of the big ticket items that I wanted, so now I cherry pick games for the lesser systems I own (like the Saturn), and that's about it. And honestly? It's really refreshing! Sometimes collecting is fun, but it can easily become some sort of overbearing "addiction" that really just drains you. I'm glad to get out of that mode!
@@robot7935 For me personally, this usually happens because I heard great things about a game, and wound up not liking it afterwards. However, there are a handful of games I've purchased that I knew I probably wouldn't ever play or like because it had some sort of historical significance, or because I thought I'd make a video on it, etc.
@@robot7935 yeah, definitely. I've recently been following Retrobird's consolidation advice too. It's nice to downsize to games you actually want and enjoy.
when it comes to retro games many collectors have what they want already, and if prices are up might as well cut it off here, but honestly jut move to a different system, games from after the 90s are still dirt cheep.
I feel like lots of collectors do have that 'enough already' moment. I always wanted a library of games with lots of choice. But space does become an issue. So the past year ive been slowly downsizing, or curating at i like to look at it. I want to be able to vouch for every game i own, not make excuses for why i have it. Also ive learned i dont need every game in every series i like, sometimes the best or most nastolgic will do. I also used to think i needed every genre i liked represented on every system i own. Anyway downsizing feels good for me right now. My friend got rid of all his Saturn stuff and just got a unit with an optical emulator. I may go that route for some systems down the line and its probably the better option for new collectors. Anyhoo, this is my first comment on your vids, ive been loving them for months. Keep up the good work!
I can honestly say thanks to you I have slowed way down on my collecting and I have even started to sell off games that I doubt I'll ever really want to play. You have definitely inspired me to appreciate what I have and consolidate my collection to a more manageable size. I don't have a million games, but I do have more than I think I can ever play. I appreciate your perspective on these issues.
This is a great comment, and I hope that you're enjoying your game collection even more these days! It sounds like it's now more a reflection of you as a gamer, and not of what there's some perception you "should" be buying. Saving & recuperating money for awhile, maybe you'll be able to find a handful of other retro games you'd personally really enjoy, and now you'll be able to afford them.
I really appreciate hearing that. I hope it continues to allow you to enjoy the hobby more as a result :)
I had the luck to start collecting videogames 20 years ago now, so every time I got my ass up very early the saturdays or sundays to go to the flea markets, was a great adventure (I even got 2 little samson NES games; one with the label in poor condition and other pristine boxed for $6 USD, so you can imagine which type of games were available on the flea markets at the time), but in the past 10 years the fun started to decrease rapidly; I started to feel that I was weaking up very early for nothing; every time games were more scarse, and every time I managed to found a great game, sellers had been started to rise prices like eBay sellers, so the fun of game hunting was over for me.
It's getting to the point where I feel like I need to take a break from retro collecting. Games are getting way too expensive. However now is still a great time to collect non retro games as they are still affordable.
Buy ever drives or game on PC with emulation.
A break could be nice!
They will be retro eventually.
Yep. Always go against the grain if you want to get games without spending too much. Buying what isn't popular in the moment has saved me a ton of money over the years.
What’s non retro? You should be collecting for 360 and ps3
Timely, was just thinking today "I'm starting to run out of room."
haha :)
You always give great perspective on collecting. One big thing I now do thanks to your advice is control by back log by beating games before I try a new one. It’s been very rewarding. One thing I started doing when prices got crazy was make a list on my phone with categories like Games, Consoles, Hardware etc…and the list is numbered in order of what I want most to least. I use emulation to make sure the game is worth it before buying an expensive physical and make sure I’m getting games on my list most of the time to avoid buyers remorse. I highly recommend the list. Thanks for another great video.
I'm glad to hear that's been working out for you!
Flash cartridges is what got me off game collecting. Finally, the MiSTer FPGA is what allowed me to sell my original consoles and save a bunch of space! ❤️
Only quitters quit
One day soon, you will regret it
@@vasilas432 People also regret on buying consoles and games, so don't be so sure. Else the market wouldn't work like that, who's selling all those games and consoles?
@@vasilas432 How much higher will the prices go?
@@Gabi-enby You are correct. I do think though that half of those people who sell them, rebuy in the future.
I've been collecting for a long time, and when prices started going up sharply during 2020, it was a good time for me to slow down. It actually feels really good to enjoy the collection I have, just "trimming around the edges" a bit. I still buy a game every month or two -- usually one that I've been meaning to get for a long time -- when I luck upon a copy in good shape for a reasonable price. Last week I bought Pandemonium 2 for PS1 at what seemed to me a bargain price for the condition the game was in (well below MSRP) -- and I've already had a ton of fun with it, playing with my kids! Great colors, great music, great gameplay -- and so 1997!!
But I'm done branching out into new areas to collect, especially pre-2000. I would love to have every PC Engine shmup, but there is no way I could do that to my family (spend $1000's on a few dozen highly prized games). There are other (slightly compromised) ways to play the PCE games I don't already own, and that will satisfy me.
Unlike some of your viewers, I also really enjoy a lot of new games, so having money to buy some of those and to support *the devs working today* on the best new games on the market -- I feel that's where my videogame budget should mostly be right now. I have enough old games, I have most of the games I want for the selection of retro consoles I already own. If I keep picking up a PS1 game here, a Genesis cart there, a few cool Gamecube or og Xbox games -- none of that will break the bank, and it will still be fun. I only buy games I want to play, period.
Flash carts and emulation are the name of the game. I've been emulating and playing retro games for years and something bit me in 2019 and I started getting interested in playing some of my games on actual hardware. So I've bought about 4 different systems and then picked-up some games that I wanted to play and were also relatively affordable in 2020-2021 and that satiated my appetite for collecting something. After buying the few games I wanted, I got flash carts and never really went back.
I have returned to emulation, as well. Much as I like playing games on real systems, emulation also offers a bunch of convenience, which I sorely need at this stage of my life. I'll keep my collections and do still occasionally play them, but I'm satisfied with the 4-10 games I own on any given system.
As we all know, there is no such thing as "the last couple of games" in collecting. When you get those, there will be new ones to crave for.
Never in my widest dreams I would quit retro gaming but collecting it is definitely another story.
Started collecting seriously around 2012. Not early enough to get much NeoGeo, TurboDuo, Saturn, or CIB NES and SNES, but early enough that games for most other consoles were still affordable and deals could still be found even on those mentioned systems. Heck, most Genesis games were $10-20 each, complete, heavy-hitters included. And even back then, I always played the long game and had a focused approach. I created a detailed spreadsheet of games I wanted and followed it religiously. I found most of my games locally from wheeling and dealing rather than through online retail.
Got near the "end game" of having all the games I could ever want not long before pandemic prices hit. Sure, there's a title or two for each system I still don't have (and probably won't ever have), but given prices right now, I don't need 'em. My last hurrah was getting almost all the good games and good imports for the Vita, and I drew the line there. I decided I'm just not interested in collecting Switch/PS4/XBox One and on. (I'm 42 years old and the games being made these days just don't interest me.)
I'm happy with what I've got and am willing to wait another decade to see if I can finish up the collection for more affordable prices. Worst case scenario, I can shrink down my collection by selling lesser-wanted games to try and reel in those last few big fish that still sit high on my wishlist.
I am 42 too btw🤝. Switch has a lot of juice, it’s something between retro and modern. It has the cartridge!!! Collecting for it is a grand money pit already. Prices have gone up already and I can’t imagine what will happen in a few years.
I love playing Crysis and SnowRunner in handheld using a cartridge. Great AAA exclusives and the ability to have excellent indies guess where….in a cartridge. Just like Vita but 10 times better
@@vasilas432 No FOMO this time, I am 100% happy with what I've got. I won't deny the Switch library is turning out pretty awesome, but I have no desire to dip my toe in that pool. I don't have a connection to physical games this gen, and I can go digital-only or just pick up a cheap game or two I like every now and then (such as Dragon Quest Builders 2). Not for collecting purposes. Just to play. A lot of the greatest limited releases on Switch are games I already own on older systems, such as many of the SHMUPs. No reason to double dip when I have the originals,
I'm a big endorser of collecting flash carts and drive emulators, solves so many problems. Saves you space, keeps your hardware in better shape, saves you money!
I emulate all my retro games on 100% ORIGINAL PC HARDWARE
You, sir, might just want to check out the MiSTer project.
Emulation gets a thumbs up from me. 👍 So many games will never be released legitimately and are forgotten. Fuck the legality, I just want to play Cadillacs and Dinosaurs in peace!!
@@HesarealNoWhereMan The arcade beat em up ??? If so, that's one of my favorites !!! Cow Boys of Moo Mesa is another favorite
For sure it saves tons of money. We are talking like $1000's of dollars...
The number on the banana is always busy. They must be popular and really a fun time. I’ll just keep calling until they answer, I like fun too. 😢
My best tip for fellow game collectors (from the school of hard knocks) is to put guardrails around yourself in terms of what you actually want to buy and STICK TO THEM. Nothing makes collecting feel miserable and expensive like "mission creep" -- feeling like you have to get all of the good games for all of the systems. Limiting yourself to just certain consoles rather than trying to collect for everything is the single best method for this, because it draws an extremely distinct line beyond which you shouldn't pass. You can get more granular from there, if you like. I know a gamer on UA-cam who collects just "black box" Sega Genesis games. Another person might only collect games with anime art styles within a certain year or console generation range. Being more mindful about what you're buying and why (rather than just "it's popular" or "it's a classic I don't have") will save you money and will result in a more unique, curated collection and make you a more knowledgeable (and hopefully happier and less broke) game collector, to boot.
The line about panic buying hit home. I had to take a look at why I was buying games and ultimately decided to go the Everdrive route for several systems. Throwing money at resellers so I could put another game I wouldn't get to for years on the shelf was getting a bit stupid.
Game collecting for me has slowed down to a trickle recently. Not only because of steeper prices but also because I looked at what I have and realized there's just not that much I really want anymore. I've had to push FOMO aside on several occasions. Flash carts are ideal for games I just have a passing fancy for or things way outside my comfort zone in terms of price.
8:42. Oooo. This hit hard.
I was a fan of the scattergun approach to collecting.
Buy all the things.
Well, it turns out, that kinda works, in that you find stuff you sort of like, and stuff to trade with others.
Which actually ends up that you get nothing you truly love, and get stuck with the others that no one really wants, until you have totes full of games you never really wanted in the first place.
I’m slightly better now, found my focus, not 100%, but pretty close.
And can even pass on some stuff from the new enemy, low print run companies 😆
I love my game collection, but I despise how prices have risen for stuff that is really not worth it, and I got super sick at the gatekeeping that goes on in the retro scene.
I took a bit of a break from collecting and started playing some of my backlog, and I’ve really enjoyed it. Less anxiety, less drama and frustration, and slightly more cash in my bank account that can promptly be put towards bills.
One thing I will say is it's worth being honest with yourself about whether or not you have any affection for games you own. Sometimes I've picked up games because they're really well liked, but I never ended up having much fun with them myself. In my opinion, that's one of the worst reasons to hold onto a game, as you're just preventing someone who would really like the game from owning it themselves. If you go through collection every now and then and cull the filler, the games you hang onto will feel more personal and exciting to you. Maybe sometimes people will get annoyed when they see I own an N64 but don't have Goldeneye, but I'm just making it easier for people who would love that game to get a copy. They're quite welcome to join me for a game of Bomberman Fantasy Race, if they want to see which games I like.
I've sold about 80% of my collection made a very nice profit.. Only kept those games that meant something to me.. And got rid off the games that just purchased and in most cases never actually played at all.
Slow n steady, and do it for fun games you are really gonna play... , its worked for me for decades... me n my son walked into a shop called Vortex that sells vintage games n toys, and we got nes batman for 12.99, nes rad racer for 7.99, Snes Darius Twin for 9.99 n snes DK country for 19.99.... 4 games, 50$... hes happy, im happy, and we will do it again in like 3 months. Plus we dont overwhelm, overspend, n we still get the thrill of going to a shop that looks the way things used to be.
Not a collector as I prefer everything in one or two spots (emulation and Steam) but I enjoy this channel
Yes I looked up Fred savage. :D
Yeah, collecting retro stuff is real tough these days. I feel like I'm mostly done. I occasionally buy some of the newer made Genesis games (Demons of Asteborg, XenoCrisis and Ultracore) and I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that Sega gifts us with a Saturn Mini but overall these days it's mostly about attacking that backlog!
The good news is that many shops have pretty reasonable prices still; especially second hand stores and thrift shops. 🙂
Man, I reeeaallly want a 'Get on my lawn' T-shirt 😄
Three years ago I was thinking about buying a game that was already very expensive at the time (Tatsujin for PC Engine). But instead I bought everdrives for Mega Drive, PC Engine, NES and Super NES - and it all came out cheaper than that game. Since then I've bought a few original games but I've been feeling silly for doing that since I've mostly only been playing with everdrives.
I’m at a point to where I can’t really afford to fork out money for premium prices on eBay for games, I don’t have any retro game stores near me and the thrift stores around here don’t ever have anything worth buying, so I’m just content with getting through my backlog and emulating on my laptop for now. Emulation might not be the “true” way to play but it still scratches that itch for me without breaking the bank.
3:21 Mowing down Slippy like that, lol
I really do enjoy in Star Fox that you were just gunning down slippy as much as possible.
Greatly appreciate how you shot down Slippy the first chance you had.
I’ve decided to buy maybe a handful of games I really want and then bow out. My backlog will keep me occupied for months. Maybe then things will have calmed down.
I'm considering selling my entire collection, I never play the games but I do play emulators on my computer.
2:50
Kid: "Dad, how did you meet mom?"
Dad: "So, there was this banana..."
Glad I'm not the only one who blames Fred Savage for this predicament. That Wizard movie was the light that lit the fuse I tell you!
Funny, I started selling most of my collection this week
Hope it's going well for you.
If you're done playing those games, great choice! It will feel very liberating, I bet.
I’ve changed my collecting habits quite a bit. I used to buy everything I didn’t have, then I started just buying games I wanted to play, and now I’m only buying Neo Geo and Saturn games.. It hasn’t gotten cheaper, but it’s more interesting..
I've been buying a few Saturn games I was missing in the last few years too, my favorite console and so fun to collect for ... just watch your budget! And another piece of advice would be to find three or four second-hand dealers in Japan that you grow to know and trust, and try to buy exclusively from them (via ebay, or whatever). You'll know you can count on the descriptions and quality of their products, the fairness of their prices/willingness to accept offers, their shipping & return policy, etc., and every once in a while they'll give a regular customer a good deal. I have four guys over there I know by first-name basis, just like I used to have local videogame store guys over here in the States back in the 90s (all closed now, sadly...)
3:14 my man deliberately killed slippy
I ran out of space xD, but that led me to collect absolute gems, I showed my wall of games to an old family friend and he straight out told me ,"I've seen game collections filled with games that no one would likely play. But these are all great"
You have it right with pivoting; I moved to Xbox 360 collecting (it's 16 years old now!) and it's amazing how many games are silly cheap and highly playable today. Be willing to take chances with sleeper games that aren't popular, too! You also nailed it with the demand for known titles being a main driver for the prices. Try something you may not have though about. The gaming hobby is so vast and varied that it's hard not to find something within a budget. I feel like most of the spice in collecting is in discovery.
Definitely. I wouldn't say to force yourself down a path you may not care about.. but it's a great idea to be open about other options.
“Just but the games that most people don’t want! Uhhhh, because we don’t want them either!” Great line, literally laughed out loud.
Anyway, I do tend to run out of shelf space a ton, but the answer to that is to just buy more shelves! However, I can only do that for so long until I run out of room space, then at that point… I don’t have an answer….
Maybe build on to your house? Lol
Here's a better Solution. Go with Emulation the PC or save to buy the ever drives. If you have a lot of games get rid of them or sell them... You only need like 10-20 games for each retro console you own. Buy them loose that way you'll have a ton of space on your shelf. You don't need to buy every single game or a lot.
A lot of collectors worry about how OTHERS will view their collection. That is mistake #1. In the end, your collection is about you and what YOU like. Unless you have friends over who play your games more than you do, what is the point of having the library THEY prefer?
#1 leads to #2. Don't worry about having the games they want, bur rather only the games you LOVE! I have found that most people never even get CLOSE to finishing two or three thousand games. So, why have tons of games you've never played, or finished, or at least played a lot of?
Crispin Boyer, one of the best Editors for the old EGM magazine stated that he had finished over 3,000 games. That is the most I've ever heard someone state, and this guy played games constantly and for a living for decades. As for me, I have finished more (over 4,500 to be exact), but I'm a different kind of gamer and not a typical type of person.
I play ALL types of games simply because I love them, and I also have a home museum, with over 11,600 games, 316 consoles and 35 complete console libraries. With that stated, I'll NEVER play all of the games I have, but that isn't the focus of what I own. The focus is to relive the past of console video games for as many people as I possibly can. That is, after all what a museum's purpose is.. to allow visitors to experience and learn about the subject matter displayed in as many ways as possible.
But I digress... Even with my craze for console video games, playing up to 9,000 games, and completing at least half of those, there is NO reason why a gamer with their own private collection should or desire to do that.
For the private gamer, I'm almost positive that 2 or so thousand games will be more than enough. Sure, you may eventually play more than that in 30 or 40 years, but do you really NEED to keep every game you've played? The answer is an obvious no.
This is just a voice from someone who has been gaming since the Atari Pong, and someone who has experienced gaming to I'd say, an almost full potential for forty or so years. With the prices continuing to climb to ridiculous and insane amounts, it really is time for most to settle for 500 games, or 1,000 games, or whatever is comfortable for you and to stop listening to several other UA-cam individuals or Facebook groups, and so on who DRIVE this continual PUSH to have more games.
Play what you like, and keep the games that interest you the most. Sell the rest. Why keep hundreds or even thousands of games on a shelf that no one will see or play for the rest of your life?
That is my take on console collections. Even with my extreme love for games, if my collection was simply for me, I might have 3 to 4 thousand games. Thanks for reading and I hope many of you give up trying to find or buy Magical Chase for the Turbo Grafx 16, or Clay Fighter Sculptor's Cut for the N64, or any number of high priced games SIMPLY because your friends deem that you NEED that game.
Enjoy what you have, and cherish each and every game, and in the end, you'll be happy you didn't spend thousands of dollars on games you never even play!!!
Heck I've given up on getting Conker for Nintendo 64 since I have the XBOX remake, the only expensive game I really really want is Paper Mario on Nintendo 64, I stopped getting GameCube games because of how outrageous the prices are.
I all but quite collecting anything in the wild about a year ago. I was at a flea market and saw a 2600. I asked the woman how much she wanted for it and she looked at her phone and said she didn't have a signal so she didn't know what it was worth so she wouldn't sell it to me. I left the flea market then and haven't even bothered with the "wild" since. Now I pretty much only buy from Ebay and only buy what I know I want. The days of finding hidden jems are over for me I guess. It's kind of a sad state but I still enjoy playing. But on the flip side, since I don't waste any money taking chances on games I've never seen or heard of for $5-10 a pop, I have more money for the more expensive games I want. For example, I recently picked up Valkyrie Profile for PS1. 2 years ago I wouldn't have spent that kind of money on any game, but I can justify it since I don't waste money on garbage.
I have slowed my collecting quite a bit. Partially because of the prices. Also because I finally realized I spend way too much money. I'm going to try to just enjoy the 1500+ games I already have. 😬
Wow that's a lot of games.
Yeah, I'd say you got a lot to choose from!
Weird that I am watching this video this week as this weekend I am re-organizing my collection as I am running out of room. I'm not done collecting, but I have to add more shelf space. Usually I take the whole month of October off as all my money goes to Halloween Decorations, Costumes & Candy. I'll pick up Retro Collecting back up in November. October is usually a time where I get to enjoy the games I all ready have. It just came early this year.
The banana advice really was a game changer for me.
I'm at that point where I've collected everything I wanted to own, and might consider getting some other stuff later if I feel like it. Makes me thankful to have collected very early on before prices of everything went through the roof.
I have been collecting for a few years now. Luckily I work part time and live with my folks, cuz I'm a college student. But, I have been spending more and more, and buying pricier items. But my biggest concern is my impulse control. I don't want to quit, I want to slow down, sell my doubles. I've got pretty much all the consoles I want. So for me impulse control, slowing down, playing some of my games, and selling what I don't want/ need, is in my to do list.
I sold most of my stuff and went flashcarts. Paid off my car and student loans. No regrets.
Man. Your channel is awesome! Thank you.
Thank you as well!
My general rule is that I don’t buy games I’m not going to play. I’m not going for a complete collection of any system, just a complete collection of the games I liked when I was a kid (or maybe would have liked). I’m willing to spend $100+ on a game I used to own and want back in my collection, but for all the rest, I generally cap myself at $40-50. And for that $50 to be pried from my hand, it has to be a good game. Simply put: don’t buy games based on rarity or prestige. Only buy what you will actually play and enjoy. That will save you a lot of money and buyer’s remorse.
I almost shit my pants when you threw your wallet at Earthbound xD
I think affordable video game collecting requires effort, while being cautious of burnout. Yard sales are probably the best way to find cheap hidden gems. Gotta check everyday online for that unbelievable deal.
I need to cut back. I can’t even get caught up on what I own and I need to play through my fire emblem collection at least a second time.
That's like asking should i quit breathing ....some would say yes but i'm not gonna by choice lol
A few years ago, I stopped collecting retro games. I realized that I had not played the games I had bought at the previous mid-west gaming classic, but I had bought more sega genesis and a few n64 games. And I had a huge steam back-log. So, I decided to not go\buy anymore.
I just slowed down getting new games a couple of years ago. Right now I'm building a couple of arcade cabinets. That got my attention and my wallet busy for some months. Looking for the right one of every part of an arcade cabinet can take a lot of time if you are a newb at it.
Before this, I just did some deep serious maintenance on a lot of gaming hardware. I mean a lot of basic cleaning, replaced some capacitors and button rubbers here and there. Next time will be upgrading some controllers to wireless on various systems, getting better ouput cables, and doing some console mods for best video and audio ouputs.
My point being, instead of quitting video gaming because of the high prices I just diversed my attention on other gaming related things. Also flashcards are my best friends.
I panic bought a new in box edition of Guitar Hero 3 Legends of Rock from a thrift store because it was like $100 cheaper than market price. It's cool, but I think I only bought it because it was a cool find/deal and not because I actually have any actual nostalgia for it. Should of just bought Thing Mints with that money... GREAT VIDEO as always, sir!!
New RetroBird LETS GOOOOOO
Yup the cost out ways the enjoyment on the original media. I feel at this moment you can get a superior experience through emulation in most cases. So it’s best to spend that sealed Earthbound money on a decent emulation experience instead of good overpriced games.
Retro gaming will never die because it crosses several generations of people. I noticed from your game selection on the video that you prefer 90's videogames so you tend to make a collection with these items. However newer consoles are becoming retro too! Like the Wii, xbox classic or even the wiiu! These games are really cheap to get (i am sure the price will raise in the future) and the people that had a lot of fun of these systems also wants the future generations to play these games! Maybe there should be a category for retro gaming! Retro 80, retro 90, retro 00 and so on..
Been collecting a lot right before covid and Ive been waiting for 2 yrs now. I've focus on console that people don't care like the Xbox Xbox 360 and PS2
*looks at title of video* “Woah woah woah don’t get crazy on me! “
Space is an issue. I collect and display the front/labels, box art or loose carts.
I will never be the one that keep the games like books in a library. They are joy to play and should be art to watch.
That makes it harder for the collection to grow out of some kind of controll.
But i do struggle with the thoughts you take up. Should i stop? If i never can buy another game i still will be very happy with what i got.
But price are high for what i want next, even if i can afford them. It just doesn't feel right to spend so much money for things only i enjoy.
Great video 👍
I'm never going to stop collecting, but my acquisitions have slowed to a glacial pace. It helps that the local retro store went out of business, I'm restricted to only shopping online, and I'm broke.
Your vids always help put game collecting into better perspectives for my own. I've been able to determine what games I can do without and what OG hardware I want. I've even begun altering things. The one thing I'm unsure about is if I want to collect for the PS1. I still have my games from when I was a kid and I have nostalgia for it, but then there is so many ways to play the games, and the prices on ebay can be very discouraging. Game collecting is tough sometimes.
Retro game stores were nice before game collecting prices got out of hand. I remember walking into a store back in 2002 that had dozens of super Mario bros cartridges for 10¢ each. Now, one if the most common NES games is like $15. It seems better to just bypass the store and sell a game to a collector for more than what the store would pay. The buyer pays less than what the store would charge. Everybody wins. I've seen stores asking for double what the internet sellers are asking for cheaper games, and then go out of business. I've wondered if retro stores would do well if they sell most games for a low profit and move inventory quickly instead of having the same stuff sitting on the shelf for months.
While I still casually browse the odd retro game online or whenever I go to some thrift shop, it’s never really in earnest as I’ve become largely satisfied with my collection over the last few years. And now that I have a good PC, emulation has truly opened up my options without breaking the bank..
I used to have a decent sized Saturn, PSOne, PS2, SNES, PC Engine collection. It was just too much stuff and when I had to move I decided to sell it all. Don’t really miss retro and barely think about it. I’m not interested in PS5 or Gamepass with Series X either. My Vita, PS3 and PS4 backlog will keep me busy for years to come. Everything (including PS TV) is connected via HDMI and I love the simplicity of it all without having to worry about any complicated wiring or converters anymore.
Getting a New Car > Getting a Gray Nintendo World Championship Cartridge
Great video topic. Spread out purchases as well.
PS my 5 year old asks, "Can we watch the banana man videos?"
I love it!
I never quit collecting games. I have a huge collection of NES, SNES, Genesis. These days I collect for Switch and PS4
I stopped collecting as much when I realized I'm a gamer, not a collector, and am always broke. ahahhaha playing on the physical game feels better to me, but I feel no problem playing ROMs. I'm proud of the physical collection i do have, though it's small, it's all games I like to play, and "The Bible Game" on original Xbox. Lolol you're awesome!!!!
The price hike has been a mixed blessing for me. I started at a time when prices were rising, but things were still cheap (2010). Luckily, I got most of my games prior to the first big surge in pricing around 2014-2015. Now, with things being as they are (awful), I just buy fewer games, and I can play the games I actually have (instead of adding to the pile).
And YES! Be more selective in your purchases. This is good advice.
Play your games, people. I promise you'll enjoy it!
I suspect these videos are Retro Bird's main motivation for keeping his apartment clean
They are!
I decided long ago that I wasn't going to enjoy retro gaming on anyone's terms other than my own.
If someone can't enjoy retro games on anything other than original hardware and original media and a perfectly calibrated pvm, I will gladly let that be their problem and not mine.
I have a nice 36 inch crt, and an snes with 6 games and a few other more recent consoles connected (a wii and dreamcast with large libraries each). The snes games I have I really like and I am slowly rebuilding my old collection which I would be happy with. Otherwise I'll be content with a rom cartridge.
Just went to a couple of thrift stores today.
First time I took a look at the Xbox 360 section.
There's soooo many copies of gears of War, it's like the wave of Killzone two copies that sit on the shelf forever.
I even saw one store where they stacked them on top of each other. It was behind the glass display where the games were.
And man compared to the beginning of the year the places have gone dry. Earlier this year I went to one store and got 8 games. And skipped two because they where not particularly rare or valuable.
Today I went to 5 stores and got 7 games. Saw two other games but the prices was twice as much as what PS3 games usually go.
I've been focusing on acquiring the games from each generation I remember loving and playing a ton. Recently completed my PSP collection at just 8 games, maybe I'll add a few here and there but for now I consider it complete.
I had a phase in which I just picked up whatever came across my radar that somewhat triggered my interest.
Be it due to pricing or the game itself.
Nowadays that my shelf if almost too filled up, I became way more selective and look for games that still could interest me which do not cost a ton.
Plus, all the games from my childhood that mom didn't get rid off in need for money are still with me anyway and those are still the most important ones.
High quality Emulation/Flash carts has made letting go of all the clutter much easier.
I can't quit, it's one of my biggest addictions!
How old are you?
I always get nervous about the word addiction. True addictions are almost never good for you. Here's my cheap advice (and I have a huge retro collection). Is it an "addiction" that you enjoy and get a lot of fun out of? Do you look forward to playing the games in your collection regularly, including the ones you're recently acquiring? Does it add joy to your life? If so, continue collecting but just be careful that you don't mismanage your money, your time, your relationships with the people that matter to you.
On the other hand, is it an "addiction" that you are just continuing out of habit (like so many people's addictions)? Is it rather joyless? Do you feel either cynical or desperate about collecting more games? If that's the case, stop acquiring games right now, take a break, and maybe take time just to enjoy the games you already have on your shelves. There's a lot of fun stuff sitting there on those shelves. Maybe after a few months you can take a look at collecting with a different perspective. Good luck!
My New Year's resolution will be same as it was for the last few years: stop retro collecting. It is an addiction, not just for the shelf, but the hunt, knowing it's the post, opening the package, etc. You take that buzz away and you get withdrawal symptoms. But I must go cold turkey because I have 223 games, and most I haven't played properly yet. So from 2022 I will quit collecting and start playing more. The End.
After seeing prices skyrocketing the past years, I gave up collecting.
Now I go with Everdrives.
Perfect for me.
Simple answer : stop thinking of it as collecting and more as "playing on original hardware". I hate collecting anything personally.
Im gonna keep collecting my retro games, and what i cant buy i got almost all the games ill ever need on my emulators and i could make retro carts with them if i ever needed, ill never pay a scalper for what i can make myself for myself for less then msrp from their original sell prices.
I say the best we can do is shop locally with offer up and Facebook market place and trade with sellers if possible.
I have pretty much stopped already. Doesn't mean that I don't look, but my willpower is greatly reinforced by the crazy prices. I have most of the ones I want with some reproductions of the more rare options. Another great topic.
damn. I actually remember symphony of the night being around 30-40 bucks. Checked ebay now and wow! Anyone looking to buy a copy better expect to pay at least 150-200 bucks
I couldn't believe it until somebody told me. That game has always been $30 in my head.
Yup, a real shame as I just really got into Castlevania games and would love to own copies of the ones I like. Oh well, maybe I'll get lucky someday
I think a good way to go about collecting (atleast financially) is to find some small way of making a little extra income, and just limit your purchases to that income. A good example would be retro ricks "$10 game collection". Finding things at thrift stores/garage sales to flip, and building a cash flow from that.
I took a break from collecting a few months ago once I felt I had what I wanted. Honestly I can't pinpoint the exact moment, I just stopped searching and feeling that nagging desire to find the other hidden gems. Generally I'm content now playing what I have, and watching guys like you play all the the rest. Even when they look amazing (Out Run and SF64 this video!) I'm good.
I'm guilty of having a large backlog to play through and I struggle to make purchases with so many games still to play in my collection. Prices are a factor but for the most part I'm not sure I can justify continuing with my 360 collection. Great video 👍
I come here for my Banana etiquette and I was not disappointed today!
Good to hear :)
My wallet tells me yes but my heart tells me no lol.
I caught a game store slipping on a copy of Paper Mario for N64 it was $30 and now it's about $120. But i wont stop collecting there are still a few games i would love to have.
I've taken a break from retro collecting and all collecting in general since September. I do miss it and there are still games I want to get, but for now my current collection is capable of keeping me occupied for more than a while. And as a plus I dont feel that overcoming itch to constantly game hunt.
In a pinch, I don't mind just emulating games -- or, better yet, homebrew -- , and it works for a lot of games that I guess I wouldn't mind having but would never pay $200+ for. However, there's several games -- at least 10 for each console -- that I have to have on my shelves because they actually mean something to me, and my collection wouldn't ever feel complete without them. If I can manage to at least pick up those games, I'll feel a lot more relieved, but it's becoming insanely expensive to do so and I just can't afford it, yet. I'm fine with paying $200 for Super Metroid, but I'm not paying prices like that for Kirby's Avalanche.
I actually am thinking of quitting Game Collecting. I really want to put more focus on my studies as well as avoid dropping a nuke into my bank account. One of the things I've kept to myself till now when searching for games to collect is to follow three or four pieces of Criteria:
1. It must be a game for the PC Platform
2. It must be a CD or DVD
3. It must be a Racing Game
4. It must be a Game that will be compatible with Windows 10 or can run in DOSBox
So far every single Racing Game I currently own I've played through and enjoyed. I think it's best to quit for a while and focus on my College Work. It was an amazing two years of collecting my favorite Racing Games, and I'm glad to have come this far. Thank you for the informal video!