How to Become a Video Game Collector
Video games have become incredibly expensive in recent years, especially over the past two console generations. A copy of Super Mario Brothers from the late ’80s or early ’90s might only cost a few dollars back then but today that same game would sell for well over $100! As gamers, we often take this expense for granted – if you’re wondering how to become a video game collector then reading through this article is your first step!
What is a Video Game Collector?
Simply put, a video game collector is someone who owns an extensive number of video games. There are various variations on this concept.
Many individuals who begin collecting games are searching for a list of titles they can own. If a child or friend selects games for them, collectors look to find those which are off limits. Video game collectors might create an “all-time favorite” list, while those interested in collecting classic board games might search out titles their friends cannot possess. Whatever the motivation may be behind collecting video games, there’s always some sort of reason behind why one might want to accumulate such items.
Research the Market
If you’re interested in becoming a video game collector, it’s essential to identify what games you want to acquire. Before shopping for games, do some research into the market. Websites like eBay or Amazon allow searching the marketplace with just some key words related to what games are sought-after. You might also check out message boards and forums to see what other gamers are seeking out.
Consult Professional Advice
Are you new to video game collecting? You might be wondering if it’s even worth it. After all, video games can be expensive – if you buy $100 worth of titles each month that adds up to $2000 annually! That’s a lot of money! Are you uncertain whether video game collecting is worth it? Get professional advice. Do not rely on your parents’ opinion or a friend who knows nothing about video games for this task; the best advice comes from experts within the industry. You can locate experts in several ways. Search online forums and message boards to locate people who collect games or have some knowledge about the market. Alternatively, contact companies that create games; many maintain message boards or forums where questions can be asked and received answers.
Gain Mastery Over Game Tracking
Once you become a video game collector, it is essential to keep track of your games. Many do this by buying them and storing them away – though this option has its drawbacks; if you buy games without knowing what you own, it could prove detrimental in the long run. Understanding how to track your titles will give you much greater insight into your collection as a whole.
Decide How to Arrange Your Collection
Once you know which games you want to collect and how to keep track of them, the next step is deciding how best to organize your collection.
- By Year: This method is often used to organize a collection. While it doesn’t provide the player with an overview of what’s inside, it does give them a sense of completion and helps those looking to fill walls with posters feel accomplished.
- By Game: This organization type is ideal for people who frequently search for one or two specific games. If you’re always on the hunt for a certain title, this method works great.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Effort?
No doubt you’ve heard this a million times before, but it bears repeating: if you’re interested in video game collecting, start small. Even if it’s only a couple of games a year – even if that is all that is needed to get going. Once your collection grows and you know what type of games you want to collect, start searching auction sites or eBay for them. Becoming an effective video game collector requires research, organization and market knowledge – before beginning to build your collection it is important to know what type of hobby this involves before beginning to collect anything valuable.
