Keeping a collection from getting out of control. (What to keep or not.)

[SRGilbert]

So, I've been buying and playing games going on 30 years, but only began seriously collecting for the past 5-6 years or so. I've got some 30+ systems and handhelds, and more than 1200 games for them.

 

That's not the problem.

 

The problem is that I've managed to accumulate at least two of almost every piece of hardware (not games.) I guess the thinking is that in the event that my primary system dies, I'll have a backup. Or, I'll have a system set up to play in the rack, and a boxed set on the shelf, that kind of thing.

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a hoarder! I sell stuff ALL the time, but I still have a hard time paring it down to just one of everything. Like for instance, Vectrex. I had a working but beat up system that I bought on Ebay, then I found a killer deal on a boxed set that was like new. So the old one went in the closet, and the new one became my display. Problem is that I can't let go of the old one because #1 - I'd hate to not have a backup, and #2 - it's nice to have a second controller!

 

Speaking of controllers, I've got them almost literally coming out of my ears. It seems I can't pass up a weird controller for a decent price, not matter how poorly they are designed! Also, I have a thing about having PAIRS of controllers. If I find one, then I like to have two, which is weird because I don't really play that much with other people. So one will go on display, the other in a tub of controllers.

 

And if a system has four controller ports, then hell I better have four working controllers on hand! So N64, Dreamcast, Gamecube (4 Wavebirds and 4 regular), Xbox...you get the picture.

 

And with some, like the N64, I'm paranoid that the sticks will wear out, so I've got a whole box of them (plus I like all the colors!)

 

With games, I'm not so bad, I keep those to one of everything! On the other hand, I also know that I have hundreds(!) of games that I've never even tried out, much less put any real playtime into. When I do sit down to play, I almost always go right to the old standards.

 

Maybe I'm just getting a little bored too. I know I live for the hunt of finding stuff in the wild, but those finds are few and far between now a days. Plus, I've already run through all the low hanging fruit, so to speak. So now I'm at that stage where it's put up or shut up as far as spending money, anything I don't already have is not going be cheap and I'm not sure I want to cross that bridge.

 

Do you guys (and gals) have any rules you try to live by to keep your collections under wraps? I've read where some of you have sold off entire collections(!) only to start right over again. Was that worth it? Is it still fun the second time around? (Doesn't seem like it would be to me.)

 

Anyway, forgive the ramblings of an old gamer.................

[jaybird3rd]

I eventually decided that I needed to limit my collecting to three consoles and three computers (not including PCs and other modern stuff):

 

Consoles: Atari 7800 (also includes 2600 games), Mattel Intellivision (also includes the Mattel Aquarius), and the Atari Jaguar

Computers: Atari 400/800 (also includes the 5200, since it's basically the same hardware), TI 99/4A, and Apple ][

 

You can see that I "cheated" by stretching my categories a bit, and I have picked up a few other systems in passing, but I don't actively collect those. But as for the systems that I care about most, I want to be able to enjoy them long after I retire, so I keep lots of extra controllers and other hardware on hand. Whenever possible, I try to collect system boards, chips, and other replacement parts rather than complete systems, which saves quite a bit of space. Another way to save space (not to mention wear of your cartridge ports) is to obtain multi-carts for the classic cartridge-based systems, which can often shrink collections of hundreds of games down to a single cartridge.

 

I can't say that I've ever been tempted to get rid of my collections entirely. Some of this stuff has been with me for decades, and it has lots of sentimental value to me, and I'd probably never get enough money to re-acquire everything later if I chose to. (That's especially true of the Jaguar stuff, which has gotten expensive in the years since I bought my collection.) However, I do pare down my inventory every once in a while, selling off duplicates or items that I'm not interested in keeping.

[nukeshed]

I try to live by one steadfast rule of collecting: Is it a game? I want it.

 

This doesnt bode well for me most days.

[BrutallyHonestGamer]

sometimes you can't help it. If you go somewhere, flea market, and there's something you have to have but the seller won't separate anything, I end up buying. I did end up selling most of my duplicate systems, but there's some I just can't. I have I think 6 different Atari 2600's and 3 GameGears. I have maybe 7 Gameboys, 3 Dreamcasts, and 2 3do's and two TI/84s and 2 Odyssey 2's. I have no desire to part with any of them. I have sold in the past though dupe systems like N64s.

 

The other thing though as well, is there's also system variants. For example, when I got my 2nd Odyssey 2, which I only bought because it came with the box, I noticed it was physically different than my other Odyssey, so I'll definitely keep them both.

Edited February 6, 2013 by BrutallyHonestGamer

[Mirage]

I have at least a dozen each of 2600's and C64's and probably half a dozen Vic-20's. I'm really not sure how many of each. Most of them are in a couple closets, but occasionally, I'll run across one in a random place in the basement. If you count non-working systems, I probably have another couple dozen C64's.

 

So, when I look at my 2 A800's, 3 800XL's, 3 TI's, it really doesn't seem like a lot in comparison to some of the others. Maybe you just need more of a few so the rest won't seem like so many.

 

EDIT: But I can't stand having doubles of carts or anything like that! Unless it's a very significant label variation, it has to go! Hardware is just... different.

Edited February 6, 2013 by Mirage

[Keatah]

I've limited my classic electronics collection to the following:

 

TRS-80 PC-1 (complete, books, manuals, dox, box, tapes, printer)

TRS-80 PC-2 (partly complete)

JVC-3050

Ti-59 Programmable Calculator

Sony D5

80486 DX2-50

BeigeBox Pentium III

Apple 2 series collection (quite extensive)

Budding Apple /// and ///+ (IDK why I ever got these, they're sitting and rotting)

 

Everything except the Apple II stuff fits in a corner in the closet. I've found my Apple II collection to be so huge it's hard to look at it an enjoy it. Even though much of it is super clean and packed nicely now.

 

So I, too, need to pare the II series stuff down. And so far it looks to be what I originally owned from back in the day. Letting all the stuff acquired since like 1990 go the wayside. This would leave a manageable 2 consoles and a tub full of accessories.

Edited February 6, 2013 by Keatah

[BrutallyHonestGamer]

 

EDIT: But I can't stand having doubles of carts or anything like that! Unless it's a very significant label variation, it has to go! Hardware is just... different.

 

I agree 100% and I have gotten rid of all dupe carts other than label variants.

[Rik]

Hey SRGILBERT, what you are saying is pretty much the case with all of us here. With 30+ year old equipment, it never hurts to have a spare or more of everything, for extra parts, in case old things break down beyond repair, etc. I limit myself to 2-3 duplicates of accessories, and games, depends. The thing too is that i haven't found ANYTHING in the wild in 2 years now! Even thrift shops are pretty much nil for 2600, 7800, INTV, CV'S, etc. It's hard to resist buying a cool game or console when seen at a game shop or whatever. I guess i'm pretty lucky in that i have pretty much everything i want, so i have no real need to buy more stuff. Room is becoming an issue for me also, i simply have no more room. I have stuff stored correctly, nothing is laying around, stacked or mixed up with other stuff, it's organized, i'm happy.

[fiddlepaddle]

I too have dupes of lots of systems and controllers and special cables, etc., mostly because selling is work, but also because I'm afraid something will break and I'll want backups/parts. In the scheme of things, even with 30+ different consoles, it really doesn't take up THAT much space (maybe 25% of a garage-of-boxes worth).

 

Lately, over maybe the last 2 or 3 years, I've realized that I have most everything I'll want, and don't really buy that much anymore. I pass up "really good deals" on systems all the time now because I already have enough "backups".

 

I still have hundreds of untried games, and play lots of the old stuff over and over without boredom. I think the gameplay bandwidth of the rest of my life is pretty much saturated (and you can't really play two games at once or play games faster). The only thing that could possibly impact this is if my lifespan were to be extended, by a lot; an unlikely development.

 

So, I'm good.

[number six]

 

 

It's funny, I was just going through a bunch of games in storage this weekend. My wife calls me a hoarder, but I only hoard games and its not like I have them stacked in the living room but I admit it's probably gotten out of control. I probably have 20-30 bins like the ones above full. The collection spans 30 years. I started saving boxes and such in the late 80s so its a pile. Over the years i've tried to get every system out there going back.. so the hardware has piled up as well.

 

I think at some point you have to limit your scope. A few years ago I decided to jetison anything computer related that wasn't Commodore. Got rid of a bunch of stuff.. of course fate plays a role.. right after I traded off all of my Atari computer stuff I find an 800 setup at the Goodwill for $25. That's going to get traded off though.. I really have to draw the line. With CIB vintage game prices the way they are i'm probably going to end up selling off anything thats worth money on that front as well.. once again its just space and focus. Plus if I can get good money for old C= or PC games I can funnel that into something that i'm more interested in like finishing my Sega CD collection. So focus, focus.

 

Hardware is a pain. I don't usually try to collect multiples of systems but once again just through luck or fate or whatever you end up with too many. For example I wouldn't buy a genesis at a goodwill but i've had friends give me their old stuff over the years so I've ended up with about 5 Genesis units through that. There's really no need for more than one backup (my original genesis still works fine even) so once again that's going to get the heave ho. I've been trying to get all the hardware sorted into labeled storage bins along with their hookups and a reasonable number of controllers. That has helped A LOT. It also will be easy to spot if somehow you've accumulated 7 NES controllers (which happens) or as i found this past weekend i've got something like 5 NES Advantages. That's pointless.

 

Hardware also leads to the dreaded 'tub of cables'. I probably have 3x 20 or 30 gallon totes just FULL of cables. I went through one this weekend and ended up throwing most of it away. Half of it was old coax and phone cable.. broken controllers.. that sort of thing. Trash.. Of course some of them have rolled into the vintage cable ball and that's going to take hours to untangle. I've been freeze bagging stuff to prevent this now, plus it makes it easier to find things as you can get a decent number of stuff in one of those big freezer bags. Thus if i need a RF switch.. thats a bag. Genesis controller.. ok that might be 3 bags worth, but at least thats 3 items versus 20 in a bin.

 

So organize, organize and pair down. Concentrate on what you really like and be mindful of useless extras. Another thing to consider is that most systems aren't really that expensive. That's why i'm not uber worried that if say my single Super Nintendo should die.. its what, $40 for another one? I don't really need to keep a hot spare when the replacement is relatively cheap.

[+Ransom]

To limit things, I make it a rule that I only buy things that are in excellent condition, be it consoles, computers, peripherals, or software. As far as hardware, I limit myself to one in use and one backup. Since I like to have the boxes for everything, it doesn't take up any more space whether the box has the console/computer in it or not.

 

Sometimes I question that, though. "Everything you own, owns you." You have to maintain everything. All those capacitors are going to need to be replaced some day, for example. Is it really wise to have 2x as many systems to maintain? I'm not so sure any more.

[+boxpressed]

Before I saw this thread, I had just come to the realization that I had at least one backup of almost every console/computer that I own (nine platforms with backups). I guess this makes some sense, but it's also a little overboard. The thing is, it's so easy and inexpensive to accumulate these things. For example, I just bought a lot of 5200 stuff that included a 5200, 3 controllers, a trackball, and two Competition Pro joysticks, among other things. I can sell one Competition Pro and make up what I paid for everything, shipping and all. Now I've got another 5200! I'm not quite at fiddlepaddle's stage where I can pass up a good deal. I'd like to be, though.

Edited February 6, 2013 by boxpressed

[Mirage]

 

 

It's funny, I was just going through a bunch of games in storage this weekend.

 

<snip>

 

This whole post... YES... this is what I "try" to do. Sometimes successfully. I have over the past couple years eliminated a lot of systems that I either had too tiny of a collection to worry about AND/OR I'm fine with emulating it. Eliminated SNES, Vectrex (ok, I regret that one), Channel F, and a couple others. Genesis is probably next since emulation for that has gotten so good (good enough for me). Allows me to focus on what I really care about ... 2600, C64, Vic-20, Amiga, 5200 and to a lesser extent, A8. Still, I keep the random Plus/4, TI-99/4a, Apple 2, 7800, and classic Mac stuff, though I do sometimes question a few of those.

 

By the way... you must have a killer C64 boxed software collection. Just what I see right on top there is making me drool. I've been collecting some more C64 items lately, though I have to keep reminding myself that if I step over the line and start collecting everything I like for that... it will never end, as there's a LOT. Have to limit to very specific things that I really enjoyed in the past or that are my absolute favorite titles, otherwise, it could snowball REAL quick.

Edited February 6, 2013 by Mirage

[Keatah]

This month I'm making a concerted effort to pare down all the Apple II stuff I have. Or at the very least re-package the stuff for efficient storage. ProFiles, books, and bulky monitors are especially a problem ATM.

[goldenegg]

I have a couple rules around my retro gaming collection.

 

The first is that I won't buy hardware I won't use. That includes backups. I see absolutely no point in having a console which is simply going to sit packed away or on a shelf, un touched. This also defines what consoles I will and will not buy. For example, I'm not at all a fan of the Atari 5200 or 7800, so I won't buy those.

 

The second rule is around games. I primarily use flash carts and CD backups for playing games in my retro system. The original games I have in my collection fall in to two categories. They either have a special meaning to me from the past or I got them as part of a bundle when purchasing other games or systems. If I were to discover a new NES game today and fall in love with it, I wouldn't go buy the cart since the cart itself would have no meaning to me.

 

I never buy backup hardware. The only duplicate hardware I have are different versions of the same system. For example, I have every Gameboy model. I only do this with a few systems and I actually do make use of each. If a system were to fail, I'd either buy a new one or, in the case that a replacement cannot be easily obtained, just move on to emulation for that console.

 

This definitely keeps my collection in line.

 

For newer consoles, I like playing around with new hardware, so I tend to buy whatever comes on the market. Game purchases are limited to what I'll actually play. If I know I won't have time for a certain game, I simply won't make the purchase, rather than buy it with the hope that some day I'll get around to it (with Steam sales being a major exception here).

[BrutallyHonestGamer]

the only rule i have is to not buy something i already own UNLESS the seller will not separate something and the lot has something I need or really want.

[shadow460]

From time to time I go through a phase of "get this stuff outta my house". And really, think about it. How many times are you gonna have a multi player game where you HAVE to have the big controller? How many racing games are you gonna play with someone else? Now if that's your thing, or light gun games are your thing, then you might wanna have multiple controllers. I own two Driving Force wheels which get used for two whole games. I'm gonna let one of 'em go. I also own two of several consoles, but I'll probably start letting some of those go at some point.

Portables are a little easier to manage but they hove their downsides. When I'm not worrying about batteries, I can pack many portable games into a drawer and forget about them.

 

I think I'm gonna limit my large controllers from here on out. If it's bigger than a light gun and the game can be played with a hand controller, I don't need more than one. My guest gets the big controller and I'll use a pad if we play simultaneously.

 

Another thing is if you can get hold of backward compatible systems. This reduces the number of consoles you need, and it's a primary reason why the LaserActive got my curiosity long before I found one. Theoretically that one system can save space by taking the place of what, five consoles? Now in practice you could fit five console inside the thing, but that's another matter...

 

Buying lots is good--in moderation. IMO, you need roughly 30 or 40 duplicates, and preferably those 30 or 40 dupes should be different games. You might keep a couple of duplicate systems depending on what they are (not link I would keep a spare Halcyon) and how you use 'em. I can see having a second PS3 in another room for its Blu Ray capability. I can see having two of some portables for multiplayer gaming.

However, the main reason for duplicates it that's your trade bait, especially if they're games or small hardware. You might think of grabbing a duplicate console to trade off--case in point was when I traded a duplicate 2600 for my first ColecoVision. You never know when you'll run across a vendor who's willing to trade. Cash is always king, yes, but sometimes a small set of games with a console that's ready to play can be swapped easily, meaning you don't have to pay out for a system that's new to you.

[Blazing Lazers]

There's only two things you need to keep: what you'll play, and what you know you can sell later for at least what you paid for it. The hobby and collection can fund itself that way.

[Catsmasher]

Don't worry. Keep doing what you are doing. You sound perfectly reasonable and normal to me.

[TheGameCollector]

So, I've been buying and playing games going on 30 years, but only began seriously collecting for the past 5-6 years or so. I've got some 30+ systems and handhelds, and more than 1200 games for them.

 

That's not the problem.

 

The problem is that I've managed to accumulate at least two of almost every piece of hardware (not games.) I guess the thinking is that in the event that my primary system dies, I'll have a backup. Or, I'll have a system set up to play in the rack, and a boxed set on the shelf, that kind of thing.

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a hoarder! I sell stuff ALL the time, but I still have a hard time paring it down to just one of everything. Like for instance, Vectrex. I had a working but beat up system that I bought on Ebay, then I found a killer deal on a boxed set that was like new. So the old one went in the closet, and the new one became my display. Problem is that I can't let go of the old one because #1 - I'd hate to not have a backup, and #2 - it's nice to have a second controller!

 

Speaking of controllers, I've got them almost literally coming out of my ears. It seems I can't pass up a weird controller for a decent price, not matter how poorly they are designed! Also, I have a thing about having PAIRS of controllers. If I find one, then I like to have two, which is weird because I don't really play that much with other people. So one will go on display, the other in a tub of controllers.

 

And if a system has four controller ports, then hell I better have four working controllers on hand! So N64, Dreamcast, Gamecube (4 Wavebirds and 4 regular), Xbox...you get the picture.

 

And with some, like the N64, I'm paranoid that the sticks will wear out, so I've got a whole box of them (plus I like all the colors!)

 

With games, I'm not so bad, I keep those to one of everything! On the other hand, I also know that I have hundreds(!) of games that I've never even tried out, much less put any real playtime into. When I do sit down to play, I almost always go right to the old standards.

 

Maybe I'm just getting a little bored too. I know I live for the hunt of finding stuff in the wild, but those finds are few and far between now a days. Plus, I've already run through all the low hanging fruit, so to speak. So now I'm at that stage where it's put up or shut up as far as spending money, anything I don't already have is not going be cheap and I'm not sure I want to cross that bridge.

 

Do you guys (and gals) have any rules you try to live by to keep your collections under wraps? I've read where some of you have sold off entire collections(!) only to start right over again. Was that worth it? Is it still fun the second time around? (Doesn't seem like it would be to me.)

 

Anyway, forgive the ramblings of an old gamer.................

 

I would think most of us only sell off collections because something comes up where we feel like we have to. You get your hours cut or lose your job, then after selling your collection to get by you get a new one and the collecting bug comes back.

 

I personally think it is kind of fun to start over again because you can put more focus into what you bought when you have less stuff. If I could start over again and only collect what I haven't played before, but in genres I know I like maybe I could have a little more discipline about it and make sure I play everything before I get more.

 

When I finish selling off everything I have that is older than Xbox 360 except for Gamecube games, the consoles themselves, flashcarts, repros and the one sentimental copy of Ms. Pac-Man for Genesis my grandma played; the one game I have decided to keep is Final Fantasy for NES as my save file is at the final dungeon. My goal is to level up and beat that boss before I sell it.

 

I also have all 12 Sonic games for Game Gear CIB which are extremely painful to track down (especially the last 5 or so). I may want to keep those and only sell if I have an extreme emergency. I've got them up on ebay right now for $1000 or best offer. I figure I'll try and see what someone will pay for them and only actually sell them if a die-hard Sonic fan wants them badly and is willing to pay at least 125% of what I paid for them which is already a lot.

 

So organize, organize and pair down. Concentrate on what you really like and be mindful of useless extras. Another thing to consider is that most systems aren't really that expensive. That's why i'm not uber worried that if say my single Super Nintendo should die.. its what, $40 for another one? I don't really need to keep a hot spare when the replacement is relatively cheap.

 

$40 for a SNES console just to use? That's a bit too high. Goodwill gets them all the time for $8. I got mine for $5. It's ugly but it works and that's all that matters to me.

 

I actually don't keep doubles of my systems because it is usually very easy to find a replacement. Locally for the common ones and online for the unusual ones.

Edited February 10, 2013 by TheGameCollector