Collecting Vintage Video Games
May 29, 2015 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns
Ms Pac-Man, Image by Alexisrael
Father’s Day is around the corner and may we suggest a wonderful old school video game for your doting dad? Perhaps he’d love to reacquaint himself with Pac-Man, who turned the big 3-5 a week ago. Or maybe he’s more of a Nintendo guy. Whatever his gaming taste may be, if it’s vintage we’ve got the info you need. And like these iconic gaming masterpieces, our shopping advice in here will be timeless. Quick and important side note I’d like to make: collecting vintage video games isn’t just for the menfolk; us ladies can throw down something fierce when it comes to the world of gaming. So this post is for everyone: fun-loving papas, groovy mamas, and awesome kids.
Grab a snack, get comfy, and prepare to learn more about this great collecting genre. (And never fear – if video games don’t strike your dad’s fancy, check out Eric Bradley’s book Mantiques: A Manly Guide to Cool Stuff. This is the definitive guidebook for discovering all about the new world of mantiques. You’ll be sure to find something great for your dad within its pages.)
What should I look for when collecting vintage video games?
First things first, as with all areas of collecting, buy what you love. The real value in a collectible is the value you see in it. For example, I have a beat up metal tray. It’s got great lines and I love it to death. But to someone else they may not give it a second look. Collecting really is about bringing things into your home that you connect with – items that bring you joy. Collecting vintage video games is no different. That being said, there are some things to consider from an investment perspective.
Expert Eric Bradley recommends sticking to games prior to the early 1980s. Games made during the earlier days of video gaming history are more rare and have had longer to linger in our collective conscience. This oftentimes relates to greater long-term value. Some of the heavy hitters are Atari (established in 1972), Nintendo (starting out in 1889 as a playing card manufacturer, but then shifted to video games in 1970), Bandai (founded in Japan in 1950, coming to the US by the late 1970s), Sega (getting its start way back in 1940, with their first arcade game taking hold about 20 years later), and ColecoVision (founded in the heyday of home gaming, burning brightly, and then fading almost as quickly as it arrived).
Image by Tony Webster
Rare or unique video games seem to be where most hard core collectors are focused at the moment, although the consoles themselves are not without value. (Check out this list of some of the most unique titles.)Having the console to play your game on is an obvious bonus for any enthusiast, but the games are where the big bang for your investing buck rests. Arcade games can also be quite valuable, but often require more maintenance (something to keep in mind if you want to branch out your collection). Posters and video game-related memorabilia are some fun ways to flesh out a collection and decorate the man cave! See this post for some tips on taking care of vintage posters.
When you find a game you’re interested in, first assess its condition. Consider how much time it may take to remove the stickers or markings. If it looks scuffed and beat up you have to wonder if the game or console will function. Functionality is another key tenet to the collecting game, so you’ll want to keep this high on your list of “wants.” In an ideal world you can test it out to see if it works, but if that’s not the case then you’ll have to take your chances. Lower your offer accordingly, based on your degree of skepticism. The icing on the cake will be original packing materials or instruction booklets. A couple of handy terms to familiarize yourself with: “Complete in Box” (CiB) and “New in Box” (NiB).
As with any genre of collecting, once it becomes popular the market gets flooded with fakes. The internet is all abuzz with advice. But the best advice is the oldest – if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. It’s easy to become emotional as you get more involved with collecting and I think that’s great to be passionate, just make sure you always approach purchasing opportunities with due caution. Some helpful posts on the matter come from Racket Boy and eBay. Like some other collectibles, there is a grading system in place, but it’s not necessarily followed throughout the industry. Here’s a spirited post about why collectors should still be leery – even if the grade is high.
Great resources for finding vintage video games
Recently several boutique shops have sprung up offering enthusiasts a chance to rent, play, or buy their beloved games. But collectors can still find great deals online via places like Craigslist or Reddit; however don’t count out the real thrill of the hunt at garage sales, flea markets, stores that sell used media, or Goodwill. Another fruitful venue for finding games is by reaching out directly to other collectors. Find local conventions or meet ups in your area and start getting to know your fellow video game lovers. Not only can they give you advice on the best local spots for good deals, but you’ll also get to connect with someone who shares a common interest. Always a bonus!
An Atari 7800 video game console with controller.
How can I take care of vintage video games?
As with most things in life, you gotta have the right tools for the job. A good tool kit for gamers will include a set of screwdrivers, q-tips, rubbing alcohol, and a clean cloth that is lint-free. Keep in mind that you’ll typically want to cut the rubbing alcohol with some water before you do any cleaning. As you clean be sure to work in small areas, slowly. You can always go back and continue cleaning – it’s best to not rush this process. Nintendo has some suggestions on how to clean their cartridges and consoles and here’s a more detailed list of what to have in your arsenal, as well as some video instructions. If you need to remove stickers, trusty Goo Gone is the gold standard. A great resource for console and manufacturer-specific instructions can be found here. Store your treasures in a low humidity environment. You also want to be cautious of dust accumulation, so be sure to keep your items in a nice storage case when not in use.
What are your favorite vintage video game titles?