Game Collecting Sucks Now??? | 5 Consoles to Collect For In 2023!

Game Collecting Sucks Now??? | 5 Consoles to Collect For In 2023!
On today's episode of Gaming Off The Grid,
In 2023 it seems like a lot of folks believe video game collecting has became this horrible, difficult hobby filled with re-sellers and scalpers. A lot of people are selling their collections and leaving the hobby. Is it as bad as "they" say? Let's chat about this, you may be surprised.
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Previous Episode:
"You Will Own Nothing & Be Happy" | The Future Of Video Games
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[@katieblackmore2004]

Too many people have turned game collecting into either greed or a competition. Just collect what you are passionate about, and do your thing

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

100% spot on! Cheers!

[@Nicomanism]

Its all about desperate clout, unfortunately.

[@blitheringrando1410]

I have a small game collection and it just feels like a mess in my house. I sold some of the games I really didn't care about. I'm about to store it all away again and pull it out in another 10 years lol.

[@benironside1264]

This

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Understandable

[@ranger64gmfr]

I’m not collecting to just have an absurd amount of games/consoles. I’m collecting the games/consoles that I have nostalgia for, that’s it.

[@davismavis2834]

I don't even collect anymore. I buy low and sell retail. I'll play the games until they're sold but I'm NOT a collector. I collect dollar bills yous

[@Nin10Guy]

I only buy games/consoles that look interesting to me and I can actually see myself playing those games/consoles from time to time. Nostalgia for me doesn't have to be exclusive to my childhood. I've bought plenty of retro consoles I never owned as a kid (Sega Saturn, Dreamcast, PS2 etc). Despite that, I'm still glad I branched out as I've created new nostalgic memories from my 20's that will stick with me as I get older. Collecting shouldn't be about buying games for their monetary value. You should really only be buying games that give you personal enjoyment. I feel like many people nowadays are collecting video games for the wrong reasons and that's why they end up getting burnt out.

[@DrewMarino1995]

Facts i actually like Playing my retro games unlike some ppl 😂

[@ranger64gmfr]

@@DrewMarino1995 I do too, I do have a PS5, but I’m not really in love with it. I tend to play my retro games more than I do the newer games. I don’t even know why I bought it, I think it was because everyone was buying one, so I had to buy one. If I could only have one system, it’d be my NES.

[@ranger64gmfr]

@@Nin10Guy that makes perfect sense to me. I feel some collectors just buy and buy and buy, but barely play the games. They do it just because it’s all the rage nowadays. But it becomes too much at some point.

[@Ravage64]

It's a common mistake. -Collect stuff -Get burned out -Sell it -Regret selling it -Buy it back at 10x the price My suggestion is that when you get burned out...box everything up (extremely well) and put it in storage until you get that itch again. Original games/consoles/hardware are only going to get more expensive and harder to find as time goes on. That burned out feeling is only temporary, even if it feels like it's not.

[@davismavis2834]

I disagree. Donate it and let me buy it at a huge discount

[@demyxix1273]

Happend one time to me bought game Red ninja 29bucks played it found it ok but not great saw review was 43% thought about sell it and sold it to gamestop for two bucks (biggest mistake i ever did) and now 10 year after i bought it again for 42bucks because i missed it. Happend just this one time never ever sold something again what i could regret. Tomb raider angel of darkness was a good deal to give it gamestop for 1 buck this game sucks so much that i was happy even to get 1 buck 😂😂😂

[@buckchuckgaming597]

I refocused my collection and definitely don’t regret it. I kept everything I have nostalgia for or good memories with and sold the rest. Essentially trimmed the fat. I was able to pay off the mortgage and put a good amount into the kids’ college fund. I will never completely stop collecting and will continue playing/buying modern games as well, but I’ll no longer just buy in bulk or just to buy. That being said this is a great example why you should buy physical and not digital. I was able to make thousands of dollars back with my physical collection where someone with a digital collection will get nothing.

[@tharsana457]

@@buckchuckgaming597 So i will keep my 3ds and DS collection then worth over $3k but spend about $400

[@someperson8151]

People get burned out because the value of the retro games are based on people's emotional attachment to the games. Not everyone will have the same emotional investment in a game. Some people's junk is another person's treasure. That emotional attachmrnt can wear you out. Those value (feelings and dollars) fluctuate greatly.

[@TimTalksToys]

My issue is the amount of collectors who entered the hobby in the last 5 years mainly to amass large quantities of games or to have shelf queens to support their Facebook egos. I’ve been collecting since the 90’s and I can confidently say there was a huge shift in roughly 2014 where it really became about bragging rights more than being a hobby for people who loved playing older titles.

[@Jfscloud723]

The problem in 2015 I saw was, with the new systems is its not drm free meaning. You dont own the game, it was just rented to you. Some single player games, you had to be online for no good reason. And thats when I did see older gamers bragging about how they really own the games...........

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

It definitely has! People say we are that way but Theres a decent chunk of games in our collection from the 90s and 00s! Cheers!

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Very true!

[@TimTalksToys]

@@GamingOffTheGrid that’s not to say I don’t have shelf queens, I just played them all long before people gave a damn. I remember feeling like I was crazy dropping $100 on a game like little samson when I typically picked up big boxes full of NES games for $20 at fleas.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Yeah crazy to see the price Little Samson has gone to!

[@OriginalMasters]

For those of us with big collections we’ve had for years, it’s been a test to hold onto them through this rough economy. Edit: For *many* of us. The Original Masters have offended Clayton. We amend our declaration.

[@johndiggle4229]

FJB

[@smashmaster13]

Amen but I don't want my son to go what do you mean you sold your collection when I was born

[@ChipSkater-yo1sv]

​@John Diggle I think the correct terminology is, "Let's go, Brandon!" 😂

[@dapperfan44]

​@John Diggle Oh come ON, I don't like the guy but I come here and similar videos to get AWAY from politics.

[@ChipSkater-yo1sv]

@@dapperfan44 Then ignore his comment

[@ScottReviews]

I agree with all of this. When stuff gets expensive, switch it up. Go for other systems. Great ideas.

[@keeganmcfarland7507]

Or buy physical version of indie/AA games for that matter

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

For sure man! Be where others arent! Cheers!

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

True!

[@tybread2997]

Man, you guys are giving away all my secrets that have made it cheap for me over the years. Buy the previous generation when the new one gets more popular and no one wants the old stuff. Stay ahead of the curve for other systems. I would also stress to live within your means. Set a goal and plan for how to achieve it. Make a list of what you actually want.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

That is very strategic! Good plan! Cheers!

[@EricSega-pe8fl]

Words of Wisdom.

[@peachfuzz137]

For me for Cartridges gaming, I’m starting to collect just cartridges now. I used to collect it CIB because I love the cover art of the boxes a lot. But I recently decided to get custom cases like you guys have, to help mitigate the cost, I tend to collect a lot of jrpg’s/rpg’s as it’s my favourite genre of games so it’s fairly expensive. This way I’m not paying $150 extra just to get a really good box of a game, where as now I’m paying $6 for the custom case that looks basically the same and I still get to enjoy the game. Sure there is going to be some games I’ll still collect CIB for, like for example The Legend of Zelda series, it’s my favourite series of all time so I love these game and they hold a special place in my heart so I’m going to get those CIB. Where as games like Super Punch-Out or Yoshi’s Island I’m like, “do I Really need it CIB?” Probably not. And this way I can focus on getting the games I want to play and have in my collection, Cause at the end of the day that’s what I do it for, is so I can play the games I want to play. And I don’t want to miss out on these awesome games just cause I wanted a very good box for it. And if collecting would ever go down in price then maybe I can collect boxes for these games again but for now these custom video game cases are great placeholders and they look really great on the shelf.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Fully get that! Thats a good strategy! Its too pricey to buy all games CIB! Cheers!

[@aiodensghost8645]

Depends. Some games I play require the manual to be present as well. If it's one of those, complete or you never see my money.

[@catmilk7644]

Game collecting is a style of life to me. I love video games. I don't collect to make money. I collect and play the games I love. So go collecting and have fun.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Sounds just like us! Good luck in the hunt! 🍻

[@cat5e]

For long-time collectors, it's a great time to change their approach. I recently downsized, selling off lots of games and hardware that I had essentially hoarded. I used much of the proceeds to buy things that I had never found "in the wild" after many years of hunting -- promo items, uncommon games, missing pieces, condition upgrades, etc. I also discovered the amazing deals widely available on Japanese games. It opened up a whole new world of collecting and gave me new goals. After shifting my focus to improving the quality of my collection, it has never been better. Next focus is enjoying the games and hardware more regularly 😅.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Yeah for sure! Its honestly good to change it up once in awhile or it starts waying down on you! Cheers!

[@Claredeth]

PS1 used to be my go to system to collect for because I was always able to find them mixed in with music CDs at thrift stores. In the last couple years I haven't found a single one. Now, PS2 and PS3 games are more common there so I've switched my focus to those. While PS4 games are getting pretty cheap, they aren't that fun to play for me. It sucks having to wait for the game to download/install before playing it...I'd rather just toss it in the system and deal with loading screens (which have never been a big issue to me).

[@silviuamuza3902]

If you can stand some bugs, you can play them offline on PS4. Most games don't have an online only requirement. There are sources and testers online for this info. But yea, for the best experience, you need the patches.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Yeah we find alot of ps2 and 3 in the wild and ps1 we hardly see! We enjoy the ps4 but we like ps2 and 3 more so we get what you mean and yeah updates and patches suck! Cheers!

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Spot on!

[@MrChristianDT]

Several PS3 games had that issue too, but, at least it's a one time thing. PS4 does have games with ridiculous patch files sizes to download, though. That gets aggravating.

[@shanenice5380]

They check those disk and sell it online goodwill

[@mangokittyrawr]

Who the hell wants to collect on a budget the whole point of video game collecting is to get the best games that are most nostalgic to us.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

That's definitely how some people do it! Some like to collect good games on a budget they will enjoy! So many different ways to do it! Cheers!

[@guillermos8447]

I'm glad you guys touched this topic. There are good things to collect. Everyone is jumping on what is popular instead of what can be found at affordable prices. Patience is the key.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Agreed patience is so important! Cheers!

[@alphaBETZ.]

I am not a gamer but i am a horror movie collector and all that comes with it. It is nice to see the other side of the collecting and the fears of physical media going away also, i have spent so much time this year gobbling up as many blu rays on ebay because i know 1 day they will be gone. You guys are great together and a comfort to watch. Subscribed!

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Thanks for subscribing! Much appreciated! Yeah its all you can do right now! Cheers!

[@ElmStreet]

I want to start a physical film collection so bad but im afraid blurays will get replaced in the near future just like vhs, and dvds so idk if i ever actually will 😭

[@ScarletStarAudios]

Oh sweet! I collect games and horror movies myself :3

[@shanenice5380]

I have alot blu ray.u won't see them anymore for good price I have the same thing.down the road the prices will go up

[@jandaxprss6784]

I look at the collection on my shelf every day and think man there’s a lot of money sitting there. But there’s a lot more money sitting there than I put into it. It truly is all about timing in collecting games

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Yes it is! Timing is everything! Cheers!

[@TheRealJPhillips]

I'm one of those guys who sought out the only games I wanted. I was never a full set collector. I got in, got all what I was looking for, and I was out. I ended my collecting journey maybe in 2013 or 2014

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Thats awesome! Thats how we collect also! Cheers!

[@E-Z_Gamerz]

Yes, the KZbinrs messed it up for us. I’ve been doing it like many others before retro Rick, chase, Phoenix resell etc… Look, you can’t tell me that 5/6years ago I would be paying retail pricing at goodwill…70% KZbinrs faults, and 30% gradings fault. What was once going into the goodwill to find cheap games or toys for my kids is now priced to the latest toys and video games on the market…it’s messed up for the people who are unfortunate and need those discounts…now people go to goodwill to make money. I’m in Cali so it really affected this state, you can’t find sh*t, cause everyone and their dog sells video games now…

[@warehousedave7937]

I was collecting video games a few years before KZbin was introduced and it's my perspective that people like you ruined collecting for me. Lol

[@alleykat1750]

Retro Rick is the worst fake.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

We think hes a cool guy never had a problem with him but your allowes to feel how you want

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Understandable but we thrift and game hunt to flip games to buy the games we want to add to our collection so idk if you dont like us either! Cheers!

[@E-Z_Gamerz]

@@GamingOffTheGrid lol, ya… who knows…but your here to make videos not care who likes or who doesn’t.

[@buckchuckgaming597]

I sold a big chunk of my retro collection (NES-6th Gen) due to the crazy prices but I kept all the games I have fond memories and nostalgia for. I sold a crapton of PS1 jrpgs, CIB SNES, and Saturn games and it allowed me to completely pay off my mortgage. In my mind I got rid of a lot of games I’ll most likely never play again and set up my family and kids for success. I still buy PS3 and 360 since they are affordable and will likely increase with the 20 year rule.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Thats so awesome to hear! Took care of your mortgage with games you dont even think you will play again! Cheers!

[@PlayStationAintDead]

Love the PS3 talk. Being a massive PS3 collector, people are certainly beginning to realize how many underrated gems are truly on the platform. While prices have definitely rose over the past couple years for it, its certainly the time to collect for it! Tons of great games and exclusives, and a vast library to collect for. A full set is also still super achievable! Even better, go for a full Greatest Hits set for most of the instant classics, with only 163 games in that set👍 PS3 collecting still hasnt fully caught on, so get in on it before all prices go up for the platform.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Yeah we definitely think some day the prices will rise for sure! Cheers!

[@SuperFlashDriver]

The backwards compatible console one, with all the upgrades, is waaaaay more expensive than the games themselves. But it'll sure last a lifetime with those upgrades.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Yes it does!

[@MatticusFinch1820]

I started collecting PS3 in 2020 cuz it was so cheap and now i got about 400 PS3 games. LOVE that system.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Nice sized collection man!

[@NerdsWorldNYC]

That's why we old school gamers told the "youngins". "Keep your favorite games and consoles." Folks were buying into that Gamestop "we buy your games",than you get nickel and dime or get store credit. Local conventions and yard sales. Even online some dealers sell old games via Target. Happy Hunting!

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Absolutely! Happy hunting! Cheers!

[@phile6889]

Ive been exclusively going for 360 games and you can easily find complete, clean copies of good to great games for cheap. There are some heavy hitters, but you can easily amass a great library for a few hundred bucks.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

For sure we been collecting for the 360 hard! Cheers!

[@shanenice5380]

I am going for original xbox and xbox one.

[@owenlasswell8447]

Even collecting for some of the more expensive consoles is obtainable if you want to flip your way to the finish line, and there’s still the thrill of the hunt that makes collecting very enjoyable. That said, I’m still happy with my decision to sell my collection. I’ve gone all digital with the exception of about 50 games that simply aren’t readily available in that format. Collecting was a fun ride for a long time, and I’ll probably be gaming till I die, but moving on has freed up time and space for other hobbies.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Thats good it helped you with your other hobbies! Cheers!

[@RestorationRelaxation]

You can still get good games for cheap. However, the hobby overall has gotten way too expensive in my opinion. It’s also annoying having all these limited print releases, and it’s hard to find modern games in stores sometimes

[@derek-64]

I have several Switch games that are low print/limited release games. Although i had to jump on some right away cause a few of them sold out fast. It would be nice if there were more copies available, and i get there's costs involved, and it can be difficult for a small indie developer to get the funds for a physical release but with low prints there's just so few copies available which is a real shame cause it should be for everyone not just the so-called collectors.

[@DrewMarino1995]

All hobbies that involve collecting are expensive for the most part

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Finding modern games can be a pain for sure! Cheers!

[@MrChristianDT]

See, I don't have a super hard time finding new games where I live, but the prices seem like they are never dropping like they used to on older consoles. The stores will keep new copies of a game in stock for several years, but over that time, the price will only drop to around $35 at the absolute lowest & never gets any lower unless it seems like nobody wants it. It used to not be so hard to find older games at the $15-20 range.

[@khanthevideogamehunter2946]

I absolutely love how chill and relatable you guys are to the gaming collector community. Thanks for the heads up on the ps3 and ps2 stuff

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Thanks! Yeah lots of cheap bangers for both! Cheers!

[@mhods4457]

The paradox is that making videos about collecting cheap games increases demand through awareness and therefor increases price.

[@ancientflames]

no one is really out there itchign to play iron man 2 on ps3 my guy. It'll be fine.

[@mhods4457]

@@ancientflames Look how people started going to thrift stores and mom and pop shops and garage sales and estate sales buying out entire collections only to resell them. What I said is accurate and I have watched and continue to watch it happen in real time. Believing otherwise is rather ignorant.

[@warehousedave7937]

Yeah unfortunately these consoles that are great to collect on the cheap right now are guaranteed to shoot up in price because tons of influencers are advising that they are the best consoles to collect for right now. For that reason it's just wise to get ahead of the curve now if you want to collect for these systems. Nothing you can do to stop it. Can't beat em, join em.

[@delirium4327]

did someone say Hidden Gems? lol

[@davismavis2834]

@@mhods4457 That's me. What's the problem with what I do? "Only to resell them..." That's my job because there is demand for it. Am I a bad guy because I sell things for more than what I paid? Grow up

[@emansfvera]

I just sold mine, I literally own every video game I have physical in a digital format. There’s really no point in having your house look like a video game store. I got rid of my ps1,2,3 nes, snes and Sega collection, 0 regrets.

[@OriginalMasters]

Yeah, displaying them when you have a successful YT channel makes the most sense. Gives these lads a lot of credence.

[@warehousedave7937]

You'll regret the Sega stuff.

[@CruxisAngel954]

This is the move. Backed up all my retro console/handhelds onto multiple HDD’s so I never have to worry about losing them. Worrying about licensing, censorship, or degrading hardware is such a headache. Yeah emulation isn’t perfect but for 95% of my collection it is

[@classicpctinker5070]

Video game store? How many games do you own? You can put like a hundred discs in a shoebox.

[@retrohollandia]

Then there is no point in gaming at all either, if you measure by that standard. Collecting and displaying your collection is a hobby on its own, just as gaming in itself is.

[@MrGodzilla90]

Great video, brought up very relatable & valid points! People also forget about establishing friendships with IG claim sellers/ mom & pop game store owners…you end up getting great deals from other collectors/actual gamers.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Very true! Building connections is huge! Cheers!

[@Spartan77]

The price of some games will never be what they used to be, that's for sure. My new outlook on collecting is, buy what you can when you find something you like, if it is priced within reason and most important of all be grateful. Being genuinely grateful will bring you a joy and peace that I cannot describe. Once you begin to obsess over something, the happiness will soon be gone.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Great way to put it! Hobbies are meant to relieve stress not cause it! Cheers!

[@Spartan77]

@@GamingOffTheGrid Than you for the reply. Keep playing Far Cry 5 and CHEERS!

[@jessemcilvenna2980]

One of the most underrated gaming channels out there. Great discussions. Keep it up!

[@BOBSMITH-YouTubeStoleMyHandle]

I totally agree. Great channel.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Thanks so much! Cheers!

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Thanks man! Cheers!

[@bocanegrageorge]

I always go after the games/systems people don't currently care about. Usually so many great deals. When people were on snes train, I dug into gameboy and gba libraries. If you're into popular to collect genres like rpgs, horror, or shumps, you'll need to be prepared to pay more or buy those games for current gen while they are cheap. Look for the deals don't pay attention to the fomo.

[@shanez1215]

True, but there's definitely more people into the hobby than ever, which has led to other things also increasing too. While the OG Xbox is still fairly cheap, it's actually gone up by over 50% because it's essentially the refuge for people who want to collect for 6th gen without deep pockets. Plus the Xbox is really cool. Also, some games just do NOT go down in price, especially because Nintendo refuses to reprint them, namely Pokemon.

[@bocanegrageorge]

@Shanez1215 yep nintendo never has sales but gamestop right now does have some first party games and pokemon games buy 1 get 1 on new copies. I got 1 of each switch title on sale.

[@demyxix1273]

At moment 3ds wiiu is fucking crazy so webhave to wait until ots seattles down a bit

[@bocanegrageorge]

@Demyx IX they'll probably go back down a little, but doubt most will return to the same prices before the eshops closed

[@DrewMarino1995]

Most games i liked growing up werent the most popular or most expensive so 😂

[@Retro_Game_Craze23]

I just bought an OG PS2, two memory cards, 2 controllers, 15 games (most were sports titles), but what sold me…. The PS2 Blockbuster Rental Case in Perfect condition!!!!!! I paid 75.00 for the lot

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Nice lot! You got a great deal! Cheers!

[@WildDogGamerBoy]

"Videogame collecting is affordable" Me staring at my Silent Hill 1 - 4 collection I had to pay almost 100 bucks a pop for 😢

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

We would say its well worth it! but yeah thats pricey! Cheers!

[@warehousedave7937]

Rising prices sucks for those who are new or waited too long (probably being too thrifty)... Buts it's great for those who were ahead of the curve. It's a wash. Some people win big, others miss out and hate the market as a result. You snooze you lose.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Agreed! Timing is always important! Cheers!

[@wantsome-zs5sq]

I've been using the strategies you guys talk about since the end of the PS2/Gamecube/Xbox era. I've been collecting for almost 20 years now. I have a carefully curated collection to my tastes. I have close to 1000 games now. I missed the boat on a few things like Little Samson for $300 and Areo Fighters SNES for $200. But my strategy has always been if everyone's going right I go left. I still shell out big bucks for a game here and there. Over time I've been able to get almost every thing I want.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Yes! Perfect strategy! Be where no one is! Cheers!

[@stmboat]

"... think you've gotta be where people aren't.." Sage line. I'm interested to see what a GOTG take on the Simpsons in gaming would look like...

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

We like a few of the classic simpson games! Cheers!

[@SuperHitman55]

I'm new to this channel, and I gotta say I love the content. And I really like how passionate you guys are in these discussions :)

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Glad you found us! Appreciate the comment and support. Cheers 🍻

[@coffeelover7687]

PS3 collecting is indeed great, a lot more RPGs on it than 360 (360 still rocks) and super cheap. Might even be the one shelf I max out one of these days.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Heck yeah man! Good luck in your collecting journey! Cheers!

[@cd5sircoupe]

I'd have to agree, collecting does kind of suck right now. I don't have any plans on purging my huge collection or anything but it's a lot more challenging to find anything I consider worthwhile out in the wild. And I don't even want to get started on the market value on things these days. As someone that's been collecting on purpose for about 20 years, I miss the good old days. I don't have any aspirations of building a complete collection for a given system, I just want physical copies of games that I like. Unfortunately, some of those games are big money and in many cases I can't justify it. I perhaps foolishly still hold out hope that I'll come across those expensive titles at a second hand sale (that hasn't already been picked over by the local scalpers) for dirt cheap one of these days, but the results so far haven't been that great the past several years. Now 10 years ago that was a different story...

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Fully understand man! We tell people just need to read your own mail! Cheers!

[@cd5sircoupe]

@@GamingOffTheGrid Totally forgot to mention I've pretty much shifted to ps2/ps3 & xbox/360 at this point. You guys are absolutely correct, right now is the time to buy for those systems before the boat sails.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Yes it is! Tons of bangers on those!

[@RetroGamingNook]

Glad you guys stay positive and you are right about cost justification for old vs new. Negative videos get more views… unfortunately watching negative videos also put you in a negative space. So more will sell as the negative videos support the reason to sell off and more will end up regret it over time. The upside is that new collectors will benefit from old games back in circulation. Circle of life.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

For sure! That's why markets go in cycles! Cheers!

[@mrrayner7162]

I think, for me, it got to a point where my location is/was wrong for collecting. Being in Ireland, there's very little stock (of quality), its expensive (as are most things here), and having space is also a pain in our current house. It was way easier to move to PC for modern and emulation for retro. For me I get to still enjoy the games I love on my terms, and for me, that's where my retro itch kicks in. I also found the acquisition of games to be a way of coping with a bad mental health situation so I'd get more joy just buying the games instead of playing them. Full respect to those who do enjoy collecting games, and I really appreciate seeing those smaller yet curated collections instead of the "I have everything" collections. Tbh, my collecting has now switched to sneakers and vinyl because I can start from scratch (nearly) and curate them properly so they fit my tastes, unlike the game situation I was in.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Thats awesome! We collect Vinyl also! Know a few people who collect sneakers! Lots of fun hobbies out there! Cheers!

[@dvdknight1]

Always appreciate these discussions on your channel, another great topic you’ve brought up. I recently sold 80% of my collection but more power to all collectors that continue to collect. You guys made so many good points. Robert, I agree that NightFire is a great game! Keep up the great work bro’s, cheers!

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Thanks brotha! We always appreciate your constant support! Cheers 🍻!

[@drewmow]

Definitely my favorite 007 for PS2

[@ThatwasaSTRIKE]

You guys mentioned it in the video, but I’d highly recommend the Xbox 360 for anyone looking to collect games on a budget. I’ve bought great games like GTA 4, Fallout New Vegas, and Far Cry 3 for all under $5. Recently beat GTA 4 and it probably took me 25+ hours. A lot of fun to be had with that console. I grew up around that era of gaming so playing all these games I missed out on as a kid has been really fun

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Fully agree! So much low hanging fruit on the 360! Cheers!

[@josephmanzella7456]

My NES collection: Mario Bros 3 $20, Super Tecmo Bowl $20, Marble Madness $5, Paperboy $13, Mario Bros $5, RBI Baseball $7, Megaman 6 $40, Jackal $15, NES Open $5, Dodgeball $15. Buying retro games that are simple fun, accessible to virtually any gamer, and not particularly rare isn't expensive. I have used the same approach for the Snes, and Genesis games.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Fully agree! Nice collection btw! Cheers!

[@ayceod]

$10 for an NES game is a lot when you used to be able to get them for a dollar or less. I used to be able to get ANY video game that showed up at my local, and semi-local Goodwill's and Salvation Army's for .60 cents a piece. Now it's rare to even find a video game in the store because they sell all that stuff online now, and if you do happen to find a game in the store, they are marked up to $5 to $10 regularly, and sometimes even more than that. A lot more. And rummage sales are exactly the same.. So, there has been a significant shift in the retro video game market in the last 10 years or so. I have pretty much come to a complete halt in trying to actively build my collection. I still get the occasional game for gifts and whatnot, and if I happen to be at a flea market, or yard sale or something, of course I'm gonna look at the video games. But, for the most part, it is not the same at all, too easy to drop $200 - $300 in a weekend, and it's really just too unaffordable.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Definitely understand but overtime prices go up and games get a little harder to find so prices will go up! Cheers!

[@randymontoya977]

To the ppl who are butthurt about price its because they want those rare and expensive titles and don't wanna spend 100s to 1000s for them

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

We understand there frustration but in any hobby there is things expensive tied to them! Just part of it! Cheers!

[@gracekim25]

Pokémon black is CRAZY pricey now too 😅

[@delirium4327]

yeah I am missing black, black 2 and heart gold from my collection... probably the 3 most expensive titles LMAO

[@gracekim25]

Yeah I really regret loosing my game now cuz I can’t get another copy 😭

[@delirium4327]

@@gracekim25 oh no! hopefully you can find another copy one day for cheap

[@gracekim25]

@@delirium4327 all i can do at the moment is try to find my lost copy but i don’t remember how I lost it😅

[@gracekim25]

In pounds it’s like £30 I think (sorry i don’t know what that is in dollars😅)

[@NTNSLUVMNZUHVNTSCRD]

Collecting has been slow in recent years. This year it has sped up for me, so I’m into collecting games CIB, dvd’s, VHS, blu ray special editions, and more recently Star Wars Lego sets. I’m in the process of getting a glass door book shelf for books games etc, possibly collapsing a few rows for Lego sets, all in protective cases. Collecting really is what you make of it. If it’s a hassle, then it’s not fun. For me, finding new songs to listen to on KZbin was a way of gaining access to music I wouldn’t have known existed with all of these mixes and playlists. I great all other collecting the same way, that if you collect regularly it is worth while. If you go on hiatus, you can always come back to it because chances are the games will cheaper and more people will posses CIB, factory sealed, and mint condition games. If you have a place to present them, usually that’s the goal. Then you can relax a few weeks, then go at it. I recommend paying attention to trends like they’re saying, the market, demand; eBay, Mercai, retail. Stay in the know and you’ll have more fun than you can imagine. It’s good to immerse yourself on KZbin, discord Instagram; gaming community friendly places make collecting worthwhile. When you start treating it like a chore then it’s not, fun, so you just gotta have that winning mentality, just like a skilled musician exposed themselves to many sounds, not just what they play.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Agree! Too many people take it too seriously and breaks sometimes are good! Cheers!

[@bonesz0659]

I've taken a break from heavy collecting but still pick up once and a blue moon. Being that I have held onto most of my stuff and have a big collection I stay more focused on what I get. Prices are high but what isn't anymore lol. All hobbies go up and down in price so this should not be much of a surprise. I think it's silly to purge your collection because it cost more to collect them now but everyone is in a different situation for why they sell. My entire collection is boxed up while I remodel my house to sell. I am not using them but I sure will not sell them. Great video guys

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Very true statement all hobbies are expensive if you dive in deep! Cheers!

[@joshbailey8372]

I've mostly been trying to beef up my OG Xbox and PS2 collections this past year. Give myself $100 a month to spend between garage sales, pawn shops, thrift stores, and if all else fails that month, ebay. Works for my budget and gives me that slow but steady growth (giggedy). Also anything I can easily hack lol love the video guys, cheers! 🍻

[@warehousedave7937]

Doing it right my friend

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Nice man! 100 dollar challenges every month! Cheers man!

[@drewmow]

You might need to blow the whole load on fight for NY if you have a few friends you like playing games with. 4 way battle royale in the bar is an amazing way to spend a night indoors with buddies

[@TrinhNguyen-85]

For older disc based non-Nintendo games (PS2, PS3, PS4, xbox, xbox 360, xbox one), if it’s used it is usually cheap and most likely won’t go up in price. The price is only high if you want the brand new sealed copies of the nostalgic games. Even then the price for these games are close to msrp when they sold back then so it’s not that bad. N64 cib is mostly cheap except for the 1st party Nintendo games (Mario, Zelda, Pokemon)

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

There is alot of pricey N64 games out there! That market has jumped alot the last couple years! Cheers!

[@dobes556]

Plenty of expensive games even used

[@rollingretro]

This morning on the radio heard the host talk about garage sales, reselling & retro game prices. It's a lot more mainstream than it used to be, but even with that said last night I pulled a crazy haul for $80 with killer titles. I boil it down to "easy." People want everything EASY & NOW. I understand prices suck and people think they have gold, but even in 2023 I find deals left & right. It just takes a little more effort but you can still get the deals they claim "aren't out there."

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Yep like everything in life more effort you put in the more you get out of it! Cheers!

[@zetacorn3749]

Scalping is a massive issue. Some of us to turn to other means to play games because of how difficult it is and personally I don't collect to have I collect to play.

[@chadporter438]

If you are a collector, you'll be ticked at the current prices for some retro games. (Saturn, anyone?) If you collect games as a hobby, you'll pickup whatever you find and be happy you found something. The thrill of the hunt is the best. And if you just like to play games, you will emulate. I think gamers have a little bit of all three in them.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Agreed! Lots of ways to do it! Cheers!

[@ascendantMethEnjoyer]

I have two kiddos and they're being introduced to the GameCube, Wii, PS3, 360 era of gaming. My daughter asked to play Rock Band earlier today. She's only 4 years old. I love seeing her clacking away at the drums. We play the Sega mega collection all the time for sonic and streets of rage. So much value in the old gens. We do Dolphin on PC for the GameCube

[@retrobroski2904]

Y’all keep up the great work! Y’all are my fav video game channel. Always hoping for new vids from y’all! Much love broskis !

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Thanks so much! We appreciate all the love and support! Keeps us going! Cheers!

[@drewtodd4471]

I think you have a lot of good points. I remember when people would sell their whole collection in one box. Now, if they held onto the console for years, chances are it works, has all the cables, etc. And most people don't know or trust GameStop. I bet if you are in there often enough, you can offer to buy it directly from them, cutting out GS. entirely. With yard sales most people don't know what they have, don't want to pack it back inside, don't to drive across town, so you can go a little cheaper. The Wii is a good console to collect for. I bought several decent Wii games brand new for $10. And even clunky stuff like Castlevania Judgement or Tournament of Legends aren't great, you will probably get your money's worth.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

For sure! The Wii is so much fun collecting right now! Cheers!

[@drewmow]

What are good games for the Wii? They all seemed clunky to me.

[@drewtodd4471]

@@drewmow Off the top of my head, Mario Kart, Sports Mix, Smash Bros, Excite Truck, Excite Bots, Kirby's Epic Yarn, The Last Story, Pandora's Tower, Xenoblade Chronicles, Punch Out, Mushroom Men.. I'd recommend checking out Metal Jesus Rocks for hidden gems. It was released much later, but Rodea: Sky Soldier was good. Mad world, tons of light gun games.. Wii is a lot of fun.

[@videogamepolak0]

Actually you nailed it, alot of the "trends" are just that click baity. A group of youtubers that will remain nameless would all do similar videos to try to game the algo at the same time. Includes the "im selling my game collection" - and "I need a break" thumbnail videos are a couple examples. I think thats in general is what sucks about game collecting in 2023, theres alot of scumbaggery, dishonesty and disingenuous people that somehow got attached to the "head" of the retro gaming community. Im just playing games, collecting and remembering old times and memories. Its not about the dollar signs and money to me never was. For others, once again who shall remain nameless, thats their top priority the money, disguised as nostalgia and pretending to relate to their youtube audiences via manipulation. You have to ask a serious question, why do prices keep going up on retro? Anyone? Inflation, yeah sure actually. But the constant hyping of value some of these clowns base their youtube channels around making it more about the monetary value then actually enjoying the hobby of "Game playing" I think is a obvious answer. If you want a future case study for this theory, keep an eye on VHS tapes.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

For sure! Inflation is a huge factor in it! Cheers!

[@DJSkywalker716]

My big problem as a collector is that there's not a lot of gaming shops around me. One of the stores I knew from childhood closed up shop permanently last month and even the ones left are a town over up north. I'm left with online outside of travel which has other issues.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Yeah that can be a problem! Too many mom and pops stores disappearing! Cheers!

[@chrissalinas2905]

It only suck if the price keeps going up for games we once had or played but we will pay for the nostalgia in the end.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

For sure! You only live once might as well enjoy it! Cheers!

[@TumoFiji]

Yea, people's banana hammocks are 2 sizes too small. Most consoles have good/great games are cheap to reasonable prices. Plenty of good stuff from NES to PS3/360! Thanks for bringing common sense to the conversation!

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Yep just have to go out and hunt! Cheers!

[@arturomail]

I wish more people were like you: you collect, but you game. Collecting to collect is hoarding. You don’t do that. Also, you made me think of all my friends who crapped on the Wii and never broadened their horizons. Right now I’m trying to run a games club at my school and in a teacher’s salary that’s hard, so as much as I can I’m modding consoles. A kid was talking crap about Megaman X cause it looked old. Kids are forgetting their history which is why I want to have this club. We currently have all the consoles of Gen 6 and Gen 7 (even the Dreamcast), NES/SNES minis, an N64 and a Wii U. I’m hopeful for the future.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Kids need to learn about the gaming history! They could learn alot and realize those games are fun! Awesome you are doing that! Cheers!

[@jdchainsaw1335]

New GOTG video on Monday morning? Thanks for just what I needed to make it through today!

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Thanks for watching man! Cheers!

[@invicta6110]

My rule is to collect what is cheap and readily available at the time. Long ago it was the NES, SNES, Genesis. Then it was the PS1, PS2, GameCube and N64. Now it's the PS3, PS4, XBOX 360, XBONE and Wii. Just look at what's available in your price range and try to get what you're interested in from that group. If you get stuck on wanting to get the stuff you can't afford, you will always be unhappy with your situation. Also, very few have everything; seeing these huge collections online is unrealistic for most people. It's the exception not the rule.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Agree! Scoop up whats cheap and you will enjoy! Bargains are always out there! Cheers!

[@XanderXcommander]

Buy the games that you like to play and hold onto them as long as possible.

[@XanderXcommander]

I wish I wouldn't have sold my Dreamcast though.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Truer words have never been said! Cheers!

[@JimMorrisonsBathtub]

I like game collecting (to actually play them not to look cool by having a lot of video game cartridges lying around) but it's a lot less expensive for me than for a lot of people because I know Japanese so I just import games from Japan for wicked cheap (as in about $1 for an average game)

[@cusernament]

I'm glad you play them. It's such a waste when ppl have them graded and keep them sealed forever.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Thats a solid strategy! Cheers!

[@Nicomanism]

Best way is modding systems and preserving what you have nostalgia for. Get rid of ones you don't ever want to utilize nor ever bother to think twice in playing again.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Spot on! Strategy we use! Cheers!

[@walterg7777]

As somebody who has had to rebuild his collection twice due to theft, 12 & 5 years ago, I hate seeing the prices go up. I have given up on the earlier consoles because I can't make myself buy them a 2nd or third time, especially when I didn't get rid of them myself. I currently collect for all the XBox consoles and PS4 (exclusives only). It's getting tough to find games I don't have for the XBoxes in the wild, which only leaves online or overpriced stores. I also dislike value collectors who only collect for investment. It's disheartening that most of what they have will never be played.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Yeah we dont like it either! Thats part of why prices are moving higher faster! It happens in all markets unfortunately! Cheers!

[@royceburgess9730]

I don’t think collecting sucks now. It is just very different than it used to be. The issue I have seen in my area is that our local thrift stores and garage sales are no longer carrying video games and If I am lucky enough to find games at a yard sale or thrift store they think they have gold are are selling them for way too much.

[@littlebee7147]

Yep. The problem is the overvaluation and people holding onto stuff. I've been pricing some of my stuff at pre-pandemic prices. It's not moving because the platform I have it on doesn't have much traffic. However, it's amusing that it wasn't like the gold rush 2 years ago where people are checking out listings because of interest. The scalping has slowed down, which I think is a good thing.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Yeah some people think all games are worth alot at Garage sales! See it alot! We are lucky we havd good thrift stores here! Cheers!

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Yeah scalping goes in waves!

[@mike91mdk45]

PS2 and original Xbox are the gift that keeps on giving lol. More often than not, dirt cheap. Wish i could build my dreamcast and N64 libraries a bit more. Hopefully those prices will drop. I'm a patient man

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Yeah they are dirt cheap! Think you might be waitinf awhile on those two but hope they do! Cheers!

[@patrickmurphy9470]

Great video guys.. I’m collecting XB 360 and XB1 games right now. Wii U is fairly cheap to get into as well but not for much longer I’m afraid. Good luck to all collectors out there.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

All 3 are really fun to no only collect for now but we play the hell out of those consoles. And yes, we believe you are correct. The Wii U is set to pop at some point. cheers!

[@GodzillamanGaming]

I've never really collected, just bought games that I wanted and ended up with a collection. During the PS3 erra I was a last gen kid. Games were only physical on PS2 so I amassed a small collection starting around 2009. Since then I was half physical half digital until lately. Recently realizing with digital that those shops and even redownloading can be shut down whenever the game company wanted made me go back to physical. Mostly PS4/switch but also PS1/2. I play pinball at a childhood game store and they have so many ps1-3 games. Now I just want to buy games from my childhood that I may have sold but some, especially on the vita, can be expensive. The ps1-3 isn't as much and isn't impossible to collect for.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Thats awesome and is a smart way to build up your games! You arent overthinking it and buying games you wont play! Cheers!

[@birdyy2j515]

5 years ago I thought "why would I want to collect Wii U games?" Now I want to hurt my younger self. Cheers boys 🍻 This comment section starting to get bigger like the channel, well earned 🍺

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Hey we have been there waiting to long! Thanks man! Cheers brotha 🍻

[@bryanburdick2508]

Same dude , now I'm grabbing any Wiiu cheap just because

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Thats awesome! Good luck in your journey!

[@paulspopculture5592]

I've been collecting for the Wii I'm getting loads at the moment for next to nothing just picked up a copy of dragon quest definitely recommend 👍☺️

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Nice man! Lots of cheap bangers for the Wii! Cheers!

[@Mickey_JR]

I'm not a 100% game collector,I really don't like to show off anything that I have,I think it's a big waste of time,and waste of money to get a 100% gaming collection.I got really tired of getting new gaming consoles,and I have to buy new games for it.Instead,I just buy new games for the consoles that I have.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Cant blame you! Plenty of great games on older consoles! Cheers!

[@SkyScourgeGod]

Finally, someone who can say exactly what this discussion really is lol. I started game collecting awhile back and I have missed a few boats here and there, but nothing I trully regret. Collecting has gotten more expensive, but the thing most people don't realize is that literally EVERYTHING has gotten more expensive not just games. That's just a natural occurrence as the economy ages regardless of what the product or service is. The issue is that everything is getting more expensive but paychecks are remaining stagnant for most individuals. I have a decent paying job so I can afford most things in game collecting but that doesn't mean I don't notice prices rising or having to be careful with my purchases. Also, most people who are ok with spending big bucks in current gen hardware and games but not on older vintage examples are like this due to the "because its new" mentality. This is a mentality that the more common folk have in general. They figure that if its old then it should be cheap and its new then the high price is justified. For some stuff this is true, but not for games. The reason you hear more people griping about it now is because of the rise of social media and the number of new individuals trying to collect stuff who don't know any better. Finally, if there was a system I'd recommend collecting for that wasn't mentioned here I'd say go for the PSP. Most people don't collect for it because of the excuse of "mod vita play psp on it", but the PSP is awesome and if you want physical games its a treasure trove of hidden gems and affordable bangers. While everyone else keeps looking at the DS, 3DS and perhaps the Vita as well, I've recently been going in hard on the PSP. I love collecting for the PSP and I love playing it just as much. Even the first four Final Fantasy games could be found here and, besides the pixel remaster coming out soon, the PSP versions are seen as the definitive experience for those FF games. Well thats my two cents gents, hope you're both having a great day and stay cool! 😉👍

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Lots of great points! Yeah we really need to collect more for the PSP! Cheers!

[@kcadventures1454]

Man, I could listen to you guys talk about collecting all day. Yeah I think the PS4 games with the entire game on the disc are going to be the ones to look out for. Hey, you can install and play red dead 2 with no internet and play it to it's entirety! Sure, you will fall through the ground a few times but that's fine lol.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

😂 falling thru the ground a few times just builds character! Glad you enjoy our collecting talks! Cheers!

[@BigmanDogs]

I already collected everything I wanted for the Xbox 360. The first half of the 360 lifespan is severely underrated. Many good JRPGs

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

100% The library for the 360 has amazing games for all genres! Cheers!

[@BigmanDogs]

@@GamingOffTheGrid yeah many people forget the 360 was largely seen as having a super library to the ps3 during the first few years 👍

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Yeah they do! People will catch on the prices will go up!

[@jjburich]

Great content gentlemen! I think so much of the comment rage may be from folks who are stuck on shopping at Goodwill only. You can't throw a controller without hitting a Goodwill here in the Phoenix area, but they have Wii Fit for $8.99 and that's about it. We have to hunt the garage/yard sales, the one off thrift stores, and the pawn shops. The games are out there, and people want to get rid of them. Also, don't underestimate estate sales - sometimes grandma and grandpa held on to old systems for the grandkids!

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Agreed! Hunting takes alot of time patience and effort! Cheers!

[@NICKBRAZINSKY]

Resellers ruined it for a lot of collectors. Not doing it for the love, only the money. I don't know if you looked at the prices of genesis games lately, seriously outta control LOL

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Yeah we have! Saturn games are the ones we see going thru the roof! Cheers!

[@AaronH9111]

At the time the 7th gen came out I didn't have the money to buy a PS3, 360, or a Wii so I totally missed out on that generation and was bummed :( But for the last 3 years I was finally able to get those systems and find games all the time that are really cheap So actually worked out good by missing the 7th generation and been able to find alot of amazing games for the PS3, 360 and Wii that are cheap and been having a Blast ^_^

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Thats awesome! Glad you got in on this gen! Cheers!

[@megamob5834]

Yeah it’s always good to stay a generation or two behind and pick up the “scraps” when no one wants them. I broke that rule with the switch cus it’s just too damn cool. But I guarantee in a few years I’ll regret paying full price for a lot of my switch games when they start to flood pawn shops and garage sales for a fraction of what I payed…

[@AaronH9111]

@@megamob5834 Yea for my situation as I mentioned I missed out on the 7th gen and now I have a ton of games for those systems that will keep me busy for a while I also have a PS4 Pro, XBOX One X, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model and also a Wii U so I have a ton of games for them as well I don't ever want to pay full price for any game and always wait and check to see if there are sales,.. which there are always sales going on and it's nice to pay $1.99 for a game :) I also check out used physical games when I can and that saves money as well PS Store had a sale on the Resident Evil games some weeks ago and I bought all of them digitally and saved a lot of money! I didn't buy RE: 4 Remake as I'll wait till it goes on sale later and buy it then I do though plan to eventually buy the physical copies of the RE games cause I am a fan and a collector so I'll look for the best deals I can find and then buy them

[@BIKE_BEERS_AND_DEATH_METAL]

Another very good option is just buy what you are going to play and collect what you really like to play,.... Focus more on the gaming side,.... not so much on just collecting🤘🎮🕹🍺...... Anyways there's not enough time in the world to play all these games😂

[@BIKE_BEERS_AND_DEATH_METAL]

Also for the very expensive stuff Just get a multi cartage but play it on original hardware and maybe try to use a crt,..... And newer consoles like a Game cube, just mode the dam thing🤘😬🤘..... Focus on gaming focus on having fun playing the games

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Thats exactly how we collect! Why have games juat sit there and collect dust! Cheers!

[@GRORGvideot]

My friend was visiting a game store the other day and he told me there was this other guy browsing the shelves for a long time. Taking games out and putting back. Turned out he was scanning the selection with some app that tells a game’s value, I guess trying to find the jackpot before buying anything. That’s just crazy

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Yeah theres a few apps that help you with that! Cheers!

[@donaldsmith5667]

Great video, guys. I’m collecting Turbo/PCE and Saturn for retro. Both collections i started back when they were out. I’m at about 90% of what I really want to have. There’s certainly some grails for each. That said, people looking to get into those consoles should consider the Japanese import route. I just grabbed a CLEAN CIB copy of Galaga ‘88 for PCE last week for $20.00. Happy to have it in my collection. For modern stuff, i’m collecting Switch and PS4. PS4 and earlier are all so dirt cheap it’s insane. I liked that you mentioned the fire sale pricing on those libraries. Happy game hunting, everyone.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Nice snag! Thats a good price! Yeah Ps4 prices are so grear right now! Cheers!

[@gabbothegiver]

Collecting sucks? F... no iam having an amazing fun and happiness time collecting for my Nes Hole Collection

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

NES is amazing brotha! Cheers!

[@jeremyjmusic]

Don’t know why I just thought of this but have you guys played the Original Nier ? ( Gestalt not Replicant) like on 360 or PS3 ??

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

We have not? Never even heard of it! Might have to look into it! Cheers!

[@jeremyjmusic]

@@GamingOffTheGrid no worries ! Can’t remember if it came out in the US on the PS3, might be 360 only

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

We will check it out! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@jeremyjmusic]

@@GamingOffTheGrid No worries amigos 😎 take it easy

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

🍻

[@blakestrother5122]

Yeah. So this video is why context is important. I do a lot of types of collecting and video game collecting has gotten MUCH worse in the past 10 years. I started collecting in 2014, when I was in graduate school. Back in the early 2010s game collecting was pretty straight forward. Certain consoles were always pricey, i.e. Saturn, N-64, etc. But most major consoles were fairly affordable to collect for minus certain games that were indeed rare. The funny party back then is most rare games weren't usually great games. So for the completionist, they needed the rare high priced games but for everyone else collecting was affordable. The other difference of this time was games were easily accessible in the wild. I used to go to a flea market and get stacks of Genesis and original Xbox games for next to nothing. I wouldn't by anything in the 20ish dollar range and up unless it was really clean, complete, and sold in a re-sell shop. Here's what I see today and yes its a big problem. First, there are no true games to be found in the wild. What I don't like about this is it seems that the retro game collecting world has manucfactured scaricity. If you collected in earlier decades you know some of these games are not rare Some of these games were like 90s sports card, they just made SO Many, and rightfully so these were mass market consoles. What has happened now is resellers have bought up all the stock that used to circulate freely in the wild. This has artifically driven up prices on what I believe are common games. I would imagine at some point this bubble will burst because again Video games weren't necessarily created with collecting and scarcity in mind they were created to be played. That doesn't even get into the distinction between clean copies, sealed copies, and copies with original packaging. This distinction doesn't mean a whole lot in my opinion, as a lot of dirty copies of games are also selling for WAY to much. The reason you know its a problem is unlike other collecting worlds, retro games are horrible to determine comps on. If you look at Ebay sold options on any given game, you will see the wildest fluctuation on prices sold, even among the exact same condition such as Cart only. I'll finish by just sharing a story. A few weeks ago, a brewery near my house hosted a retro gaming market featuring a major re-sell store in my area and a bunch of solo sellers. I was literally appalled by the prices I saw at this market. I saw prices of 50-100 dollars for fairly common carts for SNES and Genesis. I talked to one re-seller and he even acknowledged that his Carts were in reproduced cases with reprinted artwork. I went home opened by box full of carts and found most of those games that I saw being sold. I paid probably a few bucks for many of them and have duplicates of a few simply because they were games my family and I loved but others mostly hated. I meandered through the different stands about one hour after arriving and noticed very few of the sellers moved any product if any. And thats the state of game collecting, a bunch of re-sellers with really no respect for comps or order who have seemingly bought up games that were NEVER rare. There hope is to prey on the casual who gets nostalgic and they are seeing enough money doing it now. But yes that has ruined it for people who were truly in the hobby. Your large collection just got a lot less liquid if Sonic 2 now costs like 30 bucks and up. The other side of collecting back in the day is it was low cost and low risk. If you wanted to collect for something else you could get rid of what you had or trade it and get what you wanted. Not today. All that being said who hurts the most is people who genuinely want to visit these consoles who never experienced them first hand. Theres a bigger case for now more than ever for emulation.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Yeah emulation will continue to rise in the future from some of the reasons you mentioned! Cheers!

[@cliffordthevinylcheapskate351]

I don't know were to go to get cheap games anymore. Thrift stores are always picked over or in Maryland Goodwill only sells games online. Once that happened I kinda threw in the towel.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Dont know that area well! Maybe Garage sales? Cheers!

[@ShutUpBubi]

Great video as always fellas! Yeah as long as retro games exist I don't see myself wasting $500 on a PS5 or Series X for subpar, unfinished games at a premium of $70 dollars when I can get all the fun and enjoyment I need out of games that are a fraction of that price.. That being said spending $45 on WWE Smackdown Here Comes the Pain did hurt, but it was necessary I swear! haha

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

That games is well worth it! One of the best wrestling games ever! Cheers!

[@dashmash2642]

I stopped collecting about a year ago because of the high prices💰and I went into emulation and it opened up a whole new world to me I don’t see myself ever getting onto collecting again.😏

[@rbatesmotel]

Ditto

[@mehrijuanaaa]

Same I will be ordering a mister fpga and running systems that are almost impossible to collect for and only collect systems and games that I grew up with playing and enjoyed. So far have a fair bit of xbox and xbox 360 stuff.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Perfectly understandable and you gotta do it the way you enjoy! Cheers!

[@dankairgadam8841]

Generations 6 and 7 are still the Golden Age of gaming. GameBoy Advance, PS2, GameCube, Xbox, DS, PSP, Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360 were all phenomenal. It was that perfect era where the technology was finally good enough to bring developers’ visions to life, and it was before Generation 8 when the imagination ran out and game publishers forced developers to emphasize profits over game quality with all the microtransactions and half-assed game releases.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

It really was! Gen 6 was our favorite! We did a whole video on that! Cheers!

[@therealeugenius]

couldn't agree more with you guys. I realized that it'll most likely be impossible for me to play every single game that interests me, and even though it sucks to not have access to certain games for various reasons, there will always be consoles and games worth collecting for. Like you said, things happen in cycles, but these things are just gonna become more sought after and expensive, so if you see something you like and you know it's a deal, don't be indecisive about it-if you have the money to put down just do it! And if you regret the purchase, you can always resell the game, who knows, maybe even at a profit. Oh, and people should cut resellers some slack. A lot of the people out there with the utmost love for retro games and the community are resellers. Heck, here in Sweden it even seems to be the norm that if you collect, you also resell games in order to build the collection you desire. Quit lumping us together with scalpers lol (though I also get that it's fully possible to be both)

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Fully agree! Resellers doesnt mean your scalpers! Cheers!

[@dksretrocloset]

I think it’s a lot of two things. One, people are a little jaded because of how collecting used to be and don’t want to except it’s rise in popularity. And then two, is instant gratification. People want things now and that comes at a higher price. eBay and games stores are gonna sell at full value. People are less willing to hunt thrift/pawn shops and yard sales. With patience the deals are truly out there even on the consoles like GameCube. Just in the last couple months I’ve found Go Go Hypergrind for $2, yes $2, and Eternal Darkness for $35. Both CIB. Now do I get this lucky super often? No, but I’m patient and do find great deals often.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Patience is one of the best qualities to have when game hunting! Cheers!

[@Star-eb5xh]

Which deadpool 360 or xbox one because you can play the physical xbox one version still after they delisted it.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Both of them! Cheers!

[@Star-eb5xh]

@@GamingOffTheGrid I got a xbox series x and I can the xbox one version not sure about 360 tho.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Maybe it is just the one version! We thought it was both!

[@TIDbitRETRO]

Excellent point about the costs of modern vs retro. I see so many KZbinrs cry about $10 NES games because they were a buck 15 years ago. But compare that to $70 games on modern consoles. You can buy a retro console and a library of awesome games from scratch right now and it’ll cost you pennies on the dollar compared to doing that for a current console like the PS5.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Agreed plus inflation, supply and demand play a factor in that! Cheers!

[@richardheckmann1892]

I feel that if you go in collecting thinking that you are going to find everything you want. You need to be more realistic about collecting. For me I like going garage sales and it’s been pretty good at times.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Yeah if you want to get everything your looking for you need to have some patience! Thats what we like to tell people! Cheers!

[@marioex497]

I think older collectors are just upset that more people are getting into the hobby. I’m a newer collector and so in their eyes I’m part of the problem but that’s just what happens over time. They’re also seeing places that used to sell all games for dirt cheap actually sell them for their market value. Places like goodwill and thrift stores are actively looking up prices and selling them what they’re “worth”

[@ezrider1968]

Yep, a local charity thrift near me has recently started bumping up their prices on games, books, dvd/blu ray sets, etc. On one hand it’s a bummer that I’m not getting as many crazy deals as I used to, but you can’t expect desirable stuff to stay cheap forever. Glad to get the deals while I could.

[@ramundo07]

Yesterday my local EZpawn went from $1 to $10 on Mario Wii games, bought those along with gamecube Smash bros and windwaker for $15 each. Even at 15 I picked those up in a heartbeat.

[@CodyCallaway]

Collectors want to pretend that retro video game collections are still niche. They aren’t. It is very popular these days. It’s easier to blame new collectors and/or reselling as the culprit but it’s all simple supply and demand. I’ve been around a long time and funny thing is people complained about prices a decade ago and hated KZbinrs for bringing attention to the hobby.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Glad our area isnt doing that yet but that can change quickly! Cheers!

[@timmahotool3714]

I collect for all consoles and I am pretty cheap about it and buy all games. Shifting what you are buying is an amazing thing. I appreciate you guys letting us know which direction to go because I don't have time to. I got alot of Wii U because of your recommendations. Thank You!!

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Glad we can help you out in your gaming journey! Cheers!

[@christopherdavid9100]

i can see how a lot of people are aggravated with retro collecting with scalpers, prices , etc etc . as an example, where my fiancee and i live here in this part of FL, Goodwill stores don't sell games at all and nobody sells games at yard sales (or if they do scalpers and game hunters get there super early and snag them up which good for them because with our schedule we can't sadly make it that early) , BUT i also can agree that it also does depend on not only what console you are collecting for but what games and how you're trying to collect. (are you going for sealed, cib, loose, etc) all of these factor in. my fiancee and i are focusing on wii, xbx, xbx 360, ps2, ps3, ps4, xbx one & switch and we're finding a lot of games at great prices and tons of bangers. we keep an eye out for GC , DS, 3DS , genesis, SNES, Dreamcast , & Saturn but we aren't specifically hunting for them because they aren't for the most part in our price range at the moment. so like you guys said there's a lot of different ways to go about it and still find some awesome games to have a great collection with tons of fun with and not break the bank doing it. cheers all and happy gaming (sorry for my long winded rants on here)

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Those are all factors! Some people trying to collect every game made on the console would be frustrating! We tell people just find games you want to play or enjoyed in your past! Cheers!

[@TerriblyAwesomeGames]

Tons of things factoring into why "retro collecting in 2023 sucks." CIB is becoming tough and it has been made very popular. It's also not cool to collect only what you want to play, I don't know why. The popular stuff is only going up in price, so it's an investment for some people. I might be wrong but this leads to people just buying stuff to put it on a shelf and show it off on social media. If you're a gamer who wants to play his video games, there's tons of consoles you can easily collect for. But there are also plenty of consoles I would recommend avoiding based on price only.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Yeah for sure! If you do want to collect like the gamecube saturn etc be ready with lots of dough! Cheers!

[@karnovjunior]

I got a brilliant idea. Buy games that you'd actually PLAY. Don't buy shovelware even if it's rare and valuable.

[@GamingOffTheGrid]

Thats exactly what we do and thats the best way to collect in our opinions! Cheers!