Every retro game collector eventually runs into the same problem, storage. Not just storage, but presentation. Once my collection started to grow beyond a couple of drawers and boxes, I knew I had to find a better way to organize and show off my games. That’s when I started diving deep into researching the best shelving units for displaying retro games. I didn’t just want functionality; I wanted something that would make my collection look as good as it deserved.

Retro game cases, cartridges, and collector’s editions come in all shapes and sizes. From those tiny Game Boy Advance carts to chunky Sega Genesis clamshells and tall PS2 DVD cases, not every shelf can handle the job equally. So I made it my mission to find the shelving units that not only hold up over time but truly enhance the overall aesthetic of a gaming space. This guide is everything I’ve learned from that process.

Why Shelving Matters for Retro Collectors

The right shelving makes your collection accessible, safe, and visually appealing. Poor shelving, on the other hand, can lead to damaged cases, inefficient use of space, or a setup that just doesn’t do justice to the nostalgia baked into each title. The best shelving units for displaying retro games do more than hold things, they help you curate a personal museum of gaming history.

I used to keep my collection in plastic tubs under the bed. Not only did that mean I rarely saw the games I owned, but it also made browsing and maintaining them a hassle. I’d pull out stacks, forget what I had, or discover bent manuals and cracked cases. Since switching to proper shelving, everything changed.

Key Features to Look for in Game Shelves

Before jumping into product recommendations, it’s important to think about what makes shelving truly ideal for retro games. Different collectors will have different needs, but here are the features I always prioritize:

  • Adjustable shelves – Essential for fitting different game sizes and maximizing space.
  • Depth – Too deep, and you’ll end up wasting space. Too shallow, and your SNES boxes will hang over.
  • Weight capacity – Especially important if you’re storing boxed systems or heavy collector’s editions.
  • Material durability – Cheap particleboard might work short-term, but solid wood or metal is better for long-term display.
  • Visual appeal – A clean, cohesive look elevates the entire gaming room.

If you’re just starting to build out your collection display, keep all of this in mind before settling for any old bookshelf.

IKEA Kallax – A Modular Favorite

I don’t think you can talk about the best shelving units for displaying retro games without mentioning the IKEA Kallax. It’s a modular cube system that’s incredibly popular among collectors, and for good reason. Each cube is perfectly sized for NES, SNES, Genesis, and even boxed Game Boy games. You can stand games up, lay them flat, or combine display with storage bins for controllers and accessories.

What I love about Kallax is its versatility. You can mount it to the wall, stack multiple units, or even modify it with LED lighting. It looks clean, modern, and works in just about any room layout. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s affordable for what it offers, and you can expand as your collection grows.

Atlantic Oskar Media Tower – Made for Games

The Atlantic Oskar Media Tower was one of the first shelving units I bought specifically for my collection. Designed for CDs, DVDs, and games, it features slim adjustable shelves and an impressive capacity. I used it mostly for my PS2, Xbox, GameCube, and Wii titles, since the case sizes all aligned well.

It’s not very deep, which is actually a plus for this purpose. It saves floor space and ensures your games are always front-facing. Plus, the height means you can store hundreds of games in a relatively compact footprint.

What sets this tower apart is how much you can customize it on a budget. Whether you’re organizing alphabetically, by console, or by genre, it gives you quick access and visibility.

Better Homes & Gardens Cube Organizer – A Hidden Gem

While it doesn’t get mentioned in collector forums as often, the Better Homes & Gardens Cube Organizer is another excellent choice for display. It’s similar to the Kallax in design but slightly sturdier in my experience. The wood grain finish looks great in any space, and the cubes are deep enough to stack cartridges or display boxed sets with vertical standing room.

What drew me to this unit was the fact that it could double as a console station. I placed a CRT on top and stored boxed consoles like my SNES and Dreamcast in the bottom cubes, while using the upper ones to show off rare titles and imports.

If you’re serious about building a clean display wall that doubles as storage, this is easily one of the best shelving units for displaying retro games, especially if you want a non-IKEA option with a bit more personality.

Gator Frameworks Wooden Record Crate – For Cartridges

This one’s a little unconventional, but it deserves a mention. The Gator Frameworks Wooden Record Crate was designed for LPs, but it works beautifully for NES, Famicom, and Atari 2600 cartridges. I picked one up on a whim and ended up loving how it made my loose carts feel more like curated collectibles than clutter.

The natural wood grain fits well in most setups, and the open-top design means you can flip through games like records. It’s portable too, so I sometimes bring it to retro swap meets or game nights with friends.

It’s not ideal for CIB display, but for cartridges, it’s perfect, and it adds a nice analog aesthetic to any game room.

Custom-Built Shelving – Tailored to Your Collection

Once my collection passed the 500-game mark, I realized nothing on the market fit all my needs exactly. That’s when I started looking into custom shelving. Whether you build it yourself or hire a carpenter, custom shelving gives you total control over dimensions, spacing, and aesthetics.

I designed mine to include:

  • Shelves sized precisely for NES and SNES boxes
  • Deeper shelves at the bottom for consoles
  • Backlighting with warm LEDs
  • Glass doors to keep dust off my rarest games

If you’ve been collecting for years and you’re not afraid of a DIY project, custom shelving may be the best long-term solution. It’s certainly the most satisfying.

Floating Shelves – Sleek and Minimalist

Not everyone has room for full media towers or cube organizers. That’s where floating shelves shine. You can install them above desks, around TVs, or in awkward corners. I’ve used them to highlight boxed collector’s editions like Chrono Trigger, Lunar, and Metroid Prime Trilogy.

They don’t offer huge storage capacity, but for displaying select pieces, especially rare or sentimental ones, they’re unbeatable. Plus, you can play with symmetry, color coordination, or even theme them by console.

If space is tight but style matters, floating shelves might be one of the best shelving units for displaying retro games in a clean and eye-catching way.

Wire Rack Shelving – Industrial but Effective

Wire rack shelving isn’t fancy, but it gets the job done. I’ve used these racks for years in my closet game storage area. They’re sturdy, customizable in height, and usually have casters for mobility. While they’re not always the most aesthetic option for a living room, they’re ideal for utility spaces or garages where you need high-volume storage.

If you keep your collection separated by room, say, display games in one space and store extras in another, this is a great option for your overflow. It also works well for storing boxed consoles, CRTs, and arcade sticks.

Tips for Organizing and Displaying Your Collection

Once you’ve found the right shelf, you’ll want to get the most out of it. Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up:

  • Group by console: Makes it easier to find and aesthetically more consistent.
  • Add labels or spine dividers: Especially useful for alphabetizing large collections.
  • Use vertical risers: These allow you to create multi-level displays within a cube or shelf.
  • Incorporate lighting: LED strips or puck lights make everything pop and help you see your collection at night.
  • Protect rare titles: Use clear box protectors or display cases for valuable games to prevent dust and fading.

These small details transform basic storage into a showcase.

Avoiding Common Shelving Mistakes

Not every shelf is created equal, and I’ve made my share of mistakes. The biggest one? Buying a bookcase that was too deep. My NES games kept sliding back, and I lost visibility and access. Another mistake was failing to anchor tall shelves. A small earthquake knocked one over (thankfully nothing broke), but I learned my lesson and now anchor everything taller than four feet.

Also, beware of sagging. If you’re using particleboard shelving, and it’s not reinforced in the middle, it may start to bow under the weight of large stacks of games. Look for thicker shelves or metal reinforcement rods if your collection is heavy.

Matching Your Room’s Aesthetic

The best shelving units for displaying retro games aren’t just functional, they should fit the vibe of your room. Whether your space leans cozy, minimal, industrial, or arcade-inspired, your shelves can either elevate the look or clash with it.

I’ve seen some stunning displays where shelving is integrated with ambient lighting, matching furniture, and gaming-themed decor. Add a few framed posters, plushies, or even console wall mounts, and your collection becomes the centerpiece of the room.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best shelving units for displaying retro games is about more than just maximizing space. It’s about creating a personal showcase that reflects your love for gaming history. Whether you go with a tried-and-true Kallax, build something from scratch, or mix and match options, the right shelving transforms a pile of games into a curated archive.

A good shelf lets you see your favorite titles every day, recall the memories tied to each one, and take pride in the hunt. And with new collectors entering the scene every year, a well-organized, well-displayed setup will always stand out.

If your collection deserves to be seen, and let’s be honest, it does, don’t keep it hidden in a drawer. Put it up, show it off, and let your retro treasures shine.