Displaying your retro game consoles proudly and giving them the presentation they deserve is so nice. The only problem is that most store-bought display options feel generic or too modern for classic hardware like the NES, Sega Saturn, or Super Nintendo. That’s exactly why I set out to build a DIY game console display stand from wood, something practical, durable, and stylish enough to reflect the vintage vibes of my collection. ...
Preserving retro game cartridges is about more than keeping them playable. For me, a huge part of the collecting experience is seeing those vibrant, colorful labels proudly displayed on my shelves. But over time, I noticed some of my most cherished labels starting to look dull, colors fading, text barely visible, edges curling. That was my wake-up call. If I wanted my collection to last, I needed to learn how to protect game labels from fading before more of them became casualties of neglect. ...
There’s a certain charm in diving into a retro console like the Sega Master System. While it never reached the same heights as the NES in North America, this 8-bit powerhouse still holds a special place in gaming history, especially in Europe and South America where it thrived. For anyone looking to explore its library, the challenge lies in choosing the right entry points. The Sega Master System has a mix of arcade ports, platformers, shooters, and RPGs, but not all are easy to get into. That’s why I’ve put together this guide on the top Sega Master System games for beginners, titles that are approachable, fun, and perfectly balanced for someone new to the system. ...
In the ever-evolving world of retro gaming, repro cartridges, short for reproduction cartridges, have sparked a lot of debate. They’ve flooded the market in recent years, offering playable versions of rare or unreleased games at a fraction of the cost of originals. But for collectors like me who care about long-term value, authenticity, and preserving gaming history, there’s always a lingering question: are repro cartridges worth collecting? The answer isn’t as straightforward as yes or no. Repros come in all shapes, levels of quality, and intentions. Some are beautifully made fan projects that breathe life into lost games. Others are low-effort counterfeits that can fool unsuspecting buyers. Whether or not they deserve space on your shelf depends on what kind of collector you are, and what your goals are. ...
Not every great console ends up in the spotlight. Some get buried under the marketing power of giants like Nintendo or Sony, despite offering standout features, stellar games, or ahead-of-their-time design. When I think about handheld gaming, most people jump straight to the Game Boy or the PSP. But there’s a whole world of hidden gems that deserve recognition. That’s what pushed me to explore and write about the Most Underrated Handheld Consoles Ever. ...
In the ever-growing world of retro gaming, some consoles continue to impress not just for their nostalgic gameplay, but for how much they’re still worth. I’ve spent years hunting, collecting, and analyzing the retro market, and I’ve noticed that while some systems have dropped into obscurity, others have only grown more valuable over time. There’s something fascinating about consoles that resist depreciation, and it’s not just about rarity, it’s about legacy, demand, and staying power. ...
Retro game collecting is one of those hobbies where things can get out of hand, fast. One week you’re picking up a few NES carts at a garage sale, and the next you’re watching auctions for sealed SNES titles that cost more than your rent. It’s thrilling, rewarding, and occasionally frustrating. The key to staying ahead in this hobby, especially when you’re trying to build a smart collection, is keeping an eye on prices. That’s where tracking game prices with free tools becomes essential. ...
The 1990s were a golden age for gaming, but they were also a breeding ground for strange, head-scratching tie-ins. Licensed games were everywhere. Developers and publishers were eager to cash in on every pop culture phenomenon imaginable, from blockbuster movies to Saturday morning cartoons, even talk shows and food mascots. While some licensed games hit the mark (Aladdin, GoldenEye 007, The Lion King), others felt like they were dreamed up during a feverish boardroom pitch that no one dared question. That’s what makes exploring the weirdest licensed games of the ’90s such an entertaining deep dive. ...
Walking into an arcade in the ’80s felt like stepping into another universe. The moment the glass door swung open, the hum of circuitry, the flashing lights, and the rapid-fire beeps and bloops washed over you. It wasn’t just a place to play, it was a full sensory experience. Arcades in the ’80s had an energy that nothing today quite replicates. There was electricity in the air, a constant background of quarters clinking, and the smell of carpet, popcorn, and ozone from the machines humming in the background. ...