Retro game collecting is one of the most rewarding hobbies out there. Hunting for classics, revisiting pixel-perfect memories, and building a collection that reflects your love for gaming’s golden years, nothing beats it. But the reality of collecting games in a limited space hits hard once shelves start buckling and cartridges are stacked in corners. I’ve had to get creative to keep my collection from taking over my entire home. Through a lot of trial, error, and rearranging, I’ve figured out the best game storage solutions for small spaces, and I want to share what works, what doesn’t, and how you can maximize every square inch.
Start by Decluttering and Organizing
Before diving into fancy shelving or containers, I always begin by sorting and organizing what I actually have. Retro games come in all shapes and sizes, cartridges, discs, boxes, manuals, and cables, and knowing what you’re working with is key to choosing the right storage solution.
I separate my games into categories: loose carts, boxed games, discs, handhelds, accessories, and miscellaneous. This helps me avoid buying storage I don’t need and highlights the formats that take up the most space. It’s surprising how much room you save just by putting things in order.
Vertical Storage: Use the Walls
Wall-mounted storage has been a game-changer for me. In tight quarters, going vertical is one of the most efficient ways to gain space. Floating shelves let me show off some of my favorite games without eating up floor space, and pegboards work great for controllers and handhelds.
I installed a simple wall grid where I hang NES and SNES controllers with hooks, while Game Boy systems sit neatly in small plastic pockets. It’s not just practical, it becomes a visual showcase. And if you’re renting or can’t drill into walls, over-the-door organizers are a good alternative for maximizing vertical space.
Modular Shelving Units for Flexibility
One of the best game storage solutions for small spaces I’ve found is modular cube shelving. Units like IKEA’s Kallax series offer flexibility, clean lines, and just enough depth to store most retro game formats. I use a few cubes for loose cartridges in labeled bins, others for boxed games, and some for storing consoles upright.
The great part is that you can add or remove cubes as your collection grows. I’ve stacked units on top of each other or used one as a TV stand that doubles as console storage. For those of us who constantly rearrange our setups, modular units are a godsend.
Bins, Boxes, and Hidden Storage
Not everything needs to be on display. I’ve got a small collection of rubber-sealed plastic bins where I keep lower-priority or duplicate games. Labeling is crucial, otherwise, you’ll end up tearing through everything to find a single cartridge.
Under-the-bed containers work surprisingly well for disc-based games and portable systems. You’d be amazed how many PS1 or GBA titles can fit in a single drawer-sized box. Stackable storage boxes also let you keep your games safe from dust and light, especially if you live in a humid area where cardboard boxes can warp or mold.
Custom Inserts and Trays
For cartridge-based collections, keeping things tidy inside drawers or boxes is tough without dividers. I started using custom foam or 3D-printed inserts to create perfectly sized slots for my NES, SNES, and Genesis games. Some collectors use CD towers or modified cassette cases, which also work great in small rooms.
For my Game Boy and Game Gear games, I repurposed small hardware drawer organizers, the kind people use for screws and bolts. It might not look fancy, but it keeps the cartridges upright, visible, and safe.
If you have boxed games, investing in plastic box protectors keeps the edges crisp and prevents fading. They stack cleanly too, which saves space while preserving the condition.
Multi-Purpose Furniture
I’ve always believed that furniture should do more than one job in a small living area. I found a coffee table with built-in storage compartments, and I use it to store boxed SNES and N64 games. Ottomans with lift-up tops are another great spot for storing controllers, cords, or even handheld systems.
I also use a media console with drawers for storing loose accessories and adapters. If it’s something I don’t need access to daily, like a Game Genie or link cable, it goes in one of those drawers. That way, I keep clutter out of sight but still accessible.
Game Sleeves and Binders
Disc-based games are notoriously hard to store efficiently. I used to keep mine in their original cases until I realized how much shelf space they were consuming. Now I keep backups or low-value discs in high-quality binder sleeves, cutting my storage space in half.
Each binder holds dozens of games, and I keep an index sheet at the front to track what’s inside. It’s not ideal for collectors who want to display original cases, but it’s perfect for preserving playable discs without taking over the room.
Similarly, Game Boy, DS, and PSP games can be stored in trading card binders with the right-sized sleeves. It’s compact, easy to flip through, and ideal for small collections.
Cable Management and Controller Storage
Cords are the bane of any retro setup. Between AV cables, RF adapters, power bricks, and controller cords, things can get messy fast. I’ve made cable management a priority, especially when dealing with limited space.
Zip ties and velcro straps go a long way. I also label each cord by console using colored tape or tags. For storing controllers, I use stackable trays lined with anti-static foam. You can even hang them on the wall using command hooks or store them in hanging shoe organizers.
When I need to rotate consoles in and out of my setup, I keep each console’s full set of cords and controllers bundled together in labeled zip bags. That way, I don’t have to dig through a tangled mess each time I switch things around.
Labeling Is Everything
It’s easy to lose track of where you put that one cartridge or third-party controller. Labeling might seem like overkill at first, but in small spaces where storage overlaps, it becomes essential.
I use clear labels on drawers, bins, and even individual sleeves inside binders. Whether I’m storing games alphabetically, by console, or by region, the labels keep me sane. Plus, they make it easier to show off or trade games with friends without flipping through everything.
Prioritize What to Display
Let’s be honest: not every game needs to be on the shelf. I focus on displaying the most valuable, nostalgic, or visually striking parts of my collection. The rest gets tucked away in labeled containers or drawers.
Rotating your display keeps things fresh. Every few months, I swap out games on my floating shelves or re-theme the setup based on a specific console or series. It gives me a new appreciation for games I haven’t played in a while and keeps my setup from feeling stagnant.
Digital Cataloging for Better Management
Keeping a digital record of my collection has helped me streamline my storage choices. I use an app to track which games I own, which are duplicates, and which ones I’ve boxed versus loose. This way, I avoid rebuying games and know exactly what needs better storage.
The digital catalog also helps when reorganizing. If I notice I have 40 SNES games but only room for 30 on the shelf, I can look at my list and move the others into storage without scrambling to remember what’s what.
Dealing with Limited Display Space
If your apartment or room only offers a single wall or corner for display, consider going with smaller shelves made for books or movies. I repurposed a DVD shelf that fits SNES and Genesis games almost perfectly. If the height doesn’t match, I add small risers or use spacers to prevent games from leaning.
Corner shelves, rotating towers, and narrow racks all help you make the most of limited display real estate. You don’t need a massive game room to keep your collection visible and neat.
Stack Smart, Not High
Stacking is a necessity in small spaces, but overdoing it can lead to damage. I only stack plastic cases or boxes when I have proper spacers or box protectors in place. Avoid stacking cardboard boxes too high, they crush easily and lose value.
For cartridge storage, I stack vertically rather than laying them flat. That way, I can see the top label and avoid damaging the connectors or labels through pressure.
Monitor Environmental Conditions
Heat, humidity, and dust are the enemies of retro games. In small spaces where airflow might be poor, it’s even more important to keep your collection safe. I use silica gel packets in my storage bins and avoid putting anything near heat sources or windows.
Keeping a small fan running or opening windows regularly helps reduce moisture. For cardboard boxes and manuals, I store them in a cool, dry spot away from direct light to prevent yellowing and fading.
Make Storage Part of Your Aesthetic
Retro games are works of art. Their box art, logos, and formats have a timeless appeal. I use this to my advantage by making storage part of the overall room design. Shelves double as décor, and neatly stored games become conversation starters.
I’ve framed a few manuals and game covers, lined shelves with LED strips, and arranged systems by color for visual balance. When done right, storage and presentation go hand in hand.
Final Thoughts
No matter how tight your living situation is, it’s absolutely possible to build and maintain a thriving game collection. The key is strategy, knowing what to prioritize, how to stay organized, and using space in smarter ways. Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of ideas, and I always come back to the basics: vertical storage, labeled bins, multi-purpose furniture, and rotating displays.
The best game storage solutions for small spaces don’t just preserve your collection, they make it easier to enjoy. By keeping things accessible, protected, and visually appealing, you’ll be able to grow your collection without sacrificing your living space. Whether you’re hunting for your next rare SNES title or figuring out how to fit five consoles into a single room, smart storage is what makes it all work.