Retro gaming is considered by many to be a fad, but there's a dedicated group out there making sure these games never become forgotten. They're the collectors, the die-hards, and they know what they're doing. It's overwhelming to someone new to the hobby, yet it's not particularly different from collecting anything else. It does present its own challenges, and that's where you need to start.

Focus

Do not go into this hobby with an "I'll buy it all" attitude. When you first start out, take it small. Think of what you want to play the most, not collect. That's where your base should be, and it also gives you a purpose for doing this. What systems do you want to collect? Do you want to relive those days of your youth? Do you want to experience games you've never tried?

Starting small makes things seem less overwhelming. If you blindly go in and buy everything you see, you'll realize just how much trouble this can be. It's better to take it slow, breath, think it through, do a little research, and then start the hunt for games.

Know your games

Just because a game is popular doesn't make it rare. It doesn't even make it desirable. There's a major difference. It's an odd hobby in that, unlike something like sports cards, the more famous items are the cheapest (generally speaking). For instance, on the original Nintendo Entertainment System, the pack-in cart was Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt, a combination cart. It's worthless, the most common and undesired game for the entire console in collection circles. If you come across a lot of game for the system, this WILL be included, likely multiple times.

On the other side, we have the Flintstones: Surprise at Dinosaur Peak. At a glance, it doesn't seem special. On online auction sites, it regularly reaches $100 or more. This research will be invaluable to your new hobby. Sellers will always try to pawn their goods off as valuable, while the majority of the time they're not trying to rip you off, they just don't know any better.

If you see a high price, you can try to barter with the seller, and at flea markets, it's encouraged. Sometimes they'll cut you a break, other times they'll just ignore you. If that's the case, don't argue even if you know you're right. Just move to the next table.

You can also go in with a price guide. There is a new magazine on the market called Video Game Collector, and it's likely that this will become the standard. Price guides also come in book form, including the semi-annual Digital Press Collector's Guide. These not only let you track your collection, but price it as well.

Completeness matters

Loose games, whether CD based or on cartridge, are always worth less than complete ones. Manuals and boxes will always bring the value up, and generally, the price depending on how knowledgeable the seller is. There are many specifics here, such as games that were released without boxes or manuals. Some games were sold with special items, like maps or hint books. In the case of Earthbound on the Super Nintendo, the scratch and sniff stickers could bring more than the game itself if they're included.

The same goes for the consoles to play all of your new games on. Ensure all the cables are included, including controllers. If possible, check the console yourself by hooking it up before purchasing. If not, simply ask when the last time was the system was used. These things rarely become defective unless extremely abused, but there's no reason to take an unnecessary risk. Have some sort of assurance.

Condition

There is no grading system for video games. Mint is still mint of course, and whether or not this matters to you is a personal preference. Cartridges can take a beating and still work, so if you only want to play these games, then one that's been drug through the mud won't be a problem. Cleaning them is easy, requiring little more than a q-tip, alcohol, water, and some time. Just rub a mixture of 50% water and 50% alcohol on the cartridges contacts and dry it off with a clean towel (though not paper towels; they can tear and stick to the contacts).

Disc based games do have problems if they're damaged, and only experience can tell you if a CD will work properly or not with heavy scratches, and even then it's an educated guess. If there's a chance in your mind that it won't play and the price it high, just pass. Most stores sell disc repair systems, and their success is spotty at best. Even a full resurfacing, generally a service available in specialty shops, doesn't always work. It's best to play cautious.

Storage

Games have come in all sizes over the years. You need to quickly figure out where your new collection is going to go. Unlike many other collecting hobbies, cramming games into a box doesn't make them very accessible to play. They almost call out to be displayed. There are many types of media racks and storage bins, and everyone has their own style. Some even build custom shelving. You may already have a room in your home just waiting to be packed full of a library of titles.

You need to know how much space you're willing to give up to this hobby. It can rapidly become premium and an unkempt room will descend into a mess. These things need planned out before you bring that first massive lot home from a flea market.

Doubles

There's an easy way to finance this hobby, which can be expensive. Buying in lots will always be cheaper, but don't turn one down simply because you already own a few games. Those can be resold online, or even traded for games you do want. In some cases, you may find a few games you were searching for only to resell ones you already had at a profit. Not only did you get to add to your collection, you made some extra cash on the side. That's a sign you're doing things right.

It's not always about the games

There are other things involving video games. You can focus on gaming magazines, posters, t-shirts, or other promotional material. There are many ways to get this, but most people have success by befriending a local game store and simply chatting. The more they know you and the more you patron their store, the more they'll be inclined to give small handouts. Reserving a video game at one of the major chain stores is a guaranteed way and most of the merchandise will find a way to the internet eventually. The trick is not to annoy them or keep them away from their work. Be as casual as possible. Make sure you're up on the latest games too, as there are many employees who will simply ignore people who don't understand the industry.

Where to look

All of that information is of course necessary, but not so much if you don't know where to look, and a few have been touched on already. Pawnshops, flea markets, garage sales, and donation stores (such as Goodwill) all have varying degrees of games. The key is usually luck. However, timing is also important. You're not the only one looking for these games, and the rush is fast. If a garage sale that listed video games in the paper starts at 9 AM, be there at 8:50. Same goes for flea markets. The bigger the city you live in, the more competition you'll have. That means even more work.

One of the keys is patience. If you're looking for a specific rare title, don't become frustrated after not finding anything at a few sales. It may take years before you stumble onto a legendary find. Don't just head to online auction sites. You'll (almost) always pay a large premium. Never count out any sale either, regardless of whether or not they have games listed in their ad. It's impossible to list everything the average person will have in front of their house. It's always worth a short walk or a drive.

Also, try to find one store and stick with it. Know the owners and chat with them regularly. Tell them you're interested, and in the case of pawnshops, most people won't turn down an opportunity to make a quick buck. They won't know people are interested if you don't tell them. If they're receptive to you, ask if they'll keep a list of games you're specifically interested in. Give them your phone number so they can contact you when that gem finally arrives.

If you have chosen to be a member of this quickly growing segment of the gaming industry, welcome. The most important thing to remember here is to have fun. Many people are caught up in the financial part of it all, when really you're doing this to play games. If you're not doing this for that reason, then this is not your hobby.