When you start to collect video games you need to ask yourself, "why am I collecting?" This is the most important thing you will have to decide for yourself. You could be collecting for nostalgia, fun, or something else, so you always want to know exactly why you're collecting. Once you know that you can start choosing your system.

Before you start buying games you need to know what system you will be buying for of course. People who collect for nostalgia usually collect for the system they grew up with. That could mean going as far back as the atari 2600 or going as far ahead as the PlayStation. The systems farther ahead arent really old enough for people to collect for if they want to collect for nostalgia. However, people who collect for fun would usually go for the Xbox 360, Wii, or Playstation 3. Some people who collect to obtain every game for a specific system should try the Virtual Boy since there was a limited number of games released for it.

No matter what system you choose you still need to decide one more thing, "Will I collect complete or not?" This is very important because collecting games in their complete form will make your collection much more valuable and look better but it will be much more expensive. If you're not sure what complete means allow me to explain. Complete for the Nintendo Entertainment System means the game comes in its original box, with all the inserts and instructions, as well as any other extras that came with it. Complete for the Xbox 360 would mean getting the disc, the instructions, case and any Xbox Live trials and ads that came with it. So, if you want to collect complete, make sure you do your research on what comes with the game and make sure that what you buy isn't missing anything. Collecting complete is much harder to do and will be much more expensive. You can pay 4 to 5 times more per game when collecting complete as compared to incomplete but it can be that much more rewarding if you choose that route. Collecting incomplete is much easier and is probably the better choice if you're on a budget. People who collect incomplete for disc systems like the PlayStation should get the case with the game but it's not required. People who collect for cartridge based systems should go for game only since most cartridge games don't have a case but a box and if you want the box you might as well collect complete.

Now you are ready to dive into video game collecting!

When buying video games different collectors should shop in different ways. If you are collecting new games for current systems or newer systems then you should try going to your local video game store such as Gamestop, EB Games, or even Best Buy. These stores can give you some good deals when it comes to games, expecially when they have sales, such as Gamestop's buy 2 used games get 1 free. However, people who collect for retro consoles such as the Sega Genesis then you will have a much harder time trying to find video games for your collection. Retro collectors should go around flea markets and yard sales for some great deals, you could walk away with 4 games for $2. However, it could take forever to get all the games you want by just using yard sales and flea markets. Using online sites like Ebay and Amazon are key for buying video games.

When trying to get a specific game for whatever reason you should definately use online stores such as Ebay and Amazon to get some deals. As with anything you can shop around for the best price or best condition of the game. Don't be afraid to contact the seller and ask about the game because sometimes the specifics like inserts and condition of the game aren't specified. Just remember to shop well and you will be fine!

Once you've started up your collection you will want to maintain it while new additions come in. That means storing games as well as keeping them nice. For cd games with cd jewel cases, simple cd racks will do the job. As well as games with dvd-esque cases, dvd racks or book cases will store them perfectly. Cartridge games can be stored in book cases as well, but they should be stored with slip covers to keep dust from getting in. When dealing with loose cds, you can either buy jewel cases for them or store them in cd cases that hold 20-30 cds.

When buying games you will probably want to buy 2-3 at a time, good things come in moderation. Use the time in between buying games to play them of course! Enjoy your games and have fun with them, that is key for any game collector. So remember to chose how you want to collect, shop right, and have fun. Happy collecting!