How to Buy Retro and Classic Consoles and Games in 2022

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Many consumers are primarily interested in acquiring the most technically advanced consoles and the latest games. However, some gamers want nothing more than to relive the glory days of retro gaming, where the graphics are pixelated and they can hold the physical product in their hands. The proliferation of both legal and illegal ROMs (read-only memory) can easily replicate what it is like to play such games, but digital versions cannot replace the thrill of finding a rare and valuable cartridge or disc. Learn more about how to buy retro and classic consoles and games in 2022 and start building your collection today. 

When Hunting for Retro Consoles and Games, Use Every Available Option 

Whether you are an experienced seeker of retro game consoles and their attendant games or are just starting out, you should not rule out any potential method for finding and purchasing these items. It is best to search through e-commerce apps, including Amazon and eBay, to determine whether any asking prices are reasonable in order to get the best sense of how the current markets for retro games and consoles are performing. For people who consider themselves a completionist in real life and video games, there are apps like the Retro Game Collector to track your current collection along with your desired acquisitions. 

Although the resources available online for retro gaming are undoubtedly impressive, some games will only be found by those willing to take the hunt outdoors. Examples of locations potentially rich in classic consoles and games include dedicated retro gaming stores specializing in such purchases, neighborhood yard sales, flea markets, swap meets, discount stores, and more. A dual-pronged approach will give you the greatest potential to maximize your search efforts and help you get the most value for your money.  

Consider the Limitations and Conditions of Classic Gaming Hardware 

Having your Wi-Fi or ethernet connection go down during a frenetic online gaming session can be immensely frustrating, but you can at least take some comfort in the fact that you can resume play once the issues have been resolved. When it comes to the health and well-being of a retro console or game, they can be far more susceptible to environmental decay and rendered useless if they sustain enough physical damage. Before you decide to purchase a retro game console, it is highly recommended that you ask to have the system plugged in first and test it with a game you know will function on a working unit. If the seller is unwilling to accommodate these requests, it may be wise to spend your money elsewhere. 

When looking to purchase classic games, you should examine cartridges and discs for signs of damage, including bent or rusted connector pins, scratches, cracks, and especially disc rot. For those unfamiliar with the term, disc rot or CD rot refers to disc-based games eventually becoming unusable over time due to deterioration, not only in the physical sense but also in the chemical makeup of the disc itself. While the technology used to make discs for systems like the various iterations of PlayStation or the Sage Dreamcast improved over time, all disc-based information is potentially at risk from disc rot. Since the amount of time that information can remain readable by a classic console can vary from years to possibly centuries depending on how they are stored, paying attention to a game's appearance and condition is crucial. 

Take Advantage of Modern Rereleases of Retro Games with Current Tech 

Have you ever wanted to experience what you consider the best retro gaming console and the best classic games but have them backed up by modern technology? Several companies, including PlayStation and Nintendo, have released standalone collections of classic games in consoles designed to resemble their original appearance, capitalizing on the increased desire and interest in retro gaming.  

Such devices include the Super NES Classic Edition and the Sony PlayStation Classic, each with an impressive offering of old-school games and an updated HDMI connection port for ease of use with modern Smart TVs. With games including Wild Arts, Tekken 3, Final Fantasy VII for the PlayStation Classic, The Legend of Mystical Ninja, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Super Punch-Out!! for the Super NES Classic Edition, gamers can live out their glory days or introduce the classics to a whole new generation. 

There are several options for PC gamers and owners of the latest generation of Xbox X/S and PlayStation 5 consoles to enjoy classic games. Subscribers to game streaming services, including PlayStation Plus Premium and Xbox Game Pass, can enjoy games from across the years as part of their membership. While nothing quite compares to the feeling of gaming on a classic console with an original game, having the ability to stream and download games from previous generations of consoles is the next best thing. 

Depending on your overall budget, amount of free time to pursue acquisitions, and availability of free space for holding your collection, there is a whole world of classic consoles and games ready to be rediscovered. Be sure to review the market trends and general price range for specific items and pay close attention to their condition to avoid dissatisfaction. 

*The opinions reflected in this article are the sole opinions of the author and do not reflect any official positions or claims by Acer Inc.

About Dan VanPatten: Dan is a full-time technology writer with interests in gaming, gadgetry, and all things PC tech related. He writes about a variety of topics including technology news, product reviews, and software. His experience stems from years of experience writing & producing content for technology newsletters & publications.