Awkward moment in collecting

[Iwatasan]

Originally Posted by CrossSleet

I don't think i can play like that. I kind of need to have some copies to make my own game library. I really hope to get nostalgic when im old and try to play them

Only a few reasons I see to hold onto a game or any physical possession

1. serves a functional purpose
2. you ascribe symbolic value to it
3. has monetary value that will increase over time (at a rate that exceeds inflation and your maintenance/opportunity costs)

At some point all game cartridges and discs crap out. Consoles crap out way sooner. Everything would go in the trash at that point if it weren't for #2. #3 depends on there being a market when you try to sell, so if you wait until the game's console can't really be found in working order anymore, then the game's marketability depends entirely on #2.

Point is, given enough time, collecting any type of physical object is all about #2. Human beings have the capacity to treat physical objects, even ones without a functional purpose, as tangible symbols of sentimental value. Keeping them and conserving their condition is more about keeping and conserving the underlying memories and values we ascribe to them. Collecting (games or whatever) is an outgrowth of that tendency.

So in short, the only games you should be collecting for the long term are ones whose discs and cartridges you will still enjoy sentimentally as tangible symbolic artifacts long after they and the consoles that run them become useless junk.

If there are no games or franchises you feel that way about, you should honestly question why you want to collect physical copies of video games in the first place. Their functionality is so fleeting.

If there are some you feel that way about, collect them with the understanding that they will eventually become non-functional husks, good for nothing more than your aesthetic, tactile, sentimental pleasure. In the meantime enjoy the games they offer access to and don't worry about when that access will expire, you will probably be able to play at least digital versions if not reprints of them forever across various video game systems.

Originally Posted by CrossSleet

will you keep your collection when older consoles will go to deep sleep?

yes I'm the sentimental type

Originally Posted by CrossSleet

Will you buy these platforms again?

You mean when my SNES breaks will I buy someone else's SNES? And so on and so on until there are no more functioning SNES's left on the planet? No. But I would buy FC Twin type consoles until my SNES carts stopped working. Then I'd just play emulated versions, preferably with an SNES style controller if available. As a collector focused on the Zelda franchise, I'll still keep my copy of A Link to the Past even when it stops working, but my other non-functioning SNES carts will be sold, given away, or go in the trash at that point.

[Iwatasan]

Originally Posted by CrossSleet

My main problem is im kind of perfectionist and i dont know how to make my collection ''complete''. Right now im struck with variety of random games.
...
What to do when generations overlap? Old platforms won't get many games but collection never will be ''complete'' - are you focusing on new gen or upgreade old gen pieces?

If you want the possibility of achieving a sense of completion with your game collection, and your stipulation for collecting is playing every game in that collection, and your stipulation for playing a game is good graphics, then pick a brand new game on current gen that has a sequel planned and start collecting that franchise as it develops.

[CrossSleet]

damn, nice mindfu*k you did there

Of course you're right and im kinda ashmed of myself now. It's true and i know colecting object without purpose is stupid idea. Games are different than other colectibles because mostly they lose on value and they're kind of ''not needed''.

I don't really know what i want to achieve at this point. Im sure i want to keep some of my games. Not much reason. Im not so in love with Mass Effect series but i still want to own these copies. But you're right. As i said before: im selling games i dont really like and will focus more on games i really want.