Game Console Organization?

chipster asks: "Between my kids' and my own game console setups, I have a hell of a time keeping things organized. Especially when three to four consoles are hooked up to a single TV. I am looking for some feedback on either your game console organization solutions, or ones that you have come across. Creative/homebrew console "rigs" are more than welcome. I am specifically trying to avoid the "toyish" look (see this product for an example). I am looking for more of a durable, and decent-looking organization solution. Any ideas?"

Comments

best system

[iocat]

Short answer: stereo shelving.

Long answer: The best systems I've seen organize things like this:

"RF" systems (such as the 2600, Intellivision, etc) go in line, with the most frequently used closest to the TV (to avoid the inevitable signal degredation). (And yes, this can mess up cable reception.)

Systems which can use S-Video or standard composite cables go into a switchbox, such as this one . It's powered, but I've used it unpowered with good results. Depending on the number of systems you have, you may need to daisy chain a couple of these together.

Finally, I just plug one system in via component, because component switch boxes can be pricey. For me, it's the Xbox, because it's DVD capabilities are way better than the PS2's.

Storage-wise, most game systems aren't that deep, so I've found cheap shelves from anyway cna hold most of the systems. The real hassle is controllers, which get in the way, always look messy, and are tough to keep attached. A friend has all his hanging from hooks in his game room, I prefer to keep them all in a drawer (well, actually it's a little cabinet with a door, but the end result is the same -- it's pretty neat on the outside, no one sees how messy it is on the inside).

I keep the games in CD-holder type shelves, well away from the TV. There are ususally one or two games on the TV, but the TV space doesn't look cluttered.

I daisy chain three power strips for my consoles. The first has only the TV, VCR and Xbox on it, and I usually leave it on. The other two are for the other consoles.

Bottom line: shelves you like, a place to hide the controllers, and a way to keep the games from stacking up will usually result in a pretty nice set-up, even with six or seven consoles hooked up to your TV.