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On Videogame Storage Solutions
Thanks to GameSpy for its article discussing a variety of possible ways to store an extensive videogame collection. The author points out: "The more video games you buy, the more storage space you need to keep them all. You'd think this goes without saying, but a lot of people don't give it much thought until their bedroom's paved in CD cases, piles of NES carts have transformed into makeshift tables, and ... is that an Intellivision peeking from the fridge?" He goes on to suggest that "...the ability to maximize vertical space and the ability to adjust the height of individual shelves" is most important for game storage, and "a more modular approach: stacking plastic drawers" is advisable for "boxes of controllers, cables and lightguns."
The best storage solution, by far, is keeping everything on a hard drive. Unfortunately, game companies won't allow us this convenience.
This is one of those cases where Emulators rule the day. I've been collecting massive ammounts of games for a long time, and it got to the point where it was just too much.
;)
I was able to snag almost all the ROMs for the games I had on all my systems. This allowed me to store them all on one micro-ITX based PC and move all my physical carts to boxes in the closet for storage. Now I can enjoy my entire collection through one small system, but still drag out the physical collection whenever I need the feel of the original controllers in my hands.
If you're against emulation in general, I recommend a good, solid, bookcase. You can stack them all in order up against the walls and on other shelves, but it's a major pain to constantly have to dust them all off.
I call it the "self-proliferating directory" system.
Its based on a storage unit I call a "directory." A directory usually starts when I spill food on the carpet, and throw a book or something over it to cover it up. When I have something that needs storage, I put it on an existing directory.
The "self-proliferating" part comes into play when a directory reaches about four to six feet tall. By that time, it usually collapses, at which point I sort of shove it around until it forms several smaller directories.
Things that don't get stacked well are kept in a large directory between the couch and the wall.
I've never lost a thing using this system. It's all in this room... somewhere...
*raises hand* Go to Staples and buy CD sheets, a binder, and some tabs. CD sheets are 8.5x11 sheets that hold CDs. Divide up the binder with the tabs, then keep the extras in the back. Easy. Cheap. Painless
I knew how to combine all my games and my computer software into an area approximately the size of my computer case, but brain damage made me forget and I bought another game console.
This probably has something to do with me nearing 30 years of age, but I no longer have an urge to hoard all of my old games. I still play my Gamecube and PS2 quite frequently, putting many hours into some games even after completing them.
Now, when I am thoroughly convinced that I have gotten all the enjoyment I need from a game, instead of keeping it around, I take it down to the GameStop in the mall and trade in for store credit.
Usually I do this with two or three games at a time and walk away with either a new game or a couple of used ones.
....Is to just keep the good games. I have a lot of video games, but this time around with the classics, i just bought the good ones. With the new ones, i just try before i buy. There aren't, in my opinion, enough truly great games to be worried about how to store them.
"Damn TV, you've ruined my imagination, just like you've ruined my ability to -- to, um...uh...oh well."
I find a lot of people store old video game collections on eBay...
Philip Sandifer's academic website
Yes! Brilliant! After all, you don't need to store games that don't exist!
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