Though video games have developed considerably over the last few years, there’s just something so quaint and exciting about playing a retro video game on a vintage console. As a result, some people are willing to pay a lot of money for these vintage consoles and games.
It’s important to correctly store your retro games and consoles if you want to keep them in top condition. Luckily. This guide will give you all the tips you need to keep your vintage consoles in excellent condition.
If you’re looking for Gamecube games for sale, this is the perfect place for you!
A Beginner’s Guide To Storing Your Retro Video Games & Consoles
Choose The Correct Cleaning Tools
Cleaning your consoles and games can be a good idea. However, you must consider what tools are best for the job. The reason for this is that some cleaning solutions can do more harm than good.
Namely, you should attempt to avoid cleaning products that don’t contain alcohol. These alcoholic cleaners are a great way of removing bacteria from a surface. Meanwhile, non-alcoholic solutions could cause irreparable damage to a game console.
Many vintage gamers opt for Isopropyl alcohol. This clear product is ideal for cleaning because it will disinfect surfaces and remove any stains.
It’s also advised that you refrain from using bleach-based cleaners on your game consoles. Though bleach is an effective cleaner, it may be harmful to the console. Namely, it could discolor the object. Therefore, utilizing a bleach-free solution will be beneficial.
Use Plastic Containers
Plastic containers are an ideal method for storing your vintage game cartridges. These containers will protect your games from dust and dirt. Plus, these containers are super simple to clean.
It’s best to invest in a durable plastic container. Often, the thicker the container, the better. This is because these containers will offer better protection. Ensure that you invest in a container with an airtight lid.
Don’t Be Afraid To Put Your Collection On Display
Just because you want to keep your vintage games safe, this doesn’t mean that you can’t display them. Putting these game consoles on display allows you to show off your superb retro collection.
Feel free to place your consoles and games on a shelving unit. Just make sure that you opt for a durable shelving solution. If any of your game consoles are uncovered, ensure that you wipe them regularly to stop dust from building up.
Look After The Cables
As you can imagine, vintage gaming consoles tend to be accompanied by a broad plethora of cables. These cables often become messed up and entangled. To prevent this, you will need to correctly store these cables.
Try to store these cables separately so that they don’t become entangled. You can either keep these cables flat or you can wrap a cable around itself. Label these cables so that you know their purpose. After all, it can be easy to get these cables mixed up.
Often, these cables are essential for the running of a game console. Thus, you must not misplace them. Ziplock bags are great for storing cables.
Utilize Plastic Wrap
Putting your games and consoles into a container is a great method of storing them. However, you may want to give your collection an additional layer of protection by using plastic wrap.
Simply by wrapping your game consoles in plastic, you can fend off dust and debris that may mess up your retro collection. Place a label on top of this plastic wrap so that you can easily identify the game console.
Keep The Controllers Clean
Another essential piece of gaming equipment is the controller. You should try to clean your game controllers regularly. It’s recommended that you use your game controller after every use, though this may not always be possible.
Remove any controllers from the console. Use a Q-tip or toothpick to get rid of any gunk that may build up on the controller. For instance, crumbs tend to build up in any crevices.
You can then use a cloth to get rid of any surface-level dirt. It’s best to use lint-free cloths, as these will be less messy than other options.
Final Thoughts
If you have a passion for retro gaming, you need to know how to properly look after your games and consoles so that you can keep them in prime condition. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your consoles are as good as new!
