I’ve been collecting retro hardware for a long time now, and I’ve made plenty of expensive mistakes along the way. Here’s the advice I’d give my past self before buying that first console — the practical stuff that doesn’t show up in buying guides.
1. Sort Your Display Situation First
This is the one everyone skips and almost everyone regrets. Plugging a SNES into a modern 4K TV with a composite cable produces a blurry, laggy mess. Before you spend money on consoles and games, understand how you’re going to display them. At minimum, get a decent SCART cable and an upscaler. Ideally, track down a decent CRT. The display makes or breaks the experience.
2. Controllers Matter as Much as the Console
Worn-out controllers ruin good games. Always budget for at least one good controller alongside your console purchase. Original controllers in good condition are worth paying for. For systems with notoriously aging controllers (N64, in particular), consider a wireless adapter like 8BitDo’s Retro Receivers from the start rather than fighting with a deteriorating original.
3. Fake Games Are Everywhere
Counterfeit cartridges are common, especially for popular Game Boy and SNES titles. Learn basic authentication before you buy — the r/gameverifying community on Reddit has excellent guides for most platforms. When buying in person, inspect the cartridge closely. When buying online, buy from reputable sellers or local stores that offer returns.
4. Budget for the Accessories Too
The console is just the start. You’ll need cables, power adapters (often region-specific), memory cards for PS1/PS2/GameCube, a multi-tap for multiplayer, and probably a game storage solution. Add 30–50% to your initial console budget to cover the accessories that make the experience complete.
5. Start With Cartridge-Based Systems
Cartridges are more durable, easier to authenticate, and don’t suffer from disc rot. If you’re completely new to retro collecting, SNES, Mega Drive, or Game Boy are excellent starting points. Save disc-based platforms like PS1, Saturn, and Dreamcast for once you have more experience evaluating condition and understanding the additional complexity involved.
Learn from my mistakes. Do the research upfront and you’ll have a much better time.
— Chris
