Preserving Your Gaming Collection: Storage Solutions for Vintage Gaming Equipment

Vintage gaming equipment is the pride and passion of collectors the world over. And ever since the first home gaming equipment and systems were introduced in the early 1970s, dedicated gamers have wondered how to best store their systems for maximum longevity and enjoyment. Wonder no more!

Below, we’ve collected all the game system – and game console – storage ideas you need to make sure your electronics are preserved over the long-term. Read on to learn gaming storage tips and tricks for both your home and storage space.

The Value of a Gaming Collection: Beyond Entertainment

Any experienced gamer will tell you that you never forget your first system – or maybe even your fifth. From Magnavox, Atari, and ColecoVision home consoles to classic arcade machines to Nintendo, Sega, PlayStation, and Xbox – the amount and variety of gaming equipment on the market is vast. So too is the appetite for playing games new and old. In fact, the number of gamers worldwide is expected to hit 3.32 billion by 2024.

It’s safe to say that games and gaming equipment are worth a lot to those that enjoy them. While the monetary value of the individual systems and components vary greatly depending on condition and age, the sentimental value can be quite high. People have spent the most cherished times of their childhoods gaming. They have met their best friends and partners gaming. They have invested the time and energy to make sure their gaming setups are as sleek and user-friendly as possible. The value of gaming (and all of its individual components) goes well beyond entertainment. Indeed, many gamers consider gaming a key part of their identities. It would stand to reason that keeping their systems performing at top levels for as long as possible is a priority. And that’s where we come in!  

Choosing the Right Storage: Keep It Safe and Display-Worthy

When choosing the right storage for your new and vintage gaming equipment, you need to ask yourself a few questions:

1. How much access do I need or want to the systems?
2. Do I plan on investing money into storage components and units or making do with what I have on hand?
3. How many systems do I need to store and what square footage do I estimate they will need?

Once you have the basics sorted out, you can start examining the various storage options on the market.

Shelving Units: A Classic Choice

Free-standing or wall-mounted shelving units are a popular option thanks to their versatility, abundance, and low cost of ownership. Your choice of design and size depends on whether you plan on storing your vintage gaming equipment in your home or in a self-storage unit. While you don’t necessarily need to buy shelves designed for gaming consoles specifically, it’s important that whatever you do choose has the proper depth and sturdiness to securely hold your valuables.

Display Cabinets: Elegance Meets Preservation

Display cabinets for gaming storage are also used by many enthusiasts to keep their prized possessions protected and accessible. Like shelves, cabinets can be designed with lights and colors to provide some flair – or be purely functional. The great benefit display cabinets have over shelves is their ability to keep gaming equipment protected from dust. Many cabinets can also be locked in an extra degree of security.   

Acrylic Display Cases: Precision and Clarity

Like many hobbyists and collectors, gamers like to keep their video games protected in acrylic display cases. Not only does this help protect them, but it also makes them easier to organize and store. Some even come with stands to easily display special games or memorabilia.

Protective Sleeves and Covers: Shielding Your Treasures

Similar to display cases, protective sleeves and covers create a barrier between your electronics and dust, debris, and humidity. Some cases come pre-designed with artwork from the game, which is a great solution if you are planning to display your collection. If you do decide to cover your games, make sure you spend the extra money for UV protection. Nothing can fade and warp a game faster than sunlight, so you’ll want to do everything you can to keep them protected.

Climate Control: Guarding Against Humidity and Temperature Fluctuations

Whether you decide to keep your gaming systems in your home or off-site in a self-storage unit, you need to always make sure they are in a climate-controlled environment. Climate-controlled storage is generally an enclosed space that maintains consistent temperature and humidity levels to help avoid the impact of heat, cold, damp, and dry conditions. Systems can be ruined by fluctuations in temperature as well as any build-up of condensation, which happens in both warm and cold months. Take care to make sure your vintage gaming equipment is stored as safely as possible, even if that means you can’t keep it at home.

Cable Management: Taming the Tangled Web

When it comes to cable management, many gamers throw up their hands and embrace the chaotic mess behind their TVs. There is a better way, however, and that is: Velcro cable ties. If Velcro isn’t your game (or you have lots of little hands in the household that will want to play with it), cable management organizer sleeves also work. For only a little bit of time and money, it’s easy to organize and streamline your cable game.

Regular Maintenance: A Labor of Love

Gaming equipment needs regular maintenance in order to keep it performing at its best. Manufacturers recommend dusting your system frequently with a small vacuum or clean, lint-free cloth, but do not recommend using compressed air as it may force the dust further into the controls. You’ll also want to check cords and cables regularly for signs of fraying and reorganize cables so that none of them are being unduly strained or stressed.

Of course, keep liquids and food of any type away from consoles and controllers. If you do happen to spill something, take care to gently remove the debris with antibacterial wipes or alcohol with a cotton swab. If you don’t have the expertise necessary, never open a console to clean it. Instead, bring your systems to a pro that knows exactly what to do and how to do it. 

Document and Catalog

Last but not least, we recommend documenting and cataloging your entire collection in a cloud-based spreadsheet. Include the system or component name, manufacturer, year purchased, price, and storage location in your file so that you can easily find anything you’re searching for. A good record will also help you negotiate the best price possible if you ever do decide to sell any or all of your collection. 

For more info on gaming equipment storage and setups, check out our recent pieces on How to Build the Best Gaming Setup in 2023 for Beginners andBest Gaming Chair Options for Small Spaces.