You have a few games that drag around and want to turn them into true collection ? Good idea. But before you buy anything, a few simple principles will prevent you from dispersing and spending for nothing. Here is how to start a collection of video games in 2026, step by step.

1. Choose an axis (the secret not to ruin)

The beginner's mistake is to want to collect everything. Result: a budget that explodes and a collection that is inconsistent. The right reflex: choose a lead wire. For example:

  • A saga : all Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Zelda, Kingdom Hearts...
  • A console : the complete ludotheque of a PS1, a GBA, a DS.
  • A genre : Japanese RPG, platform games, beat'em up.
  • A time The 16-bit generation, the PS2 era.

A clear axis makes the collection more satisfactory (see your progress) more affordable (you know what to look for).

2. Sets a realistic budget

Decide on a monthly envelope and stick to it. The collection is a marathon, not a sprint. Better one beautiful piece per month That's an impulsive lot you regret. Keep a margin for good deals that fall unannounced.

3. Decide your level of requirement

Do you want games? complete in box (checks the exact content), just playable ("loose"), or suspected new under original seal? This choice determines your budget and your research. Many collectors aim for the complete, but the best compromise depends on your desire to play, expose and your budget. (The vocabulary is explained in IPC glossary / loose / sealed.)

4. Know where to buy

Vinted, Leboncoin, Rakuten, Easy Cash, eBay, brokers, specialized fellowships... Each source has its strength. We compare everything in best websites to buy used. The winning reflex: compare prices and know the rating before you buy.

5. Attention to regions and counterfeiting

The same game exists in several versions (PAL, NTSC): compatibility with your console and the coherence from your collection. And on the titles sought, beware of repros We explain how to spot them in this guide.

6. Organize and follow your collection

This is where everything becomes concrete. Listing what you own, what you miss and what you hunt reduces the duplicate and show your growth. A spreadsheet may be sufficient for a long time; a dedicated app becomes useful when active variants and searches multiply.

SideQuest is designed for this: create a collection by saga, check the games you own (missings appear in clear on your virtual shelf), follow your completion, and launch "searches" to track missing coins at the right price.

7. Enjoy, without pressure

Collecting must remain one pleasure. You don't have to have everything right now. Hunting, discovery, the piece found at a low price: this is the salt of the collection.

FAQ

How to start a collection of video games?

By a specific axis (a saga or console), a monthly budget, and a tool to list what you have and what you miss.

Should we aim for complete games in a box?

Not necessarily. The whole focuses on the subject and its documentation; Loose often reduces cost and congestion. Choose a rule that your budget keeps.

How much does a video game collection cost?

It all depends on the axis and the requirement. With a focused focus and patience on good business, we start a beautiful collection with a small monthly budget.