How to Preserve and Protect Collectible Video Games
Proper preservation is key to maintaining the value of collectible video games. Learn how to protect them from light, humidity, and deterioration over time.
To collect is not only to own—it is to protect over time what one has chosen to keep. When it comes to video games, preservation is essential: a flawless copy can be worth many times more than a used or damaged one. But keeping a title in pristine condition requires care, method, and the right tools.
Light and humidity: invisible threats
The two main threats to preservation are direct light and humidity. Prolonged exposure to sunlight or strong artificial light can fade labels, damage packaging, and dry out plastic or paper materials. Humidity promotes mold growth, warping of cardboard boxes, and corrosion of metal contacts in cartridges. Seasoned collectors store their games in ventilated, dry, temperature-controlled spaces, away from windows and heat sources.
Why storage matters
Simply shelving a game is not enough. Valuable copies are stored in shockproof hard cases, anti-static bags, or sealed acrylic containers. Sealed or slabbed editions (graded by VGA or WATA) demand even more care—no pressure, no bending, no vibration. In this context, storage is not just practical—it is essential to preserving value.
Handling and cleaning
Games should always be handled with clean hands, without pressing on corners or factory seals. Movement should be smooth and friction-free. For cleaning, avoid alcohol or harsh substances: a microfiber cloth is often enough to remove dust or fingerprints safely.
Preserve the full context
A game is most valuable when complete. Not just the cartridge or disc, but also the box, manual, promo inserts, original receipt, or even the shopping bag from the store. These items enrich the game’s provenance and enhance its authenticity. Archiving these components together, securely but separately, transforms a well-preserved title into an archival piece.
To preserve a video game is to protect a piece of digital history. Daily care, protection from wear, and attention to every detail make the difference between an item that simply ages and one that gains value. At Collecto, we select only pristine titles, stored and managed according to professional archival standards—because every collection deserves to stand the test of time.
