Unlike comics, the video game community has never codified “eras” of collecting. So we are here to formally introduce the idea of breaking down collecting by Ages according to tent pole consoles and the games that defined the time period. If you guys prefer to watch the video instead of text, here is the YouTube Link https://youtu.be/bMa7rp2IW8o?si=WBYc8tdppmGqCalh

Prehistoric Age (1972-1985)

The age of Atari, Commodore, Intellivison. Certain games are collectible like Pac-Man, first appearance of Mario for the Atari 2600 and so on, but by in large, 99% of the games are forgotten and will never come back to people’s radar. You also have uber rare games like Air Raid that sell for 5 figures but the collecting base will only grow smaller over time as people age out and new collectors come in. 

Golden age (1985 NES-1995 SNES)

NES saved home console gaming back in the 80s and the most valuable games and the largest number of collectors will always collect for this console. 

Mario became what it is currently because of Super Mario Bros 1 and Zelda started it all because Miyamoto wanted to create a game that captured the wonder of exploring nature in his childhood. Other amazing IPs include Kirby, Metroid, Mega Man, Final Fantasy, Castlevania, and others.

Genesis biggest and arguably only investable exclusive IP is Sonic. Even then, it’s more of a tier 3 IP, where it’s being kept alive by box office success but the actual games themselves haven’t been relevant since the Dreamcast days of Sonic Adventure. 

SNES is also a juggernaut with important starts to franchises like Donkey Kong Country, Super Mario Kart and Starfox. Its RPG library is extremely collectible like Chrono Trigger and Mario RPG. 

Silver age (1995 start of N64 TO 2000 before Gamecube)

Nintendo 64 grail games are Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, Zelda OOT, Smash. Tier 3 titles like 007 Goldeneye and Sculptors Cut are also very valuable. Perhaps it’s because N64 has a small library that it’s easy to collect for but somehow they are as expensive if not more than SNES.  

Playstation 1 is an interesting console with a ton of firsts- Grand Theft Auto,, Tomb Raider, Tony Hawk, Silent Hill, Resident Evil, Twisted Metal and the list goes on. And beyond firsts, they got console defining games like FF7, Castlevania SOTN, Metal Gear Solid. With major franchises like those you’d think PS1 games would be near N64 pricing. However these 4 points limits PS1 pricing-

• Jewel case vs cardboard, just easier to get higher # grade on jewel

• Lots more shovelware, a lot of games are complete garbage 

• Double jewel case games don’t have the manual with staples that can get messed up, and thus have higher # grades as well

• It isn’t Nintendo

Bronze age (2000 start of PS2 Xbox and GameCube To 2005)

The BIG console of this generation is arguably both Xbox and GameCube. PS2 had some new IPs like Jak and Daxter, Ratchet and Clank, Devil May Cry and God of War but most other top games are continuation of series like GTA Final Fantasy and Resident Evil.  

Original Xbox has the mega IP Halo and Star Wars KOTOR. It doesn’t have a ton of original IP that’s relevant today however. 

Gamecube Introduced series like Animal Crossing, Pikmin, Luigi’s Mansion, and Chibi Robo which are still going strong. Also other major gamecube IPs are continuations of big Nintendo IPs like smash Bros Meele, Mario Sunshine and Zelda Windwaker. 

Modern age (2006 PS3 and beyond)

This is when online play really took off with Sony and Nintendo catching up to Microsoft. Big games include Last of Us, Little Big Planet and Wii Sports. Besides being selective with high grade and big franchise games, wouldn’t recommend pouring any investment funds into this timeframe of games.