Collecting retro games is more than just a hobby—it’s a way to preserve gaming history and relive some of the best moments in gaming. Whether you own a handful of cartridges or an entire library of classic consoles, knowing how to properly store, display, and organize your collection can make a huge difference in preserving their condition and making them easily accessible.
Many collectors struggle with space limitations, dust accumulation, and the challenge of organizing cartridges, discs, and accessories. Others worry about sunlight damage, humidity, and even the long-term effects of storage materials. With the right setup, you can create a visually impressive display while keeping your collection safe and in perfect working condition.
Choosing the Right Shelving and Storage Solutions
The foundation of a well-organized collection starts with proper shelving. Standard bookshelves can work, but dedicated media shelves, display cases, and modular storage solutions are often better suited for retro games.
✅ Media Shelves and Cube Storage – Adjustable shelves work well for game cases and boxed cartridges, allowing you to customize height for different-sized items. Brands like IKEA Kallax and Atlantic Oskar offer excellent shelving options for game collectors.
✅ Wall-Mounted Shelves – If you have limited floor space, installing floating shelves can be a great way to display games without taking up extra room.
✅ Glass Display Cases – For collectors who want to showcase rare or valuable items, a glass display case with LED lighting provides both protection and aesthetic appeal.
⚠️ What to Avoid: Weak plastic shelving can bend over time, and open shelves near windows may expose games to UV damage, which can fade labels and discolor plastic.
How to Organize Cartridges and Disc-Based Games
Retro games come in different formats, from NES and SNES cartridges to PlayStation discs and Sega Genesis clamshell cases. Proper organization ensures quick access and better long-term preservation.
🎮 Cartridges (NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, N64, Game Boy, etc.)
- Vertical vs. Horizontal Stacking – Store NES and SNES cartridges vertically like books on a shelf to prevent label wear. N64 cartridges can also be stored vertically, but many collectors prefer horizontal stacking for visibility.
- Storage Bins and Dividers – If you have loose cartridges, plastic bins with dividers help keep them separated and safe from dust.
- Protective Cases – Consider universal dust covers for NES and SNES games or acrylic display cases for rare titles.
💿 Disc-Based Games (PS1, PS2, Dreamcast, GameCube, Xbox, etc.)
- Keep Original Cases When Possible – The original jewel cases and DVD-style cases provide the best protection.
- Use Disc Binders for Extra Copies – If you have loose discs, high-quality disc binders can be a space-saving solution, but avoid cheap binders that can scratch discs.
- Store Discs Upright – Stacking cases horizontally can cause warping over time.
⚠️ What to Avoid: Storing cartridges in plastic bags without ventilation can lead to moisture buildup and label peeling. Discs left in hot environments (like attics or direct sunlight) may warp or develop disc rot.
Preventing Dust, Sunlight, and Moisture Damage
Retro game collections are highly susceptible to environmental damage, so proper protection is key.
🌞 Avoid Direct Sunlight – Sunlight fades labels and weakens plastic over time. Keep shelves away from windows or use UV-blocking window film.
💨 Use Dust Covers – Consoles and cartridges left exposed to open air collect dust, which can cause connection issues. Dust covers or glass-front cabinets help keep your collection cleaner.
💧 Control Humidity Levels – High humidity can lead to mold, rusted cartridge pins, and warped cases. Using silica gel packs or a dehumidifier can prevent moisture damage.
⚠️ What to Avoid: Storing games in attics, basements, or garages, where temperature and humidity fluctuations can cause irreversible damage.
Organizing and Displaying Consoles
Having your consoles neatly arranged makes your collection functional and visually appealing.
🕹 Dedicated Console Shelving – Use media shelves or custom-built furniture to create a neat display for consoles. Some collectors even use entertainment centers with hidden cable management for a clean setup.
🔌 Cable Management – Retro consoles often come with bulky power adapters and AV cables. Use cable organizers, zip ties, or labeled storage bins to keep everything tidy.
📺 Retro CRT vs. Modern TVs – If you’re using classic hardware, a high-quality CRT TV will provide the best visual experience. However, if you’re using a modern HDTV, upscalers like the RetroTINK or OSSC can make retro games look better on newer displays.
⚠️ What to Avoid: Leaving consoles plugged in for long periods can cause capacitor leakage or power supply failures. Dust buildup inside consoles can also lead to overheating.
Labeling and Cataloging Your Collection
As your collection grows, it’s important to track what you own to avoid duplicates and make finding games easier.
📋 Game Collection Apps – Apps like GameEye, CLZ Games, and Retro Game Collector allow you to create a digital catalog of your collection with details on condition and pricing.
🏷 Labeling Storage Bins – If you’re storing accessories, controllers, or extra games in bins, label each container to keep things organized.
📊 Tracking Value – If you’re a collector, tools like PriceCharting.com help track game values and trends to know what’s increasing in price.
⚠️ What to Avoid: Not keeping an inventory can lead to accidentally buying duplicate games or losing track of rare items in storage.
Best Practices for Displaying Accessories and Memorabilia
Many collectors also own controllers, limited edition peripherals, posters, and action figures. A well-organized setup keeps everything neatly displayed without taking up too much space.
🎮 Wall Hooks for Controllers – Mounting controllers on the wall saves shelf space and looks great.
🖼 Framing Posters or Game Art – Instead of cluttering walls, frame vintage game ads or posters for a more polished look.
📦 Storage Boxes for Cables and Extra Accessories – Keep extra wires, adapters, and manuals in labeled plastic containers.
⚠️ What to Avoid: Leaving controllers piled up in drawers can lead to tangled cables and damaged buttons over time.
Creating a Retro Gaming Room
If you have space to dedicate to retro gaming, creating a gaming room is the ultimate way to display and enjoy your collection.
🛋 Comfortable Seating – Whether it’s a gaming chair, bean bags, or a retro couch, comfort is key.
💡 LED Backlighting – Adding colored LED lights behind shelves and TVs gives your gaming room a stylish glow.
🔊 Good Audio Setup – Many older consoles sound better with external speakers or a soundbar rather than built-in TV speakers.
⚠️ What to Avoid: Overcrowding the room with too much furniture can make it difficult to access games and consoles.
Final Thoughts: The Joy of a Well-Organized Collection
A retro game collection isn’t just about owning classic games—it’s about preserving and showcasing gaming history. By choosing the right shelving, protecting games from environmental damage, organizing accessories, and keeping a catalog of what you own, you can create a functional, visually appealing collection that will last for years.
Do you have a special way of displaying your retro game collection? What’s your favorite setup tip? Drop a comment below and share your collection ideas!