With the current state of affairs in regards to retro video game pricing, affordability is key. Obtaining older games in their complete state (the original cardboard casing, instruction manual and cartridge) is not only a very high ask financially but also is finding them out in the wild.
Hence alternatives although not authentic, can be used to get a coherent and tidy display while also utilizing original box artworks.
Key to investing in cartridge based media is maintaining the condition and working order as all hardware is prone to failure or degradation over time if not looked after. By housing cartridges efficiently it not only looks nice but keeps them dust free and well organized.
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| Final Fantasy VI (Released as Final Fantasy III in North America) |
An easy solution: Universal game cases.
These are readily available on sites like eBay and specialist stores, generally speaking.
A universal game case is capable of holding cartridge and disc media such as:
- Super Nintendo
- Nintendo 64
- Sega Megadrive
- Disc Media eg. Sega Dreamcast/ Sony Playstation
- Enough room for instruction manuals
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| Around the size of a VHS tape cover |
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| Clearly defined plastic grooves where a SNES cartridge fits |
After obtaining the cases of which an initial 20 were purchased, acquiring the cover art was the next step.
There is a dedicated website just to this called The Cover Project, with not only original art but also custom designs.
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| In future N64 collection will get the custom cover treatment too |
Covers were printed on A4 gloss paper, which gives a better result than standard copy paper. The image fits on the page perfectly when set to full size, with only a little bit of cutting out involved.
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| Cover ready to be inserted |
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| A perfect fit |
The final results are worth the effort, well protected and arranged.
Although not the entire collection has gotten this treatment, great progress has been made.
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| That collection though |
Part 1 of Super Nintendo.
Console showcase to come.
