Top 10 TIPS for GAME COLLECTING from Metal Jesus 

"no one is looking for psp games right now" instantly psp games go up by 50% haha

I have no intention on collecting games, I'm just fascinated by how you do it. It's like I'm seeing your process

The number 1 tip for collecting retro games: LIVE IN SEATTLE

Step 11: Consider the cost of your time, don't spend all day trying to find deals and spend more time playing the games you own. :)

TOP 10 TIPS: 1 Network - Let People Know you are Collecting. Get on social media. 2 Be Knowledgeable - Learn to spot fakes! 3 Know how to Advance Search Online 4 Everybody going Right? Go LEFT! 5 Buy in Bulk - Sell off the Excess 6 Go to Expos - They can often be worth the flight & hotel 7 Buy in Parts - loose carts + manuals + boxes = CIB 8 Collect Imports when possible 9 Get to know store owners - They can be your allies 10 Be Patient have fun - You don’t have to be rich to build a collection

This guy seems like a blast to play a game with

Only buy games that you are going to play and have fun with. I don't see the point in buying a lot of shitty games that i am never going to play just so i can have a full collection.

The immortal John Hancock approves of this message

One thing also, if you collect for the DS a great option is the “discount” shelves at GameStop where the cartridges are put in those yellow paper CD sleeves. It takes a bit to sift through all the garbage games in those shelves, but you eventually come across some really good finds for cheap. For example, last week I did that and I came across Elite Beat Agents for $4 and Hotel Dusk: Room 215 for $8. For comparison, EBA is $34 on Amazon and Hotel Dusk is about $65. They were cart only, but you can find standalone boxes for each game for sale on eBay for only a couple bucks. It’s a very cost-effective way to collect for the DS.

Mine is more psychology, but collect for yourself, not just so you can show a photo on Facebook or Instagram of all the 'finds' you found and be that guy who gets a lot of likes and comments on those pics. You're more apt to buy stuff just for the sake of buying stuff.

Tip 1 and 9 payed off for me, I collect NTSC-J Dreamcast games, I'm a regular customer at a local game store where I get my current-gen and retro games. I've been going to the store for years and got to know all the staff. I've told them recently that I am after Japanese DC games. One day I got a text from the boss there saying that a guy brought in loads of games and he has put them aside for me. So I went over to the store, went into their backroom and picked up 10+ DC games at a good price! Thank you Metal Jesus, You certainly do rock!

how do i network from the dark void of my basement?

#1 rule = only collect games you really want to play. This will save you a lot of time, money and space. I will never understand the mentality of collecting the entire game library for a console just to have all the crappy games collecting dust on your shelf.

My advice is just buy games that you like... Collecting games is a nice hobby just don't go super crazy with it. Give yourself a limit, budget your money. You don't have to buy a completed Genesis collection if you like the Genesis. You dont have to get every NES game if you like the NES just buy the games you are interested in and move on. If the game you like is worth a lot of money just buy reproduction cart or download the emulation or just avoid it.

Only buy on Ebay when your desperate for certain games. If you live in the UK go on Gumtree, or Freecycle. Freecycle is a site for people who want to get rid of their old shit, and some guy gave me a broken Megadrive (fixed it) with 20 games. All of which worked, and it was free.

Great Video MJ. I have a few rules for my collecting. IMO it makes things easier for me on space and my spouse: Don't collect for everything under the sun: You only have so much space. I used to collect for NES, SNES, Dreamcast, OG Xbox, Gamecube, N64, Xbox 360, GBA, and DS. Anything I could get my hands on that was a decent deal I'd pick up. I got caught up in picking up games because they were sought after, rather than buying what I was actually going to play. Buy what you play: Pick up games that you know you're going to play, unless it's a $5 game you'd like to try. I don't know if other collectors do this, but if I don't think I'm going to play a game, I won't buy it. This leaves space for games I really do want. Don't Settle: I used to pick up a game every time I went to a local game store because if I didn't I felt like the trip was wasted. Now if I don't see anything I'm looking for I won't settle. Give me your tired, your poor: When it comes to Genesis games, most of the time I'm not a stickler for box condition or labels, as long as it doesn't look like it was nuked with a atomic bomb. Beat up games deserve a home too as long as they work. I recently pick a Comix Zone cart with a slightly damaged label over a pristine one because it was a few bucks cheaper. Sorry for the long post. Hopes this helps!

I absolutely agree with the entire list, specially #10. It is absolutely true that you don't have to be rich to build a collection. I'm a person of modest means, working one temp job to another with a minimal wage and my video game collection exceeds 600 games at the moment. It took years to get this many games but I call the stores and ask questions, wait until prices drop on games I want, and I shop around to make sure I'm getting the best deal.

my biggest suggestion to anyone trying to collect video games is to be sure to wake up early and hit garage sales! it is amazing what people will want to sell for very cheap or even just give away

I think a good tip at the moment is buy up the games on the last generation that you've always wanted to play but never got around to. The most those games cost is maybe $10. I recently sold all my PS3 games cause I knew I never would want to play them but then I realized how much I love the God of War games. Well I picked up the collection disks for how much I sold the three disks for. I've also finally got around to playing borderlands because I saw it and was $5 and the second game is was like $7. To be honest I probably won't buy new consoles now till the next generation is released. It almost seems like a pointless thing to buy and pay the amount of money these companies charge. When you can just be a decade behind and pay almost nothing.

Man, even though I'm only starting my collection, and so far am proud of what I have, every time I see your videos, makes my collection seem like shit lol

Resellers: DONT WATCH THIS!!

Tip 4 is the best advice I too live by. Go after the games that are off people's radar. Most collectors I know are not patient and want what everyone else wants.

a fantastic video for rookie collectors such as myself. keep up the great work metal jesus!

Great tips, the best tip honestly is networking as that just broadens your net. Getting to know other collectors and knowing what they like and need and vice versa is critical. I make trades with friends constantly and get stuff with them in mind all the time knowing I can use the games as trade bait. Also getting to know store owners is huge too b/c if they know you are a collector and become friends with them, they will give you better deals.

Thanks for the tips!

I never knew that vertical line was called a "pike symbol"

You are the man. I have been taking tips from your channel as far as collecting goes, and then I see a collecting how to video... priceless to me. Thank you for the pointers, and thank you for all of the videos. Keep them coming!!

Love your videos! You’re one of the coolest, most wholesome and genuine dudes in the RU-vid gaming community. Your videos have helped me so much with my own collection and youve really been an inspiration to me. Thanks for everything you do!

Thanks for the sega group plug. We are a very knowledgeable group.

I've been collecting Wii, PS2 and PSP games over the last few years - some great stuff for next to nothing!

I've been looking for Conker Live and Reloaded on Xbox, because Bad Fur Day is one of my favorite games ever, but $60 Canadian is too much for me, so I've held it off. Yesterday, my brother found it for $3 at Value Village and got it for me. Great video Metal Jesus! Keep 'em coming!

Dude, you're the best! I've been collecting for a long time. And u taught me quite a few new things. So i wanted to say thanks for the great info and sharing your ideas and knowledge. And your right about being patient. Enjoy the games you've acquired until new ones eventually come around, bc they will.

I got a tip! If you are going to the game store, don't forget your pants!!! Thank you and good day :) Heroic Defeat approves this message ;)

very honest tips.......not a lot of collectors do that by the way kudos

I've been collecting for over four years now- and its always Metal Jesus Rocks videos and site that always bring me back to foundational truths and center me. Perhaps his heavy metal zen of video game collecting is really what we all need!

I really want to thanks you for this guide,I have just started collecting some things after the summer and following your tips I have already got some consoles and games without spending too much money,there are really good bargains out there and I have discovered that even here in Italy a retro game collector can pick up good things without using ebay (retrogame goods are really overpriced on ebay). You are the best MJR.

Wow! That's a really helpful video. I will definitely try everything out!

Thanks for the SRG shoutout! I changed my name last night to the vision of Metal Jesus.

I agree completely with this entire video! My mother is part of my network lol If I tell her I'm collecting something she will be on the lookout while out at yardsales or wherever so goes. It's actually really nice. And I agree with you, I love the hunt of trying to find games out in the wild and then only paying $1-$5 for it knowing it's worth 10x that. It's really a satisfying feeling!

I didn't really take your networking tip seriously but when i told my aunt i was in the retro game scene she gave me her snes and n64 w/ games controllers and boxes. Ill never doubt you again :D

I used your tips to get Panzer Dragoon Saga.

The best tip. Don't be a hoarder... seriously. Then make a realistic list of the best games you wan't, and actually have time to beat in on lifetime. Then, only buy one game at a time, and not another until you beat it. You may also find a game you want in a bulk lot, and sell the rest. You might get it for free at a significant discount. The key is NEVER BUYING A GAME UNTIL YOU BEAT THE LAST ONE PURCHASED.

Here is my first attempt at networking. I am looking for SNES, NES, PS1, and Sega Saturn RPGs primarily. I do buy and sell, and I have traveled from California to Seattle to conventions and local shops to browse. Collecting games has been a massive experience and throw back to my childhood, as well as given me the opportunity to share my childhood with my kid. I always get a kick out of Metal Jesus videos, so keep them coming!

OMG I go crazy when I see a Vectrex!!! Just subscribed this morning by way of Easter Egg Hunter and love the tips. I started collecting a couple years ago and your channel definitely filled in some blanks I've been experiencing. Thanks a bunch

Thanks for the tips.

The international tip is also very good for Amiibo collectors. The imports can be cheaper and play just the same

I've been following you for almost 4 years now, my collection is getting better by the month. I just subscribed, all the way from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. You're the best! I'm a huge Nintendo/Super Mario fan btw. If you have anything you don't need, I can always take it off your hands. Thanks again for everything! Joeys-Retros Game Emporium will be open one day, thanks to you.

Super helpful video, thanks. I appreciate your kindness. I think you're right about making friends with store owners and other collectors. It doesn't do any good to get so competitive that you push people away, like some game collectors do. It helps to have a support network of people with similar interests. :)

This is the best damn video youve ever uploaded.... just saying....

You're videos are so damn interesting. lol

Great video Metal Jesus! I've been seriously collecting for almost 3 years now, and I'm currently focusing on 360 and Wii titles. Some Wii games are getting super pricey/hard to find complete, and it gets frustrating at times, but at the end of the day I can sit back and be happy about how far I've come. (Over 200 360/Wii games combined!) Thanks for the tips and happy hunting! :3

When I saw the title I knew it would be a must watch, and I am definitely glad that I did! Great chance to hear some tips from the best 😄

Living in Switzerland sucks in this regard. Theres 1 retro shop where I have to drive 40 mins and that's it. I mostly have to purchase my stuff on the internet etc. and Ebay sellers can be dicks sometimes.

It's crap here in England. Not really and 'pawn' shops as such. A few 'cash converter' shops sell the odd PS1 or PS2 game, but they are even more pricey than on eBay. Aside from that you've got CEX - Games which look like they've been strapped to the bottom of someone's shoes whilst they've done a round-the-world hike...

Fantastic Video, Thank You! Another tip I've found as a new collector is, "buy the games you want to play first". What I mean by that is putting up the big bucks to get the games that you want to play, instead of buying fillers. It's like, "Quality or Quantity". I've found myself in collecting in general buying a bunch of games I like or filler games because I didn't want to drop big bucks on a game I love. But in the end buying a bunch of mediocre games added up to way more than the game I really wanted in the first place.

Loving the back catalog and these tips made me think on game acquiring in a different an overall better/healthier manner. Thank you for the time and passion :).

Shhhh, don't tell them about the PSP. I still have a lot to collect for it. ;)

I like metal jebus.

I'm from Australia and a lot of the PAL games you speak of I had as a kid... Needless to say my STUPID self got rid of them when I became a "sports jock" in my late teens/early twenties. Just didn't care at that point. Now I'm 38yo and kind of just decided that I want to surround myself with in a room with my old consoles and games (which all I have left is my Sega Dreamcast, X Box 360, and a bunch of games for nearly EVERY console). Dude, your channel has inspired me to get RIGHT back into it and replace my sporting trophies with the ONLY trophies I EVER really cared about. I think you what I'm talkin' bout

Paying it forward and helping fellow gamers and collectors is by far the best way. Bartering I find to be one of the best ways to get a game you're looking for.

Goodwill Salvation Army Flea Markets.. Done

I just picked up a Sega Dreamcast with two controllers for $25. Did I get a good deal @metaljesusrocks?

Love this video! I’ve been collecting games for years, but never in a really methodical way, so this was super helpful as far as where to start with taking it more seriously!

As an 18 year old who hasn't really had too much experience but has ALWAYS loved 'retro' games, I found this highly helpful! Thank you MJR!

30 years? Man... And here I thought you were in your mid twenties, you handsome looking devil you. :)

I'm starting my game collection

100% agree about the network. Got so many games and systems from friends, friends of friends, family, colleagues guys I do karate and judo with, people on facebook ... I leave flyers on shop noticeboards too

Metal Jesus rocks , just wanna say your channel rocks man keep it up

What pawn shop mean?

can it be? I'm first!! oh wait, I don't care :/

Another great video, MJR! I can't believe I missed this episode. Good stuff man!

Metal Jesus. You make great videos. I constantly use your videos as a reference when collecting. Thank you to you and all your friends for the help. Greatly appreciate it.

I'm kind of bummed. I can't imagine how depressed 163 people at this point that disliked this video. I am sorry you are so miserable. I wish life was better to you.

woud be awesome if Jezus was my dad we woud just be collecting together going to expos it woud be awesome

Excellent video as always, MJ!

Recently discovered your channel through another collector. Really enjoy your videos, rock on!

As a European, I'd *never* recommend PAL releases of pre-2006 games. They're fucking *garbage*. At least if you're planning on actually _playing_ them and not just have them sitting on a shelf. Every game that would normally run at 30 frames per second in the NTSC release, runs at 25 fps in the PAL release, and a game that would run at 60 fps in NTSC, runs at 50 fps in PAL instead. And believe me, those 5 or 10 frames make a *HUGE* difference. All this is due to the difference in utility frequency, which is 60 Hz in the US, and 50 Hz in Europe. The music is also slowed down due to this (you can hear the difference here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nSSYo0npMhA.html). Furthermore, the image is usually squished and stretched to fit the wider ratio of 576i. No. Just... No. Now, certain sixth-generation games (PS2/Xbox/GC) *do* support 480p which gets rid of all these issues, but don't count on it, check the Wikipedia lists: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_PlayStation_2_games_with_HD_support en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Xbox_games_with_HD_support en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nintendo_GameCube_games_with_480p_and_16:9_support Having said that, feel free to import portable games and post-sixth-generations games (if they're region-free or if you have a PAL system), these ones are A-OK.

Love your channel MetalJesusRocks. I own a small retro store in Helena Montana and I play your show on the big screen all the time. It's amazing how many people ask for a pen and paper to write down your and your guests recommendations. Keep up the good work.

Tip 1 is probably the strongest one, straight out the bat. I used to depend on eBay so much, but once I started letting people in my town know I collect retro games, asking about on SALE/ SWAP style groups, it's most definitely given me great scores, etc. I'm UK based too, so this just applies across the board if you really work at it.

I have been collecting for about 2 years and I love it!! I moved from Spokane over here to SeaTac and there are a lot more pawn shops and theft stores and I find some crazy good stuff on the cheap. My most favorite tip that you said was get connected with the community and the reason why is because I have never thought of it and it's a really good idea. Thanks Metal Jesus you do Rock!!

Very good tips. Nice game collection you have there too! I would also like to add that anyone with a nice-size collection of video games should hold onto them. I collected games from 1997 to 2005 when I unfortunately and reluctantly had to sell my collection off and I still wish I had those games. Nowadays, the barrier is much higher to get games at a decent price for popular systems and it just blows my mind what is considered "rare" here in the present. I want to get back into it soon once I get more situated. The hunt, the cover art, the smell of brand new game manuals, using all of the different types of controllers, the custom installers that were embedded in physical runs of PC games...I miss all of it.

Being patient really is the best tip on this list. You might not always come home with something but when you do, its a gem for cheap.

The 1st tip is actually really helpful. When I was talking about how I wanted to get back into playing my old GBA games to my friend, my friend gave me his original DS because he didn't need it. I also asked my other friend for Gamecube games and she gave me her loose Gamecube games because she didn't have a gamecube to play them and I got games like Luigi's Mansion, Sonic Adventure DX, and Sonic Riders. I was going to get the Zelda Collector's Edition Promotional Disc but her brother wanted to keep it so he could sell it because he knew it was rare. It sucks how I didn't get it because I would die to have it but he was smart enough to sell it so it's cool how he knows about it.

This helped a lot! Keep up the amazing content Metal Jesus!

Great tips for people just getting into collecting. I've been collecting for over 15 years and use a lot of these tips and they work great.

I know as an emulation fan (just a poor boy, from a poor family with bugger all money) I'm not your target audience, but Metal Jesus (PBUH), I think I have become a disciple. I can't stop watching your videos. Thanks very much to you and the MJR crew for everything you do.

Huge tip for finding retro stores: I travel a lot for work and magic the gathering. One thing I do is use Google Maps and search for "Video Game Store -gamestop -redbox -walmart" and check my route to my destination. Just like what MetalJesus said with the negative operator, it will subtract those stores from the search results so you just get the good stuff. I've been doing this for about a year and I've found dozens of stores/flea markets and gotten to meet and visit gobs of cool stores I would have had a hard time finding otherwise. You can also do this to find pawn shops and thiftstores but I have horrible luck finding good pickups there.

Love your videos and especially this one with the tips. I am trying to start a collection here in Iceland where I live but it´s a little difficult to get Big Boxed PC games unless from Ebay but then the shipping costs are too high. Usually around 50$ per game shipped here. But watching your channel is half of the fun of being a collector with not alot of resources in this tiny island :)

Awesome tips! Thank you always for your videos. As you know, YOU ROCK, Jesus! 🤘😎

I think it's really important to play at least once all the games you have. Thanks!!! Great video!

I enjoy the fact that I was able to figure out most of these on my own. So all I can say is I highly agree! I'm not personally a full on collector but use these principles when buying stuff I'm looking for.

It is always fun to collect! And your Tips are helpful for collecting almost everything! I am not a big Videogame collector. I just look at old games that people maybe have in store and I buy them if I like them. But I collect Broadway Cast Recordings on Vinyl. And I live in Germany, wherr there is almost no market for it. And that has one good side and one bad side. The good side is, ther is next to no competition! And that makes sometimes Record store owners really work for you. If they get stuff in, they will always have me in the back of their minds. The Bad side is, everything is rare... So my collection is growing very, very slowly.

I want to say one thing about tip #10 I don't buy from game shops but do buy from thrifts and yard sales/flea markets. 2 of my prized pieces are a twisted edge complete and a sealed polar express for gba. They are not expensive at all but I found those at a yard sale and it's hard to come by finding sealed games around here! Thanks for the extensive tips metal Jesus. ROCK ON MAN!

Thanks so much for this video man! Just discovered your channel as well as PeteDorr's recently. Can't wait to become a more serious collector and maybe start up a youtube channel myself in time. Loving the content you put out, keep it up!

The tips of networking and getting to know the store owners has served me well too. When I was collecting the older Pokemon games, I went to Facebook and my friends just up and gave me the ones I didn't have. I was looking for Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories so a friend of mine can experience the first 3 games without getting a PS3 or a PS4. I got to know the owner of a retro store in the area and they called me when they got a copy in.

i think its important for people who collect primarily online, to NOT limit themselves to just one site e.g Ebay. there are loads of sites out there, just type ps2 games etc in google and scroll down a bit. this has helped me a whole lot. Thanks for the vid man it was very incitefull, awesome as always.

Great tips mate! I agree with you completely that the best part is seeing what you can come across in the wild and trying to get the best deals, it's heaps of fun! :)

Some great tips here you really do ROCK mj 🤜🤟 being patient is something i struggle with

Thanks for the video. I've been actively collecting for 2 years and I'm learning more and more every day.

What a useful and informative guide. What I learned from my own experience is, to compare prices. If you scroll through an online store, there can always be games who are underpriced there and they might not be online for long.