Lately, I've been seeing many social media posts about skyrocketing prices of retro video games.
Which is funny because I see complaints about that every few years. It's cyclical. In fact, this was my big complaint all the way back in 2013 when every copy of Earthbound seemed to be going for $100.
So let me mention how I dealt with that problem then -- which is still applicable to now.
I stopped focusing on physical console games, and I started buying PC games -- both physical and digital. This ended up being a good idea because on the PC side of retro, games are much cheaper. I regularly walk into game stores and thrift shops and find classic PC games, complete in box, for $5. Games in my collection, that I acquired for an obscenely cheap price, include Black & White, Aliens versus Predator (2000), and Myth II. I also buy tons of games off Steam and GOG.
Best of all, if you're patient, you can often get games for free. Just a few months ago, I got the Castlevania Anniversary Collection for free from Epic, which included nine classic games—titles that would’ve cost hundreds on original hardware.
Now I'm sure some of you will say, "It's not about the games, it's about the memories -- and that means playing on original cartridges/discs on original hardware."
I understand that. I still have my original SEGA Genesis and Xbox, and I still occasionally buy physical media.
But never underestimate the value of creating new memories with old games. And that's something I truly treasure as time goes on. For example, I never played Septerra Core when it originally was released in 1999. I did, however, acquire it in 2015. And after playing this game for a solid 10 years, it's become something that I truly treasure. I remember buying that game for $1, and I now love Septerra Core every bit as much as Final Fantasy VII.
Which brings me to my next thought about why collecting retro games for PC has proven so invaluable. If you're open to trying something off the beaten path, something that gets little attention -- because YouTubers rarely talk about old DOS games -- you will be surprised at how much gold is out there at a low price.
One gem I see regularly on GOG for under $1 is Nosferatu: Wrath of Malachi—easily one of the best survival horror FPS games I’ve played. If you love vampire games, this is your ticket to fun. Sure, you could pay $140 for Silent Hill without the jewel case (the current going rate). Or you can try your hand at something that's still retro but can be had for a fraction of the price.
Good retro games don't have to be expensive. They're easy to find if your heart isn't set on a complete-in-box Conker's Bad Fur Day. If you focus on deals, deals are to be found.
Prices for physical console games has exceeded any historic cycle. I've been shopping at the same local used store for 30 years and stopped in a few days ago. I saw a copy of Aerobiz Supersonic for $200. Authentic carts for Earthbound are listed at $400.
A great game, but it's being sold at a borderline criminal price during a massive market bubble.
If a game isn't legally available for purchase (digital or physical) from the original company or subsidiary, it's absolutely the correct decision to pirate a game. Subscription services like Nintendo Switch Online don't count in my book.
Even with inflation, the game should only cost around $100 based on original price. And even if I buy a used game, the original creators don't see a dime. We should support the developers/publishers and reward those who create good rereleases like the Castlevania Collection.
I'd also grab a ROM or ISO of a game that I've bought on Steam so that I can play it on original hardware. But that's just me.
Yeah, those prices are ridiculous. No question about that.
But again, this is why I’ve chosen to devote my attention to retro PC games instead of console games.