Does anyone else here use protectors or sleeves for their beloved retro game collections?
I’m building a little library for mine at the moment (basically reconfiguring a big cupboard!) and that got me thinking about how best to keep everything in the best possible condition to avoid degradation and shelf wear over time (particularly for anything cardboard-based!).
As usual when my brain gets hooked on something like this I ended up going down an internet research rabbit hole, and I came up with a few solutions for the various formats I wanted to look after. In total I needed to consider this diverse bunch:
- Spoiler: show
- - Saturn PAL standard cases x 29
- Saturn PAL double boxes x 2
- Saturn PAL NiGHTS & 3D Controller box x 1
- Saturn NTSC-J cd cases x 18
- Saturn NTSC-J double cd cases x 2
- Saturn NTSC-J game & RAM cart boxes x 3
- Dreamcast PAL standard cases x 39
- Dreamcast PAL double cases x 2
- Dreamcast NTSC-US cd cases x 1
- Mega CD PAL double cd cases x 4
- PS1 PAL standard cases x 7
- PS1 PAL double cases x 1
- PS1 NTSC-J cd cases x 2
- PS1 NTSC-J double cd cases x 2
- PS1 NTSC-US cd cases x 1
- PS1 NTSC-US double cd cases x 2
Fortunately there’s quite a bit in there that worked out as common sizes with either standard single or double CD cases, so that saved some hassle. The bloody PAL region has to be difficult though doesn’t it, consistently choosing to have a bespoke box format across these consoles vs the NTSC regions (apart from the insanely massive Saturn US cases that I don’t have any of).
Long story short, I tracked down ebay sellers and websites that made bespoke protectors for the unique formats and found some good off-the-shelf solutions for the standard ones. And after my Dreamcast protectors arrived last week my collection is now completely under wraps, so to speak!
A few choice photos…
PAL Saturn standard cases & double boxes:
NTSC-J Saturn single cases w/spine cards & double cases w/spine cards:
PAL Dreamcast standard cases & double boxes:
NTSC-J PS1 single case w/spine card & NTSC-U double case:
The PAL Saturn & Dreamcast protectors I’m really happy with as they’re made from a nice robust plastic and fit like a glove. Especially delighted with the Saturn ones, as with the older releases having cardboard outers plus Panzer Dragoon Saga and Enemy Zero coming in cardboard boxes, it was these I was most worried about. Also the little plastic sleeves I got for the NTSC-J stuff work really nicely as you can have the spine cards on show and it basically makes them look like brand new games!
Anyway, this is obviously some seriously nerdy shit but I must say it scratched a real OCD itch that is incredibly satisfying! Everything looks great, feels great, and it’s nice that this valuable stuff (emotionally & monetarily!) is all wrapped up safe.
Are there any other game-protection obsessed folk out there, or am I out on my own fanatical limb here?
P.S. if anyone wants to know where I sourced the various of types and sizes, I’m happy to help!