How to Care for your Gaming Collection

If you’re an avid and dedicated gamer, you’re likely to have a cherished collection of video games, accessories, and consoles that have provided hours of entertainment over the years. Whether it’s shelves, a box under your bed or an organised pile of chaos, we’re going to give you some essential tips to ensure your gaming treasures stand the test of time.

Keep it Clean

Just because they’re not getting used every day or they might not be on display, doesn’t mean it doesn’t need cleaning. Regularly dusting your gaming area and shelves prevents dust and dirt build-up. The best and cheapest way to combat this is with a microfiber cloth, it’s perfect for wiping down consoles, game cases and surfaces without scratching them.

Proper Storage

No, the shelving unit that sits in direct sunline is not the best place to keep your valuables. The best place to keep your games is in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes. Excessive heat and humidity can damage your collection overtime, so make sure they’re kept in a place where they won’t be disturbed too much by the elements.

Protective Cases

Protective cases aren’t essential, but they are a good investment if you have rare or valuable titles. Even if you own a game that has stuck by you through thick and thin, you might want to consider an added layer of protection. These cases will shield your games from dust, scratches, and accidents.

Handle With Care

When handling discs or physical media, hold them by their edges to avoid smudges and fingerprints. This will not only protect your disk or cartridge from dust and scratches but will also help its longevity. You can clean dirty or smudged discs with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Organise Your Collection

Staying on top of an organised system will not only make your collection look more polished, but decluttering has also been proven to improve our mental health. It’s so important to keep the space you’re working or playing in clean and tidy from distractions. Stay on top of your collection by organising it, making it easier to put away and find when you get round to switching your game.

Monitor Your Environment

Wherever you live, the temperature is changing all year round. Invest in a humidity and temperature monitor for your gaming area. This will help you stay on top of the temperature and ensure that your collection is stored in an environment that won’t cause damage.

Regularly Play Your Games

Don’t let your games or consoles sit idle for too long. Periodically play them or boot up your consoles to ensure they remain in working order. You don’t want to sit down one day to find that it’s broken. This is also a great excuse to chill out and enjoy some gaming nostalgia.

Your gaming collection reflects your involvement in the ever-growing world of digital adventures. By following these care tips, you can ensure that your collection remains in the best possible condition for years to come. Whether you’re preserving a retro classic or safeguarding the latest releases, attention to detail can go a long way in maintaining your gaming treasures.