Be nice to each other, that's the ultimate advice. And I wish everyone in my country's community were as nice as John Hancock. Bless him.

It is probably too late but the best advice I can give is: Keep everything!! I sold my original Sega Genesis collection in the late 90's. 74 games mint, with everything. If I were to sell the same games today that I got $400 back then would be worth about $4,000 today. Today's games are tomorrow's treasures.

Great topic and job on this video, John. I never knew how deep the Retro Gaming Rabbit Hole went until I started my KZfaq channel. You made some excellent points and I completely agree. Keep up the great work!

best line of this video: "Make sure you are in the hobby for the *right* reasons"

Absolutely love the new shelving units! Excellent insights.

I only joined my local retro gaming comunity within the past year, since i never used facebook before a year ago, and now these guys are all my best friends, joining your local gaming comunity is the greatest thing, and then we all just went to an expo last weekend and the whole comunity was there, and it was the greatest time ever, its so much fun to join your comunity, i just go hang out at my local retro games stores, and its so much fun, we play street fighter and have game nights, thank you john, great and valid points! The comunity is one of the best parts!

Today is a not so good day for me but I am glad that I watched john video, I am feeling better already. This is the kind of positive energy that we need in the retro gaming community. Couldn't agree more with all the things you said. 👍

Thank you very much for your passion. I greatly respect you and your videos. I'm mostly collecting Super Famicom, Sega Genesis and PS1-4 games and also video game music (that is a great part of my collection). And it so cool to see that is other people over there sharing same hobby, same path and i enjoy your and other youtubers videos so much. That feeling to be a part of something. Thank you.

I love how passionate you always are about gaming itself and how you mentioned that it breaks down societal barriers. I agree completely and wish that more people could go outside their comfort zones and try different things like how you said you weren't into intellivision until a friend showed you why it's a beautiful thing. I'd love to have a retro gaming community where I live but not that many people appreciate the older games. Spot on definition of retro gaming too btw!

Nice John, this might be my favorite vid of yours so far. Agree with alot and you took nice amount of time to articulate it all. I plan to mention this vid on my podcast, will fit right into the next episode, good going.

Great topic bro and the new room is looking amazing!!!!!

I honestly don't know how you stay so upbeat and happy. You always seem to be smiling, I wish there were more people like you in the hobby and on KZfaq. Thanks

"Get into it for the right reasons" great quote and my thoughts exactly. The last few years I have seen a shift and change in mood IMO, A LOT only are in it for the money but starting to see quite a few begin to sell up as the market is definitely slowing and trending downwards. Thanks again for another great video John.

Some great advice John! I have been collecting around 40 years and so much has changed its unreal. Some for the good and some for the bad but still yet I have NEVER and never will lose my passion or love for gaming. It dont matter how you game its THAT you game! keep rollin!

John, this new setting looks awesome! Congrats for your hard work! It really paid off! Thanks also for sharing your much appreciated opinion on the retro gaming community ;) Cheers!

Been retro gaming since Covid and really enjoy your channel man, scary how expensive things have gotten I feel like I'm just a few years too late to the game , keep up the cool vids!

Very well said john so looking forward to meeting you at prge this weekend i like how your always putting the positive attitude in our great hobby!!!

Great video. I subscribed to you solely based on this video. I feel inspired to start a local gaming community here in my hometown because of gamers like you. JH thanks bro.

Great video John! Its nice hearing advice from someone who has really been involved with the retro gaming community for many years. You hit all the major points, especially about burnout. Its good to be passionate about a hobby, but not to the point where its starts taking away from other areas of life. I know I have to be careful in this area, so balance is definitely important.

I think that it's important to collect what you grew up with and remember playing and I'm glad you mentioned it. It seems as though the retro gaming community is so close and compassionate toward one another because those games we collect help us keep memories we all had as children at a time when life was simpler and we weren't "tainted" by society. It's always fun to reminisce and, for brief moments, transport yourself back to some of the happiest moments in your life. Getting to connect with others who have that same experience is what make this community strong and so much fun to be a part of.

Yet another great video. I always look forward to Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday. Keep up the good work. I wish I lived closer so I could attend prge on a yearly basis.

I am only discovering your channel 3 weeks ago as of this comment, and I really love your videos. I always do my best to avoid negative and judgmental people in a lot of fan communities, especially in forums, so I could just enjoy what I love in peace. Still though, seems like the retro gaming community is awesome. I'm getting started with my collection, starting with all 3 Game Boy formats. I am planning to start a collection of NES, SNES and Genesis games I grew up with as a kid, or never owned. I would love to one day meet you in person and hopefully attend the Portland Retro Gaming Expo one of these days. Honestly, thank you for uploading this video and covering up on how the retro gaming community is like, as well as the advice on how to not burn out when buying games. You seem like a cool dude. Bless your soul for spreading positivity.

John you are a great man, very humble and kind. More people should be like you. Thanks for your videos, please keep it up!

I will make a concerted effort to like your videos more often man. Very impressed with your content

I love your positivity and enthusiasm. I may not be in to all the same things you’re into but I appreciate your perspective and your genuine nature. I think if we hung out we would be friends. Keep it up👾🎮

Thanks for what you do John! I have such a problem in my area connecting with true gamers because almost all of them are snakes and back stabbers so it's tough to get a group together especially for retro gaming to talk, play, or even shoot the stuff with because everyone around here specifically is trying to make a buck. I would love to chat with other gamers like you and MJR because you guys always seem to have so much fun. I miss all of my friends are used to game with me they all moved out to the Midwest and now I have no one to share the hobby with other than Facebook groups

Thanks for the insightful tips and advice John!

Your game room is looking good! Those crates are perfect, great idea.

Great video. Found your channel a few months ago and I quite enjoy your videos. 👍

when i saw your game shelf boxes go up empty i did not think it looked well, but now seeing them full of games it looks quite good!

Amazing hat! Great vid with solid information.

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I have met some nice people in the retro gaming community, as well as traded games with them. It's amazing how much it has grown since I started collecting again over 7 years ago. Unfortunately, it has also gotten more expensive to collect over those years.

You should make this a series because the list goes onnnnnnnn lol good points made sir! my biggest revelation was realizing not every game collector in the wild (as far as hunting is concerned) is necessarily competition. Initially I hunted w/ that mentality only to find they gave me good games (if not for free) for a fraction of the retail. Personality, knowledge and plain manners go along way.

John you make the best stuff. I enjoy your channel so much.

The immortal on point as always! Great information and points!

This was a great video because it just makes me even more enthusiastic about my video game romance. Thank you, Sir!

Well said John. You are a fantastic person who sets a great example. I really needed to hear that today.

Right on John. I couldn't agree more. Don't know how I missed this video. I thought I had watched every one of your videos.

Great video john! Retro gaming community is awesome!! 👍

The last thing you said about getting a friend together and just playing old games, even on an emulator was so important. It really is about having fun in the moment and having that chance to use your imagination to enjoy a game that has inspired so many people. I just have more fun with older games, i love to be able to pick up a control and play within seconds. You are correct in that it is very much about having a great time with friends.

Thanks for the info and your awesome passion.

This makes me happy, hearing that you can play on the real hardware or an emulator. And hearing it from someone that has a legendary game collection is fantastic! I wish that everyone would be open minded like you. Thank you for the video.

Great video John! I used to think all the fb groups sucked for the most part until I found one that was right for me and was about the love of retro and not buy/sell/trade stuff. There are definitely highs & lows to collecting/retro gaming . I like your message of play how you like to play. Keep up the great work!

Many of these tips are also applicable to the automotive communities that I have belonged to. Excellent advice 👍

Just getting back into it. Great words to go by John. Thanks for the tips.

Great video. Class act,sir. Keep it up. 👍🏼

John, you’re the best man! Thank you for the video buddy

really love how you spoke about balance - that was deep real talk John!

Love your videos man always positive appreciate it

Love your channel! You're a good man!

The game room looks great! I'm looking forward to that Gameboy video one day. Lol. I hope you're doing well John!

Great advice John, as always 👍.

I love how you said, " there is no wrong way to game," that's very true a lot of people new to the community feel there is a certain way your suppose to play these games and really there isn't, if your having fun and enjoying great games or crappy games ( yes even super man 64) whether they are emulated or the legit cartridge then embrace it and don't let others put you down for enjoying them! Love the videos bro keep em up 💪🏼

I'm new to the community. Great video.

True words, Mr. Hancock! I’m old enough to recall when all of these games were created. The excitement me and my brothers felt as children when a new game was released! Going to friends houses to check out games and systems that we didn’t have. I LOVE re-living these memories, and each time I pick up a game and place it in a console, all of those memories come rushing back! I too really like connecting with other gamers/collectors. I hope there are some here in Mississippi that are into retro gaming...we need a club here!:)

Im pretty new to the community but Im loving it.

Main point I like here is that the most important thing is playing these games, not who can get the most on their shelf. Or who spends the most to play them.

John, you aren't a small part of the Retro world, you are what people should look up to..You love and respect the games so much,and I can't wait till you have your museum

Awesome video John, usly what I do is if someone says a console is the best out there I just say nice or OK. I try not to be that guy but sometimes it happens. An your right retro game prices our on the rise but I've also seen them reduce in price as well there's a balance. Excample this weekend at a con I saw goals and ghosts for $30 at my retro store I got it for 12 so there is a balance with prices in the hobby.

I like how you said "even on the Ouya".. I have a nice set up on my ouya with nostalgia front end and it's awesome.. the Ouya is under rated .. then I remember you did a video on the Ouya... and I been watching your channel since then.. I enjoyed this video so much.. thank you

you are an inspiration John, thank you!

Thx John!! Great info!! Cheers!

Saw the video and I enjoy of how retro gaming should be. Picking up the controller and playing the game as it should be. I've started collecting the games in 2011 and taking a good look of how my collection and how it grew to a rate that I've been having some times going through the collection in ABC order. Enjoy the games as it should and you'll enjoy collecting old school games and even your kids would do the same thing and a new generations of old school gamers would come in and showing the love and the support of collecting and showing support of video games.

I was a part of a facebook group and I posted a question about atari 2600 carts because they are out of my wheelhouse and I was just getting murdered in the comment section saying I shouldn't be buying atari stuff if I don't know what they are or what they should look like. I was asking because my sister collects for the system and I was going to grab this huge lot for her. I was so put off by that FB group I eventually left because I kept seeing the admins be mean to other people too. I did ask the same questions to you, John, and you were kind enough to answer my questions kindly, which I appreciate. Unfortunately the lot was gone by the time I went back to check, but that was one of my first experiences in the retro community.

So good!! Thank you!

Great video, straight to the point.. and informative for people of all walks. Thanks John! Also, do you know if using a Saturn Virtua stick and a total control 3 works well with Dreamcast SHMUPS? if there is a better route to go please feel free to let me know cheers :)

Thanks John,you're the videogame sage,the one. I'm always totally agree with you in everything

Sounds great that you found a community. I have been retro gaming for about 6 years now and i have had a hard time finding people to play with. I live in Central Washington and the only Facebook groups are for collecting or new games. It's hard to find people if you're not by a big city. Any one else have this issue? Also, does any body else get nervous about someone ripping off your collection? I used to not worry about this but i had an incident a year ago that made me wary about who i show my collection to.

It is hard to find a good Game Boy community, although the few collectors i have met have been nice, helpful as well. It is good to share ideas and what games have been found, or i need this game where can i find it. Just glad to find others with the same passion and enjoyment of the grey brick!

Well said, John. You pretty much nailed everything about the community on the head.

I am not necessarily a retro gamer (tho I have grown up with nes, snes, genesis, etc) .. anyway, I really enjoy watching your videos and enthusiasm. Keep up the great work !

Im retro gaming for many years now, all the tips are golden.

Great video!

Great advice John.

Well said brother, i just started collecting...up to 12 consoles and a small handful of games and im hooked. Keep up the good work and...do you know any good retro stores in portland? Just moved here

New room looks awesome

Great video man, and it should be about playing games, I have both some original hardware and emulation (raspberry pi), and enjoy both, though since I moved the raspberry pi has made alot easier being able to play games.

John just seems like such a nice guy. Love ya John ❤️❤️

my set set-up is Sega genesis model 1 hooked with a retrovision cable. and ounce i beat a game i put a sticker on top for accomplishment. Great community and respect for each one for there enjoyment!!

Sammy Hagar says there's only 1 way to rock - but the Immortal John Hancock says there are numerous ways to game!

“There’s no wrong way to game” Seriously. True.

Hey John. -- I just found your channel, but I am sure we have interacted in the past via DP, ASSemblers, AtariAge or RFG. Just want to say hello again and thanks for contributing videos for the community. It is sincerely appreciated. -- Terry | Marriott_Guy

Great video

Love the videos

All the best from the UK John :)

Among western retro gaming youtubers, I like your tone the most.

Thank you John

The question I have is how do I get started in the retro gaming community like the small version because sometimes I can talk to certain people because they feel I'm not big enough if that makes sense

Great tips and advice John. Easy to understand and straightforward. Only thing I disagree with is the whole retro thing. To me retro is any video game device, whether it be a console, handheld etc.. Has to be at least 20 years old or more. Overall good video man. Take care.

Love the game room looking good

He's so humble and you have to remember The Immortal also picked up the hobby learning along the way as well.

I remember having a few conversations with people on what is considered "Retro" as far as video gaming is concerned.. It's interesting how many people have different opinions and views on it!

I've started streaming retro live streams on Twitter recently and though the viewership is not as high as self help stuff, the replay ratings are better than the self-help stuff. So you can say it's a smaller but more passionate community than the general public.

That's pretty cool that you said what you did about how someone games. I 100% emulate and love it. It looks better than native most times and has many other benefits over original consoles. I enjoy gaming on original consoles as well....but in the end, I'm a retro gamer that emulates.

Game how you want to game! that's some great advice and what I go by.

What a good guy John is!

Yup wise word , you're a good guy I think, but saddly collecting retro stuffs mostly going in wrong way (price, true condition,titles own ,etc) good to see peoples like you from all over the world who loved games , have passion and mostly think about some things in same way, greetings from Poland!!!

Guys the gaming community is all about fellowship bonding and just simply having fun and most importantly appreciating not only the retro gaming aspect of things but also each other's company.

John, I think you are one of the real decent guys on youtube and genuinely would share a beer with you and discuss games. Personally, I think I could learn quite a bit from you. I do not understand why this even needs to be said. Why should anyone care how other people game. I collect og xbox, Dreamcast, Saturn, Resident Evil varients and Street fighter varients. If people don't like that, I really don't care. I emulate as well. I enjoy what I do. The most pleasure I get from gaming is doing it with friends. We always have fun. I just hate all the opinionated people in retro gaming so generally don't read groups and interact with other people. Seriously John, love your vids.

Awesome!!! :D