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

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

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. :)

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

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

This guy seems like a blast to play a game with

The immortal John Hancock approves of this message

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

#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.

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.

Love your videos! You’re one of the coolest, most wholesome and genuine dudes in the KZfaq 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!

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

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

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!!

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.

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.

Resellers: DONT WATCH THIS!!

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 :).

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!

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!

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

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 😄

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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!

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 ;)

Thanks for the tips.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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. :)

I love you MJR, thanks for the tips!! I just started collecting games more seriously so this helps a ton

You're videos are so damn interesting. lol

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...

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

Excellent video as always, MJ!

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

I like metal jebus.

Very informative! For me, it was a good mixture of tips I already knew, tips that I had no idea about, and a few that just make sense.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Goodwill Salvation Army Flea Markets.. Done

I'm starting my game collection

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

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 :)

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

You're my new favorite youtuber. Wish I found you sooner. Keep it up!!!

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

What pawn shop mean?

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 kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pLmDjNJh09axmHU.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 videos! I've learned so much from all your videos.

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

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! :)

God, I love your videos man. Get so many advices from such an expert like you man. Thank you and keep up the good work.

Another great video Metal Jesus! Thanks a ton!

love your vids MJ! :) thx for the tip! your rock!

please keep it up. Thank you for actual value and being honest and letting us know.

Good video! I learned a couple of new tips for game collecting! Cool T-Shirt too!

Awesome video MJR!!! Great tips too!!! I never thought to ask pawn shops!!

Thanks for these tips dude. I regret that it's taken me so long to actually want to collect but with these tips I can slowly start building a personal collection for myself. Party on dude! \m/

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!

You are a wise man. Your videos are the best and you really present the material very well.

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.

Great tips/advice + really enjoyed this video. The quality and production value has really increased :-)

Great tips Metaljesus! Thanks for the video!

Thank you very much for this post. Been following you for quite some time now. Love you man and please keep posting. Very much appreciated. Thanks bro! :thumbs:

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.

This video gave me some ideas and I've discovered several shops in my area that I didn't know existed. Thanks!