How to manage the balance between retro and current purchase

[AceGrace]

Hi All,

Every month I have an internal struggle whether to buy some retro games or new releases.

I am always gripped by the fear that whatever I decide not to buy will disappear a month or two later.

For example next month.

I was planning to buy some neo geo cd stuff but current gen releases next month are :

Omega Quintet
Kirby
Splatoon
The witcher 3

I fear that If I don't get at least the first three from that list, then they will be difficult to find later on even though in reality they will probably be a lot cheaper.

On the flip side I have my eye on some neo geo cd games on ebay but have the same fear that they will be gone If i don't get them.

How do you manage the balance?

Am I mad?

[Negative Creep]

To be honest I never think about the age or balance, it's juts what I feel like playing. It does tend to go in "phases" though

[Antiriad2097]

I have managed this for the last few years by not reading anything about modern gaming. Since I now no longer have a clue what current games are out, or due out, I no longer have the desire to buy them unless I see them on a shelf somewhere. By this time, they're usually cut price. And the ones I might have wanted, have completely passed me by, so I'm not missing them, since I don't even know they exist.

So far its working for me, my PS3 and 360 only have a couple of dozen games, I've hardly bought anything much for ages. There are probably loads of potential classics I neither own, not know about. But since I already have a vast pile of shame to work through, it really isn't a loss. I buy the odd game here and there, and it's all good.

[Rayne]

I pretty much never buy Retro now, unless it's in the form of a HD re-release or XBL/PSN release.

I have a nice collection or N64 & original Xbox games I go back to and regularly enjoy. Outside of that emulation works for me. Problem is I have so many great current gen games to play and none of my gamer friends care for retro

[Negative Creep]

Price is a good point - the bubble hasn't burst yet so complete SNES/N64 games are mostly out of my price range. It's a great time to be buying 360 and PS3 stuff though

[flatapex]

my purchases are in two categories

retro, fun and cheap

modern, fun and cheap

I dont own an xbox 1 or ps4 because they are too expensive, £300+ for a console, £50-60 for a pad etc, £50-ish for 1 game.

Its not something I can justify, gaming is one of a number of hobbies

[DPrinny]

Im more retro than modern as a lot of modern looks dull

[gman72]

I don't buy too much original retro anymore unless its a very choice item. I purchase/download HD remakes and will pirate old games I've owned in the past but i'm mainly purchasing modern these days.

[Sam_P]

Since I started collecting retro games, I've spent a lot more time/money picking up retros, unless something I've wanted for a while has been released (I think the last current gen game I've bought was NHL 15).

[JamesC]

It's mainly about space for me.
I have a Wii U and PS4 connected to the TV so they're what gets played the most. As such, they are what I spend most money on.
I have a small collection of handheld stuff (mainly Nintendo stuff up to GBA and also Sony PSP) and add to that when I see bargains (there are insanely good PSP bargains around at the moment).
Other than that my other consoles don't get much use. I'd love to use them more but its a hassle. I'm planning to move soon so may try to fix up a little retro section in the spare room.
Having said that, I always keep my eyes open at car boot sales and second hand shops. My tastes are quite common so I can often pick up some good bargains. I'm more interested in old platformers and driving games than anything - not super rare JRPGS or Shmups.

[leefishuk]

Space and money define my purchases.
If I see a bargain, current(ish) or retro, that's it

[errolwd40]

Just bought Project Cars on ps4, haven't yet tried it but it looks great. Recently downsized my retro collection due to the fact that I may well be moving soon. Sold my n64 and super nes stuff but kept my ps2 slim.

I have great memories of the 16 bit days but when I buy a game from that era I often find it disappointing and find my mind wandering whilst playing them. I think most of the fun was playing them at that point in time, just isn't the same for me now.