Retro video games and consoles are becoming highly valued collectibles, with some Finnish households potentially holding items worth hundreds of euros.
The popularity of retro video games and consoles has surged in recent years, particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led many to revisit childhood pastimes or discover retro gaming for the first time. According to experts, many Finnish homes possess retro games that could be worth around a hundred euros or more, especially if the collection includes well-known brands like Nintendo or PlayStation. The 1980s and 1990s games, along with early 2000s hits, are particularly in demand among collectors.
Pekka Lepistö, founder of Retrogametycoon located in Pasilia, emphasizes the value of these items and showcases a large inventory of over 5,000 meticulously organized titles for sale. His insights reflect a growing trend where people are encouraged to check their attics and closets for old cardboard boxes or plastic cases that might hide unexpectedly valuable treasures. This boom in retro gaming not only highlights nostalgia but also indicates a thriving market where collectibles are viewed as both sentimental artifacts and investment pieces.
As the interest in retro games continues to grow, it paints a broader picture of consumer behavior and nostalgia, suggesting a potential long-term shift in how collectibles are perceived within society. The convergence of childhood memories with modern market value illustrates a unique intersection of leisure and commerce, making the pursuit of these collectibles both a hobby and an economic opportunity.
