What’s the next best thing to playing your favorite vintage video game on a classic console or in a retro arcade? Collecting vintage video game swag. There’s no better way to celebrate your love of the game than fan merchandise. Whether you’re looking for a gift, investment or just a treat for yourself, these four vintage swag items for your favorite video games are sure to please.
Collectibles
How about a Street Fighter action figure or a Pokémon plush? Collectibles like toys, figures and decorative items are a perennial favorite of video game fans and collectors alike. These items also offer a wide variety of choices to fit any budget from value-priced toys and trinkets to perfectly preserved special editions that cost thousands of dollars. Remember, keeping your collectibles in good condition increases their value, so try not to play with them too much if you’re hoping for a return on your investment.
Vinyl Soundtracks
Do you love the music from your favorite games? Make it sound even better on vinyl. As audiophiles everywhere know, the quality of vinyl is superior to CDs or digital tracks. When you purchase a video game soundtrack on vinyl, you don’t just get great tunes either. Many vinyl records are pressed in fun colors and include special inserts and posters along with beautiful album art so you get more for your money than you do with digital downloads.
Ephemera
Some of the rarest vintage swag items are those that were meant to be thrown away. From cereal boxes and soda cans to greeting cards and shopping bags, ephemera featuring your favorite classic video game characters makes for fun, unique and sometimes very valuable collector’s items. Keep in mind that ephemera isn’t made to last, so it often requires special care and preservation.
Clothing and Accessories
Who doesn’t love vintage fashions? T-shirts, hats, bags and jewelry featuring your favorite video game characters are a stylish way to express yourself. Even non-gamers love retro video game clothing and accessories. If you need a gift for a friend, family member or that special someone, you can’t go wrong with a Pac-Man tee or Super Mario Brothers sweatshirt.
When shopping for vintage video game swag, it’s important not to get scammed with fakes and replicas. Brush up on your knowledge before purchasing and consider bringing in an expert to verify authenticity if you’re dropping big bucks for an item. Choosing reputable retailers also helps reduce your risk of being swindled.