Hard Copy Collection Vs Digital Distribution

February 14th, 2008

old game carts

As I mentioned some time ago I am currently on a quest to complete my video game collection. Now despite the growing success of the digital download services, I refuse to use these services to complete my collection. As a gamer of most of the generations that these services cover I feel as though should own as many original copies as feasible. Its my responsibility.

Not everyone is a stubborn as me when it comes to digital downloads. But I’m sure that these services have encouraged new gamers to perhaps take a look around at eBay or second hand stores to see what is available to them in hard copy format. So it begs the questions for both the hardened collector and the person that is thinking about the prospects of collecting. Should I choose Hard copy collecting or Digital distribution or even a mixture of both?

Its topic has probably become a little redundant now but for those still on the fence:

Owning the Original Cartridge or CD

Positives

You physically own the game and its contents; manual, box, publisher propaganda, a world map and in some cases a free watch or soundtrack (Killer Instinct)
You can use the original game pad that the game was made for and enjoy the game how it was originally intended to be played
You get to build up a neat little game collection to impress your mates and pull chicks
If you are a bargain hunter then you will definitely get a kick out of buying retro games

Negatives

Do you enjoy continuously blowing inside a cartriage?
Often it can be quite difficult to find a complete game let alone a game that comes with a box
Should you really need to pay through the nose? Just to get the original copy?
Do you like being overcharged for shipping?
Original games (especially when bought off eBay) generally cost more than their digital counterpart
If you don’t have the console already then you’ll have to buy that too as well as any additional accessories
You physically need to store your games
Carts won’t last forever

Digital Distribution

Positives

You can build up a great supply of games in less than an hour = instant satisfaction
Slowdown and other issues due to the original console’s hardware go away because you are playing the game on a superior machine
Upgrades to existing games like online mode force inferiority onto original games
There is a constant stream of games being added to these services, so there is always something to look forward to
You can buy games never originally released in your region
Save on room space
Games often receive visual upgrades (sharper, high resolution)

Negatives

Peripheral orientated games more than likely won’t be ported over
No physical objects, no complementary gimmick
You don’t get to play on the original pad
A number of Virtual Console games don’t allow for 60hz
There will always be more physical games to choose from
Some downloadable games actually have less features than the original
There is no bargain hunting, you always have to pay premium price
Retro gaming compilations can save you a wallet full of cash
You have the guilt of feeling like a n00b for never owning the original

I hope that this dot point guide helps you decide which path to go down. A mixture of both is always good as well.