Best Way to Display and Protect Cartridges?
I have a couple of single cartridges (NES, N64) that I want to display and protect in a really nice way.
The simplest solution are those hard plastic boxes you can get in a pack of 10, but I was hoping for someting a bit nicer. Rose Colored Gaming has some really nice display pieces, but they don't protect the cartridge (would those fit into a plastic box?). Collectible Grading Authority is probably th best with their acrylic cases, but international shipping is incredibly high.
Any creative or simple suggestions?
The simplest solution are those hard plastic boxes you can get in a pack of 10, but I was hoping for someting a bit nicer. Rose Colored Gaming has some really nice display pieces, but they don't protect the cartridge (would those fit into a plastic box?). Collectible Grading Authority is probably th best with their acrylic cases, but international shipping is incredibly high.
Any creative or simple suggestions?
Comments
I've been wondering the same for my Final Fantasy collection. I'm just a few games away from a complete set including spinoffs, and I've been contemplating how to display a series of games that has spanned across the NES, SNES, Gameboy, Gameboy Advance, PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, PSP, PS Vita, XBox, DS, 3DS... omg it goes on and on. How on earth am I going to make all these incredibly varied cases look nice as one cohesive whole!? D;
that's your job to figure out
Not my pic. But I'm going for this set
I appreciate all the comments! These are actually some signed cartridges I've gotten from conventions, so not easily replaceable, hence my desire to fully protect them. I'll probably just get some plastic boxes in the meantime, but there has to be some sort of more premium display option.
You could try shadow boxes. I display my signed Castlevania and Mega Turrican using those.
I used to keep all my pricier new games in clam shell cases - if you aren't familiar, they are the plastic hard cases rental stores used to put games in. A lot have the Nintendo logo, and if they are clean and not too beat up, they look really nice. I recently moved to putting all my games in the clear plastic cases you referred to just for consistency. It's easier to find and ship those, but if you are just wanting them for a handful of games, clamshell cases are a good option.
+1 for clamshells!
I use clamshells on all of my games!
I used to keep all my pricier new games in clam shell cases - if you aren't familiar, they are the plastic hard cases rental stores used to put games in. A lot have the Nintendo logo, and if they are clean and not too beat up, they look really nice. I recently moved to putting all my games in the clear plastic cases you referred to just for consistency. It's easier to find and ship those, but if you are just wanting them for a handful of games, clamshell cases are a good option.
+1 for clamshells!
I use clamshells on all of my games!
I had a thread similar to this one and someone posted a photo of what looked like a complete, or close to complete, nes collection all in clamshells. Was that you? I can only remember the avator and it's different from yours now, but it's been a while. If so, it looks awesome. I aspired to that briefly, but shipping those things was not cheap. The clear cases do package deals for buying in bulk and the unfolded copies can be shipped with 100s in a small pack. You should post that pic for this guy if it's you and you still have it
I used to keep all my pricier new games in clam shell cases - if you aren't familiar, they are the plastic hard cases rental stores used to put games in. A lot have the Nintendo logo, and if they are clean and not too beat up, they look really nice. I recently moved to putting all my games in the clear plastic cases you referred to just for consistency. It's easier to find and ship those, but if you are just wanting them for a handful of games, clamshell cases are a good option.
+1 for clamshells! I use clamshells on all of my games!
I had a thread similar to this one and someone posted a photo of what looked like a complete, or close to complete, nes collection all in clamshells. Was that you? I can only remember the avator and it's different from yours now, but it's been a while. If so, it looks awesome. I aspired to that briefly, but shipping those things was not cheap. The clear cases do package deals for buying in bulk and the unfolded copies can be shipped with 100s in a small pack. You should post that pic for this guy if it's you and you still have it
Sorry, but it is not me. If it was I would post it. I will not post a pic of my collection until I believe it to be to my complete satisfaction. I am trying to guesstimate a way to organize the clam shell colors, which is impossible. I do not know how the final layout for the games, shelves, boocases etc, plus I would have to assume I would eventually end up a complete set, which I know I will not be able to do. Then and only then will I know the layout of the colors and then begin to place side labels that someone made for me. I have about 30 side labels placed, but the issues I mentioned have prevented me from continuing with the project.
First world problems I suppose!
I am trying to guesstimate a way to organize the clam shell colors, which is impossible. I do not know how the final layout for the games, shelves, boocases etc, plus I would have to assume I would eventually end up a complete set, which I know I will not be able to do.
Another issue I ran into - the damn varying colors. Even if you knew exactly how many games you will have, just finding the same amount of each color would be difficult to say the least. I think the guy who posted a pic of his full set in the clamshells alternated red, clear, yellow, blue one game at a time across every shelf - an amazing look if you can pull off getting enough of each color and have the space. I thought that would be difficult - for example, I never see the yellow ones for sale. I thought about doing all one color. I liked the blue the best, but aquiring hundreds of those would be difficult. Then I thought maybe all clear since they are the most common. But they are nearly as cool as the colors. And there is the space issue. Just thinking about it for months on end and paying for shipping on them - I eventually broke and ordered one pack of the clear packages to test them. It was easy, saved space, and I could get as many as I wanted for one low shipping price. I miss the dream, but not the headaches in trying to figure out how to acheive it. And I am very happy with how the clear cases display. I actually wish I had done it sooner - I went too long without a display and I love looking at my shelves now. I still have probably 50 or more clamshells in a closet in different colors if you or anyone else is interested. I'd trade or sell.
I am trying to guesstimate a way to organize the clam shell colors, which is impossible. I do not know how the final layout for the games, shelves, boocases etc, plus I would have to assume I would eventually end up a complete set, which I know I will not be able to do.
Another issue I ran into - the damn varying colors. Even if you knew exactly how many games you will have, just finding the same amount of each color would be difficult to say the least. I think the guy who posted a pic of his full set in the clamshells alternated red, clear, yellow, blue one game at a time across every shelf - an amazing look if you can pull off getting enough of each color and have the space. I thought that would be difficult - for example, I never see the yellow ones for sale. I thought about doing all one color. I liked the blue the best, but aquiring hundreds of those would be difficult. Then I thought maybe all clear since they are the most common. But they are nearly as cool as the colors. And there is the space issue. Just thinking about it for months on end and paying for shipping on them - I eventually broke and ordered one pack of the clear packages to test them. It was easy, saved space, and I could get as many as I wanted for one low shipping price. I miss the dream, but not the headaches in trying to figure out how to acheive it. And I am very happy with how the clear cases display. I actually wish I had done it sooner - I went too long without a display and I love looking at my shelves now. I still have probably 50 or more clamshells in a closet in different colors if you or anyone else is interested. I'd trade or sell.
Space is a tremendous concern. There is a method to my madness, but yes, when you compare the clamshells to the thin box protectors, the difference adds up. I tend to be clumsy at times, so I can live with a clamshell cracking, which has yet to, should I drop one.
I put those on stands that are no longer available, but similar to these https://www.amazon.com/Gibson-Holders-Display-Stand-12-Pack/dp/B00NEDHM6A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493159695&sr=8-1&keywords=gibson+holders+small
I do wish there were sturdier cases that weren't too expensive or bulky. The ones I have pop open too easily.
I have my prime carts in those clear plastic sleeves, the ones that are like 100 for $25.
I put those on stands that are no longer available, but similar to these https://www.amazon.com/Gibson-Hol...
I do wish there were sturdier cases that weren't too expensive or bulky. The ones I have pop open too easily.
Care to share a picture as an example? Sounds like a pretty ideal method.
For my more valuable games I go with acrylic cases (pictured), for the rest I go with the foldable plastic box-style protectors.
Acrylic would be my go-to, but the shipping on CGA's eBay is twice the actualy price of the case itself, and their website doesn't quote shipping until after you've already paid. So I'm looking for some creative methods to get a similar, premium look at half the cost.
For my more valuable games I go with acrylic cases (pictured), for the rest I go with the foldable plastic box-style protectors.
Acrylic would be my go-to, but the shipping on CGA's eBay is twice the actualy price of the case itself, and their website doesn't quote shipping until after you've already paid. So I'm looking for some creative methods to get a similar, premium look at half the cost.
I find the foldable plastic cases from videogameboxprotectors.com to provide a nice clean look, and it's the way to go if you're not looking to spend a fortune. Maybe these are more up your alley:
For my more valuable games I go with acrylic cases (pictured), for the rest I go with the foldable plastic box-style protectors.
Acrylic would be my go-to, but the shipping on CGA's eBay is twice the actualy price of the case itself, and their website doesn't quote shipping until after you've already paid. So I'm looking for some creative methods to get a similar, premium look at half the cost.
I find the foldable plastic cases from videogameboxprotectors.com to provide a nice clean look, and it's the way to go if you're not looking to spend a fortune. Maybe these are more up your alley:
Yep that's what I'm going to go with for the moment. Is there any substantial difference between boxes by different companies? There's some on Amazon Prime right now that I'm considering grabbing for maximum efficiency.
For my more valuable games I go with acrylic cases (pictured), for the rest I go with the foldable plastic box-style protectors.
Acrylic would be my go-to, but the shipping on CGA's eBay is twice the actualy price of the case itself, and their website doesn't quote shipping until after you've already paid. So I'm looking for some creative methods to get a similar, premium look at half the cost.
I find the foldable plastic cases from videogameboxprotectors.com to provide a nice clean look, and it's the way to go if you're not looking to spend a fortune. Maybe these are more up your alley:
Yep that's what I'm going to go with for the moment. Is there any substantial difference between boxes by different companies? There's some on Amazon Prime right now that I'm considering grabbing for maximum efficiency.
Honestly I can't speak to a comparison of quality between plastic case providers, all I can do is attest to the high quality of those found on videogameboxprotectors.com.
I have my prime carts in those clear plastic sleeves, the ones that are like 100 for $25.
I put those on stands that are no longer available, but similar to these https://www.amazon.com/Gibson-Holders-Display-Stand-12-Pack/...
I do wish there were sturdier cases that weren't too expensive or bulky. The ones I have pop open too easily.
Care to share a picture as an example? Sounds like a pretty ideal method.
Ask and ye shall receive.
For my more valuable games I go with acrylic cases (pictured), for the rest I go with the foldable plastic box-style protectors.
Acrylic would be my go-to, but the shipping on CGA's eBay is twice the actualy price of the case itself, and their website doesn't quote shipping until after you've already paid. So I'm looking for some creative methods to get a similar, premium look at half the cost.
Sorry... but if these are signed and irreplaceable... is paying high shipping for the best protection really that much of a concern?
I have my prime carts in those clear plastic sleeves, the ones that are like 100 for $25.
I put those on stands that are no longer available, but similar to these https://www.amazon.com/Gibson-Holders-Display-Stand-12-Pack/...
I do wish there were sturdier cases that weren't too expensive or bulky. The ones I have pop open too easily.
Care to share a picture as an example? Sounds like a pretty ideal method.
Ask and ye shall receive.
That looks pretty cool, and that proto cart is killer! I'm going to try and create a display like that, thanks a lot.
For my more valuable games I go with acrylic cases (pictured), for the rest I go with the foldable plastic box-style protectors.
Acrylic would be my go-to, but the shipping on CGA's eBay is twice the actualy price of the case itself, and their website doesn't quote shipping until after you've already paid. So I'm looking for some creative methods to get a similar, premium look at half the cost.
Sorry... but if these are signed and irreplaceable... is paying high shipping for the best protection really that much of a concern?
You make a good point, I probably am being a bit hypocriticial. But I do feel drawing the line at upwards of $100 for a protective case is a tad too rich for my blood, no matter the item it's protecting.
In any case I ordered a pack of boxes from videogameboxprotectors.com, and I'll try and make a nice display out of them. I still really like seeing all the creative ways people have thought to display their items though.
I think the Acrylic option would be best for good looks and high protection imo
In direct sunlight by an open window. It's the perfect place for NES games.
don't forget to open the window when it rains
Edit: just noticed you said "open window."
I can read.
don't forget to open the window when it rains Edit: just noticed you said "open window." I can read.
Haha.... yeah, the window being open is critical for when it rains. Rain is the nectar of the gods for NES games.
Sometimes I close the window, but only when it's nice out.
I no read good too sometimes.