One week, £100, 50 games – a Tal Tal task
In celebration of the Game Boy’s 35th anniversary, I set out on a challenge to add as many games as possible to my collection in one week with a budget of £100. The goal was to acquire 50 games without breaking the bank.
The list
Here is the list of games I started with, in alphabetical order, with bold indicating games already in my collection:
- Avenging Spirit
- Dr. Mario
- James Bond 007
- Motocross Maniacs
- Super Mario Land
Starting with 10 out of 50 games already in my possession, I knew I had a solid foundation to build upon.
Press start
As I began my quest to acquire more games, I reached out to friends, family, and online communities in search of potential sellers or lenders. Simultaneously, I scoured eBay for potential bargains, starting with titles like Mega Man IV and V.
Stumbling blocks
Unexpectedly, popular franchises like Castlevania proved to be more expensive on the secondhand market than I had anticipated. This led me to reevaluate my approach and create a spreadsheet to track potential purchases.
Dawn of the second day
Visiting a local car boot sale and retro game shops yielded mixed results, with some promising finds like Motocross Maniacs and Contra Operation C, but also encountering fake cartridges and missing out on key titles.
Big break
After exploring various shops, I managed to acquire a significant number of games including classics like Donkey Kong Land and James Bond 007. Despite some setbacks, the total number of games in my collection had significantly increased.
Harvest boon
Through loans and offers from individuals like Sean and Nic, I was able to secure additional games, bringing the total count to 32. The generosity of others played a significant role in expanding my collection.
Picrossing the finish line
With strategic bidding on eBay and direct messages, I was able to acquire more games within my budget, ultimately reaching a total of 38 games from the original list. This experience reaffirmed the enduring passion and community surrounding the Game Boy, showcasing the joy of collecting and preserving classic games.
Reflecting on this challenge, it’s clear that with dedication and resourcefulness, building a collection on a budget is achievable. The Game Boy continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts, showcasing the timeless appeal of retro gaming.