Video Game Storage Tips
As technology has quickly improved over the last half a century, video games have become more and more prevalent in today’s society. Whether you are a new gamer who just has a few choice games or an avid gamer with a large collection, you may find yourself needin storage for your games someday. People store video games in storage for a variety of reasons, such as storage during a move, downsizing their home, or simply clearing up space for other things. If you are any type of gamer, you may someday need to know how to prep your video game consoles, games, and controllers for storage. Keep reading our guide to find all the information you need.
Preparing for Video Game Storage
Clean Before Storing
As always, you will want to clean anything you store before placing it in storage. With video game consoles, you do not want to clean them with water–use rubbing alcohol and a rag. Water can damage the console before you even have the chance to put it in storage. Removing all dust from the console will help it last through storage, as well as removing all grease, oil, and dirt that may be present on your controller.
Find the Correct Storage Container
Games
Whether your games are disks or cartridges, they need to be stored properly to avoid getting scratched, broken, warped, or otherwise damaged. For disks, you can put them in a disk tower in their original cases, or use CD cases/wallets if you’ve lost the case. You may find that a CD book may be a more convenient way to flip through your games quickly if you have a large collection. These cases will also protect against scratching, but you should avoid stacking to many on top of each other as the disks at the bottom may become warped from the weight. Clear plastic bins may be a good option to store the CD books to protect them from the elements.
Cartridges need to be stored in some type of airtight plastic case so they don’t get corroded over time in storage. Some video game manufacturers such as Nintendo offer cases meant specifically for their game cartridges–this may be a great option for your video game storage needs. The important thing regardless of what type of game you have is to keep it in a container that protects from moisture and make sure it’s not loose, leaving it vulnerabe to corrosion, rust, or scratching.
Console Storage
Unlike the cases for your disk games, the original box the console came in is not enough protection. Cardboard can be flimsy and it is not water proof in any way. Instead, invest in waterproof plastic containers for your consoles to keep out moisture and prevent rust or corrosion. You can also use any extra room in the container to put the console wires in as well. If you are storing multiple consoles and wires in the same container, be sure to label each one so you are not confused taking them back out.
If you can’t store the cords with the console, make sure they are still kept in some kind of airtight plastic container. This will keep the cords safe from moisture still and make it easier for you to label and organize them.
Controller Storage
Like everything else, controllers should be in airtight plastic container. You can wrap them in plastic sheet for extra protection against the elements. Making sure they stay safe from moisture damage is key in your video game storage.
Keeping Games Safe in the Storage Unit
Check on Your Video Game Storage Regularly
Unfortunately, even when we do what we need to to keep our items safe in storage, there is always a chance that rust or corrosion will occur despite precautions. To add another layer of protection and catch these things early, try to visit your video game storage every six months or so to check and clean everything.
Invest in Secure Storage
Unfrotunately, sometime thieves and vandals target storage facilities. This is nothing new, but it is a disappointing reality. Many storage facilities (like ours here at AAA Storage!) have security measures in place to reduce the likelihood that your items get stolen or vandalized while they are in storage. Video games, especially any vintage or special collectors’ games or consoles, can be a valuable asset for a thief looking to make a quick buck. Make sure you invest in a storage facility that has adequate security measures installed so you don’t find your consoles and games missing next time you revisit your unit.
Climate Controlled Video Game Storage
Climate-controlled storage units guarantee the unit stays at a normal temperature and humidity level. Especially with valuable hardware, you want to make sure no moisture is entering the storage unit. Any hint of extra humidity could ruin your gaming consoles, disks, and cartridges. Extreme temperatures can do the same–no one wants to come back to a warped or melted game. If you’re entrusting your video games to self storage, make sure you invest in a place that has climate-controlled units so your games stay nice and safe.