Alot of highly collectible games such as Sin and Punishment for the N64 and Ikaruga, the Dreamcast and Gamecube shmup classic, have hit the online marketplaces in recent days. In general, prices for the physical games, as indicated by Ebay sales and the demand in our store, seem to be holding steady. How will the value of these games hold up over time?

As dedicated collectors ourselves, there's no replacement for the actual physical game. The ability to hold (gently, if you're name is goban) and display the game or pop-it in the original system and play it like it was intended is what satisfies our thirst for collecting. Having access to our favorite games at the touch of a button such as on XBLA is no-doubt handy but there's not much satisfaction in collecting digital versions games. (Especially on SD cards. Thank you Nintendo!) Of course to see games like Ikaruga in HD is pretty cool (if it's well ported) but that only enhances the allure of having an original DC copy proudly displayed nearby.

As time goes by and the gaming industry grows, we think game collecting will continue to increase in popularity thanks in part to online marketplaces like the VC and XBLA that introduce more and more gamers to the rich history of video games.

Granted if you're new to game collecting and think it's overwhelming because of all the consoles/games produced to date, we always recommend starting out with one system or one genre. Keep it simple. Don't try to collect everything - unless you are filthy rich like all of the Pink Godzilla bloggers. For example if you are into shooters, start collecting all of the classic shmups like Radiant Silvergun, Ikaruga, Donpachi, etc. If you like RPG's, try hunting down all the awesome SNES classics like Chrono Trigger, Secret of Mana, Earthbound, etc. Having a nice retro collection is always a great conversation starter and is guaranteed to impress your buddies. Dude, what is that system beside your 360? That looks awesome. Yeah, that's a PCEngine Duo - coolest game system evar! (Although the Twin Famicom ain’t too far behind.)

So, what's your opinion on how games like Ikaruga being newly released online will affect the popularity of retro gaming collecting? Do you concur with PG or are we off our Pink rocker? Sound off.

ikuze, aibou.