Probably an unpopular opinion, but I think the worst thing a person can do for their first game is buy a brand new or expensive game.

A true test if this hobby is for you is to buy broken and fix it up.

That or be okay with having to pay someone else to always fix your games.

If you decide that you want to learn to fix your own games, there’s tons of help out there. If I can do it, anyone can.

Broken could be anything. Notice I didn’t say basket case. Buy something that mostly works and make it yours. You’ll have to give it attention immediately and it will really show you if you’re willing to do the dirty work. That’s most of the battle right there.

I’m an accountant. My first game was baby Pac-Man and I had to spend an hour on the phone with my uncle so he could talk me through how to change a light bulb in the game because I was so clueless and scared. We all have to start somewhere.

Then just do lots of research and you’ll eventually see that these manufacturers leave a lot to be desired in the customer service dept in most cases. So if you buy new, you’ll already know the risks.

Lots of new collectors don’t realize this especially when they dive head first into new games without much research. You’d think brand new games would be the best bet and be reliable, but unfortunately, they aren’t all the time, and in some cases you’re on your own to fix them.

Yep. People get PISSED in this hobby if they even lose 20% on a game they bought when they sell. That doesn’t exist in other hobbies that put wear and tear on the collectibles.

It’s easy. If you’re cool with paying others to fix your games, buy whatever and understand those expenses can add up quick and availability of techs may be lacking.

If you don’t want that, you’re going to have to learn. Best way to learn is right away before you’ve dumped tons of money into the hobby.