Featured image credit: Facebook/Guinness World Records
If your roommate, partner, or parents are complaining about video games taking up too much space, you should consider introducing them to Antonio Romero Monteiro.
Monteiro, a native of Richmond, Texas, owns more than 24,000 games and is the Guinness World Record holder for the largest video game collection, with boxes lining the walls of his home from floor to ceiling.
Creating a collection like this naturally takes time. That's why Monteiro started collecting his game videos in 1987 when he was still 10 years old.
He initially focused on the Sega Genesis, but soon his collection began to grow.
Speaking to Guinness World Records, Monteiro explained: “Originally, my collection was focused on buying and repurchasing some of the games I played when I was younger.
“We slowly expanded to include games we always wanted to play but never had the chance to play, and eventually expanded to complete collections for individual systems.”
Over time, Monteiro has acquired everything from the first Nintendo game console to the latest video game releases.
However, it's not as easy as just walking into a store and buying a game.
Guinness World Records
He explained: “Finding retro games and systems at your local video game store can be quite difficult, especially when it comes to the last 15 percent of your collection.
“Some of the rarest games took years to find in good quality at an affordable price.”
Still, Monteiro remains dedicated, and entertainment isn't the only reason he decided to collect.
“I think of video games as a form of art where creativity and storytelling have endless possibilities,” he said.
“Each generation of video game systems brings even more possibilities to realize creativity and share endless stories, challenges, and experiences.
“My most treasured memories include video games and gaming experiences with family and friends.”
But it's not just the memories that are valuable in Monteiro's collection.
According to Guinness World Records, the collection is estimated to be worth approximately $2.1 million as of 2021.
To keep the games in good condition, Monteiro had to devise storage methods, including a dedicated air conditioning unit that reliably controlled the temperature in the collection room.
“Additionally, I keep most of my old paper boxed games in special PVC cases to protect them,” he said.
Thanks to his dedication, Monteiro was named the record holder for the largest collection of Xbox items, Sega items, Nintendo items, and PlayStation items.
Video games in general
Topics: Entertainment, Games, Life, Nintendo, Sony, US News, Money
