Where Do Gaming Cartridges Actually Go?

Remember that oh-so-satisfying click as a kid? This meant there were hours of joy to be played through! It was a satisfying click or us trying to blow into it if it didn’t work the first time. Regardless! It was a fun time, but that was in the past, and games are now easily attainable online. This begs the question, “Where do gaming cartridges actually go?” 

For many, gaming cartridges are found in the magical drawer of memories—woooooh. This is one obvious destination for these trinkets because they sit with old cables, controllers, worn-out batteries, and sometimes even the old handhelds you once held dear. These cartridges sit quietly, collecting dust, waiting for the day you rediscover them and proclaim, “Oh wow, I forgot I had this!”

From nounish Official GIPHY

So take my advice: once you see it, dust it off and preserve it. 

The next destination is the second-hand market. Perfect for Facebook Marketplaces or other online groups, these “flea” markets became safe havens for cartridges that seek to be played once more. If you are itching to play that old Pokemon Emerald once more, you dig around for your own copy. If you ask me, it’s a great hobby because it opens your eyes to classics you haven’t even tried yet. 

How about the ones that were never even sold? Well, retailers often return unsold inventory to distributors, and depending on the game’s popularity, these cartridges might be destroyed or recycled. In rare cases, they’re bundled into clearance sales, which gives them one last shot at stardom before they reach their “end.” In reality, they are sometimes reused for parts for newer cartridges. 

From Into Action Official GIPHY

Remember when I shared that you should treasure what cartridges you have? It’s because there are hardcore collectors out there who seek certain cartridges because, to them, they are artifacts. This is one of the monetary destinations for these cartridges because some can go for a lot of money. From rare limited editions to obscure one-hit wonders, collectors often preserve cartridges in pristine condition tucked away in glass cases or archival boxes.

Brett Martin and his collection | From Guinness World Records Official Website

What does this tell us? The message is to ensure we keep our things safe and well-maintained because it might be worth something someday. If you have valuable items at home, it is best to grab next-level security like the Mi Camera 2K, which provides the best bang for your buck when securing the things you love.