// Guides
Collector Guides
Practical guides on terminology, grading, and building your retro collection — written for collectors, by collectors.
How to Build and Track Your Game Collection with Retrollect
A step-by-step walkthrough of setting up your collection — adding packages, recording condition, building a wishlist, scanning barcodes, and organising with lists.
What Does CIB Mean? A Complete Guide
CIB — Complete in Box — is one of the most important terms in retro collecting. Learn what it means, how interpretations vary, and what to watch out for when buying.
PAL vs NTSC: Game Region Differences Explained
What PAL, NTSC-U, and NTSC-J actually mean, why PAL games ran slower, how region locking works on retro consoles, and why region matters for value.
How to Spot Fake Game Cartridges and Reproductions
Label details, shell quality, screws, and circuit boards — how to tell an authentic cartridge from a reproduction, and which titles counterfeiters target most.
How to Clean Game Cartridges Safely
A safe, collector-approved method for cleaning cartridge contacts with isopropyl alcohol — plus the popular tricks (blowing, erasers, Brasso) that cause damage.