Retrollect
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Getting Started6 min read

How to Build and Track Your Game Collection with Retrollect

Whether you're starting from scratch or migrating a collection that lives in a spreadsheet, Retrollect gives you a single place to track every physical game and piece of hardware you own — down to the region, edition, and condition. Here's how to get set up.

In this guide: creating an account, finding and adding packages to your collection, tracking condition and CIB status, building a wishlist, using the barcode scanner, and organising everything into lists.

What You Can Track

Retrollect is built around packages — the specific physical releases of games and software, defined by platform, region, and edition. A NTSC-U cartridge, a PAL Greatest Hits re-release, and a Japanese launch copy of the same game are all separate packages, each with their own barcode, serial number, and cover art.

Alongside games, you can track hardware — consoles, handhelds, and accessories — with the same owned and wishlisted states.

The catalogue covers retro platforms from the earliest home consoles through to the sixth-generation era, with community contributions expanding coverage continuously.

Getting Started

1

Create a free account

Head to retrollect.com and sign up with your email address. No credit card required — the core platform is completely free. Your account works across the website and the iOS app with the same credentials.
2

Download the iOS app (optional)

The Retrollect app for iOS gives you everything the web platform does, plus a built-in barcode scanner — useful when you're at a market or game store and want to identify a release on the spot. An Android version is in development.
3

Search for packages and add them

Use the search bar to find a game by title, then browse the available packages to find the exact version you own. Packages are grouped by platform and region, so you can distinguish your NTSC copy from a PAL one, or a standard release from a limited edition.

Once you've found the right package, tap or click Add to Collection and mark it as Owned.
4

Record the condition

When adding a package, you can note its condition — from Loose (cartridge or disc only) through CIB (Complete in Box) to Sealed. This makes it easy to see at a glance what state each item in your collection is in, and helps when deciding which gaps to fill.
5

Use the barcode scanner to add items quickly

In the iOS app, tap the barcode scanner icon and point it at any EAN or UPC barcode. If the package is in the database, it will be identified instantly — no manual searching required. This is especially useful when working through a large backlog or buying at events.
6

Build your wishlist

For games and hardware you're still hunting, use Add to Wishlist instead of marking something as owned. Your wishlist is separate from your collection, so it's easy to see what you have versus what you want.

Pull up your wishlist at a convention, record fair, or game shop to make sure you never walk past something you've been looking for.
7

Organise with custom lists

Beyond owned and wishlisted, you can create custom lists to group items however makes sense for you — by platform, by era, by hunt priority, or by completion status. Lists can be made public so other collectors can see them on your profile, or kept private.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Retrollect

  • Add packages as you acquire them rather than trying to enter your whole collection at once — it's less overwhelming and keeps things accurate.
  • Use the condition field consistently from the start. It's much easier to filter and report on your collection when every entry has a condition recorded.
  • Check the existing database before submitting a new package — many regional variants are already catalogued, and you may just need to search by barcode or serial number.
  • Make your profile public to connect with other collectors who own or are searching for the same items.
  • Submit a proposal if you find a missing or incorrect entry — the database improves with every contribution.

Contributing to the Database

Retrollect is community-powered. If you own a package that isn't in the database yet, you can submit a proposal to add it — including the platform, region, edition, barcode, and cover art. Proposals are reviewed by moderators before going live, so the catalogue stays accurate.

Corrections are equally welcome. If you spot a wrong barcode, a missing regional variant, or incorrect metadata, use the Propose a Change button on any package page to flag it.

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