Show us your collection: #9 Ibrar Khan

Ibrar with some of his collection

Back in the UK for another jaw-dropper of a collection this week from BBC journalist Ibrar Khan (@K_Ibrar). Ibrar is the proud owner of a truly impressive collection of over 4000 games and 120 consoles. As they say, pictures speak louder than words so enjoy…

The Collection

Click on images for titles and to enlarge

Ibrar with some of his collection

Sega Dreamcast and gamesGame Boy/DS hardware and games

Atari Jaguar and cartsSega Saturn software

Sega 32X softwareSNES software

Neo Geo Pocket softwareSega Master System software

Sony PlayStation softwareSega MegaDrive software

Neo Geo Pocket software

Japanese Game Boy software

NES software

 

Q and A with Ibrar Khan

When did you become interested in video games and what was the first video game you played?

Ibrar: I guess I first got into videogames when I was bought a G7000 out the blue by my parents.  It was there so I started playing it and it got me interested in games and consoles… the first game I remember playing was an awful American Football game! I mean it was really terrible!

What was the first games console or computer you owned and how old were you?

Ibrar: The first ever console I owned was a Philips Videopac G7000, I must have been 7 or 8!  My folks bought it for me and I was like what the hell is this?!  It was soon followed by an Aquarius (again weird) but the first console/computer that remotely resembled a gaming experience was the C64…aaah those were the days.

What got you into collecting videogames, computers and consoles?

Ibrar: I’d always played games all my life and then by the time I got to college I suddenly stopped playing as much…then literally one day I was browsing ebay and I thought I needed a hobby, a few clicks later I was buying retrogames and consoles…it was honestly as simple and as random as that!  15 years later, I’ve amassed about 4,000 games and over 120 consoles! – MENTAL and slightly worrying I know!

Where do you source most of your retro purchases from (ebay, flea markets, car boots etc) ?

Ibrar: To be honest there are no secrets these days, most if not all collectors visit ebay for their fix!  Most games if not all can be found there, a few years back when ebay wasn’t as popular I’d visit car boots and markets to collect games but these if you visit them you’ll get the old “that’s rare mate, i’ve seen it on ebay for £50!” OR “you could get £80 quid for that on ebay!” So I don’t bother and just stick to ebay and the odd forum but you need to be careful and only deal with the more experienced and prominent members.  Oh and before I forget, BIGGUP my retro dealer Derek.  He used to ‘supply’ me with the best ‘stuff’ – games to you and I, although over the years I’ve bled him dry and so even he has little stock left!!!

What is your most prized retrogaming possession and how much did it cost you?

Ibrar: M82 NES machine (and it was free).

What is your favourite console or computer?

Ibrar: It’s hard to say, the MD provided me with the most joy but I do have a real soft spot for the C64.  I was always jealous of the capabilities of the SNES (I was always in the Sega gang at school!) and the Neo Geo AES is still stunning!  Do I have to pick just one?  I’ll go with the Sega MegaDrive!

Where do you want to go now with the collection?

Ibrar: I know I’ll sound like a heretic but I’m trying to flog most of my collection…needs must I’m afraid!! So after almost 15 years of collecting I’m beginning to sell it all off, although I’m not sure I’ll be able to part with my Neo Geo AES collection just yet!  If you’d asked me two years ago “would you sell?” I’d have been like NEVER! But I guess there’s only one constant in life…change!

Have you any tips for budding retro games collectors?

Ibrar: Yes. Don’t be obssessed with paying stupid money…part of the thrill with hunting and collecting games is in the chase.  You have to be patient otherwise you’ll find yourself in debt very soon!  Check ebay daily and always have a max bid in mind and DON’T go over…the so called “rare” games crop up all the time.  I’d also recommend that you concentrate on the rare games first and then go after the lesser titles, IF you’re a completist! (like me).  I’d also visit forums and make links and connections….networking is  great way to hunt for rare games and you’ll usually save a bit compared to ebay.

 

Links

Twitter: @K_Ibrar

 

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