Canada’s top video game collector and video game historian Syd Bolton, (www.sydbolton.com) is a man whose dedication is reflected in the collection he has amassed. He has an eyewatering (I’m talking tears of joy here) collection of epic proportions that just has to be seen to be believed. On my next trip to Canada I’m making a beeline to the The Personal Computer Museum of which he is the founder and curator. Syd also writes gaming related articles for several websites and publications.

The collection

Click on pictures to enlarge

 

Q and A with Syd Bolton

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

Syd: I was around 6 or 7 when I first got a Coleco Telstar system to plug into the TV. I also remember having the handheld “Space Invader” by Entex and also a handheld racing game from Sears.

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

Syd: I had played around with an IBM PC and an Apple II at my neighbours in 1981 – and then a PET at school that fall. Finally, I was able to afford my own Commodore VIC-20 in 1982 and had that for over a year. In early 1984, I was fortunate enough that my father got me both a Commodore 64 (with everything) and then sent me on a course to build my own Apple II clone. So in 1984, I found myself 12 years old owning 3 computers when most people didn’t have one at all – I was very fortunate.

What got you into collecting videogames, computers and consoles?

Syd: I have loved computers since the very first moment I touched one. The first computer game I played was Adventure on the IBM PC – XYZZY! Of course, one of the best things to do on computers was play video games. I had so many computer games during my teens. I had not really been into collecting game consoles until my early 20’s. I remember a kid at school had an Atari 2600 and although I found the VIC-20 was more flexible, I was jealous of some of the great games like Pitfall! and licensed games like Pac-Man and so on. On the VIC I was playing Snakman instead! When someone offered me a 2600 for $20 with a bunch of games I almost turned it down. Then, I saw Pitfall! and thought, you know what? I’d love to own that for myself. I hooked it up and played all the 2600 games and realized how much fun they were even after they were long obsolete. I started putting out classified ads to buy games and the next thing you know, I had a pretty decent collection going. I haven’t looked back since.

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

Syd: It varies – I often buy from private citizens and other collectors and try to scour flea markets and pawn shops periodically as well. Some local shops still have some stuff but eventually I hit eBay when I can’t find things around here.

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

Syd: Ah……I can’t even really begin to think about this! There are so many! My recent memory has me loving my complete copy of Earthbound for the Super Nintendo – and it was FREE because some friends decided to help out my collection rather than selling it, which is such a noble cause! I also run the Personal Computer Museum (pcmuseum.ca) so it has become my life’s mission to preserve old games and computers and so they wanted to help out.

What is your favourite hardware manufacturer (Sega, Nintendo, Atari Commodore etc.) ?

Syd: When it comes to computers, there is no doubt that it is Commodore. When it comes to game consoles, it’s a bit strange. The BEST games I have played on consoles seem to come from Sony, but the games that have given me the most emotional experiences have come from Nintendo.

What is your favourite console or computer?

Syd: Another impossible question! Well there is no hiding that I love the Commodore 64. I have over a hundred of them and tons of software and peripherals and all the fixings. I love the way it looks, works, and sounds and some of my best vintage gaming memories come from this machine. There is just nothing like it! When it comes to consoles, I have to say that the PlayStation 2 is the one that I have actually spent the most time playing on. There are so many great franchises, such as Jak and Daxter, Ratchet and Clank, and God of War that I just can’t think of a machine I’ve loved more overall.

The burning house scenario: which collection would you save first?

Syd: Oh no! The house can’t be burning down, that would be terrible. I think I’d probably grab my complete Nintendo 64 collection only because everything is in the boxes and those cardboard boxes are extremely flammable (so I hear). It was also a darn tough collection to finish.

The desert island scenario: which one console and game would you take?

Syd: As long as there is power on the island I’d probably take the PS2 – there is just such a vast collection and so many games I still haven’t had a chance to play yet.

Where do you want to go now with the collection?

Syd: As crazy as it sounds, I am going to try and tackle the PS2 … I have around 1,560 games and in NTSC I think there are around 1,850 games – although finding a proper list is difficult so I’ll make my own (I have other lists on my personal website, sydbolton.com). I think I’m also going to try in the background to finish my Sega Master System collection. That system really doesn’t get any love.

Have you any tips for budding retro games collectors?

Syd: It can be really daunting to try and complete a full collection of some of the newer machines such as PlayStation (the original we’re talking about now). I would recommend, with these systems, to try and tackle them in sections. For example, the PSX has the original “longbox” games. Try and complete those first. Then look at completing franchises. If you focus on smaller goals you will feel better about it and then before you know it, you’re almost there in terms of the big picture.

 

Links

Website: www.sydbolton.com

Twitter: @sydbolton