How to Get Your Retro Gaming Backlog Under Control
By: Ilene Kuehl
Tags: Features, Gaming, Retro, Videogames, Productivity

How to Get Your Retro Gaming Backlog Under Control

It’s time to stop procrastinating and start gaming

Most gamers have a massive backlog. If you’re a retro gamer like me, you own — or want to own — multiple consoles, which only compounds the problem.

If your backlog is an overwhelming nightmare like mine once was, I’ve got good news for you: there’s a way around it. In this article, I’m going to show you how you can completely eliminate it.

After many misadventures in gaming, here’s how I learned to deal with my backlog.

1. Examine your console collection

Take a look around your TV stand. Chances are, you have more games for some consoles than others.

Make downsizing your backlog easier by starting with the console that has the least amount of games.

Only have two games to complete on your GameCube, but have twenty for your PS1? Then start with your GameCube.

The only time this advice doesn’t apply is if one of those games takes an insanely long time to complete.

Some games (*cough cough* Rayman) are almost impossible to finish in a short period of time because there are absolutely no save points throughout the levels, which brings me to my next point.

Image by Francis on Dribbble.

2. Play your easiest games first

Certain games are a lot less demanding than others. I completed Mario: Double Dash eons ago because it’s not that hard. Portal Runner for the PS2 is another great example. It can be completed in a couple of hours, give or take.

I’ve played them multiple times. The objectives are clear for both games, so they’re easy to play. It’s nice to know that they’re sitting in my collection just for fun.

Imagine if your entire game library was like that.

The moral of the story? Knock out the less challenging games first, and you’ll be flying through levels and your backlog before you know it.

3. Stop spending like a banshee

You might be dying to get your hands on a game series from a manga you love, like Ranma 1/2.

The problem? You don’t own the console for it.

Prioritize by putting these games on your to-buy list — but don’t buy them. Doing this will save you time and money.

Complete the games you already own before further cluttering up your retro library by stocking up on more consoles and games.

You can always reevaluate later and see if the games you might want to play are still important to you.

Image by Francis on Dribbble.

4. Take charge of your time

Setting a schedule may take the spontaneity out of gaming, but it’s also one of the best ways to get rid of your backlog.

It doesn’t mean that you never play other games randomly or for fun. But maybe you set every Saturday aside for a month straight so that you can finally complete Mother or Crash Bandicoot: Warped.

Now that you’ve narrowed down which games to play, spend a couple of weekends just grinding it out.

Rinse and repeat, and watch in awe as your to-play list magically grows smaller.

5. Get yourself a level book

Can’t remember which games you completed? Instead of scrolling through your memory cards, start recording them in your new level book.

Engineers use level books to record field notes for surveying. It turns out they also make the perfect video game notebook: they’re small, lightweight, and easy to use.

Your level book doesn’t have to be fancy; you could even use a plain notebook. But make sure to keep it with your game collection so that it doesn’t get lost in the abyss or mixed up with your office supplies.

Don’t underestimate having a level book — it’s a secret power-up that you definitely need in your arsenal. It will prevent you from losing track of games you’ve completed or are currently working on.

Image by Francis on Dribble.

There will always be more games

And gamers wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s time to clear out your backlog and make way for the shiny and new.

There are going to be a lot of games coming out for the PS5 and the latest Xbox in 2021. This is the moment that we’ve all been waiting for.

It’s time to demolish your backlog, once and for all.

Are you ready to knock it out of the park?