Frequently Asked Questions
Was AI used to help build this site?
Yes. We've used AI tools throughout development, including parts of the codebase, the catalog data pipeline, and the admin tools. We review, test, and take responsibility for everything that ships. AI is a tool we use to build faster, not a replacement for actually designing, running, and maintaining this ourselves.
Is it free?
Yes. Cataloging your entire collection, tracking its current value, barcode and photo scanning, wanted lists, and completion tracking are all free, forever, with no credit card required to sign up. Collector Pro is an optional paid upgrade focused specifically on understanding value over time, not on unlocking basic cataloging.
What's free vs. what does Collector Pro add?
Free, forever: cataloging your entire collection with no limits, barcode and photo scanning to add games fast, current estimated collection value, wanted lists, per-console completion tracking, and synced web and mobile apps. Collector Pro ($2.99/month or $24.99/year) adds historical value charts (7-day/30-day/1-year, plus all-time high and low), biggest gainers and losers by dollar amount and percent, purchase-price and profit/loss tracking, price-drop and wishlist alerts, and a downloadable insurance-style collection report. See the Collector Pro page for the full breakdown.
What consoles are supported?
59 systems from major and niche manufacturers, spanning early home consoles through modern hybrids. Don’t see yours? Let us know and we’ll add it.
Does it support barcode and photo scanning to add games?
Yes. Scan a barcode with your camera to match a game instantly, or photograph the cover, cartridge, or case when there’s no barcode to scan. A photo match works off the cover art; if it doesn’t find a confident match, you can narrow the search by console or fall back to a manual title search.
Where does pricing come from?
Recent active eBay listings where available, separated by loose/complete-in-box/sealed/graded condition, backed by PriceCharting reference pricing as a fallback for less-common titles. Owned and wanted games refresh nightly; any game refreshes on demand when you view it. Estimates are informational, not appraisals or guaranteed sale prices.
How do you handle copyright on box art and game images?
Box art, screenshots, and cover images are used for identification and cataloging purposes only, the same way marketplaces and game databases display them. Most artwork comes from established, licensed data sources; you can also upload your own photos of a specific copy, which several collectors do. We don't claim ownership of any of it. Game titles, box art, and console names are trademarks and copyrights of their respective owners, and Retro Collection Index isn't affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft, Sega, or any other rights holder.
Can I track different editions or variants of a game?
Yes. If your copy is a specific print variant, such as a Player’s Choice release or a Not for Resale copy, you can record it as a note on that entry, and pricing takes it into account rather than showing the plain release’s price. We’re also continuously discovering and adding real print variants to the shared catalog itself.
Can I import my collection from a spreadsheet?
Yes, CSV import is built in. Upload a file or paste CSV text directly. Match your existing rows against the catalog and skip manual entry.
Can I export my data?
Anytime, as CSV. Your collection is yours, and nothing is locked in.
Does it support regional releases?
Yes. US, Japan, and PAL (Europe) release data, including region-specific box art and pricing where available.
Is a mobile app available?
The mobile app is built and in active testing today, with the same features as the web app, synced to the same account. It’s not yet published to the App Store or Play Store; we’re working toward that.
Can I make my collection private?
Yes. Collection sharing is off by default, and you choose if and when to turn on a public, read-only link.
Still have a question? Contact us.