Arcade Parinirvana?

As those of you with long memories, or access to an internet archive, may know I have been collecting video arcade games for pretty much twenty years.

It’s been a game of many highs, and a few lows. A hobby that has survived three children, four homes and a divorce. Through it all, I have somehow managed to keep, and occasionally grow, my small and humble collection of cabs, boards and associated paraphernalia. They’ve even worked, sometimes. They have been my constant companions, working or not, complete or not, in storage or in the home.

But now… Well, this is looking like the end of Arcade Nirvana…

A new home. A new partner. A new start for me and the kids. Two cats. In short, another messy divorce.

But, crucially, nowhere for four and a half hulking great bits of late 70’s/early 80’s Arcade Nirvana to fit.

Sure, I could put them into storage, I could probably call in a few favours to get them looked after by friends, but that would only be a temporary solution. I might be able to find a home for the Space Invader cocktail – being the most unobtrusive of the bunch – but that’s about it.

Do I want to sell? No.

Do I need the money? Not really, no – unfortunately, they’re not nearly valuable enough to fund a new home, although I won’t pretend a little bit of pin money won’t come in handy.

But do I have any other choice? They’re part of me, but they can’t be part of my new life. Deep down, I know that. It’s time to put them aside, maybe for a short while, maybe forever. I have emulation, and I have the memories, but it’s time to say goodbye.

Anyone want to buy a Robotron upright, slightly foxed?

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