“It initially started off with me keeping some old school handhelds that held sentimental value,” says Emirati Meera Sultan, collector of vintage gaming consoles. “I have a habit of replaying old games. In retrospect, it also reminds me of the simpler days and all the good memories I had when playing them.”
Meera has been a keen gamer since childhood. It started as a mere interest in what her older brothers and sisters were playing, and soon developed into a deeper curiosity when she began asking herself who, exactly, was creating these games – and why? “I always ended up researching the inspiration behind the games,” she tells Cosmo. “It really made me really enjoy playing them even more! Eventually, I found myself buying magazines and checking out which new games were coming out, and I would get really excited for the new challenges that lay ahead.”
“As a result, I started looking into older games, handhelds, and consoles that I’ve always wanted to try out and keep. I’m a sucker for history, and trying out new things, so, for me, I loved having the chance to explain the history behind an idea and a creation. I now have 70 vintage consoles.”
Meera has now collection 70 vintage consoles
“I also personally enjoy being on the hunt for rare items – even if they’re not actual consoles or games, but something related to them,” Meera adds. “I recently got my hands on a rare Pokemon card in mint condition. A personal favourite memory of the 90’s growing up!”
Whilst Meera remains relentless in her pursuit of the past, her collectables, however rooted in history they may be, actually serve a perfect purpose for the present and future.
“The plus side of holding onto so many consoles that if I’m ever in the mood to replay something, they are right there! I set them up and enjoying them all over again. It’s a great way to release some stress – if I’m not stressing over to complete a tough level, of course.”