What Is the World Record for Most Video Games Owned?
In the world of gaming, console collectors and enthusiasts are always on the hunt for the next big title. Owning a vast collection of video games not only showcases one’s fandom but also requires dedication, luck, and a significant amount of space (both physical and digital). Given the sheer number of games released over the past few decades, it’s no surprise to note that the world record for most video games owned is a staggering one.
Meeting the Record Holder
It all began in December 2021 when Antonio Romero Monteiro of Richmond, Virginia, set an unprecedented record for the most video games owned. His collection, spanning a whopping 100 video game consoles (including classic systems like the PS1 and N64 to recent releases like the PS5), boasted an astonishing 24,268 (yes, you read that right—24,268!) games.
Fast forward to the present, and Montgomery’s record remains unbroken. You might wonder how someone gathered such an enormous collection. Montgomery, a self-proclaimed "technophile" and "gadget enthusiast," has been collecting games throughout his life. He started with his first Console, the original NES, bought at the age of 6 with his own allowance money. Over time, his collection grew, fueled by thrifting, garage sales, and smart shopping.
How Long Does it Take to Reach World Record Status?
Reaching this record status didn’t happen overnight! Monteiro spent decades working towards this goal, often traversing the country to attend Retro gaming conventions, flea markets, and estate sales. He estimates that on average, he adds around 80-100 new games to his library yearly.
Breaking Down the Numbers
| Consoles: | Games: |
|---|---|
| 100 consolse | 24,268 |
Here’s a breakdown of his prized collection:
- Console List: PlayStation (PS1 – PS5), Nintendo (NES – SWITCH), Xbox (X-Box – X-Box Series SX), Sega (Genesis – Dream Cast), Atari (2600), and many more!
- PS1-4: 5,000+ PS1 games, 3,800+ PS2 games, 300+ PS3 games, and ~500 PS4 games (~12,000 total)
- Nintendo: 3,000 NES games, 2,500 SNES games, 1,000 N64 games, 500 GameCube Games, and ~1,000 WiiGames (~8,000 total)