What Are the Best Framing Options for Collectible Games? Expert Tips & Insights
The Cheevo guide to the framing options available for collectors
When people search for framing collectible games, they are rarely looking for decoration advice alone. More often, they are trying to solve a practical and emotional problem at the same time: how to display a game that matters to them without risking damage, loss of value, or regret later on. Collectible games sit in a unique space between media and memorabilia, which means the way they are framed requires more consideration than standard wall art.
This guide explores the most common framing options available to collectors today, explains how each approach affects a game over time, and helps you understand which solution best suits both your collection and the way you want to experience it.
Why framing collectible games requires a different approach
Video game cases were never designed to be displayed vertically for extended periods. They are made from thin plastics, printed inserts, and delicate disc surfaces, all of which react to light, air, pressure, and temperature in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. Over time, ultraviolet light can fade cover artwork and dull colours. Plastics can yellow or become brittle. Discs can develop micro-scratches if they rest against unsuitable surfaces. Even gravity can play a role, slowly warping cases that are unsupported or under pressure. Because of this, framing collectible games is less about aesthetics and more about controlled preservation.
Shelf display and its long-term risks
The simplest and most common way people display collectible games is on shelving. Shelves feel safe because they are familiar and non-invasive, and in the short term they often are. The problem is that shelving exposes games to several slow, compounding risks at once. Sunlight, even when indirect, gradually fades artwork. Dust settles into seams and hinges. Games lean against one another, creating pressure on spines and corners. Repeated handling introduces wear that accumulates over time. While shelving is convenient and inexpensive, it offers no meaningful protection against long-term degradation, which is why it is best viewed as a temporary or secondary solution rather than a permanent one.
Using standard photo frames for collectible games
Some collectors turn to standard photo frames as a DIY alternative. On the surface, this seems logical. Frames are easy to source and already designed to hang on walls. However, most photo frames are built for flat paper, not three-dimensional objects like game cases. They often lack sufficient depth, forcing pressure onto the case or artwork. Backing boards are frequently acidic, which can accelerate the breakdown of printed materials over time. Disc placement is rarely considered at all, meaning discs may rest directly against hard surfaces or adhesives. While a photo frame may look acceptable initially, it often introduces stresses that only become visible months or years later.
Slipcase-based frames for long-term game preservation
Frames designed specifically for video games, particularly slipcase-based display frames, address these issues more carefully. In this approach, the original game case sits inside a protective plastic slipcase, which acts as a barrier between the game and the frame itself. This reduces handling and prevents abrasion. Well-designed slipcase frames also raise the disc away from the backing board, preventing contact that could lead to scratching. Archival, acid-free materials are used throughout so that nothing inside the frame reacts chemically with the game over time. When combined with UV-protective glazing, this method significantly slows fading and material ageing, making it well suited to long-term display.
Magnetic frames and flexible display options
Magnetic display frames take a different but equally thoughtful approach. Instead of fixing the game permanently in place, magnetic systems hold the case and disc securely using calibrated magnetic points. This allows the game to appear as if it is floating within the frame while remaining properly supported. The key advantage here is flexibility. Games can be removed or swapped without tools, adhesives, or disassembly, which makes magnetic frames ideal for collectors who like to rotate displays, showcase recent acquisitions, or celebrate specific moments such as completed achievements or favourite titles. When engineered correctly, magnetic frames still use archival materials and UV protection, ensuring flexibility does not come at the cost of preservation.
What to look for in a high-quality game frame
Regardless of which framing method is chosen, certain principles should always be followed. Materials should be acid-free and non-reactive. The disc should never rest directly against a hard surface. Adhesives should not be applied to the original game case. UV protection should be considered essential rather than optional, particularly in rooms with natural light. Frames that fail in these areas may look fine initially but often cause irreversible damage over time. Once artwork fades or plastic degrades, it cannot be restored.
Framing sealed collectible games safely
Sealed games require additional care because the integrity of the shrink wrap is part of their collectible value. Framing a sealed game should never involve removing or compressing the wrap. The frame must allow enough internal depth for the game to sit naturally, without pressure points or restricted airflow. When done correctly, sealed games can be displayed safely while remaining fully original.
Choosing the best framing option for your collection
Choosing the right framing option ultimately depends on your relationship with the game itself. Some titles carry financial value, others carry emotional weight, and many carry both. Consider whether you want a static, long-term display or something more flexible. Think about the lighting conditions in the room and whether you want the option to interact with the game again in the future. Framing collectible games is not about locking them away, but about giving them the respect and care they deserve while allowing them to remain part of your everyday environment.
Final thoughts on framing collectible games
At its core, framing collectible games is an act of preservation. It recognises that physical media still holds meaning in a digital world and that the memories attached to these games are worth protecting. When done thoughtfully, framing does not diminish a game’s value or usability. Instead, it extends its life and allows it to be appreciated in a new way, striking a balance between protection and presentation that matters deeply to collectors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Framing Collectible Games
Is it actually safe to frame video games long term?
Yes, but only when the frame is designed with collectible games in mind. Long-term safety depends on the use of acid-free materials, proper disc separation, and protection from ultraviolet light. Frames that rely on pressure, adhesives, or cardboard backing can cause slow damage that isn’t immediately visible but becomes permanent over time.
Can framing a game reduce its value as a collectible?
Framing itself does not reduce value. In many cases, correct framing helps preserve condition by protecting artwork, cases, and discs from environmental wear. Value is only negatively affected when framing introduces damage, such as faded artwork, warped cases, or scratched discs.
Should sealed games be framed differently from opened games?
Yes. Sealed games require frames that accommodate the full depth of the case and shrink wrap without compression. The seal should never be removed or placed under pressure. A properly designed frame allows sealed games to be displayed while remaining completely original.
Is UV protection really necessary if the game isn’t in direct sunlight?
Yes. UV damage occurs even in rooms without direct sunlight due to ambient light exposure. Fading caused by UV light is gradual but irreversible. For collectible games, UV protection should be considered essential rather than optional.
Can games still be removed from the frame later?
That depends on the framing method. Slipcase-based frames allow removal but are generally intended for longer-term display. Magnetic frames are designed for easy access and swapping, making them better suited for collectors who rotate displays or interact with their collection regularly.
What’s the biggest mistake people make when framing collectible games?
The most common mistake is using frames that were never designed for three-dimensional media. Shallow frames, acidic backings, and direct disc contact often cause damage slowly, which makes the problem harder to notice until it’s too late.
