A dedicated Nintendo collector in Puyallup, Washington, has lost a significant portion of his Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) library due to a burglary. The thieves broke into Roger Holler's home last week while he and his family were out of town, making off with more than 860 NES games. Holler had spent nearly 40 years amassing the collection, which he estimated to be worth between $50,000 and $100,000.
The theft has left Holler devastated, particularly as he was only three games away from completing the entire NES library. The collection held immense sentimental value, beginning with the first NES console his mother gifted him at age 11. His collecting journey spanned decades, involving visits to stores, gaming conventions, and travel throughout Washington. This passion was a shared experience with his family, including his son, Chris Sterling.
Sterling described the loss as heartbreaking, recounting how he grew up accompanying his father on the hunt for new games. The collection was intended to be passed down to his own grandchildren, with aspirations that it might eventually help fund their college education. Holler expressed his distress, stating he "shakes" and gets "headaches" when thinking about the empty shelf where his games once resided.
The incident highlights the risks associated with physical game collections, including damage, loss, and theft, even as physical media faces uncertainty. Sony's announcement that it will cease producing physical PlayStation discs in 2028 has sparked broader conversations about game ownership, resale, and long-term preservation. While digital games offer convenience, physical copies can act as a safeguard against titles disappearing from online storefronts or becoming inaccessible.
Interest in Nintendo's classic games remains robust. In June, a sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. fetched a record $3 million at auction, with other classic NES titles also achieving high prices. However, for those looking to experience Nintendo's history without the expense of collecting physical cartridges, Nintendo Switch Online provides access to libraries of NES and Super Nintendo Entertainment System games.