3
0
A good gaming setup is essential, but an amazing one is cause for conversation! That’s why we’re chatting with Brandi, aka GamerAhmer who not only has an incredible game room, but is willing to share a few secrets with us. She also runs a growing YouTube channel that features an amazing game room tour you simply won’t believe! Let’s see what she has to say.
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into collecting.
My name is Brandi but I go by Gamer Ahmer. When I was a little kid I remember being fascinated by videogames. I grew up playing the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) at my cousin’s house. We used to take turns playing Super Mario Bros and would often leave the console on so that we could come back to it.
As the years went on I wanted my own game system and eventually got a Jungle Green Nintendo 64 bundle for Christmas. Eventually I would get the next newest system, but would often have to trade in games/consoles/controllers for them.
When I got into my career after college I found my childhood Nintendo 64, which was tucked away in the basement. I began playing my childhood games and ventured into a local flea market. I started buying anything and everything that I could remember and next thing I knew I had amassed an insane collection.
How did you decide on your arrangement and layout with so many pieces in your collection?
Like any collector, spaces change and set ups change. When I first started “collecting” I was in a very small space that I quickly outgrew. I knew that I had to get something larger. While saving up for my first house I had to make the best of the area and would change things around so often. Each time I bought something it was like I was playing Tetris trying to fit it into my game room. The second I had reached the limit and started storing items into tote bins I knew I was ready to have my “dream set up”.
Once I moved into my own house I knew I had to be smart about my choices. I had to create my own arcade room full of kiosks, displays, and arcade machines. I wanted a “console wall” completely filled with different systems and especially a place for my worldwide set of Nintendo 64’s. I even created a “retro corner” full of mostly items from the 70’s and 80’s. Now as things are finally filling up, I am proud of my dream space only hoping to see what the future holds.
What advice would you give to someone who’s just getting started in collecting?
I would say to focus on things that you really enjoy and make a plan on what you are willing to collect.
Be patient on acquiring certain items. It’s quick to jump into paying top dollar for those items that you want, but there are always deals out there. With that being said you have to put in the work to find those deals. I often search high and low to find those deals and react fast before someone else jumps at the deal.
Any suggestions for collectors looking to acquire store displays or kiosks?
Make connections! The best way to find those is to join the groups on Facebook. I have found out many tips from others in the hobby and have learned about different displays to look out for. Also keeping an eye out at local gaming stores. Often times businesses going out of business will let go of kiosks and displays for free.
What’s your favorite item or area in your game room?
One of my favorite areas in the game room would have to be the kiosk area. I was going for an arcade look/feel and I wanted a room crammed with arcades/kiosks. My vision was that people could just all enjoy playing different games/systems all at the same time. Playing games on my Nintendo 64 kiosk brings back the most memories for me as I remember wanting a Nintendo 64 for Christmas.
I would also say that the Nintendo 64 areas full of a worldwide set of consoles/controllers and even a full North American set of games spark the most joy. The fact that my childhood jungle green console is in the center makes it even better. Just something about having the Life Size Mario Statue in front and the red Nintendo 64 store display light on the top is fulfilling.
Do you have any tips for collectors working with smaller spaces?
When you have a smaller space it helps to focus on quality rather than quantity. Sometimes it’s tough to limit yourself when wanting to collect certain things especially if the deals keep popping up. It’s wise to stay strong and only choose what you will enjoy the most. If it’s something too good to pass up on then you could always reevaluate or even put it into storage until a larger space comes into the picture.
What types of videos will people find on your YouTube channel?
People will find a variety of videos on my YouTube Channel. I mostly show off pick ups, unboxings, reviews, gameplay, and talk about the history of anything and everything related to videogames.
I even show off toys/figures/collectibles from the 80’s and 90’s.
Every year I even do an updated game room tour full of the thousands of games, displays, consoles, signs, cabinets, arcades, kiosks, promotional items, etc. that are in my collection.
Where can we keep up your work online?
You can find me as Gamer Ahmer on social media. I make videos/share updates on YouTube, Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and a few others.
Just recently I was featured in an Episode on ABC News show Impact x Nightline on Hulu. You can find me in Episode 8 during the “Retro Revolution” segment.
Love this!