If you just want to just PLAY the games - get a collection cartridge!
When people first start getting into the classic games they usually buy a few games at a time, usually ones they want to play more than ones just to collect. Eventually though people begin to become collectors, either deliberately or accidentally as the collection grows. When you reach this tipping point of undeniable collector status you may begin to ask yourself whether you should aim to collect sets of games, this is something many people has strong feelings about.
Personally I think people should collection whatever games bring them joy. Why waste money on a game you don’t enjoy or want to play? That just seems silly to me, I say if you buy a game you don’t want to play that just means that you won’t have enough money to buy some game that you do want to play. It’s nice to have that cute bundle of games but I’d much rather have more fun games than more attractive looking games. Not everyone agrees though.
Some people are more collector or trader, which is they’re out to make money generally speaking or what to have all of a particular set. I’ve even met a surprising number of people who want to own each game of a particular system. For instance, everyone 8-bit Nintendo cartridge. That’s a pretty big goal but it’s also a good reason to want each set and to wish to buy each set whole. It just makes these big set collector’s jobs a lot easier. The sets for this reason are usually worth a premium over the individual titles. For instance if each set in a four set series was ten bucks, all four might cost fifty bucks when bundled. Convenience has its price right?
So what’s the answer that’s right for you when it comes to collecting sets?
That all depends. If you want to be a big shot collector you’ll need to get into these sets eventually, that’s just how they all do it. On the other hand if you’re the more casual gamer type then I say why bother getting into these things? It’s just a waste of money to have a game you don’t want to play. At least from the point of view of the avid gamer. Collections are all well and good but if you want to play these games you can’t afford to waste money on any ones that aren’t going to get played. It’s just a waste.