Add to Collection
The quickest way to log a physical item you own. Works from any game or hardware page on the web, and from the iOS app. The 4-step flow handles package creation automatically when your exact release isn't yet in the database.
Find the game or hardware
Open the Add to Collection sheet from your profile page, from a game's Releases tab, or from the iOS app's + button. If you opened it from a game or package page the first step is already pre-filled — it skips automatically.
Otherwise, type the name of the game or hardware you want to log. The search queries both the Retrollect database and IGDB simultaneously. Retrollect results appear first. If you see an IGDB badge next to a result, the game isn't in the Retrollect database yet — it will be imported automatically when you submit.
Use the Hardware toggle in the search bar to switch between searching games and hardware models (consoles, accessories, handhelds).
Select or specify the release
Once a game or hardware is selected, Retrollect shows you known releases for that title. Each result displays the platform, region, edition type, and a cover thumbnail if available.
If your release is listed — tap it and move on to Step 3. No proposal is created; the existing package record is linked directly to your collection.
If your release isn't listed — tap "My release isn't listed" to enter the release specification form. Fill in the fields you know:
You can also pick which components are included in your release using the chip-toggle picker. Selecting a component creates a corresponding entry in your copy's checklist in Step 3.
When you submit with a new release, Retrollect creates a package proposal behind the scenes. Your collection entry is saved immediately — you don't need to wait for moderation before it appears in your collection.
Your copy details
This step is about your specific copy — not the release in general. All fields except Ownership type are optional.
Ownership type
Choose what this item means to you right now: Owned, Want to play, Backlog, Playing, Paused, For sale, or For trade. Selecting anything other than Owned hides the condition and purchase fields — those only apply to copies you actually have in hand.
Physical condition
Visible when Owned is selected.
Component checklist
If you selected an existing release in Step 2, the package's component list appears here as a checklist. Tick each component you have. Required components (disc, cartridge, manual) affect overall completeness; optional extras (poster, insert, soundtrack CD) don't.
Purchase details
Visible when Owned is selected.
Visibility
Control who can see this entry: Public (visible to everyone), Members only(logged-in users), or Private (only you). Defaults to Public.
Review & save
A summary shows everything you've filled in: the game or hardware, release details, ownership type, condition, and purchase info. Review it and hit Save to Collection.
What happens next depends on whether your release was already in the database:
Release was already in the database
Your collection entry is created immediately and linked to the existing package. Done.
Release was new (your specification)
A package proposal is submitted for moderation and your collection entry is created right away, linked to the pending proposal. The entry is visible in your collection immediately while it awaits review. Once the proposal is approved, the entry is upgraded to the published package record automatically.
After saving, view your collection at /proposals to track any pending proposals. You'll receive a notification if a moderator requests changes.
Tips for accurate submissions
Check the barcode
The barcode on the back of the box is the fastest way to confirm which region and edition you have. It's also what moderators use to verify proposals.
Region system vs country code
Region system is the broadcast standard (PAL, NTSC-U, NTSC-J). Country code is more specific — a PAL copy sold in Germany is DE, one sold in Australia is AU.
Standard edition is the default
If your copy is a regular retail release with nothing special about it, leave Edition Type as Standard. Only change it for Limited, Collector's, Budget, GOTY, or similar.
Variant label for unusual copies
Use the variant label field for descriptive tags like "Big Box", "Cardboard sleeve", "Steelbook", or "Player's Choice" — anything that distinguishes this copy visually.