Yeah there was a Pong machine around when I was under 5. I think I may have played it once or twice.
I got a 2600 for Christmas one year and I played the heck out of that thing.
When I got older, I started collecting beyond the original games I’d had. I was able to get an almost complete version (books, box, cards, etc.) of a very rare game I’d always wanted. Fought hard for that one on EBay but it was worth it.
Even found my way into a homebrew community and got myself a limited edition version of a new game someone was writing (33 of 50, I was so proud!)
My collection has only gotten bigger over the years. Once my office is done being remodeled I’m hoping to have all my systems displayed AND connected so I can play them any time.