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Item Relationships

Item relationships let you connect items in your collection to show how they work together, depend on each other, or are part of a bundle. Link consoles to their controllers and games, computers to peripherals, or accessories to the devices they support.

Relationship System Overview​

What Are Relationships?​

Relationships are directional connections between items in your collection. Each relationship has three components:

  1. From Item: The item creating the relationship
  2. To Item: The item being linked to
  3. Relationship Type: How the items relate (PERIPHERAL, GAME, ACCESSORY, BUNDLE, RELATED)

Example:

Nintendo 64 (from) → GAME → Super Mario 64 (to)
Nintendo 64 (from) → PERIPHERAL → N64 Controller (to)

Direction Matters​

Relationships are one-way connections. An item can have:

Outgoing Relationships:

  • Relationships this item creates
  • Shows what this item links to
  • Example: Console → its games and controllers

Incoming Relationships:

  • Relationships other items create to this item
  • Shows what links to this item
  • Example: Game ← the consoles it works on

Creating Reverse Relationships: If you want bidirectional connection, create two relationships (one in each direction). However, this is rarely needed since the platform typically shows both outgoing and incoming relationships.

Unique Constraint​

You cannot create duplicate relationships. The system enforces uniqueness based on:

  • From Item ID
  • To Item ID
  • Relationship Type

Allowed:

Console → PERIPHERAL → Controller
Console → GAME → Game Title

Not Allowed:

Console → PERIPHERAL → Controller (created once)
Console → PERIPHERAL → Controller (duplicate - blocked)

Relationship Types​

1. PERIPHERAL​

Use For:

  • Controllers (console, handheld, computer)
  • Keyboards and mice (computer)
  • Joysticks and flight sticks
  • Steering wheels and racing peripherals
  • VR controllers

Best Practices:

  • Link platform to controller (Console → PERIPHERAL → Controller)
  • Use notes for details (e.g., "Original controller", "Wireless", "Player 2")
  • Link special game controllers (e.g., light guns, dance mats)

Examples:

  • PlayStation 2 → PERIPHERAL → DualShock 2 Controller
  • Commodore 64 → PERIPHERAL → Competition Pro Joystick
  • Gaming PC → PERIPHERAL → Mechanical Keyboard
  • Wii → PERIPHERAL → Wii Remote

Notes Field Examples:

  • "Original controller, excellent condition"
  • "Third-party wireless version"
  • "Player 1 controller, red"

2. GAME​

Use For:

  • Link games to their compatible platforms
  • Link platforms to their game library
  • Show which system a game runs on

Best Practices:

  • Link game to platform (Game → GAME → Console/Computer/Handheld)
  • Or link platform to game (Console → GAME → Game Title)
  • Use consistently across collection
  • Group physical and digital versions separately

Examples:

  • Super Mario 64 → GAME → Nintendo 64
  • Nintendo 64 → GAME → Super Mario 64
  • Half-Life → GAME → Windows PC
  • The Legend of Zelda → GAME → Nintendo Entertainment System

Notes Field Examples:

  • "Original cartridge, complete in box"
  • "Digital download version"
  • "Japanese import"
  • "Limited edition release"

3. ACCESSORY​

Use For:

  • Cables and power adapters
  • Carrying cases and bags
  • Memory cards and storage
  • Stands and docking stations
  • Screen protectors and skins
  • Cleaning kits
  • Chargers and batteries

Best Practices:

  • Link accessory to device (Accessory → ACCESSORY → Device)
  • Specify compatibility in notes
  • Track original vs. third-party accessories
  • Note condition (e.g., missing cable, aftermarket charger)

Examples:

  • Memory Card (8MB) → ACCESSORY → PlayStation 2
  • HDMI Cable → ACCESSORY → Xbox 360
  • Carrying Case → ACCESSORY → Nintendo Switch
  • RF Cable → ACCESSORY → Atari 2600

Notes Field Examples:

  • "Official Sony memory card"
  • "Third-party HDMI cable, gold-plated"
  • "Hard shell carrying case, 12 game slots"
  • "Original RF cable, yellowed"

4. BUNDLE​

Use For:

  • Items sold together as a package
  • Limited edition bundles
  • Starter kits
  • Console + game bundles
  • Collector's editions with physical items

Best Practices:

  • Link all bundle items to each other
  • Use notes to specify bundle name/edition
  • Track bundle as separate from individual items
  • Useful for value tracking (bundle often worth more)

Examples:

  • PlayStation 2 → BUNDLE → Gran Turismo 3
  • Xbox 360 → BUNDLE → Halo 3 Special Edition Controller
  • Game Boy → BUNDLE → Tetris (Original Pack-In)
  • Nintendo Switch → BUNDLE → Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Bundle Types:

  • Factory bundles (console + game from manufacturer)
  • Retail bundles (store-specific packages)
  • Limited editions (special hardware + game)
  • Collector's editions (game + physical items)

Notes Field Examples:

  • "Original factory bundle, sealed"
  • "Best Buy exclusive bundle"
  • "20th Anniversary Edition bundle"
  • "Bundle box in excellent condition"

Use For:

  • General relationships not fitting other types
  • Temporary connections while deciding proper type
  • Thematic groupings
  • Replacement or upgraded versions
  • Related but not directly compatible items

Best Practices:

  • Use as catch-all when other types don't fit
  • Explain relationship clearly in notes
  • Consider if another type is more appropriate
  • Useful for tracking item families

Examples:

  • Game Boy → RELATED → Game Boy Color (upgrade)
  • Nintendo 64 → RELATED → GameCube (successor console)
  • Original Xbox → RELATED → Xbox 360 (next generation)
  • Commodore 64 → RELATED → Commodore 128 (successor)

Use Cases:

  • Version upgrades (V1 → V2)
  • Console generations (PS3 → PS4)
  • Regional variants (NTSC → PAL)
  • Replacement parts

Notes Field Examples:

  • "Upgraded to this model in 2005"
  • "Same generation, different region"
  • "Replacement unit for broken original"
  • "Part of same product line"

Creating Relationships​

During Item Creation​

Steps:

  1. Navigate to Add Item page (e.g., Add Console, Add Game, Add Computer)
  2. Fill in basic item details
  3. Scroll to Linked Peripherals or Compatible Devices section
  4. Click Add linked item button
  5. Search box appears with autocomplete
  6. Type item name (300ms debounce for search)
  7. Search filters to allowed categories automatically
  8. Click relationship type button (e.g., "Peripheral", "Game", "Accessory")
  9. Item added to linked items list
  10. Optionally add notes to relationship
  11. Optionally change relationship type via dropdown
  12. Continue adding more relationships or save item

Search Filters:

  • Only shows items in allowed categories for this item type
  • Excludes items already linked
  • Sorts results by name (A-Z)
  • Shows item category and manufacturer

Example Workflow (Console):

  1. Add Console: "Nintendo 64"
  2. Click "Add linked item"
  3. Search "Mario 64"
  4. Click "Game" button
  5. Super Mario 64 linked as GAME
  6. Add notes: "Original cartridge, complete"
  7. Click "Add linked item" again
  8. Search "N64 Controller"
  9. Click "Peripheral" button
  10. Controller linked as PERIPHERAL
  11. Save console

Editing Existing Items​

Steps:

  1. Go to item detail page
  2. Click Edit button (top right)
  3. Scroll to Linked Peripherals section
  4. Use Add linked item to add new relationships
  5. Click X to remove existing relationships
  6. Update relationship type via dropdown
  7. Edit notes for relationships
  8. Click Save to persist changes

Removing Relationships:

  1. Click X button on linked item card
  2. Relationship removed immediately (no confirmation)
  3. Must save item to persist removal
  4. Cannot be undone once saved

Changing Relationship Type:

  1. Find linked item in list
  2. Click relationship type dropdown
  3. Select new type
  4. Change applies immediately
  5. Must save item to persist change

Per-Category Relationship Options​

Console​

Allowed Relationship Types:

  • PERIPHERAL - Controllers, joysticks, light guns
  • GAME - Games for this console
  • ACCESSORY - Cables, memory cards, carrying cases
  • BUNDLE - Items sold with console (pack-in games, bundled controllers)

Allowed Categories to Link:

  • ACCESSORY (controllers, cables, etc.)
  • GAME (console games)

Example: Nintendo 64 console can link to:

  • N64 Controller (PERIPHERAL)
  • Super Mario 64 (GAME)
  • RF Cable (ACCESSORY)
  • Expansion Pak (ACCESSORY)

Computer​

Allowed Relationship Types:

  • PERIPHERAL - Keyboards, mice, monitors
  • GAME - Games for this computer
  • ACCESSORY - Cables, external storage, adapters
  • BUNDLE - Bundled software or peripherals

Allowed Categories to Link:

  • ACCESSORY (peripherals, cables, etc.)
  • GAME (computer games)

Example: Commodore 64 can link to:

  • Commodore 64 Keyboard (PERIPHERAL)
  • Joystick (PERIPHERAL)
  • Disk Drive (ACCESSORY)
  • Summer Games (GAME)

Handheld​

Allowed Relationship Types:

  • PERIPHERAL - Controllers, grips, styluses
  • GAME - Games for this handheld
  • ACCESSORY - Chargers, cases, screen protectors
  • BUNDLE - Pack-in games

Allowed Categories to Link:

  • ACCESSORY
  • GAME

Example: Nintendo Switch can link to:

  • Joy-Con Controllers (PERIPHERAL)
  • The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (GAME)
  • Carrying Case (ACCESSORY)
  • Pro Controller (PERIPHERAL)

Game​

Allowed Relationship Types:

  • GAME - Link to compatible platform (console, computer, handheld)
  • BUNDLE - Bundled accessories (soundtrack, art book)
  • PERIPHERAL - Special controllers required (e.g., Guitar Hero guitar)

Allowed Categories to Link:

  • CONSOLE (game's platform)
  • COMPUTER (game's platform)
  • HANDHELD (game's platform)
  • ACCESSORY (special controllers)

Example: Super Mario 64 can link to:

  • Nintendo 64 (GAME - compatible platform)
  • N64 Controller (PERIPHERAL)

Guitar Hero III can link to:

  • PlayStation 2 (GAME - compatible platform)
  • Guitar Hero Controller (PERIPHERAL - required)

Accessory​

Allowed Relationship Types:

  • PERIPHERAL - This accessory is a peripheral for a device
  • ACCESSORY - This accessory is an accessory for a device
  • BUNDLE - Bundled with other items
  • RELATED - Related accessories

Allowed Categories to Link:

  • CONSOLE
  • COMPUTER
  • HANDHELD
  • ACCESSORY (other accessories)

Example: DualShock 2 Controller can link to:

  • PlayStation 2 (PERIPHERAL - device it works with)
  • Memory Card (ACCESSORY - related accessory)

Other​

Allowed Relationship Types:

  • PERIPHERAL - This item is a peripheral for a device
  • ACCESSORY - This item is an accessory for a device
  • RELATED - General relationship

Allowed Categories to Link:

  • All categories

Example: Retro gaming magazine can link to:

  • Nintendo 64 (RELATED - magazine features this console)
  • Super Mario 64 (RELATED - magazine reviews this game)

Viewing Relationships​

On Item Detail Page​

Outgoing Relationships Section:

Displays items this item links to, grouped by relationship type:

Example (Nintendo 64 Console):

Linked Items
┌─ Peripherals (2)
│   ├─ N64 Controller (Gray)
│   └─ N64 Controller (Red)
├─ Games (5)
│   ├─ Super Mario 64
│   ├─ The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
│   ├─ Mario Kart 64
│   ├─ GoldenEye 007
│   └─ Star Fox 64
└─ Accessories (2)
    ├─ RF Cable
    └─ Expansion Pak

Each linked item shows:

  • Item name (clickable link to item detail)
  • Relationship type badge
  • Notes (if provided)

Incoming Relationships Section:

Displays items that link to this item:

Example (N64 Controller):

Used By
┌─ Nintendo 64 (Console) - PERIPHERAL
└─ Super Mario 64 (Game) - PERIPHERAL

Navigation:

  • Click item name to navigate to that item's detail page
  • Relationship type shown as badge
  • Grouped by relationship type
  • Empty sections hidden

Relationship Visualization​

Grouped Display:

  • Relationships grouped by type (Peripherals, Games, Accessories, etc.)
  • Click group header to expand/collapse
  • Shows count in header (e.g., "Peripherals (3)")
  • Empty groups hidden

Relationship Direction Indicators:

  • Outgoing: "Linked Items" section - what this item links to
  • Incoming: "Used By" section - what links to this item
  • Direction implicit in section title

Relationship Best Practices​

For Consoles​

Link These Items:

  • All controllers (original and third-party)
  • All games you own for this console
  • Memory cards, cables, power supplies
  • Console-specific accessories (light guns, dance mats, etc.)

Relationship Types:

  • Controllers → PERIPHERAL
  • Games → GAME
  • Cables/adapters → ACCESSORY
  • Memory cards → ACCESSORY
  • Pack-in games → BUNDLE

Example: PlayStation 2 should link to:

  • 2x DualShock 2 Controllers (PERIPHERAL)
  • 15x PS2 Games (GAME)
  • Component Cable (ACCESSORY)
  • Memory Card (8MB) (ACCESSORY)
  • DVD Remote (ACCESSORY)

For Games​

Link These Items:

  • Compatible platform (console, computer, handheld)
  • Special controllers required
  • Bundled items (soundtrack, art book)

Relationship Types:

  • Platform → GAME
  • Special controller → PERIPHERAL
  • Bundled items → BUNDLE

Example: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild should link to:

  • Nintendo Switch (GAME - platform)
  • Wii U (GAME - also compatible)

Rock Band should link to:

  • Xbox 360 (GAME - platform)
  • Guitar Controller (PERIPHERAL - required)
  • Drum Kit (PERIPHERAL - required)
  • Microphone (PERIPHERAL - required)

For Computers​

Link These Items:

  • Keyboards, mice, monitors
  • Games compatible with this computer
  • External storage, modems, printers
  • Cables and adapters

Relationship Types:

  • Input devices → PERIPHERAL
  • Games → GAME
  • External hardware → ACCESSORY
  • Cables → ACCESSORY

Example: Commodore 64 should link to:

  • Commodore 64 Keyboard (PERIPHERAL)
  • Commodore 1541 Disk Drive (ACCESSORY)
  • Joystick (PERIPHERAL)
  • 10x C64 Games (GAME)

For Accessories​

Link These Items:

  • Devices this accessory works with
  • Related accessories
  • Bundled items

Relationship Types:

  • Compatible device → PERIPHERAL or ACCESSORY
  • Related accessories → ACCESSORY
  • Bundled items → BUNDLE

Example: Xbox 360 Controller should link to:

  • Xbox 360 (PERIPHERAL - what it's for)
  • Play & Charge Kit (ACCESSORY - related accessory)

General Best Practices​

Do:

  • Link items as you add them
  • Use notes for important details
  • Be consistent with relationship directions
  • Update relationships when adding new items
  • Link bundles appropriately
  • Specify controller player numbers (e.g., "Player 1", "Player 2")

Don't:

  • Create duplicate relationships
  • Mix up relationship types (use correct type)
  • Forget to link both directions if needed
  • Leave notes empty when context is important
  • Link unrelated items

Consistency:

  • Decide on a direction standard (e.g., always link platform → game)
  • Use same relationship type for same situations
  • Be consistent with notes format

Relationship Management​

Bulk Relationship Creation​

No Built-In Bulk Feature: The platform doesn't support bulk relationship creation. You must link items individually.

Workaround:

  1. Create items first without relationships
  2. Go back and edit each item
  3. Add relationships one at a time

Future Feature: Bulk relationship tools may be added in future updates.

Removing Relationships​

Individual Removal:

  1. Edit item with relationship
  2. Find linked item in list
  3. Click X button
  4. Relationship removed from list
  5. Click Save to persist

Removing from Either Side: Relationships are directional. Remove from the item that created the relationship (the "from" item).

Example:

  • Console → GAME → Game Title
  • To remove: Edit console, remove game relationship
  • Game still exists, just no longer linked from console

Batch Removal: No batch removal feature. Remove relationships individually.

Updating Relationship Types​

Change Existing Type:

  1. Edit item with relationship
  2. Find linked item
  3. Click relationship type dropdown
  4. Select new type
  5. Click Save

When to Update:

  • Initially chose wrong type
  • Better type now available
  • Relationship purpose changed

Example:

  • Initially linked as ACCESSORY
  • Should be PERIPHERAL
  • Change dropdown from ACCESSORY to PERIPHERAL

Transferring Relationships​

No Transfer Feature: Cannot move relationships between items. Must:

  1. Remove relationship from Item A
  2. Create new relationship on Item B

Use Case:

  • Sold console with controller
  • Remove controller → console relationship
  • Add controller → new console relationship

Relationship Limitations​

Technical Limitations​

Unique Constraint:

  • Cannot create duplicate relationships
  • Same from item + to item + type = blocked
  • Must use different relationship type if linking same items again

Maximum Relationships:

  • No hard limit on relationship count
  • Performance degrades with 100+ relationships per item
  • Recommended: < 50 relationships per item

Allowed Categories:

  • Each item category has specific allowed categories to link
  • Cannot link arbitrary categories (enforced by UI)
  • See "Per-Category Relationship Options" for details

UI Limitations​

Search Filtering:

  • Search shows only allowed categories
  • Cannot override category filter
  • Cannot link items outside allowed categories

No Relationship Editing:

  • Cannot edit relationship notes on detail page
  • Must enter edit mode to update
  • No inline relationship editing

No Relationship History:

  • No tracking of when relationships created
  • No audit log of relationship changes
  • Cannot see previous relationship types

Data Limitations​

No Relationship Metadata:

  • Limited to: from item, to item, type, notes
  • No date added, date modified
  • No relationship priority or ordering
  • No relationship status (active/inactive)

Notes Limitations:

  • Single text field for notes
  • No structured notes
  • No character limit specified (database TEXT type)

Use Cases and Examples​

Use Case 1: Complete Console Setup​

Goal: Link Nintendo 64 with all peripherals, games, and accessories

Steps:

  1. Create/edit Nintendo 64 console item
  2. Link controllers:
    • N64 Controller (Gray) - PERIPHERAL - "Original controller, Player 1"
    • N64 Controller (Red) - PERIPHERAL - "Third-party, Player 2"
  3. Link games:
    • Super Mario 64 - GAME - "Original cartridge, CIB"
    • Mario Kart 64 - GAME - "Cart only"
    • GoldenEye 007 - GAME - "Complete, excellent condition"
  4. Link accessories:
    • RF Cable - ACCESSORY - "Original cable"
    • Expansion Pak - ACCESSORY - "Required for some games"
  5. Save console

Result:

  • Complete console setup documented
  • Easy to see what you have for this console
  • Value tracking includes all related items
  • Quick reference for marketplace listing

Use Case 2: Multi-Platform Game​

Goal: Link a game available on multiple platforms

Steps:

  1. Create game item: "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim"
  2. Link to platforms:
    • Xbox 360 - GAME - "Original release, physical disc"
    • PlayStation 3 - GAME - "Physical disc"
    • Windows PC - GAME - "Steam digital version"
    • Nintendo Switch - GAME - "Digital download"
  3. Save game

Result:

  • Game shows compatibility with all platforms
  • Can track which versions you own
  • Separate notes for each platform version

Alternative Approach:

  • Create separate game items for each platform
  • Link each to its respective platform
  • Better for tracking different editions/versions

Use Case 3: Bundle Tracking​

Goal: Document a limited edition console bundle

Steps:

  1. Create console item: "Xbox 360 Elite (Halo 3 Edition)"
  2. Create game item: "Halo 3 Limited Edition"
  3. Create accessory item: "Halo 3 Special Controller"
  4. Link from console:
    • Halo 3 Limited Edition - BUNDLE - "Factory bundle, sealed"
    • Halo 3 Special Controller - BUNDLE - "Original bundle controller"
  5. Save console

Result:

  • Bundle contents documented
  • Can track bundle vs. individual item values
  • Clear which items came together

Use Case 4: Accessory Compatibility​

Goal: Document what devices an accessory works with

Steps:

  1. Create accessory item: "Universal HDMI Cable"
  2. Link to compatible devices:
    • Xbox 360 - ACCESSORY - "Used for this console"
    • PlayStation 3 - ACCESSORY - "Also compatible"
    • Wii U - ACCESSORY - "Also compatible"
  3. Save accessory

Result:

  • Clear documentation of compatibility
  • Easy to find when needed
  • Prevents duplicate accessory purchases

Use Case 5: Controller Organization​

Goal: Track which controllers go with which consoles

Steps:

  1. Create controller items (if category ACCESSORY)
  2. Link each controller to its console(s):
    • DualShock 2 → PlayStation 2 (PERIPHERAL)
    • DualShock 3 → PlayStation 3 (PERIPHERAL)
    • Xbox 360 Controller → Xbox 360 (PERIPHERAL)
  3. Add notes: "Player 1", "Player 2", "Wireless", etc.

Alternative:

  1. Create console items
  2. Link controllers from console:
    • PlayStation 2 → DualShock 2 (PERIPHERAL)
    • PlayStation 3 → DualShock 3 (PERIPHERAL)

Result:

  • Quick reference for which controllers work with which consoles
  • Player assignments documented
  • Wireless vs. wired noted

Troubleshooting​

Cannot Create Relationship​

Causes:

  • Duplicate relationship already exists
  • Target item not in allowed categories
  • Relationship limit reached (rare)

Fix:

  1. Check if relationship already exists (may be on other item)
  2. Verify target item is correct category
  3. Try different relationship type
  4. Check if relationship exists in reverse direction

Causes:

  • Item doesn't exist in collection
  • Item in wrong category
  • Item already linked
  • Search term not matching

Fix:

  1. Verify item exists in your collection
  2. Check item's category matches allowed categories
  3. Check if item already linked (excluded from search)
  4. Try broader search term
  5. Create item first if it doesn't exist

Relationship Type Dropdown Empty​

Causes:

  • JavaScript error
  • No relationship types configured for category
  • Page not fully loaded

Fix:

  1. Refresh page
  2. Check browser console for errors
  3. Try different browser
  4. Contact support if persists

Relationships Not Saving​

Causes:

  • Didn't click Save button
  • Network error during save
  • Validation error
  • Browser issue

Fix:

  1. Ensure you clicked Save button (not just X to close)
  2. Check internet connection
  3. Check for error messages on page
  4. Try again
  5. Hard refresh page (Ctrl+F5)

Incoming Relationships Not Showing​

Causes:

  • No items link to this item
  • Relationship created in wrong direction
  • Cache issue

Fix:

  1. Verify other items link to this item (check their outgoing relationships)
  2. Refresh page
  3. Check if relationships created correctly (direction matters)
  4. Create relationships from other items if needed

FAQ​

Yes. Create two separate relationships (one from each item). However, both directions usually aren't needed since detail pages show incoming and outgoing relationships.

What's the difference between PERIPHERAL and ACCESSORY?​

PERIPHERAL: Primary input/output devices (controllers, keyboards, mice) ACCESSORY: Supporting items (cables, cases, memory cards)

Use PERIPHERAL for items that directly control or interface with the device. Use ACCESSORY for everything else.

Only within allowed category combinations (defined per item category). For example, consoles can only link to accessories and games, not to other consoles.

How many relationships can one item have?​

No hard limit, but performance degrades with 100+ relationships. Recommend keeping under 50 relationships per item.

Can I see all relationships in my collection?​

Not currently. Must view relationships per-item on detail pages. Export feature may include relationship data in future.

Can I delete multiple relationships at once?​

No. Must remove relationships individually.

What happens to relationships if I delete an item?​

Relationships involving the deleted item are automatically removed. Orphaned relationships don't exist.

Can I export my relationships?​

Not directly. Collection export (CSV/JSON) may include relationship data in future updates.

Do relationships affect collection value?​

Not currently. Relationships are for organization only. Future updates may allow bundle value calculations.

Yes. You can create multiple relationships between the same two items using different types. Example: Controller can be both PERIPHERAL and BUNDLE for a console.

Do relationships sync across devices?​

Yes. Relationships stored in database, not locally. Any device with your account sees the same relationships.

Can I add relationships to items I don't own?​

Yes. Ownership status (OWNED, WANTED, SOLD, LOANED) doesn't affect relationships. You can link wanted items to show what you're looking for.