Over the past almost 10 years, CV was built from scratch and grew very quickly in popularity. We had to enter every single variation by hand while users contacted us via email. It was a pain 😅 — but it was awesome.
Later, we invested time and money into CV 2.0 and built a community around it. Now users could upload content themselves! Years later, after I sold the Golden Wii, the development of CV 3.0 began and we added over 100 new features!
CV 3.0 was never meant to include only CV, but many other platforms as well. We thought: "If we can create a template for CV, why not build other databases for different collectibles?" We had many ideas, but we also did not want to compete directly with existing collectible websites. The business direction was set.
The first CV, CV 2.0, and CV 3.0 side by side.
Then the unthinkable happened. In February 2024, my dad suddenly passed away. It caused a massive change in my life. I have a handicapped little brother (who is not so little) who depends on me. My mother had cancer and was frequently ill, and I had to drop almost everything — including my main job — to take care of documents, an inheritance, court matters, and much more. The CV 3.0 database projects were completely taken off the table.
Exactly one year after my dad passed away, my mother also passed away after being in and out of hospital. Everything I had dealt with the year before had to be handled all over again. It took months to settle everything, because I am the only person who can take care of my little brother. Of course, all of this changed me.
It also made me realize that something could happen to me at a "young" age too.
So I quit my regular job and became a manager at the biggest arcade center in the country. At first, it was incredible — teaching and guiding people into gaming, huge responsibilities, collaboration with DJ Dr Peacock and Pinotello, live streams with content creators… and so on.
But then came 13-hour shifts — also on weekends — no time for my brother, no time for myself, terrible pay, poor communication, and directors who made everything worse. And a whole lot more... It was horrible in the end. Eventually, I burned out. I had to stop working and spent three months at home without a job, motivation, or direction. It felt like everything was over.
Some time later, CV 3.0 was hit by an unavoidable attack that took the website down for a while. At that point, I had no parents, no website, and no job. What a year…
The CV announcement that the site was going read-only.
And now, the good part. (Finally!)
Slowly, I started rebuilding my life. I found a temporary job with a good salary and manageable responsibilities while working towards creating my own place. The plan is to build a gaming lounge where people with disabilities and other conditions can work, while visitors can play games, enjoy drinks, socialize, and relax stress-free. It's perfect. More news on this soon! We have already taken major steps together with a healthcare company. When it launches, I'll make sure the world knows!
Teaser of the gaming lounge project.
After more recovery, we decided to rebuild CV from scratch — read-only for the community. And honestly, it looks great and is performing very well! We have a Ko-Fi page that people actually support — thanks to everyone who has contributed! That success has motivated me to finally continue the larger CV 3.0 vision and build more database websites.
Consolevariations.com
A database featuring every console in the world, with more than 12,000 variations. This will receive the same love as always and will continue to grow. Users can now upload new variations, images, and suggestions — and more is coming! The read-only disclaimer has officially been removed. 🎉
Screenshot of the current 2026 CV, with the return of "Console of the Day."
And the next projects are…
MacVariations.com
A new database featuring every piece of Apple hardware — and other things Apple made — including many you have probably never heard of. Current count: 2,100 and counting! We need to make sure all photos and info are correct and complete. The home page is still a surprise!
Screenshots of MacVariations (alpha phase) — photos may change before final release.
WarmWheels.com
A new database featuring every Hot Wheels variation ever made. So far, we have catalogued more than 50,000 variations. This is a fun one that we put a lot of playful thought into — because there are so many variations, we need everything to be perfect, accurate, and easy to browse so you can find the one you had as a kid.
Screenshots of Warm Wheels (alpha phase) — photos may change before final release.
MacVariations and Warm Wheels are not live yet, but I am fully committed to both and they will become accessible soon. Users will gradually be invited to test them. If you have knowledge about them and/or heavily collect these, please contact us to be part of the beta group! Without you, we won't have the accurate information we need.
Both websites will have the familiar CV feel, but with their own creativity, identity, and a strong focus on useful — and especially — accurate information!
I know this is a lot to take in, but feel free to DM us or tag us on Discord or social media. Everything is appreciated, and I genuinely love this community.
I hope you will give MV and WW some love when they are released.
— Don from CV ❤️
