Business: 8 Bit and Up
The East Village in New York is home to many different people, businesses, and even ways of life. Like many video games that have lasted, there are many businesses that have stood the test of time. Back in the day, playing a Super Nintendo with siblings would result in the occasional throwing of the controller in frustration or even a meltdown over “who’s turn is it?” Just as old video game controllers were sturdy, so is the business of retro game selling. This is what happens when an unstoppable force meets an unmovable object. In today’s age, that unstoppable force is nostalgia, and the unmovable object is 8 Bit and Up.
Through what seems to be a secret passageway right out of Konami’s Castlevania lies a store that can only be described as unique. Retro games and systems line the walls of this store that was pulled straight out of the 90’s. There are many working arcade cabinets to test your mettle on as well as many magazines that were pulled also from the same time period. Checking the date to assure it was still 2020 may have happened more than once.
Before the COVID pandemic stopped everything in it’s tracks, this is home to gaming tournaments and meet-ups of fellow gamers around the city. Whether to test an old game (which they had allowed) or even to check out an old issue of “Nintendo Power”, this place is a hub of nostalgic activity. Since the COVID pandemic, the ability to hold tournaments or meet-ups is not possible due to city regulation. The store remains open to the public, so gamers looking to repair an old controller or buy a nostalgic game can wander in (with a mask of course) and relive a bit of their past.
There are a plethora of decorations that take you right back to the release of the original Sony Playstation. There’s a lifesize standing model of the original “Tomb Raider” Lara Croft, which makes the original gamer even forget there was a movie. There are also numerous old school toys that they sell, and some that are also purely decoration (Lara isn’t for sale). The very laid back vibe of the store really makes a gaming enthusiast feel at home and the staff that was on hand was extremely knowledgable about every item in the store as well as being the store manager.
Marcus Robinson, a veteran gamer and staff member was on hand to provide help with anything a consumer could need. He also does maintenance on any items that are brought into the store so they could be restored to functional shape. “Sometimes you have to have a passion for games,” he said. It’s worth noting also that this retro gaming store has a manager that saw the inception and rise of gaming through the decades. The store sells many old school items and memorabilia. “We do not sell PS5’s or any accessories for it, we deal in older games and we most likely will not have it in,” Marcus said. The reliance on nostalgic gaming is admirable. “During COVID’s peak, I came into the store maybe twice a week for customers. I feel good that I can help them get what they need especially during this time,” he also said. “Sometimes a customer would just need a controller, or even a small repair. you can’t just leave it.”
After wandering farther through the store, staying in the present is a difficult task. “Playstation just remade Demon Souls, and that is the coolest thing. I remember playing that and it was difficult. If games are going to be remade they should be complete and that one looks great.” Marcus said regarding a favorite of his. Understanding the feeling is easy, when a company faithfully reproduces a favorite, it is definitely worth being excited over.
After spending time in the store, the itch to return to old games was very prominent. Seeing the old school Mortal Kombat arcade cabinet reminded me of how many hours that were spent attempting to climb the hardest ladder, Goro was always impossible to handle.
Seeing as how much lore lurks behind the front door, this store should be a stop on any nostalgic gamer’s radar. The knowledge of the manager and the number of things to just gander at makes this a stop worthwhile. A trip back in time could be made by just heading over to the East Village, just make sure it’s still 2020 while inside.