Hidden in plain sight, these cornerstones are what you need to whet that nostalgia appetite.
There are many video game stores and locations around the country and many more around NYC. The “Gamestop”, “Toys’R’Us” stores of the world have not been very kind to retro video games. In any of those locations, finances haven’t been doing too well for them in return (sorry Toys’R’us)(Retaildive). The places about to be listed focus on retro gaming as their bread and butter, and they are the saviors for an age that deserves to be preserved. They themselves haven’t shuttered their doors but have remained, just like the timeless classics that always stand the test of time.
- #GameOn
Location: 465 Route 25A, Miller Place NY, 11776 (Long Island, Queens)
I have never visited this location, but I have always wanted to. The owner Tristan Whitworth(GameOn) is always on hand and he was extremely knowledgeable and capable when I called the store. The store absolutely seemed to have everything, there were working cabinet machines and they accepted all trade-ins of any kind of console that was ever invented. I asked if they would take a trade-in of “Super Mario 2” from the NES, to which he gladly said “Yes!” enthusiastically. I also attempted to determine their retro stock. Do you have Super Castlevania IV (Kelleherbros) for the SNES? “yes we have it,” Whitworth said. This is the most hidden of gems, and I truly hope to visit soon, as they have just reopened after the COVID-19 restrictions softening.
- Tiltz Sports Bar
Location: 942 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn NY, 11206 (Brooklyn, NY)
Upon walking in, you are greeted by a beautiful bar fully equipped with multiple spirits. However, when you turn the corner you see lines of old arcade cabinets, classics like Donkey Kong, TMNT(Arcade1Up), Contra, and most of all, FUN to be had. This business works just like any bar, except you can play multitudes of classic games on their original cabinets in the back. They have their own branded “Tiltz Tokens” to play their games on. I walked in here on opening night, where they let you play the arcade cabinets for free but on other nights… it was not free. Late-night retro games, on their original cabinets? Color me… black and white.
- Brooklyn Video Games
Location: 6801 20th Avenue, Brooklyn NY, 11204 (Brooklyn, NY)
This is another location that deals with retro game selling. They have recently reopened after the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have lifted slightly, and retro games are their coin. They have a very active social media account where they announce giveaways and show their wares that they retrieve on a daily. To this notion, they go one step farther and let you slide into their “DMs” (direct messages) to offer what you will for the pictured items. This new sales tactic should get noticed, as they avoid risk and still attempt to have fun with their patrons. They deal in retro games and have a wide variety for sale. Their website is still very primitive, but the hope is it gets better in the future, as old school game shops should attract old school customers.
- Videogamesnewyork
Location: 202 east 6th street, New York, NY 10003 (Manhattan, NY)
In the East Village in Manhattan lies a store that doesn’t only deal in retro games, but it seems to be their lifeblood. I have visited this store on multiple occasions and the staff knows a wealth of knowledge and they repair old systems on the regular. What lines this store is countless versions of retro games, SNES titles, Dreamcast titles (mashable), Sega consoles, they have Atari, almost anything you can think of. This store is the “savepoint” for any Video Game enthusiast(Giantbomb). They have notable signatures on display from huge developers such as Hideo Kojima (Video Games Chronicle) and the original Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune(critical path project). Nintendo Power, a now-defunct magazine also wallpapers the store, which brings any retro gamer at home. This store is where anyone should stop if they need to revisit old classics. Even Super Mario greets you at the door!
- Action Burger
Location: 292 Graham Avenue, Brooklyn NY, 11211 (Brooklyn, NY)
This is the place to try retro games. The games are FREE, for those who just want to stop by and grab a bite to eat and play games on the side. COVID-19 stopped them for a little while, but they have a great setup outside that lets you play their games while looking inside at their TVs. They follow the strict COVID guidelines, and they have a great menu. The staff are all people that know games in general. Their setup lets you play multitudes of games while hanging out. This is the gem that does not want to be hidden. If you are new to retro gaming or want to try one of your old favorites, they have it. You can reserve a table or just wander on by. If you want to jump into a time machine, while grabbing excellent food this is the stop you cannot miss. Action Burger is filled with action, and while you’re at it grab some food and talk with the knowledgeable staff. From the arcade, pinball, N64, all the way to the newest consoles they have it (business insider). Leave your reservations at home, but make yours here.
Notable Mention: Barcade in Brooklyn, check out my piece about that here.