Over the past few years there's been several video game stores that are used to specialising with retro consoles and games. However, the expectation doesn't seem to last long as it was on the verge of being neglected or possibly left on the shelves and cabinets covered in dust. What could the reason be for it? Items are ridiculously overpriced? People never own or see those machines before? Or is it the arrival of current-gens that became the main attraction in retail stores of the present days.
Starting with CEX (shorten for Computer Exchange). The last time I went in there, most of the retro stuff had been removed in favour of new gadgets such as iPods, mobile phones and computer accessories. I don't see the point of it as it have very little to do with gaming. Even more recently, the cease of PS1 stocks had already been confirmed as it experienced neglected order from the shelves. It's either that or there are too many doubles full of EA Sports games that nobody play anymore. Otherwise I can't be bothered with it!
Also with Gamestation, there were some coincedence within the store. About five years ago, I came across a sealed Mega Drive (original model) with SMS Power Base Converter, two control pads and any game for £27.99. Don't know if I would intend to spend that much on it though as it's an opportunity for those who're eager to relight those early memories of the 16-bit era. Luck seems to happened again as I spotted several loose NES carts and boxed Mega Drive games and it did offered that curiosity in terms of revival and nostalgic value. However, after I went back there, it was starting to decline as it was only left with original GB carts displayed on the cabinet. It doesn't help as it been overshadowed by hi-tech mobile phones and iPods. Ever since it was bought by GAME, it's a pity that most of those retro items have already disappeared. :(
Time for some positive and moving on to Game Focus, it's another indie game shop that offers great range of titles (which also include imports) for PS1, PS2, Gamecube, Saturn, Dreamcast and current-gens. Plus peripherals (e.g. controllers, memory cards, etc.) for both old and new consoles are also available if you're searching for those missing pieces of the gaming set. See this
link for more information. Although the items seem to be way too overprice nowadays, you never know if it's going to lower down or get any special offers. Last time I went in there, few Game Gear carts were available on the cabinet and it was later supported by boxed MD games such as
Speedball II,
Turbo Out Run,
Cool Spot and few others. Don't know if it's still there to be honest and it does offer that chance if you're going to rebuild your gaming collection of the yesteryears.
Starting with CEX (shorten for Computer Exchange). The last time I went in there, most of the retro stuff had been removed in favour of new gadgets such as iPods, mobile phones and computer accessories. I don't see the point of it as it have very little to do with gaming. Even more recently, the cease of PS1 stocks had already been confirmed as it experienced neglected order from the shelves. It's either that or there are too many doubles full of EA Sports games that nobody play anymore. Otherwise I can't be bothered with it!
Also with Gamestation, there were some coincedence within the store. About five years ago, I came across a sealed Mega Drive (original model) with SMS Power Base Converter, two control pads and any game for £27.99. Don't know if I would intend to spend that much on it though as it's an opportunity for those who're eager to relight those early memories of the 16-bit era. Luck seems to happened again as I spotted several loose NES carts and boxed Mega Drive games and it did offered that curiosity in terms of revival and nostalgic value. However, after I went back there, it was starting to decline as it was only left with original GB carts displayed on the cabinet. It doesn't help as it been overshadowed by hi-tech mobile phones and iPods. Ever since it was bought by GAME, it's a pity that most of those retro items have already disappeared. :(
Time for some positive and moving on to Game Focus, it's another indie game shop that offers great range of titles (which also include imports) for PS1, PS2, Gamecube, Saturn, Dreamcast and current-gens. Plus peripherals (e.g. controllers, memory cards, etc.) for both old and new consoles are also available if you're searching for those missing pieces of the gaming set. See this link for more information. Although the items seem to be way too overprice nowadays, you never know if it's going to lower down or get any special offers. Last time I went in there, few Game Gear carts were available on the cabinet and it was later supported by boxed MD games such as Speedball II, Turbo Out Run, Cool Spot and few others. Don't know if it's still there to be honest and it does offer that chance if you're going to rebuild your gaming collection of the yesteryears.
