Alan ‘Bo’ BorensteinThe Quirkiest Retro Game Stores in and around Vancouver
There’s a certain thrill that comes with dusting off an old game cartridge, sliding it into a vintage console, and hearing that familiar click as you power it on.
If you find joy in the pixelated wonders of yesteryears, you’re in for a treat in Vancouver. After all, it’s not just a city known for its distinct neighborhoods and beautiful attractions that are worth sightseeing (hop on hop off vancouver).
Join us as we explore the best retro gaming stores in and around Vancouver and relive the golden age of gaming.
Gamedeals Video Games
Address: 407 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3L 1A9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-540-0582
Operating Hours: Opens Daily 12:00 pm- 7:00 pm
Rocking the Vancouver gaming scene since 2006, Gamedeals Video Games is the real deal. Think Nintendo classics sitting next to fresh PlayStation hits – it’s a sweet spot where gamers from all walks of life can soak up that old-school gaming charm.
You’ll stumble upon more than just games in this store in Downtown New Westminster. There’s a treasure trove of accessories, toys, and board games that will take you back to video game stores in what feels like a century ago.
The store covers all the bases from Atari, at least based on our experience when we went in. The layout and organization of titles are totally user-friendly, so you can breeze through your search and spot more titles you might like.
When it comes to price, you’ll appreciate that you can come out of the store with rad deals. Though you might need to shell out a bit more for those ultra-rare gems.
Pro tip:
From Vancouver, it takes around 30 minutes to drive to Gamedeals Video Games. You’ll need about the same amount of time if you’re hopping on the Expo Line, but check SkyTrain’s website for the schedule.
Play N Trade Video Games Vancouver
Address: 1898 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3B7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-558-2121
Operating Hours: Opens Daily 11:00 am- 7:00 pm
Play N Trade in Main Street (main street vancouver) has a solid selection of video games, consoles, controllers, cards, and accessories.
If you’re scouting for some of the best consoles, the store has the Nintendo Entertainment System, Gamecube, Gameboy, and Sega Dreamcast. They have a rack with little cubby holes displaying more of these trusted consoles.
Pro tip:
While you’re there, why not pick up timeless titles, too, like Zelda for NES? Or dive into some action with NFL Quarterback Club 98 – now, that’s a game that’s still kicking after almost 25 years!
Press Start Video Games
Address: 734 12th St, New Westminster, BC V3M 4J9, Canada
Phone:+1 604-544-5088
Operating Hours: Opens Daily 12:00 pm- 5:00 pm
Press Start Video Games holds a fantastic range of new and pre-owned video games, as well as essential accessories.
From classic RPG legends like Final Fantasy to rare gems like the WonderSwan console, Press Start becomes the indispensable ally of retro gamers (or in simple words, their much-needed enabler friend).
While their selection is not as vast, you’ll know that it’s meticulously curated, and the cherry on top? They come at reasonable prices, so even the rare gems that are usually so pricey in other stores luckily won’t break the bank here.
You’ll catch that vibe the moment you engage with their staff. True gaming enthusiasts themselves, they’re not just in it for the sale – plus, with a guaranteed 14-day return policy for the purchased games, you’ll feel the camaraderie right there.
Pro tip:
Press Start shares New Westminster with Gamedeals Video Games. It’s nice to check out this duo of game stores so you can score more games and finally lay your hands on those elusive finds.
But if you’re all about following a sequence, our suggestion is to kick it off right here at Press Start.
Willow Video
Address: 19609 Willowbrook Dr, Langley, BC V2Y 1A5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-530-5324
Operating Hours: Opens Daily 11:00 am- 6:00 pm
Willow Video is a must-visit for folks who crave that nostalgic gaming fix. You’ll find gems like Jersey Devil or the PS1 classic Heart of Darkness sitting on their shelves.
While the prices for vintage stuff might have nudged up a bit, the store’s offerings are still a total catch. Just imagine a collection that spans across 2600, Colecovision, Playstation, Intellivision, N64, NES, Switch, and DS.
As of August 2023, Xbox rentals are no longer available. But Xbox fans can still check out a whole lineup of Xbox titles, with prices starting as low as CAD 1.99.
And hey, it’s not just about gaming. Willow Video also has a stash of old movies for sale and rent. With video rental stores becoming hard to come by these days, dropping by and supporting this slice of the past is a cool way to keep the good memories alive.
Pro tip:
It’s worth a 40-minute drive from Vancouver to check out Willow Store and relive some gaming memories. If you’ve got time to spare, you can also use public transit – a mix of three bus rides and walking in between.
Remember to check the bus schedule before you go.
Mostly Games & Collectibles
Address: 2646 Shaughnessy St, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 2B2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-552-8055
Operating Hours: Opens Daily 11:00 am- 7:00 pm
The variety here at Mostly Games & Collectibles is impressive, no doubt about it.
Sure, you might notice the prices veering a tad higher, but expect that you’re trading up for exceptional quality. Think clean game cartridges and complete titles with all the instructions intact.
And aside from the classic titles that you’re getting, don’t miss the chance to explore their assortment of trading cards too!
Pro tip:
Finding this store online could be a little puzzling. Even their website URL uses Mostly Games, but the content calls the store Mostly Music.
But however they call it, it refers to the same store. If you’re not into ordering online, why not just head to their physical store for a straightforward shopping trip?
The Connection Games & Hobbies
Address: 2945 Renfrew St, Vancouver, BC V5M 3K5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-327-4585
Operating Hours:
Opens Mon-Fri 12:00 pm- 10:00 pm
Opens Sat-Sun 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm
The Connection Games & Hobbies is an awesome spot for anything related to Magic the Gathering. Aficionados come here for the collection of cards ranging from staples to coveted rares, their in-store events, and the thriving community built around the game.
Now, for those of us with a soft spot for retro gaming, their whole array of video games and consoles steals the spotlight.
They have accessories and pre-loved consoles up for grabs – think N64, Switch, 3DS, Xbox, and even unique finds like the Hyperkin SupaBoy and Retron systems.
Not to mention their nice collection of retro games, including nostalgic gems like the Game & Watch Donkey Kong 2.
Pro tip:
Their website is actually pretty neat and up-to-date, so if you’re into online shopping like we are, you can easily browse and order stuff there.
You just swing by the store and pick it up whenever you’re ready.
Treasure Chest Games & Collectibles
Address: 3274 Coast Meridian Rd, Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 3N4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-941-9313
Operating Hours: Opens Daily 11:00 am- 7:00 pm
Much like The Connection Games & Hobbies, Treasure Chest Games & Collectibles is your go-to for those trading card games like Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Digimon, Weis Schwarz, and Magic.
But what sets it apart is its sweet retro game collection, including gems like the Game & Watch Color Screen and Retron SQ. They also do have Playstation 2, Vita, Xbox Series, and the familiar lineup found in other stores.
The big plus here is the warm and friendly crew that can make you feel right at home in the gaming community. Don’t miss out on their exciting weekly tournaments, a great way to connect with fellow gamers.
Pro tip:
This is where driving beats taking the bus. Public transportation might set you back around 1.5 to 2 hours, but hop in your car and you’ll arrive in under 30 minutes.
