Welcome to the most comprehensive directory for retro gaming enthusiasts, inspired by podcast episode 098. Whether you’re hunting for rare cartridges, seeking community events, or exploring gaming history landmarks, this guide connects you to the vibrant world of vintage gaming culture.
This directory brings together the best retro gaming stores, major conventions, and cultural landmarks that preserve gaming history. Our research includes hundreds of hours of community feedback, event coverage, and on-the-ground reporting to create the definitive resource for retro gaming locations worldwide.
From the largest video game store in America to intimate local shops hosting monthly meetups, these establishments form the backbone of retro gaming culture. Each location represents a hub where gaming memories are preserved, shared, and celebrated.
This living directory continues the mission of podcast episode 098: building a community-driven resource that helps retro gamers find their people, discover new places, and keep classic gaming culture alive. Our gaming guides consistently focus on community and preservation values.
The retro gaming store landscape has evolved dramatically over the past decade. While many iconic locations have closed due to rising costs and digital competition, a new generation of specialty stores has emerged, offering curated collections, repair services, and community spaces that celebrate gaming history.
Digital Press – New Jersey: This legendary store serves as both retail destination and community hub. Known for their comprehensive price guides and monthly gaming meetups, Digital Press has been a cornerstone of East Coast retro gaming for over two decades. Their staff’s expertise spans from Atari to modern indie retro games, making them invaluable resources for collectors at any level.
Video Games New York – Manhattan: Located on 6th Street in the heart of Manhattan, this specialty store focuses on Japanese imports and rare games that are nearly impossible to find elsewhere. Their reputation for authentic imports and knowledgeable staff makes them a destination for serious collectors seeking international titles. The store’s central location and extensive collection of import RPGs, shooters, and fighting games attract both local enthusiasts and international visitors.
IronBlast’s GAME ZONE – Washington, PA: Claiming the title of largest video game store in the United States, this 11,000+ square foot gaming paradise offers an overwhelming selection spanning every console generation. Beyond retail, they feature playable arcade machines, gaming memorabilia, and host regular gaming events. Their sheer scale and comprehensive inventory make them a destination worth traveling for, with sections dedicated to every major console from the 1970s to present day.
The digital landscape has given rise to specialized online retailers who serve communities far beyond their local regions. These businesses combine traditional retail expertise with modern e-commerce convenience, offering everything from common classics to ultra-rare collector’s items. Many have developed strong reputations through consistent inventory quality, accurate grading, and responsive customer service.
The retro gaming convention scene has exploded in popularity, with events ranging from intimate local meetups to massive conventions drawing tens of thousands of attendees. These gatherings serve as crucial networking opportunities, marketplaces for rare games, and celebrations of gaming culture.
Portland Retro Gaming Expo – October 17-19, 2025: The crown jewel of retro gaming conventions, PRGE draws over 30,000 visitors to the Oregon Convention Center each fall. Their 30,000 square foot retrocade features fully playable classic arcade machines, while the vendor hall hosts hundreds of dealers with everything from common cartridges to museum-quality rarities. The convention’s emphasis on preservation education and guest speakers from gaming history makes it both entertaining and educational.
Midwest Gaming Classic – Milwaukee, WI: One of the largest retro gaming conventions in the country, MGC fills 300,000 square feet with 250+ vendors, gaming tournaments, and special exhibits. Their spring timing makes them a calendar highlight for Midwestern gamers seeking early-season convention experiences. The convention’s strong emphasis on hands-on gaming and tournament play creates an active, engaging atmosphere beyond traditional vendor shopping.
Long Island Retro Gaming Expo – Cradle of Aviation Museum, NY: This unique convention combines retro gaming with aviation history, creating a distinctive backdrop for vendor booths and gaming displays. The museum setting adds educational value, while the curated vendor selection ensures quality over quantity. Their location in the New York metropolitan area makes them accessible to a large population of retro gaming enthusiasts.
Classic Game Fest – Austin, TX: As Texas’s largest retro gaming convention, Classic Game Fest brings together regional collectors and national dealers in a three-day celebration of gaming history. The Austin location provides an ideal backdrop for the convention’s blend of gaming culture, music, and local food scene. Their reputation for well-organized tournaments and diverse vendor selection makes them a must-attend for southern retro gaming communities.
Gaming history extends beyond retail and events into cultural institutions that preserve and celebrate the medium’s evolution. These landmarks serve as pilgrimage sites for gaming enthusiasts and important educational resources for preserving gaming heritage.
Cradle of Aviation Museum – Long Island, NY: This aviation museum has become an unexpected hub for retro gaming events, providing a unique venue that combines technological history with gaming culture. The museum’s willingness to host gaming conventions creates fascinating juxtapositions between flight technology evolution and gaming technology development. Their space has proven ideal for large-scale retro gaming events, offering both historical significance and practical functionality.
Fargo Air Museum – Fargo, ND: Another aviation museum that has embraced gaming culture, this venue demonstrates how historical spaces can adapt to modern community needs. Their willingness to host gaming conventions in alternative venues highlights the growing recognition of gaming’s cultural significance. The museum setting adds educational value to gaming events, connecting technological innovation across different eras and industries.
Across the country, locations that played pivotal roles in gaming history have become unofficial landmarks for enthusiasts. These include the birthplaces of major gaming companies, sites of legendary tournaments, and even iconic locations featured in classic games. While many of these locations are not officially designated as landmarks, they hold special significance in gaming culture and attract visitors seeking to connect with gaming history.
The digital landscape provides essential infrastructure for retro gaming communities, offering platforms for discussion, trading, and organization that complement physical stores and events.
retro.directory stands as the most comprehensive online platform for finding retro gaming locations worldwide. Their database includes stores, museums, clubs, events, and online services, making them an essential first stop for anyone exploring retro gaming communities. The platform’s interactive features and regular updates make it more useful than static directories, while their community-driven approach ensures information stays current.
Racketboy represents one of the longest-running and most respected retro gaming communities online. Their forums host detailed discussions about game collecting, restoration, and store recommendations, while their price guides and articles provide valuable reference material for collectors. The community’s emphasis on preservation and education creates a welcoming environment for newcomers while maintaining high standards of accuracy and expertise.
This directory thrives on community participation and local knowledge. Gaming stores and events frequently change locations, hours, or ownership, making crowd-sourced updates essential for maintaining accuracy. Our submission process encourages enthusiasts to share discoveries, report changes, and contribute to the collective knowledge base.
We welcome submissions for new store listings, event announcements, and landmark discoveries. Submissions should include verifiable information such as addresses, websites, and contact details whenever possible. Our verification process ensures that directory entries remain accurate and useful, while our community rating system helps identify the most valuable and reliable locations.
This directory receives monthly updates to reflect store closures, openings, and event schedule changes. Major updates occur quarterly, incorporating community feedback and new discoveries. Our commitment to regular maintenance ensures that this resource remains the most current and reliable guide for retro gaming enthusiasts worldwide.
The retro gaming ecosystem thrives on community support and active participation. Each store visit, event attendance, and online contribution helps preserve gaming culture for future generations. This directory exists not just as a resource but as an invitation to engage with the passionate people keeping gaming history alive.
By supporting independent retro gaming stores, attending local events, and sharing your experiences with the community, you become part of the preservation movement. Gaming history deserves the same recognition and preservation as other cultural art forms, and these establishments serve as living museums where that history remains accessible to everyone.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a casual enthusiast, or someone curious about gaming’s past, this directory connects you to the resources and communities that celebrate retro gaming culture. Explore, engage, and help preserve the games and memories that continue to bring joy to millions worldwide.
For more comprehensive gaming guides and resources, explore our full collection of gaming content designed to help players of all interests and experience levels.
The best retro gaming stores combine extensive inventory with community engagement. IronBlast’s GAME ZONE in Pennsylvania is the largest at 11,000+ square feet, while Digital Press in New Jersey excels in community building with monthly meetups. Video Games New York specializes in rare imports, making them essential for collectors seeking international titles.
Major retro gaming conventions include Portland Retro Gaming Expo (October 17-19, 2025), Midwest Gaming Classic (Milwaukee), and Classic Game Fest (Austin). Regional events like Long Island Retro Gaming Expo offer more intimate experiences. Check local gaming stores and community forums for smaller meetups and tournaments throughout the year.
Key retro gaming landmarks include the Cradle of Aviation Museum in New York and Fargo Air Museum in North Dakota, both hosting gaming events in historic settings. Many cities have locations significant to gaming history, such as company birthplaces or tournament venues. Local retro game stores can often point visitors to area landmarks and hidden gems.
Start with online directories like retro.directory, then check local gaming communities and social media groups. Many independent stores maintain active social media presence and participate in local gaming events. Word-of-mouth recommendations from fellow enthusiasts often lead to discovering hidden local treasures that may not appear in online directories.
Portland Retro Gaming Expo is the largest, drawing 30,000+ visitors annually. Midwest Gaming Classic in Milwaukee offers 300,000 square feet of gaming space. Classic Game Fest serves as Texas’s premier retro gaming event, while Long Island Retro Gaming Expo provides a unique museum venue experience. Each convention offers distinct advantages based on location, size, and programming focus.
This directory provides comprehensive store listings organized by region. Start with the stores section for your area, then check local gaming communities and Facebook groups for additional recommendations. Many independent stores offer online shopping with shipping options, making even distant locations accessible for collectors seeking specific titles or systems.