The focus of this category is on video game retailers and resellers, as opposed to publishers who may sell and distribute their own products.
Basically, a video game retailer is an individual or business that specializes in the sale of video games, either online or through a brick-and-mortar store.
In the early days of the video game industry, gamers eagerly awaited new releases at brick-and-mortar stores, such as Babbage's, EB Games, Egghead Software, FuncoLand, GameCrazy, and Rhino Video Games. However, Egghead Software closed its brick-and-mortar stores in 1998 and filed for bankruptcy in 2001. GameCrazy filed for bankruptcy in 2010. Babbage's, EB Games, FuncoLand, and Rhino Video Games have been acquired by GameStop, which has been in decline since 2016 and has closed several of its stores. It is currently revamping its remaining stores, with an emphasis on competitive gaming and retro-gaming. Acquired by GameStop in 2005, the EB Games brand still operates in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Other video game retailers still operating brick-and-mortar stores include Play N Trade, which has more than a hundred stores in the United States, Canada, and Egypt. However, it also sells new and used consumer electronics, game consoles, Apple products, laptops, and cellular phones, hosts gaming tournaments, and offers game device repair services.
Opened in 1993, Gamers and Slackers CDs and Games are still in business. Gamers, which once had eight stores, is down to only one store in Nebraska. Slackers has ten stores in Illinois and Missouri, specializing in new and used video games and music.
Pink Gorilla has two stores in Washington State, where it also hosts gaming tournaments and other events.
While most of the chain stores are closed, video game stores can still be found in several cities throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. Mostly, they are independent stores that serve as the social hubs of the local gaming community, sponsoring tournaments and other events.
Most video games are sold online now, however. Many game publishers operate their own online sales and distribution networks and, of course, downloadable software has put a dent in the retail market.
There is a sizable online market for used video game cassettes, cartridges, CD Roms, and other formats, particularly in retro games. Usually, these resellers will offer quotes on used game consoles and devices, as well as on used games.
Websites representing video game publishers, who may sell their products online, should be listed in the Developers & Publishers category, while this category is focused on video game retailers and resellers.
Recommended Resources
Designed by Mirillis, Action is a game recorder, allowing users to create real-time and high-quality game recordings, display frame rates, add live audio commentary to video recordings, add webcam video, and a log overlay. Free live streaming is included, allowing users to record games and live stream games to Twitch, Hitbox, and other sites. An overview of its features is given, including screenshots and tutorials. Trial use is available, and a home or commercial version may be purchased.
https://actionrecorder.com/
As a marketplace for gamers, from gamers, Eldorado is in the business of providing in-game gold and other items for several video games, including ArcheAge Gold, Elder Scrolls Online, EverQuest Gold, Final Fantasy XI and XIV Gil, MapleStory 2 Mesos, Path of Exile Orbs, RuneScape 3 Gold, and World of Warcraft Gold, as well as for Rocket League on the PC, Playstation 4, and Xbox. Viewers can view games that use its in-game gold, and register for an account in which to purchase such.
https://www.eldorado.gg/
With two New York locations, Miller Place and Smithtown, Game On is a retro gaming and toy store carrying retro games, toys, and figures, catering to the casual video gamer as well as the collector, also carrying game consoles and accessories. As the company resells used products, Game On is always interested in buying games and consoles, specializing in retro Nintendo, Super Nintendo, N64, Gameboy, Gamecube, Sega Genesis, PlayStation, and others.
https://gameonmp.com/
The independent chain of retro-focused video game stores buys, sells, and trades video games, and offers a one-stop-shop for gamers to find modern game consoles, accessories, and games, as well as game-themed collectibles, apparel, and other products. In business since 2005, most of its stores are currently in Texas, but there are two in Washington. An interactive map shows the location of its stores. Hardware, accessories, and software may be bought and sold online.
https://gameovervideogames.com/
An online video game rental service that offers subscription to let you rent from their vast collection of video game titles for a wide range of game consoles. You can pick your games through this website and the company will send your game to your doorsteps. The website contains all the top games and the hottest titles in stock that every gamers would want to play whether it may be for PSP, PS3, PS2, Xbox 360, Xbox, Wii, GameCube, Nintendo DS or GBA.
http://www.gamefly.com
The video game, consumer electronics, and wireless services retail company is headquartered in Grapevine, Texas, and operates thousands of retail stores throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, which carry the names, GameStop, EB Games, ThinkGeek, or Micromania. The company also owns Game Informer, a video game magazine, and Simply Mac, an Apple reseller. Its site focuses on console devices, electronics, and games.
https://www.gamestop.com/
Specializing in video games, game systems, and accessories, JJ Games offers free shipping on every order, with no minimum purchase. Currently, its available products include hardware and games for the Nintendo NES, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Playstation, Playstation 2, Playstation 3, Sega Genesis, Xbox, Xbox 360, Gamecube, Gameboy, and Wii. The company also buys used video game systems and games, offering instant quotes, pre-paid shipping labels, and payment by PayPal.
https://www.jjgames.com/
Operating through a XenForo script, Sythe is an online gaming community where gamers can buy or sell in-game items and keys, get free services from trusted sellers, hire a freelancer, or discuss gaming issues. With a focus on Runescape, other games game markets are also included, along with non-game sales, console sales, steam sales, and real-life, non-virtual items. Market discussions, price checks, and other game discussions are included. Registration is required.
https://www.sythe.org/
Offering used video games for sale, the Old School Game Vault will buy retro video games, from those made for the ColecoVision to Atari, Sega, Nintendo, Xbox, PlayStation, and others, including games such as Super Mario Brothers, Metroid, Pokemon, and The Legend of Zelda. The site offers trade-in prices for used video games, retro consoles, and accessories, as well. Customer testimonials are published, along with information about payments and shipping policies.
https://theoldschoolgamevault.com/
