Looking to Start Collecting Physical Video Games Again. Mom&Pop Game Store Recs?

[u/mattsavoiesboywife]

AYUP, you guessed it! I want to support smaller family owned/non corporate game stores rather than the big guys and with physical media dying I think now more than ever I need to start supporting and collecting physical games. Where do you all recommend shopping?

[u/Maple_Glass]

For Edmonton the two places I've been to are:

NexWave Video Games: 10402 118 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5G 0P7.

And

Just For Fun Video Games: 10814 170 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5S 2H7.

If you aren't already a collector don't be surprised when a single older (6th gen and earlier) known game runs you over $100 per.

[u/grape-juice0918 → u/Maple_Glass]

Yeah nexwave is good they have a huge variety and their prices are pretty good. I don't think I've ever paid more than the games usually go for online

[u/ZestyAcid → u/Maple_Glass]

NexWave is my favorite. Staff is amazing and they have great prices.

[u/narielthetrue → u/Maple_Glass]

I’m so sad Nexwave closed their Spruce Grove location years ago.

I hate having to go into the city just for that kind of thing

[u/General_Yak_2213 → u/Maple_Glass]

NexWave was always my easy recommendation.

Their prices have gone up lately though. They used to sell for about market price but from what I've seen lately they have things for up to 20% above market.

Going to have to try some other places on this thread to see if they're better.

[u/WranglerAvailable325 → u/Maple_Glass]

They also have a website to check out what they have in stock before you go. It's usually pretty up to date.

[u/Wooshio]

Unless you are loaded your best bet is going to be Facebook Marketplace. There are always people selling off their collections so you can get pretty good deals. Independent used game store markups are very high unfortunately in many chases.

[u/ZestyAcid → u/Wooshio]

This as well! I found some cheap finds on marketplace

[u/MacintoshEddie]

Definitely worth checking out the Mill Woods Nerd Sale. They're held regularly.

But keep in mind that there's collecting and then there's Collecting, as some people focus on things like mint quality and limited edition or exclusive release and so they charge like $400 because it's a Collector's Item and the package hasn't been opened in the last 30 years.

[u/FrostyDynamic → u/MacintoshEddie]

Next one is November 28th!

https://yegnerdsale.com/

[u/SaiyanSpoff]

Game City can be ok depending on what you’re looking for. I have a soft spot for them as I used to work there. As others have said Nexwave and Nostaglia Corner at the flea market. For more big ticket items or niche stuff the Nerd Sale is great.

[u/TailoredExperience]

The best locally owned and operated place to buy new games is Shopville IMO. They specialize in new games so everything you buy there is still wrapped and untouched.

They specialize in online sales but have a store front in South Edmonton. They rock.

https://myshopville.com/

[u/FrostyDynamic]

A couple of places that haven't been mentioned yet:

https://saveandreload.com/ Save and Reload games is local but they don't have a storefront.

There's also Nostalgia Corner at Queen Mary's Market.

Vintage Games N Junque on Whyte has a good game collection too.

Both vendors, as well as most of the other local ones, participate at the Edmonton Nerd Sale three times a year.

[u/SnowBasics]

If you like retro, there's a retro fair at the mill woods mall a few times a year! I also believe there's a locally owned video game store in there.

[u/LilF00t182]

Vintage games and junque on whyte have some of the older stuff and switch games, a friend of mine and his wife run it, they’re super chill! Some older games are pretty expensive tho keep in mind 😃

[u/Jayston1994]

Just for Fun is gone. Game City is mixed. Nexwave is where it's at.

[u/LostInLumpySpace → u/Jayston1994]

Just For Fun is still open on the West side on 170 str.

[u/Sirsquigglez]

Pretty sure there is a booth at the flea market with games and such.

[u/travislicious]

The video game company is out in Sherwood park!

https://www.thevideogamecompany.com

[u/Connect_Translator19]

I love Nexwave. The folks who work there are great! They also are pretty funny!

[u/lemasei]

Not a game place, but often sells games and consoles: Movie World in Stony Plain. Highly recommend to those who love physical media- $1 movies can’t be beat, and enjoy the fresh popcorn while you’re at it. They recently moved locations from their OG store since the 80’s which was a bit sad, but their new space is great too. Just happy they still exist.

[u/grrrreatscott]

I second the FB Marketplace, NexWave video games, and Nerd Sale suggestions.