Could this be the best retro game shop in the UK? I think – in 2024 – it is. I think/hope that I am somewhat qualified enough to know, having visited so many now.
In terms of stock, buzz, curiosities, and general friendliness, it leads the way in all aspects of any retro shop that I have been to.
I’ve spent good money on both occasions that I have visited, and when I finally get access to the workshop, I will spend an awful lot more, too!
On both occasions that I have been, there has been very high activity, with people trading lots of games, as well as plenty of customers.
And even queues – something that you don’t often get in retro gaming shops…but even the queue was fun, talking to a fellow retro gaming collector.
I am big 8-bit nerd, and Vintage Gamer is brimming with 8-bit as well as 16-bit and beyond. There are also a couple of nook rooms – one very neat and full of Playstation games, and another full of random curiosities in boxes. I am sure that if I wasn’t with my dog, I would have spent a few hours in that one room alone.
And that is not all! There’s an off-limits workshop room that has to be the most packed retro room in the country. I was lucky enough to have access, but with my faithful dog being a bit anxious, I cut my time in there short.
And even then, that’s not all! There’s a museum of microcomputers and consoles ’round the back’ which is so full of nostalgia and a very great touch.
And finally, it has to be the friendliest retro game shop in the UK. By and large, retro game shops tend to be friendly places, as we are all there for the nostalgia, but Nick and his staff at VG have to be the friendliest/bounciest people I have met on my travels.
And because of such great, local, VERY friendly ‘competition’ from places like Hidden Chest, Entertainment World, Get Gaming, and others, I will state once again that the West Midlands is the best place to be a retro game collector. In every shop that I have visited, the owners have recommended the other shops too.
So, it’s official – Vintage Gamer is the best retro game shop in the UK. It’s got competition, but it is still leading the way. I highly recommend you visit.
You can find Vintage Gamer at 87 Windmill Hill B63 2BY Halesowen, UK.