by Ohio isn’t the most exciting state, which is why a lot of people just stay inside playing retro video games (especially during these times). Fortunately, there are a lot of retro game stores near Cleveland and the surrounding areas in Northeast Ohio.
So buy a classic game from your childhood and support a local small business. Here are the best retro game stores near Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.
Video Game Connection – Cleveland, Ohio
Video Game Connection is probably Cleveland’s most established retro game store. This cozy video game shop has been serving the community for over 20 years. Video Game Connection is packed to the brim with video games, consoles, and accessories. And they’re always receiving new trade ins. It’s definitely worth popping in every so often just to see what “new” items are on the shelves.
Video Game Nirvana – Madison, Ohio
Video Game Nirvana is one of the newest retro game stores near the Cleveland area. It’s nestled in the comfy small town of Madison, and the relaxing drive to Madison is reason enough to visit this shop. You’ll always find something new to pick up at Video Game Nirvana — they even carry big box PC games!
Duck Duck Games – Munroe Falls, Ohio
Duck Duck Games is one of Ohio’s newest retro video game stores, bringing a fresh, highly welcoming energy to the Northeast Ohio retro gaming community. This shop feels very clean and modern, but it’s packed with a ton of nostalgia with a wide variety of games from every generation as well as rare collectibles and magazines.
Stone Age Gamer – Salem, Ohio
Stone Age Gamer is a mandatory pilgrimage for any serious retro gaming enthusiast. Known for their fantastic online shop, the physical location in Salem, Ohio is nothing to scoff at. With one of the largest inventories in Ohio, it’s unlikely that you’ll walk out of the store without picking something up.
Game Continuum – Boardman, Ohio
Game Continuum is a small but mighty store in Youngstown, Ohio area. The store definitely caters to a more “otaku” gamer, which is appreciated. If you’re ever craving rare import games for the PlayStation or the Sega Saturn, you are most likely to find them here. In a time where Sega Saturn games are extremely difficult to come by, this is probably the single most important destination to visit for building your collection.
AFK Gaming – East Liverpool, Ohio
The furthest East location on this list is AFK Gaming in East Liverpool, Ohio. This shop not only has a great inventory of games (including a particularly notable PS1 collection) that is constantly growing with new trade-ins, but there are also many forgotten gaming peripherals and controllers at this store. It’s definitely worth stopping in if you’re in the area.
Retroaholics – Canton, Ohio
Retroaholics is one of the newest retro video game stores in Northeast Ohio. The store always has a nice selection games and everything is reasonably priced. The store also offers consignment opportunities for smaller sellers who want to sell their games or products in the store.
The Exchange Stores – Cleveland, Ohio (Multiple Locations)
If you live in Northeast Ohio and you’re a fan of retro games, chances are that you’ve been to The Exchange. When you walk into The Exchange, you’ll be greeted with video games, toys, collectibles, music, DVDs, and more. Try visiting all of their locations scattered throughout Northeast Ohio (and beyond) to see what hidden gems you can find. If you’re a frequent customer, it’s recommended that you sign up for a free customer rewards card, which will accumulate discounts on your next purchases.
Retro Fresh – Massillon, Ohio
Another relatively new retro game store in Northeast Ohio is Retro Fresh, which is located right off Lincoln Way, making it currently the only retro game store in Massillon as far as we’re aware.
This store is packed with games just ready to be picked if you can manage to haggle a deal with the owner.
James Games & More – Lakewood, Ohio
James Games & More is a video game store in Lakewood, Ohio. You’ll surely get your retro gaming fix at James Games & More, but they also sell some plushies and collectibles. If you’re in the area, you’d be remiss to pass up a visit.
The Attic Collectibles – Barberton, Ohio
The Attic Collectibles has a little bit of everything — retro video games, consoles, toys from the 80s and 90s, comic books, electronics, trading cards, and so much more. And the best part is that The Attic Collectibles has terrific prices. If you stop by, you’ll probably walk out with more than video games.
Hartville Flea Market – Hartville, Ohio
While Hartville Flea Market isn’t a retro game store, you’ll always find people selling games. Hartville Flea Market is one of the largest outdoor flea markets in the area, so you’ll find a little bit of everything. Be warned — it’s a bit of a gamble. Sometimes you’ll walk out empty-handed, but other times you’ll score a ton of games for ridiculously low prices.
I’ve been to retro fresh in Massillon, Oh, and I can tell you it is not worth the trip. The store is cluttered, dirty and impassable to get through. We waited for about an hour and a half to look at a game console, because he was too busy talking to a customer about wrestling. And there was only 3 people in the store, which if more than 5 customers go inside you will fall over all the clutter, or each other. When he finally come to help us, he was rude. We asked for the console, which was stacked upon one another in the corner out of sight. When he handed it to me it was filthy, broken, and had a loose piece inside rattling around. He wanted $130 for it. It wasn’t worth $25. I have heard from other retailers how bad he is toward them.
Well, all I can say is BUYER BEWARE, he is over priced and his items smell mildewed. Plenty of cool things, yes.