Where to buy retro games in the toronto area

[mtomic]

I just started collecting old games but I don't know where to buy them in my area. Does anybody know where to buy games in Toronto?@_@

[fahlim003]

I would advise against buying games locally if you can as often the prices you'll find online with shipping and the exchange rate are better than what's around Toronto. If you're convinced it's local or bust I can recommend two places: Game Centre (two locations in Toronto) - they used to have great older inventory but more and more they are shifting towards the modern/present generation, they often have good prices although not on everything so be mindful. The other is A&C Games (one location) - they have probably best retro inventory I know of via experience but their prices aren't great, there are some rare exceptions but generally speaking you'll pay more here than you would on ebay. I think a couple stores opened up downtown within the last couple years but I've never investigated personally.

[Gameguy]

There's Video Game Express in Richmond Hill which is a bit north of Toronto, they have a good selection but are pretty expensive. Otherwise just craigslist and Kijiji, they're still good for common stuff.

What type of games are you looking for?

[djshok]

There's A & C Games on Spadina but they're a massive rip off and their selection isn't the best. Gamerama on Yonge and Eglinton is better, but you're probably still better off with eBay and forums.

[obesolete]

There's a place called Game Centre on just south of Bloor and Yonge in a little indoor plaza with a Dollarama(btw there's a really great okonamiyaki place just across the street on the south side called okonamiyaki house.. er... or something... for then you're feeling snacky after hunting for games.)

There's also another Game Centre on danforth at Coxwell(?) I think. Not as great at the one downtown.

There's also a GameShack in the Atrium, but they usually have a crap selection for "retro games", not too badly priced for ps2 and up games...mostly.

[fahlim003]

There's A & C Games on Spadina but they're a massive rip off and their selection isn't the best. Gamerama on Yonge and Eglinton is better, but you're probably still better off with eBay and forums.

Actually, I forgot about Gamerama. I so seldom am in the area I didn't consider it. They have an alright selection and sometimes reasonable prices. Sadly, the staff can be grating to deal with and I've tried to avoid going by there for that very reason.

[Genesaturn]

If you don't mind a little driving I'd also recommend taking a day down in the Buffalo area (if you live close to Toronto that is), there's a lot of game places around here selling classics. If you ever want a list of places and addresses just send me a PM :)

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I don't live in Toronto, but nearby in Hamilton there's Entertainment Overload, although they NEVER stock Sega items because "they don't sell".

I wish I knew a place to get sega stuff in the niagara region.

[crazyjackcsa]

http://1upgames.ca/

It's in Hamilton, just off the 403. Tonnes of Sega stuff. The owner is a good guy, prices are reasonable for an actual store. He rarely updates the website though.

[Genesaturn]

http://1upgames.ca/

It's in Hamilton, just off the 403. Tonnes of Sega stuff. The owner is a good guy, prices are reasonable for an actual store. He rarely updates the website though.

I can vouch for this store is well, I'm ashamed I didn't remember 1up. I've gotten a few Sega gems from him over the years. Good prices too, I like it because most places now a days charge "collectors" prices, but he is below the average.

[mtomic]

Wow thx guys this is really helpful. I have been to a & c games, and I do agree that it's not the best place to go. I will be visiting gamerama soon. thx again :D

[kedawa]

A&C Games is better for trading than buying, in my experience. They often give me far more credit for games I trade in than any other place would, so it helps offset the higher prices.

[obesolete]

A&C Games is better for trading than buying, in my experience. They often give me far more credit for games I trade in than any other place would, so it helps offset the higher prices.

Yes to this. ^

I occasionally buy from A&C because I know the staff well and I also sell my own product out of their store. Gar and the gang will sell you games out of box if you are a loosey collector and knock off quite a bit for books and boxes. They're a good place to find that game you HAVE to have. They are pricey, but if you're in a fix they will probably have what you're looking for.


I tend to stay away from Gamerama because of the staff AND prices of retro games. Nobody knows what anything costs and they makes up numbers on the fly, laughable numbers. I almost got into an argument with one of the staff members because they were trash talking other local stores very loudly in front of everyone in the store. How professional.
I think the last thing I bought from them was a Blaster Master 2 boxed and booked for $5 because they had no idea what it was. @_@

[fahlim003]

I am going to tow the line here to be the third consecutive post speaking with regards to A&C being beneficial for trades. I've bought only a half dozen games from A&C in the 8 years I've been going there whereas I've traded towards a dozen a more games. Yeah, I'm not talking about tonnes but the point is if you do your homework you'll find it's far more beneficial to trade certain items into A&C for credit/cash than to sell them on ebay and buy the games otherwise. As I said pricing isn't great and that can work to your advantage with trades since you'll be getting a better return (sometimes at parity with online prices) even though you're only getting a fraction of the price A&C prices/sells your items. Naturally, when you do see good prices, which happens occasionally, it works even more in the customers favour. A&C, thanks to the positive dealings Gar brings to the table, is generally unmatched in Toronto.

[mtomic]

I just found a place called swap shop. They have retail prices, but its better then A & C. They also have a lot of newer games.

[djshok]

Yeah I can second that A&C is decent for trades. But as far as outright purchases go... they have a cart only Genesis Earthworm Jim for $20.... stuff like that makes me not take them seriously.

[sniperCCJVQ]

http://cgcc.ca/

[Atarileaf]

Surprised no one mentioned "Toyratt" in Milton. Here's his facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Toyratt-Retro-Video-Games-Toys-and-Vinyl/132985083442646

[Greg2600]

Surprised no one mentioned "Toyratt" in Milton. Here's his facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Toyratt-Retro-Video-Games-Toys-and-Vinyl/132985083442646

I just saw his youtube page, via Adam Koraliek's page. Incredible stock of common and rare and soft after stock the guy has there. He posts a LOT of videos, which are fairly entertaining because he's a piece of work.