Another Retro Gaming Store Opens In Perth: Retro Collect

I emerged from the bushes and went inside...

It really doesn't feel like it was roughly 10 months ago that I was last down Armadale way checking out Retro Levels at the Gosnells Railway Markets. I'm actually in doubt if that still exists since their website and Facebook page has seemingly disappeared (although an Ebay account is still around) but until I confirm that, I know for sure that there is a brand-spanking new retro outlet in the heart of Armadale.
As of writing, Retro Collect has only been open one single week - but I went and visited this Saturday and I can assure you that it's fully stocked and ready for trade. Rather than operating out of a permanent market stall like Retro Levels or a few others around Perth, Retro Collect is in an actual high-street store much like Player [1]. Walking in off the street you're greeted to clean wooden floors, freshly painted walls with shelves and bins full of consoles, games and accessories. This is an actual proper store, and to have a few of these now kicking around Perth makes me a super happy retro gamer.
The question everyone will no doubt have though, is "how are the prices?", so I'll get straight into it. Obviously, they're not going to be anywhere near as cheap as op-shop prices which are my main way of sourcing games usually, but I can't always win with those. It's always super refreshing knowing that I'll be out and about to buy new games, and actually come home with something. This is quite worth the premium if you're not having much luck out in the wild (like I am at the moment).

The prices are more aligned with what you'd expect from eBay and the Facebook buy/sell groups which are gaining a lot of prominence at the moment, but a bit cheaper. I went in setting myself a budget of $50, but of course spent $55 because I have the self-control of a three-year-old. What you see above is what I purchased on Saturday, with all the price tags still attached. All titles were cheaper than what's the current going rate online by about $5-10, which is great when you consider the extra advantages buying from Retro Collect offers. For one, all games come with a 40-day warranty, which is absolutely above and beyond what's expected. Not like it's needed, however, because all games worked first try. It's obvious they had been cleaned and tested beforehand.

So when you compare to buying on eBay, it's a win-win all around. It's cheaper, there's a warranty and you get it that exact same day. Postage in Australia has come a long way, yes (I remember the dark days of a fortnight minimum wait across the Nullarbor) but nothing beats paying on the spot and owning it immediately.

The second question everyone might be wondering: do they sell for my *insert favourite system?* The answer: probably. All the major systems were represented (which you can see for yourself in the photos) and a lot in-box too. There wasn't anything too obscure though, so I wouldn't visit expecting to increase your Game.com or Apple Pippin collections, but I did find some Atari Jaguar cartridges so that was nice.
Otherwise, they sell a nice selection of accessories (with quite a few fighting sticks) as well as a handful of consoles. No doubt the console selection will grow as time goes on, but it was definitely the section that had the least.
Otherwise, there are a few other odds and ends about. One bin was full of strategy guides while another with Tiger Electronics-type handhelds (I can't quite recall what brand they were). There was also a selection of Nintendo plush toys scattered around.

That PlayStation sign is awesome. I want it above my retro setup.

Another feature of the store which resonated highly with me was the Nintendo upright cabinet with an N64 hooked up to play. I'm assuming the game inserted is probably on rotation, but the day I visited Donkey Kong 64 was playable. This is one of those store features that is completely unnecessary, but totally welcome at the same time. The store would be no different without it, but it certainly adds a nice touch. I have no idea why Mario is giving the evils on it, though.

Pictured: Mario at breaking point.

All the hand-helds and higher priced items were safely locked away under the counter from sticky fingers.

The two guys running it were super polite and easy to talk to, and it's obvious they are proud of their store. I don't really have anything negative to say about Retro Collect at all since I had a very good experience. The only slight knot in the rope is a lack of EFTPOS, however, I was told that this was coming, so no worries there.

Can I recommend Retro Collect? Absolutely. The prices and service was fantastic, and I can't wait to return. They're located in a prime location too, being just across the road from Armadale Shopping City (the suburbs mall) and just down the street from the local train station. Unfortunately, I don't live close enough to be able to visit as much I would like to in the future, but its location ensures that it's quite accessible for a large portion of the Perth metropolitan area.


Retro Collect can be found at 52 Fourth Road, Armadale, WA.
Ph: 0434 182 310
Website: www.retrocollect.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/perthretrocollect