Cartridge Gaming Brings Retro Home

Just when you thought the good old days were gone, Cartridge Gaming brings them back

The store's Castlevania inspired logo depicts an obvious love for the classics.

It was January, 2015 when Will Long decided to make a big decision.  Up until that point he held his business at the local flea market.  Diligently manning his table, Will bought and sold novelty and antique toys.  Business wasn’t too bad but he knew it could be more.  After he began to dabble in used games he realized there was a lot of potential there for growth.

Will told Nintendo Love Affair, “I realized that there wasn’t anyone else doing it in Lima, so I jumped in.”  

The rarest titles remain behind the counter.  It is a very special assortment of classic games.

After establishing a strong rapport with his clientele at the flea market, Will felt it was time to get his own location.  So, at the beginning of 2015, he made the move and established Cartridge Gaming on Elida Rd. in Lima, Ohio.  Will didn’t underappreciate the fact that he is the only vintage games retailer for miles around.  He could have just slapped some products together on a shelf and tried to capitalize on his

A wide range of products; Nintendo, Atari, Sega and more

pole position.  Instead, he took the time to build an amazing collection.  With hundreds of products on hand, Cartridge Gaming is not only a cartridge gamers dream place, its storefront is wonderfully laid out.  When you walk into Cartridge Gaming, it’s as if you walked into your best friend’s game room.  In the short time that I was there, over half a dozen customers came in through the store with a variety of needs.  If will didn’t know their names already it was because they were new to the store.  

Cartridge Gaming handles your modern gaming needs as well; Playstation, Xbox, and Wii U

The walls are lined with games, posters, magnets perler bead designs, stickers, and other memorabilia.  With products from Atari 2600 all the way to modern systems, Cartridge Gaming will most likely have what you are looking for.  If they don’t, Will is more than happy to help you find, and bid for, it online.  He worked with a customer on Ebay, coaching him on how to bid for a certain Super Nintendo title.  

Will is working hard on a load of pearler bead designs

Another customer came in to have a GameCube disc cleaned.  “Not a problem,” Will told him, “It’ll be just a few minutes.”  While waiting, the customer helped himself the the amazing game testing area.  With six televisions in-store, Will has created an opportunity for the customer to test any game before they buy it.  Not sure if you will like the game?  Pop it in and give it a try.

Give your game a try in the testing area

Will has some very niche and offbeat items on hand as well.  The custom mod and homebrew scenes are both strong in the Lima area.  Interested in playing Final Fantasy VII on the Nintendo Entertainment System?  Will has it!  Want to own Super Metroid with a uniquely designed label? Get it while it lasts.  He also has many modded consoles on hand that are pleasing to the eye. Check out the photos below!

Modifications give the old systems a new look

Beautifully conditioned GameBoys

Home made cartridge labels 

Swoon for Samus

Revamped Nintendo Cartridges

Play this completely original version of Final Fantasy VII, 8-bit style

These modified controllers are made to be indestructible, and look good

Homemade magnets with classic box art

A Zelda themed GameCube. Why settle for anything less?

Turtle power!

Cartridge Gaming, 3000 Elida Rd, Lima, OH 45805


Have you been into Cartridge Gaming? Let us know about your experience in the comments below!

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Mark Ball is a dreamer with a childlike sense of wonder. He plays, explores, and writes. Lately he has been spending his time playing the classics, as well as trying to stay ahead on the eShop.