2017 Edition of the Top Retro Gaming Stores in Middle TN
Since the 2013 edition has been rated fairly high on Google, I decided to do an updated list of my favorite retro video game stores in Middle Tennessee. Unfortunately, lots of stores have gone out of business, but others have picked up slack, so the ratings have changed and so have some of the locations! I’ve also been to the far reaches in Tennessee both south and north of Nashville in search of the top game stores so a few of these may be noted as a little out of the way if you are visiting Nashville.
10. Goodwill of Middle Tennessee (all over the place!)
Sadly, there aren’t really 10 total game stores in MIDDLE Tennessee, so Goodwill still makes the chart. If you see a Goodwill, there is a 99% chance they won’t have anything good. They sell anything and everything that is any good online, and never post pictures or rate condition. It’s a real shame that they know what they’ve got, and go so poorly about selling it properly.
9. Game Galaxy Arcade (Rivergate/Smyrna)
Game Galaxy focuses more on arcade gaming than console gaming, but does randomly get in old systems and games traded in. It’s really a hit or miss place for purchases, but if arcade gaming is your thing then this place is a must. There are HUNDREDS of machines between the two locations, and it’s typically only $10 to play all day. This is the ONLY place in Tennessee to check for arcade games.
8. Play-N-Trade (Murfreesboro)
Play-N-Trade is a small chain that landed in Murfreesboro about 8 years ago. It’s run by really nice people and specializes in newer console games, but has a nice amount of retro come in from time to time. Being that it’s down the road from one of the absolute finest retro game stores in TN (more on that down the list), it’s hard for it to compete any higher. That being said, it’s still a contender in the top ten, so check them out!
7. Media Rerun (Murfreesboro)
Media Rerun is an independently owned store that has a reputation for getting in oddball and rare items. What comes in today may be gone tomorrow, and if you don’t see something good today, tomorrow could hold treasures. It’s really impossible to know what they might have. The staff is super nice and is willing to cut deals on the spot, and the prices are always MORE than competitive. They post new arrivals on their social media constantly. This is a staple on every trip to Murfreesboro!
6. Game Trader (Nashville)
Game Trader is a place of top notch quality. The case in the back of the store is a museum in and of itself. But the price point is also there. The prices are typically right around averages online, but sometimes are higher and sometimes lower. Beware items in shrink wrap, as they will appear to be factory sealed but are actually just re-wrapped by the store itself to keep everything intact and together. They get loads of rare items in, and definitely know their stuff. The employees aren’t always cheerful, so don’t go in looking for a lot of conversation. It’s worth a visit, even if you don’t make a purchase. This is probably the best place for serious collectors to hit in all of the Nashville area.
5. McKay Used Books (Nashville)
McKay went from a low-priced junk-hole with lots of treasures, to an overpriced joke of a store, but has now finally found their place retro gaming. The staff used to be argumentative and impatient, but is now nothing but smiles and courtesy. The guys working the help desk are awesome, and the selection fluctuates like all buy/sell/trade stores do but they typically keep quality items behind the counter, and price them accordingly. The prices aren’t too inflated though. Sometimes things are higher than online averages, but lots of times are much lower. They recently had a used mint copy of Snatcher for Sega CD for $380, which isn’t bad for a book store! Check their “very scratched” section for some good bargains on manuals and cases to complete your disc only games!
4. The Great Escape (Madison)
This location of the Great Escape is just down the road from Game Trader, so typically the best items get taken to the gaming specialty store. Sometimes this store gets in some real treasures and prices them to move. The staff is hit and miss, but the management are extremely nice people. They recently moved into a newer location just down the hill from their old spot (now they are in the old Hollywood Video and later Buybacks - RIP to both!). Expect a great selection of new and old games, action figures, card gaming, movies, and music. They trade all of those items as well, so bring in your old music and swap it for old games! Most of the treasure is in the case up front by the register, or in the case in the very back of the store. There are a few tables with more common items out, but you never know what you might find!
3. McKay Used Books (Chattanooga)
This store is TECHNICALLY in East Tennessee, but it’s right on the edge of Middle TN and well worth mentioning. I’ve always had great luck at this store. I stop through on trips to Atlanta every chance I get, and nine times out of ten it’s well worth it. Expect the same as Nashville, but with a bigger gaming section with a ton more items, and better organization.
2. The Great Escape (Nashville)
This is my go to store for retro gaming around town. This is where I buy the most, shop the most, and where I do all my trading. The people are typically a pleasure to deal with, and trade credit is the best value I’ve found. The selection of retro items here is getting better all the time. The prices are very much lower that online, and even other local competitors. There is no telling what you may find here, but chances are you’ll be walking away with it at the prices they have!
1. Game Trader (Murfreesboro)
This is the finest store for retro gaming that you will find in Middle Tennessee. The store is tiny, but packs a HUGE punch. They have more conversation pieces than all the other store combined, and the staff is hands down THE nicest and most knowledgeable. I’ve spent hours just conversing with the guys at this store. They are always running specials, and have extremely competitive prices and make sure the quality items are kept safe behind the counter - so expect to have to ask for assistance to see the real goods. It’s a little hard to find, as it faces away from the road and is right behind a Baskin Robins in a Wal Mart parking lot - but DON’T MISS IT!
-Blasted Machine Tech Shop (Cleveland)
This store isn’t in Middle Tennessee, but it’s tied for the absolute BEST in all of Tennessee that I have found. If you’re headed down I-24, it’s a short distance off the beaten path but has so many great items packed into a tiny little location. They always have great prices and then pile on terrific sales on top of that. I take extra time on my trips down to Atlanta to shop this store. The guys running it are always very nice and extremely knowledgeable. I’ve found MANY great items here and always get loads of great information from these guys.
-Game Hero Video Games (Jamestown)
This is the other BEST retro gaming store I’ve found in all of Tennessee, but too bad it’s nowhere near Nashville. Jeremiah is a cool dude who started dealing in games around Cookeville, and eventually made a name for himself and was able to open his own store. His prices are more than fair, and he’s full of knowledge and kindness. This is a collectible gaming store run by a game collector FOR game collectors. If every game store was like this one, the world would be a much better place for all good collectors.
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