8-Bit Classic Collection brings back the oldies

8-bit Classic Collection

Out with the old video-game shop, in with the older video-game shop. After a spur-of-the-moment decision to buy the Game Galaxy store at 28 W. First St., Jim Mattson changed the focus and the name, opening 8-Bit Classic Collection on Feb. 1, specializing in vintage video games.

Mattson had noticed millennials — people born roughly between 1980 and 2000 — were growing nostalgic for the video games of their youth, so he decided to give them what they want. The new store focuses heavily on vintage/collector’s games and systems.

Because 8-Bit sells decades-old products, the majority of the store’s inventory comes from customer trade-ins and cash-outs. According to Mattson, the most popular items are Nintendo 64 and Playstation 2 consoles and video games — systems released in 1996 and 2000, respectively.

Jim MittsonAs the owner and sole employee, Mattson says he’s enjoyed seeing the nostalgic excitement in his customers.

“People come in not really knowing what they will find,” he said. “Then they come across games they played with their friends when they were kids, and their faces light up. I love seeing people get excited with their friends, shouting things like ‘oh man! Remember playing this all night when we were kids?’ That’s my favorite part of the job.”

8-Bit was started in an effort to keep the video game and nerd culture alive and strong, and shows no signs of slowing any time soon.

“These first couple months have turned out great,” Mattson said. “Business has been progressing each month, so I’m excited for the future of 8-Bit and where we are heading.”

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