The Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo
Have you ever seen an advertisement for a retro video game convention and wondered what it would be like? They’re a little different than a Fan Expo or Comic Con, which focus on comic books and superhero films. June 14 2025 was the day of the Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo, and COGconnected went. We’d like to share the experience, and give readers an idea of what they could expect, if they decide to go to their own local retro game expo.
The main reason to go to a retro game expo is the massive number of vendors selling retro games. There are a few fantastic retro game stores in the greater Vancouver area, and having them all in the same location is an enticing treat. And a lot of sellers don’t necessarily have brick and mortar storefronts either. Being in a space hunting for videogames evokes memories of video rental stores. There were even sellers who specialize in imported games from Japan. A lot of sellers are also willing to haggle, and offer deals on multiple purchases. Local Vancouver store Gamedeals, who also set up the Expo, had a massive footprint, with thousands of games selling for only $2 each! Shout outs to other local stores Press Start and Mostly Games & Collectibles.
Games From NES to PS5
Games were being sold for every conceivable system. Almost every generation of video game was represented, although most games were between the 3rd and 8th console generations. There were some vendors selling things like Pokemon cards, or their own artwork. But the main focus was still on video games. You could find an Atari Jaguar boxed system, a Japanese exclusive PS1 game based on the Zeiram movies, or a North American PS5 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. There was something for every collector.
Another great reason to go to retro game expos, is they have tons of games set up to play. There were rooms of TVs with attached consoles. One floor even had a section of old PCs running computer games on original hardware with original operating systems. The Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo also held tournaments throughout the day. Specifically they were for Mario Kart 64, Killer Instinct, Super Smash Bros., Super Mario Kart, GoldenEye 007, Tetris, Mario Kart: Double Dash, Street Fighter II, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and Dr. Mario.
Nintendocore
The Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo also had a concert hall set up. There was a different performer every hour. We didn’t have a chance to check out everyone, but a highlight was ROM Hack. They are a prog rock quartet that used heavy synths. They played medleys of music from different franchises. Their Chrono Trigger section was a real highlight. It consisted of more chill songs. Then afterwards they blasted into a faster-paced Kirby medley. Their musicianship was excellent, and some of the sounds they got from their keyboards were perfect.
There were all kinds of activities scheduled throughout the day, including two separate trivia events. One was for video game knowledge, and the other was specifically about music. There was a costume contest for all the folks bringing out their best cosplay. And there was even a comedy show by local improv group The Fictionals.
Celebrities and Q&As
And of course, one of the main draws at modern cons is the celebrity representation, and Q&A sessions. The Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo had a few important figures in the retro game community, such as the immortal John Hancock, who has the world’s largest videogame collection. Viktor Lucas, host of The Electric Playground, was also there. But the real highlight was The Happy Console Gamer. Johnny Millennium, his wife Kim, and, often talked about best friend, Rob Man were chatting with fans all day. Kim even gave me a Perler bead Dragon Quest metal slime she made, because I was wearing a metal king slime t-shirt I had made.
Their Q&A session was lots of fun. They told stories of growing up in the greater Vancouver area, and stories about important moments in their lives. There were some questions about love of specific video games, but the whole session ended up being a really emotional hour. Yuzo Koshiro, the composer for Streets of Rage, ActRaiser, and Ys recently wrote a theme song for The Happy Console Gamer’s YouTube channel. A fan performed the song live for the audience on his electric guitar, and everyone took a huge group photo to cap the session off.
An Incredible Experience
The Happy Console Gamer event is a great example of the kind of meaningful community experience a retro game expo can be. It’s always a great feeling to be among people who love the same things. The Expo definitely needed one of those cliched tag lines like “Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo: Come for the Video Game Hunt; Stay For the Memories”. We had a wonderful day, so don’t ever hesitate to attend the Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo, or look for game conventions in your own community.
For all things retro video games, keep it locked to COGconnected.