Pete Watson, a real estate agent in his early forties, drives through Nampa, Idaho, on a bright summer afternoon. With an hour to spare before his next appointment, he spots a sign for “Retro World,” a video game store nestled on a quiet shopping strip. Intrigued and nostalgic, Pete pulls into the parking lot and steps inside.

As he walks through the door, Pete realizes he’s stepped into a time machine. The store is filled with shelves upon shelves of gaming consoles and cartridges from decades past. His eyes drift over a few PlayStations, a limited edition Xbox, and a collection of old games that stir fond memories. Suddenly, a flash of yellow catches his eye. He looks up to see a familiar controller hanging on the wall.

“Is this a DK64 Banana Yellow N64 controller?!” Pete exclaims softly. A smile spreads across his face as he remembers the countless hours he and his younger brother spent fighting over that very controller. Now, as he stands in Retro World, a wave of emotion washes over him. He’s overwhelmed by the nostalgia of those precious, carefree days spent with his brother, bonded by the magic of their shared adventures in gaming.

As Pete continues to browse Retro World, he marvels at the variety of gaming systems they have available. He smiles as he checks out other memorable gaming systems. The store is a treasure trove of gaming history, each console a milestone in the evolution of video games. Pete’s smile broadens as he spotsMortal Kombat, GoldenEye 007, and Doom among the N64 games on display. 

As memories come flooding back, Pete strikes up a conversation with the store owner, Steve Griffin II, curious to learn how a store like this got its start. Steve shares his story, explaining that he started Retro World in 2014 in Twin Falls under the name Retro Games & Entertainment. During this time, he was serving in the US Army National Guard from 2012 to 2020, and running the store part-time was a passion project.

Steve’s love for gaming was nurtured by his father, who owned Gamer’s World & Sports. Steve learned the ins and outs of the gaming business while working alongside him. Listening to Steve, Pete feels a connection, realizing that the store is a labor of love. Steve tells Pete that people like him, who cherish and remember the magic of these games, are why he loves his job.

Steve’s team works tirelessly to provide a stellar experience for every customer, pouring their hearts into making Retro World the greatest place to shop for games and fun. They are committed to excellence, striving to ensure that each visit is memorable and enjoyable. As they chat, Pete realizes that Steve isn’t just a store owner; he’s a fellow gamer who knows these games inside and out. Steve shares stories about introducing classic games to kids who have never heard of them, marveling at how some children don’t recognize an original Gameboy or even know what an Atari is. Steve takes pride in offering lower prices than the mainstream market, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the magic of retro gaming.

Forty-five minutes later, Pete leaves the store with a yellow N64 controller, an N64 console, four new games, and a newfound friendship with Steve. Excited, he immediately texts his little brother to plan a trip back to the store together. Retro World has reignited a spark, reminding Pete of the joy and simplicity of his youth. He can’t wait to relive those moments and create new memories with his brother, just like old times.