Retro gaming is witnessing a strong revival, as enthusiasts and collectors are keen to rekindle their memories or explore the roots of modern gaming. One of the places that has become an inadvertent supplier of nostalgia is CeX, a high street retailer known for trading second-hand games, gadgets, and DVDs. With a network of over 380 stores, CeX is a go-to spot for many hunting for a piece of gaming history.
CeX stands for Complete Entertainment eXchange and was established in 1992 in London. Initially, the chain dealt in PC components and imported games, proudly associated with Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker, who created their early ads. Transitioning away from imports, CeX focused on domestic titles and began franchising in 2005, leading to a vast international presence. They even pioneered one of the first UK dedicated retro game stores, and over time, have given substantial shelf space to such games.
With the availability of retro games at CeX, enthusiasts can sometimes strike gold, finding rare and valuable titles. However, buying from CeX is akin to rolling dice. Many vent online about their grievances with overpriced items or receive games in unsatisfactory conditions—missing instructions, poor-quality photocopies for covers, and general wear and tear that could sour any collector’s spirit.
For those new to CeX, here’s how it works: CeX trades in products traded by customers, who can opt for cash or store credit (with the latter tending to be higher). While in-person shopping is possible, CeX’s online storefront aggregates the inventory of all its locations. This convenience is shadowed by the unknown—the condition of the item cannot be personally verified until received.
CeX utilizes a grading system to classify the quality of its wares. For tech gadgets, grades range from A (like new) to C (working condition), but retro games follow a less clear-cut approach. The highest accolade, 'mint,' promises a game in great condition, but the 'boxed' category is more nebulous. Boxed implies the presence of the original box, but does not guarantee a manual or original cover art. This has led to situations where customers receive items with photocopied covers or manuals missing, which, for collectors, is less than ideal. 'Loose' refers to cartridge-based games without boxes or manuals, which at least sets clear expectations.
Experiences with CeX can be unpredictable. Some purchases fulfill or even exceed expectations, while others fall drastically short. One collector, for instance, shared their mixed experiences ordering online from CeX's Neo Geo Pocket collection. While 'mint' graded games arrived in fantastic condition, a 'boxed' copy of Metal Slug: 2nd Mission worth £150 showed up with a photocopied cover, no manual, and missing the cartridge holder – a collector’s nightmare.
The collector's journey continued with other high-stakes purchases like Terranigma, a classic SNES RPG. It ended in disappointment due to condition issues, despite paying a hefty price. And while Alien Soldier, a cherished Genesis shooter, also failed to impress due to its battered state, the rarity of these titles sometimes forced a reluctant acceptance of these less-than-mint conditions.
The 'CeX lottery,' as some could call it, offers a case study in the unpredictable world of retro game hunting. While it sometimes delivers collector's dreams, it more often than not leaves room for a system that better recognizes and prices games based on their completeness and condition. A more refined grading system could vastly improve the buying experience and customer satisfaction.
CeX, despite its shortcomings, plays an integral role in the retro gaming ecosystem by providing a platform for the trade of classic titles, with the added security of a 24-month warranty on all products. Customer experiences can greatly differ, thus it's crucial for anyone looking to buy from CeX to be prepared for a potential gamble. Is the risk of disappointment worth the chance to own a piece of gaming’s past? That decision lies in the hands of every retro gaming enthusiast walking through CeX's doors or browsing its online catalogue.
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