Retro gaming enthusiasts understand the thrill of hunting down cherished games from the past. In an era predominantly dominated by online marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace, CeX, also known as Complete Entertainment eXchange, stands out as a brick-and-mortar beacon for vintage gaming. Founded in 1992 near London's Tottenham Court Road, CeX initially catered to PC enthusiasts and gamers keen on Japanese imports. Quick to adapt to market changes, the store eventually pivoted toward domestic gaming, technology, and DVDs, franchising their store concept beginning in 2005. Counting more than 388 stores globally, with over half located outside the United Kingdom, CeX has become a significant player in retro gaming retail.
CeX has been a part of the retro scene for decades, even earning a visit from famed game designer Hideo Kojima to their dedicated London retro store in the late '90s. However, in recent years, CeX has garnered mixed feelings within the gaming community. Social media often highlights instances where the retailer's prices seem inflated or the products, particularly online purchases, arrive in subpar condition, missing instructions, or sporting poorly photocopied cover art.
To investigate these claims, we took on the task of buying retro games from CeX to understand what the buying experience really entails. CeX operates on a trade-in model, offering cash or credit for a wide range of products, and their inventory is available both in-store and online. Customers can browse the collective stock from numerous locations, with purchases being dispatched from the store holding the item. The challenge lies in not being able to physically inspect the item before acquisition, relying wholly on CeX's grading system.
CeX employs a grading scale for tech products ranging from Grade A (which is near mint condition) to C (working condition). For retro games, though, these ratings adapt: 'Mint' games are the safest bet for purchasers seeking completeness and excellent condition. The term 'boxed' is where issues often arise—a CeX 'boxed' game guarantees only that it comes with a box, not necessarily with instructions or original cover art. In contrast, 'loose' game ratings apply mainly to cartridge-based games without any expectation of original packaging or manuals, providing more transparent transaction conditions. To reassure customers further, CeX offers a 24-month warranty on all items, plus a 14-day return policy for online orders reflecting standard UK distance selling regulations.
An experiment with a selection of Neo Geo Pocket (NGPC) games ordered from CeX's site proved to be a roulette of sorts. The 'mint' condition games lived up to their designation, arriving in exemplary condition, while 'boxed' games, surprisingly, also showed up in impressive shape. Notably, there was an incident with an expensive 'boxed' copy of Metal Slug: 2nd Mission, which arrived incomplete and with a photocopied cover, prompting a return. A subsequent 'mint' purchase of the same game fulfilled the expectations associated with the premium grade.
The experience of acquiring two treasured games, Terranigma and Alien Soldier—neither released in North America—resulted in more of a mixed bag. While both games came with their respective components, their condition left something to be desired; they suffered from issues such as crushed boxes, scribbled manuals, and worn cartridge labels. These disappointments, albeit grudgingly, were accepted due to the rarity and high demand of these titles.
This journey through the CeX retro lottery demonstrates both the joys and risks inherent in buying vintage games from a major retailer. While there were pleasant surprises, the grading system's limitations led to some dissatisfaction. The consensus is that CeX could benefit from refining its grading process for retro games, potentially adding another level for clarity's sake, and ensuring that the games are described accurately and priced fairly. Despite the hiccups, the draw of their broad selection and the protection provided by their warranty policy can make CeX a compelling choice for retro shoppers.
CeX remains a vital part of many gamers' lives, offering a tangible connection to gaming's history. The hunt for retro games is, by its nature, fickle and sometimes frustrating, yet the chance to own a piece of that history often makes rolling the dice at CeX a gamble worth taking.
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