For many people, the sound of classic video games instantly brings back memories of afternoons spent mastering favourite titles with family and friends.
In the heart of City West, those memories are being brought back to life through an immersive retro gaming experience that celebrates the consoles and games of decades past.
From iconic power up jingles to familiar extra life chimes, The Nostalgia Box in Plaistowe Mews offers customers an immersive opportunity to revisit the games they grew up playing, or introduce new generations to old school entertainment.
Owner David Green describes his concept simply: “We are the retro video game museum where you not only get to learn the history of video game consoles but get to play all the consoles too.”
Having operated the business since 2019, after it had been running for five years, David moved the business to its third, and current, location three years ago. The spacious floor plan provides room for a museum display, interactive gaming and groups – providing a versatile business model.
The cheat code to fun
David’s opportunity to take over the existing business arrived when he was looking for a new challenge. The chance to take on Australia’s only interactive video game console museum was something too good to walk past.
“I bought this business back in 2019 because the owner was suffering from burnout and needed a change. We saw a huge amount of potential.” David shared.
The opportunity came with over 100 consoles and handheld devices dating from early 1970s, representing the first generation of computer games. Much loved favourites from the first generation Pong to the iconic Donkey Kong, Pac Man, Super Mario Bros, Space Invaders and Sonic the Hedgehog are among the collection.
“People love retro video games and the nostalgia of playing on old consoles – it’s the memories these ignite,” explained David.
“When you have a venue dedicated to this, it provides a lot of opportunity for many ventures. So, we thought that we could take this business and really make something out of it.”
Today, the venue not only provides the opportunity to play the games and learn the history behind their evolution, but offers parties and excursions with a difference for adults and children alike. It is also a popular tourism destination in the city, rated as one of the top museum attractions in Perth on TripAdvisor, with a five star score.
Pressing the start button with the SBDC
Starting out as a business owner can be daunting – even when you are taking over a going concern.
“We found the Small Business Development Corporation through people recommending it while we were starting out as a business and looking for resources.” David explained.
“Most of what we needed was online, but when I connected with a business adviser we had such a great result. There were a few contract disputes that we needed to get clarifications on, alongside information about taxes, employee benefits and other important aspects that I needed.
“Anything I couldn’t find myself they found for me whenever I spoke to them. They were really helpful and supported our business.”
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Taking it to the next level
With a clear game plan for the future, David has strong ambitions to develop The Nostalgia Box further.
“Our plans are big. We not only want to be the retro video game place for Perth that everyone comes to, but the museum for Australia that everyone loves!” David declared.
“Our next steps are to get a larger space. Currently we have 365 square meters, but we need more room for different types of venues and offerings: For the museum itself; and most of all to provide the experience that we really envision giving.”
David’s message to those thinking about trying their hand at a retro game is inviting:
“It doesn’t matter if you’re closer to six or 60 years old, come down to The Nostalgia Box - with over 2,500 games ready to go, we will have something for you!”
Visitors are encouraged to book online or call ahead as group bookings get exclusive use of the venue.
At The Nostalgia Box, the familiar sounds of classic console games are more than nostalgia, they're the foundation of a thriving business dedicated to preserving and sharing retro gaming with new generations of Perth locals and visitors alike.
More information
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