UK retailer CeX is set to open new stores dedicated to retro games, according to an insider, with the first potentially debuting this year. The move comes as PlayStation plans to stop producing physical game discs after 2027, a decision that is expected to impact gaming retailers significantly.
CeX Plans New Retro Store Offshoot
Following the decline of GAME in recent years, CeX has become the largest UK gaming retailer, specializing in second-hand games and hardware. The chain currently operates around 380 stores across the country, with additional branches in Spain, Mexico, and Ireland.
According to game collector and YouTuber Retro Ghetto, CeX is launching a new offshoot dedicated entirely to retro games. The YouTuber, who cites two internal CeX sources, claims the new store is codenamed ‘ReX’ (for retro exchange) or ‘CeX Retro’.
Details of the New Store
Along with retro games, the store is expected to sell imported games, including titles from Japan and North America. It may also stock arcade machines and retro toys and collectibles. Retro Ghetto further claims that ReX will have a dedicated analyst whose job is to assess the price of items coming into the store and update their systems to align with competing platforms in the retro sphere.
The first ReX store is reportedly set to open in Birmingham, next to an existing CeX on Bull Street, during the holiday season this year or in early 2027.
Not a Reaction to Sony's Decision
While the timing might suggest a response to Sony ending physical discs, Retro Ghetto claims the new store is not ‘reactionary’ and is ‘something that CeX have been planning long before Sony’s announcement’.
In a video, Retro Ghetto stated: ‘I’m now at a point where I’ve actually had two internal CeX sources share this information with me. And listen, ultimately, until something happens, there’s a chance it could not happen. But I can confirm this is definitely in the works. This is definitely their intention.’
He added: ‘I’d be very surprised if this doesn’t come to fruition given the fact they’ve already confirmed the venue. They’ve even named the manager. I know who the manager’s going to be.’
Futureproofing Against Digital Shift
GameCentral has reached out to CeX for comment. If true, the move is seen as an understandable step for CeX to futureproof itself against a potential all-digital shift with next-generation consoles. However, given that current CeX stores are not known for offering competitive prices on second-hand games, it remains to be seen whether the retailer can attract savvy retro collectors on a large scale.
