Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Retrogamer.ae?

Retrogamer.ae is a Dubai-based retro gaming specialist established in 2013. We focus exclusively on original retro consoles, games, and accessories, serving collectors and players who want authentic hardware that works reliably today.

Where is your shop?

We operate out of our shop in AL Quoz 3, Dubai. Our shop is not a showroom but you are welcome to pick up your orders after placing them online. It's recommended to contact us before coming so we can check availability or prepare your order. 

Do you ship international? 

Retrogamer.ae does offer international shipping. You can contact us for a shipping quote and we'll place the order for you manually. 

Do you buy or offer trades? 

We do not offer any trades and do not buy our products locally. We source from the US and Japan exclusively. 

Do you sell original or reproduction games?

We sell original, authentic hardware and games unless clearly stated otherwise.

We do not mix reproductions into original listings. If a product is aftermarket or reproduction, it is labeled transparently.

Are your consoles and games tested?

Yes. Every console and game is individually tested before sale. We service every item before it leaves our shop. 

Testing includes:

Power-on and stability checks

Controller port and button testing

Cartridge or disc read verification

Video and audio output confirmation

Faulty items are repaired, rejected, or used for parts, they are not sold as-is.

Are items cleaned or refurbished?

All products are cleaned and inspected before sale.

Depending on the item, this may include:

Internal and external cleaning

Contact cleaning on cartridges

Thermal and airflow checks on consoles

We prioritize reliability and longevity, not just appearance.

Do your products come with a warranty?

Yes. Our retro consoles and games come with a 90-day limited warranty.

This is longer than the standard coverage offered by most retro sellers and exists because we test and verify our inventory before selling it.

What does the warranty cover?

The warranty covers functional failure under normal use, including:

Consoles failing to power on

Games not reading despite proper hardware

Output issues that were not present at time of sale

It does not cover physical damage, liquid damage, or user-modified hardware.

What if my item arrives not working?

Although extremely rare, but if it does happen we'll send you a free replacement immediately. 

We do not sell retro items “as-is” and leave customers unsupported.

Do you repair retro consoles?

We offer retro console repair and servicing for our customers only who purchased the consoles from us. 

Why are your prices sometimes higher than marketplace sellers?

Our pricing reflects:

Tested, serviced and verified hardware from the only retro gaming specialists in the UAE. 

Cleaning and inspection time

Warranty coverage

Local accountability and after-sales support

Many cheaper listings are untested, sold as-is, or imported without support.

You won't receive a yellowed, scratched or heavily used item from us. We try to source items only in the best condition and we have a standard of quality that we follow strictly before letting a product leave our premise. 

Do you sell modern consoles or only retro?

We specialize in retro only.

Our focus allows us to:

Maintain deeper technical knowledge

Stock relevant accessories and replacements

We do not dilute our inventory with modern gaming products.

Are you suitable for collectors?

Yes. Many of our customers are collectors who value:

Original hardware

Accurate listings

Consistent condition

Long-term reliability

We prioritize authenticity and function over volume sales.

 

Why choose Retrogamer.ae over other retro stores?

Customers choose Retrogamer.ae because we offer:

Over a decade of local retro-gaming experience. We've been doing this since 2013 and are known in the market for the extreme high level of attention and detail we give to our retro games and consoles. 

Tested, serviced, cleaned, and verified hardware. We are specialists. We know every in and out of every item we sell. Every item that comes through our shop is usually fully disassembled for deep cleaning and servicing. 

A 90-day warranty on vintage products. You won't need this most of the time, we rarely get warranty claims. However if you do have any issues we will send you a free replacement immediately. 

Repair capability, not just reselling. We conduct deep service checks on everything we sell and perform preventative maintenence so your retro stuff runs for years without problems. 

Clear focus on serious retro gaming and collecting. 

We are built for long-term ownership, not impulse sales.

How long have you been operating?

Retrogamer.ae has been operating since 2013, making us the longest-running dedicated retro gaming specialists in the UAE.

Can I contact you before purchasing?

Yes. We encourage customers to ask questions before buying, especially for compatibility, condition, or setup concerns.