SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Video game classics such as Atari, Nintendo 64, and GameCube might seem to be lost in the past — forever. But Megaton Games, Syracuse’s newest video game store, is keeping their memory alive.
The store is owned by Alex Silver, whose obsession with vintage gaming equipment is rooted in humble beginnings.
“We were poor, so we moved around a lot. But my grandmother had a Pac-Man cabinet in her shed,” said Silver. “And the only constant in my life besides my mother and my grandmother was that.”
Megaton Games offers a wide selection of vintage consoles and games. Each product is hand-tested, repaired, and refurbished by Silver himself.
Silver says he took inspiration from his rocky childhood to create Megaton Games and to allow a space where everyone can feel welcome.
“I want them to feel comfortable and accepted,” said Silver. “That’s a big thing. Now I have a place, the place I didn’t have as a kid.”
Silver operates under a busy schedule. He holds a second job as a bartender at Three Lives, a bar in downtown Syracuse. He said that customer experiences make the tight schedule worth it.
“I’ve got a woman who comes in here, she’s gay, and has been disrespected at every video game store she’s been to,” said Silver. “She told me that [Megaton Games] was the first place she’s never felt that, which is awesome.”
Syracuse University student Tyler Slavicek is already regular at Megaton Games.
“[Megaton Games] is kind of like a force of gravity in the community where people can kind of show up and gather around,” said Slavicek. “Just have a safe space to hang out and have awesome common interests.”
Silver is already looking towards the future of the store: one that provides more accessibility and caters to customers with autism and sensory disabilities.
“I’ve got people in my family who have autism and are really sensitive to sensory stuff,” said Silver. “Eventually I’d like to have like sensory friendly days.”
