Rare selection
Reviews describe a strong selection of rare and familiar games, including Game Boy, GBA, DS, NES and SNES titles.
RETROs
Al Karama
RETROs in Al Karama is a game store focused on classic consoles, games and accessories, with customers finding everything from N64 and Game Boy titles to Japanese collectibles. You can browse, test selected consoles, buy working retro games, or arrange delivery for some purchases.
Reputation Score
4.7
★★★★★
122 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Good condition
Customers report excellent-condition games that worked properly, with some boxed titles retaining manuals, inserts and protective packaging.
Console testing
Staff have let customers test displayed consoles, including DS systems and an SNES, before buying.
Helpful advice
Several reviews mention patient, responsive staff who explain games and help customers make decisions.
Fast delivery
A same-day order reached one customer within two to three hours, and another purchase was shipped to Saudi Arabia.
Collectibles
The shop carries vintage Japanese collectibles alongside games and consoles, giving collectors more to browse than software alone.
Selling option
One customer sold old consoles and games through the shop and found the process professional and easy to handle.
Tips for a Better Visit
Check region. Ask whether the console or game is Japanese, US or PAL, and confirm language and compatibility before buying.
Test first. Ask to test displayed hardware where possible; customers have tried DS systems and the SNES before purchasing.
Inspect boxes. For boxed games, check that the correct cartridge, manual and inserts are included.
Ask delivery. If you are not visiting in person, ask about delivery options; one same-day order arrived within two to three hours.
Consider selling. If you have unused retro hardware, the shop also handles sales of old consoles and games.
Plan the visit
Practical details
39th St
Al Karama, Dubai
| Mon | 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Tue | 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Wed | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thu | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Fri | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sat | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sun | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Popular Mentions
N64
The shop has N64 consoles and games, including a demo unit running Mario 64.
Gameboy Color
A customer arranged to buy a Gameboy Color, recalling playing the system in the 1990s.
GameCube Game and GameCube memory card
One customer bought a GameCube Game and matching memory card and was happy with the condition.
Gameboy Advance SP
Customers have found games for the Gameboy Advance SP alongside PlayStation 2 titles.
limited edition 30 year anniversary ps5 edge controller
The shop also handled a limited-edition PS5 Edge controller purchase, which arrived well packaged.
Nintendo Wii
A customer was waiting for a Nintendo Wii and specifically hoped to find a PAL version.
Common Concerns
Japanese stock
Reviews say much of the stock is Japanese, with limited or no US and PAL choices for shoppers seeking English-language versions.
Premium pricing
One customer felt the prices were high, particularly for Japanese devices with region restrictions.
Few Pokémon cards
A review specifically wished for a larger Pokémon card collection.
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The Bottom Line
RETROs in Al Karama is aimed squarely at people who want to revisit older gaming rather than shop for current releases. Reviews mention N64, Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, GBA and DS titles, NES and SNES software, plus classic consoles such as the Super Nintendo, GameCube and Dreamcast. Collectors will also find vintage Japanese collectibles and playing cards, while one customer bought a boxed Pokémon Pearl copy with its inserts intact.
The strongest practical reason to visit is the condition and chance to inspect items properly. Customers describe games as excellent and working, with manuals, inserts and protective packaging; staff have also allowed shoppers to test displayed DS systems and an SNES. The shop buys old consoles and games too, and delivery can be quick: one same-day order arrived within two to three hours, while another purchase was shipped to Saudi Arabia.
Do check the region before committing. Several reviews say the range is mainly Japanese, with limited US and PAL stock, and older devices can be region-locked or Japanese-language only. That can make prices feel high, especially if you need English-compatible equipment.
Pokémon card selection also appears smaller than one collector wanted.