UK retailer CeX is reportedly set to open new stores dedicated entirely to retro games, according to an insider, with the first location potentially debuting this year. The move comes as the gaming industry faces a shift toward digital-only releases, with PlayStation planning to stop producing physical game discs after 2027.
CeX Expands with Retro-Focused 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 UK, with additional branches in Spain, Mexico, and Ireland.
According to game collector and YouTuber Retro Ghetto, who cites two internal CeX sources, the company is launching a new offshoot dedicated entirely to retro games. The new store is reportedly codenamed 'ReX' (short for retro exchange) or 'CeX Retro'. Along with retro games, the store is expected to sell imported titles from Japan and North America, and may also stock arcade machines, retro toys, and collectibles.
Dedicated Analyst for Pricing
Retro Ghetto further claims that the ReX stores will have a dedicated analyst whose role is to assess the price of items brought into the store and update their systems to remain competitive with other platforms in the retro gaming sphere.
The first ReX store is reportedly set to open in Birmingham, adjacent to an existing CeX location on Bull Street. The YouTuber stated the opening is planned for 'holiday this year' or early 2027.
Long-Planned Strategy, Not a Reaction
Despite speculation that the move is a response to Sony's decision to phase out 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 the 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.'
GameCentral has reached out to CeX for comment on the reported plans.
Future-Proofing Against Digital-Only Shift
If the reports are accurate, the move represents a strategic effort by CeX to future-proof its business against a potential all-digital shift with next-generation consoles. However, given that current CeX stores are not widely known for offering competitive prices on second-hand games, it remains to be seen whether the new retro-focused stores can attract savvy collectors in a significant way.
