8-Bit Retro Video Games — Attraction in Santa Fe

I heard from a friend in Pennsylvania that the Target he worked at was getting regular shipments of Nintendo Switches, so I have been occasionally wandering from store to store over the last week in my free time, just on the off chance that I would find one.

I used to frequent a classic games shop for all my gaming needs back when I lived in Pennsylvania (Classic Game Junkie in Glenside), so I figured I'd touch on the small business market in my quest. At first, I visited a different classic game store in the mall, but when I asked the clerk if they ever received shipments of Switches, I was met with a pretentious and snide reply that I had mistaken them for GameStop, as though I, some unwashed pleb, had besmirched the establishment with my mere mention of a relatively modern console.

Luckily, a friend of mine on Facebook made the recommendation that I visit 8-Bit. As soon as I entered, I was met with a friendly and helpful atmosphere. I could immediately sense that the people here were knowledgeable and passionate about videogames of past and present. I brought up the same question at 8-Bit and was given a vastly different response: Even though 8-Bit has a focus on classic games and consoles, they went out of their way to be of help and took my name and number down for when they would receive the next shipment of Switches.

The very next day, I received a call, and now I am the proud owner of a Switch.

I prefer to give my patronage to those who take the effort to care. I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to return to 8-Bit for any future games...

I’ve been in Santa Fe for a very long time. Been to most places around New Mexico, as well as pretty much every store, gallery, and building in the city itself. I’m a pretty old school person, so I value good customer service and customer relationships very much, as I work in the customer industry myself. And 8 but is like a home away from home. The people there are nothing but friendly and humorous, and have an amazing collection of games new and old for any gamers needs. When I walk in to that store I feel refreshed, I feel welcomed, I feel taken care of. From the earliest playstation to ps 4, any Xbox console, game boy, literally anything, they have it. I’m a huge fan of the 70s and 80s era and it feels like I’m walking into the best modern arcade of all time. I’m a big gamer, and I’m there pretty much every week chatting with some of my favorite people in town, reviewing games, and getting awesome new titles. Want to visit a place that feels like you walked into dungeons and dragons mixed with tron at the same time? Go to 8 bit. Wanna visit a place where you feel cool and like your valued in the community? Go to 8 bit. Don’t know where to go? GO TO 8 BIT. It is without a doubt my favorite store in Santa Fe, and you don’t even have to be a gamer to visit. It is a place where there is something for everyone, a place where old is new, a classic timeless home for all. Just go, you will...

This place is AMAZING as are the dudes that work here! I was feeling nostalgic for Atari 2600 games and I thought I could just find a console and games at a thrift store-- I used to see them all the time in the 90's. Then I spent the better part of a day hitting the thrift stores and found nothing atari related at all. I considered driving to CO to buy one off craigslist. Then I noticed this place on Cerrillos and gave them a call-- they have Atari stuff!!! And reasonably priced! And the man who helped me was so rad! It was super fun deciding on games (most in the $1.99 - $7.99 range; good selection) and checkout was very efficient. This place seems to have steady business and they did a great job of managing the number of people in the store for covid safety. I went back to pick up more games and it was a different employee-- equally friendly, knowledgeable and kind. I didnt know stores like this existed-- maybe most cities arent as lucky as Santa Fe is to have an 8-bit! They made my Atari dreams come true and Im super grateful for them! Please support this local small business! BTW the Atari system they sold me is perfect-- all the connections included, plus joysticks, all super clean and in perfect working order....