Canberra’s gaming scene is more than just a niche hobby it’s a thriving culture with something for everyone, from hardcore console players to retro collectors and family-friendly tabletop fans.
Whether you’re hunting down the latest PlayStation release, nostalgic cartridges from the ’90s, or a social space for weekend tournaments, ACT has a well-rounded mix of stores worth checking out.
This guide highlights the top video gaming stores in Canberra and surrounding suburbs, with updated details on each store’s offerings, hours, and unique features to help you find what suits your gaming needs best especially if you’re searching “near me”.
Please note: Store hours, services, and in-stock items may change. Always call or check the store’s official site before visiting, especially during holiday periods or event days.
1. EB Games / ZiNG Pop Culture – Canberra Centre – Newest titles + merchandise
This popular hybrid store is a staple in the Canberra gaming community.
Located inside Canberra Centre, the combo of EB Games and ZiNG Pop Culture means you get the best of both worlds from new releases to geeky collectibles.
EB is known for its wide range of console games, while ZiNG brings in all the pop culture goodness: anime figurines, trading cards, plush toys, and themed gifts.
Their well-organised layout and knowledgeable staff make it a go-to spot for families, serious collectors, and casual shoppers alike.
Contact & Location
- EB Games / ZiNG Pop Culture, First Floor, Canberra Centre, 148 Bunda Street (opposite H&M), Canberra, ACT 2601
- Phone: (02) 6230 1306
- View store info on ZiNG Pop Culture
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
- Click & Collect: Available
- Returns: Accepted (subject to condition & policy)
- Preowned Games: Buy & sell options available
- Layby and trade-in services: Yes
While there’s no on-site VR demo or gaming station, the staff are always happy to help with recommendations or updates on stock availability for rare items, especially preorders and restocks on popular titles like Zelda or Final Fantasy.
What makes this store stand out
Ideal for those in Civic, this EB Games + ZiNG combo store delivers a massive mix of new releases, collectibles, and consoles, all in one easy-to-access central location.
It’s especially popular among fans of Nintendo Switch titles, PlayStation bundles, and anime-themed merch.
2. Good Games Canberra City – Board & video games under one roof
Good Games is a well-established name in Australia’s hobby gaming scene, and its Canberra City branch is a local gem.
The store seamlessly blends video games, board games, trading card events, and tabletop RPGs creating an inclusive space for all types of gamers.
From Pokémon and MTG tournaments to social D&D campaigns, this store isn’t just a shop it’s a gaming venue and community hub rolled into one.
With regular game nights and a stocked back wall full of both new and indie titles, it’s easy to lose hours exploring what’s available.
Contact & Location
- Good Games Canberra City, Ground Floor, 38 Garema Place (off Bunda Street), Canberra, ACT 2601
- Phone: +61 2 6248 7722
- Email: canberracity@goodgames.com.au
- Check events and updates on Good Games Instagram
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
- Tournaments: Held weekly (MTG, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh)
- Game Library: In-store demo games available
- Online Orders: Click & Collect option
- Trade Cards & Accessories: Wide range in stock
Although it caters to card games more than console releases, Good Games offers a small yet relevant selection of video games and accessories, especially for Nintendo Switch users.
Why locals love this venue
A local favourite near Garema Place, Good Games offers a casual yet engaging place for hobby gaming, especially if you’re into Magic, D&D, or newer card systems like Flesh and Blood.
The welcoming space, late opening hours, and strong community vibe make it the perfect after-work hangout.
3. Reload Bar & Games – Gaming lounge with drinks, food & retro setups
Reload isn’t your typical game store it’s a licensed gaming bar with console setups, retro arcades, and themed events.
It merges gaming culture with a chill social scene, giving locals a chance to eat, drink, and play all in one spot.
Whether you’re jumping into a Smash Bros. tournament, joining a Mario Kart night, or just enjoying the nostalgia of arcade cabinets and indie games with a pint in hand, Reload has something different to offer.
Contact & Location
- Reload Bar & Games, Basement, 38 Northbourne Avenue (corner of Garema Place), Canberra, ACT 2601
- Phone: (02) 6248 8074
- Menu and events at Reload Bar & Games
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Wednesday | 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Thursday | 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Friday | 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Saturday | 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
- Console setups: Nintendo Switch, PS4/PS5
- Retro cabinets: Available
- Tournaments: Weekly, walk-ins welcome
- Themed Nights: Trivia, cosplay, retro gaming nights
Unlike retail-focused stores, Reload doesn’t sell games, but it offers an immersive gaming experience and that’s a big win if you’re looking for a social scene rather than a shelf.
Why it stands out for Canberra gamers
Just a short walk from the Civic light rail stop, Reload is ideal for those after work or weekend hangouts.
It’s one of the only places in Canberra where you can game socially with food and drinks, and a solid lineup of themed events ensures there’s always something fresh to enjoy.
4. Gametraders Tuggeranong – Retro games, consoles, and pop culture
For gamers in the south of Canberra, Gametraders Tuggeranong is a reliable hub for retro titles, trading cards, and geek culture.
Located inside South.Point, this branch of the nationwide chain focuses on hard-to-find vintage games, anime collectibles, and refurbished consoles.
Their range includes cartridges for SNES, GameBoy, and even Sega systems a goldmine for retro collectors.
They also stock modern games and accessories, making it a great one-stop shop for all eras of gaming.
Contact & Location
- Gametraders Tuggeranong, Ground Floor, South.Point Tuggeranong, 210 Anketell Street (near Woolworths entrance), Greenway, ACT 2900
- Phone: (02) 6293 9846
- Browse their current range on Gametraders
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
- Retro Console Sales: Yes
- Collectible Cards: MTG, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh
- Anime Merch & Figurines: Wide selection
- Returns: Accepted on eligible items
You can also trade in games and consoles, including older systems, which makes it a popular place to find rare gems or offload old collections.
What makes this store unique
Perfect for gamers in Tuggeranong or south Canberra, Gametraders is known for its massive retro game section and niche pop culture items.
It’s one of the few places still offering vintage gaming gear in-store, and the team is always happy to help source specific titles if not on display.
5. The Games Capital – Board, tabletop & family-friendly hobby shop
While it focuses more on board and card games than console titles, The Games Capital deserves mention for its wide inventory, experienced staff, and role in Canberra’s hobbyist gaming culture.
It’s especially strong for families, D&D players, and anyone into non-digital games.
Their selection includes strategy games, miniature war games, puzzles, and more, and the team frequently runs demo nights and game trials to help newcomers get involved.
Though not a traditional “video game store”, it plays a key role in the ACT gaming ecosystem.
Contact & Location
- The Games Capital, Ground Floor, Bailey’s Arcade, 38 London Circuit (next to King O’Malley’s), Canberra, ACT 2601
- Phone: (02) 6248 7722
- Full inventory & event calendar on Games Capital
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
- Game Trials & Demos: Held weekly
- Family-Friendly: Yes
- Returns & Exchanges: Accepted
- Online Store: Yes, local pickup available
They occasionally stock accessories and gift items like dice sets, card sleeves, and collector’s tins, making it a useful add-on for those with crossover interests between analog and digital gaming.
What makes this store a favourite
Located centrally near Civic’s legal precinct, The Games Capital is a go-to for anyone seeking deep-cut strategy games or local D&D advice.
Their welcoming vibe and strong hobbyist knowledge make it perfect for both casual shoppers and committed players.
Final thoughts
Canberra may not be Australia’s largest city, but it punches above its weight when it comes to gaming culture.
Whether you’re shopping for rare retro games, planning a group game night, or looking for a social scene that celebrates geek culture, these stores offer something for every type of gamer.
Each entry in this guide was handpicked based on availability, service quality, local reputation, and specialty focus so no matter where you’re based in the ACT, you’re likely to find something nearby that fits your gaming style.
Ready to explore more Canberra lifestyle picks? Let me know if you’d like a follow-up on tech repair shops, tabletop cafés, or anime & manga stores near you.