Owner Gareth established the business back in 2020, in the middle of the pandemic after being made redundant. He took a leap of faith during the most uncertain times the world had seen in decades, to bring his passion and knowledge to life. As someone who has played video games from a young age back in the early 1980’s, he understood how much fun people still get from gaming today, and so Games Temple was born!
Situated on a busy Leeds high street, Games Temple is a real little gem filled to the rafters with all things gaming and has gone from strength to strength over the last few years. The shop is unique and quirky, as only independent businesses can be, and the care and attention Gareth has poured into the place is evident from the minute you step through the door.
Games Temple stocks a huge variety of brand new and pre-owned games including the latest PS5 releases, but has garnered a massive cult following for the retro selection in store. Looking through the cabinets, you can find old classics you loved to play as a child on systems such as the Sega Megadrive and SNES, Atari, Game Boy, Game Cube, Master System plus much much more. There are rare titles and games from other regions such as Super Famicon and NTSC. Whether you are a serious collector or just wanting to reminisce, there is something to suit all, from cheaper cartridge only games, to complete boxed with manual titles kept safely in a box protector.
Don’t expect the price hikes of some retro game shops here either! Gareth likes to keep his prices realistic and reasonable, offering real value whatever your budget. Games Temple accepts trade too, so you can get what you want even cheaper by trading in old games you no longer want.
Gareth says “Games Temple has been a real labour of love for me. I have built it up gradually over the last nearly 5 years and my stock levels have gone through the roof during that time. I now have people visiting the shop from all over the UK, and even mainland Europe to see what new retro item they can find to add to their collection. My regular customers really appreciate that I am not franchised so held to specific prices, and say that they enjoy that face to face interaction with someone who is into gaming and knows their stuff. Having said that – it’s impossible to know everything and I still learn new things every day! I pride myself on offering great customer service and online reviews reflect that which is great. I work hard every day to build Games Temple, so hopefully there are even bigger and better things yet to come.”
If video games are not your thing, maybe you like to collect toys? Games Temple also stocks brand new toys and collectibles including Funko Pop! vinyl figures, Star Wars, Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Masters of the Universe and more. Find re-released versions of toys you had in the 80’s or TV/movie merchandise from modern cult classics such as Stranger Things and Game of Thrones.
As well as games, toys and consoles, Games Temple also offers console repairs. Carried out by an expert technician with years of experience, and using top quality replacement parts, all repairs come with a 12 month repair warranty.
With free parking right outside, Games Temple is definitely worth a visit if you are looking to add to your collection. With so many of us shopping online now, Games Temple offers that personal shopping experience you can only get in person from an independent business. Feel free to drop in for a browse and a chat about all things gaming!
