A last look at vintage video game retailer 8 Bit and Up

Photos by Stacie Joy

8 Bit and Up is expected to close tomorrow — as first reported here — after 15 years in business... most recently at 86 E. Third St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue. (The shop started on the second floor at 37 St. Mark's Place and Second Avenue.)

The owner here is said to be retiring (there's word of an eBay shop ahead).

We stopped by for one more look at this memory-inducing time capsule of video games and consoles from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.

As Untapped Cities once said, "The lack of windows, the low ceilings, fluorescent lights and concrete floor seem to recreate our memories of multi-night Counterstrike marathons."

Vintage video shop 8 Bit and Up is closing in the East Village

Photo by Stacie Joy 

If you've been by 86 E. Third St. recently, you've likely seen the store-for-rent sign outside here between First Avenue and Second Avenue. 

Shop ownership has confirmed that the retail business is closing later this month after 15 years. 

Per a message on its website: 

I am sad to inform you that 8 Bit And Up Video Games will be closing its retail doors on Sept. 23rd, 2023. After more than 15 years, it's time to retire! I want to thank everybody who has supported us all these years.

The shop, a fantastic time capsule for video games of the 1980s and 1990s, will have a presence on eBay. 

You can watch a short video about 8 Bit Up from 2011 — back when it was on the second floor of St. Mark's Place at Second Avenue.