Button Bashers is the Hidden Gem Retro Game Store of the Midlands

Blog posted by: Gemma @ Juicy Game Reviews / TheGebs24

Step inside Button Basher's: The UK's Hidden Gem Retro Game Store

Back in August 2024, I started a playlist called Buy The List, in which I set out to find certain retro games on my Retro Game Hunt travels. What better place to start this series; Button Bashers. This store is based in Shirebrook, Derbyshire, and belonged to an old friend, James. Without diving in to detail, James sadly lost his life a few months ago. James was a great guy, full of life, friendly, accommodating, generous and a little bit cheeky at times. I remember him fondly from the 90’s (so way before Button Bashers) because he used to copy my PlayStation 1 games as a kid.

It’s fair to say that I had a lot of respect for James. I still do. I was terribly sad to hear about his untimely passing.

Here we are today, having kicked off the series in his shop: Button Bashers. It’s now ran by his best friend, Martin, and James’ wife, Melissa. I was fortunate enough to speak with both of them in this episode. Martin gave me a tour around the shop before I started filming. Button Bashers had some really obscure consoles in! The Philips Cdi, well, two of them actually, a Halo Special Edition Original Xbox, some Super Nintendo Consoles, of which were in stellar condition (I’ve since been told they’d been reserved by one of my viewers) and much more.

Much more you say? Yes! There were three Nintendo 64 ex-rental Games that I fell in love with and one of them was Diddy Kong Racing. You simply don’t see Blockbuster rental cartridges that often. I fell in love. Sadly, they were not for sale but I asked Martin to let me know if the family change their mind as I would love to have them in my collection. It makes it more sentimental to me because they would be from James’ retro game collection. Speaking of, James’ collection of retro games and goodies resided in the back of the shop. Typically, this is not a place customers are allowed to venture in to. The staff also fix consoles and phones back there so it’s not on the typical path through the shop. Needless to say, as a family friend, we ventured in to the back and Mel kindly agreed for me to film in there.

Button Bashers had some COOL N64 Blockbuster Ex rental carts

WOW! A wall full of Sega Mega Drive, N64 games, consoles, Neo Geo Pocket, PlayStation 1 and more. There were additional CDi games too. My eyes scanned over titles like Lunda, Street Fighter EX Plus, Silent Hill (in platinum and black label), Street Fighter Alpha Warriors Dreams. My eyes would not keep up with the sheer amount of incredible games James had amassed. I was very careful to be respectful whilst filming and made sure to ask permission at every opportunity to obtain the footage I thought James would like.

There was a great moment I caught on camera. I won’t spoil the video but I found a retro PS1 Game I’d been hunting for for around one year. Please watch the episode and comment on this blog when you see it. That moment, finding the game, is what this series of Buy The List is about.

As I write this, I’ve released three episodes of Buy The List and I have one more to edit. The fourth is in the largest Retro Game Store in the UK. Stay tuned and for now, be sure to watch the Button Bashers episode below.

​Blog posted by: Gemma @ Juicy Game Reviews / TheGebs24