In the three decades since video games became mainstream, new generations of gaming consoles and games have evolved. A new Cortez business is bridging the gap and bringing enthusiasts of all generations together, whether they grew up playing Duckhunt on the original Nintendo or Call of Duty on Xbox.
DVR Games Arcade Lounge, a father-son venture spearheaded by Kevin Bibeau and William Adair II, is part retail shop and part video game hangout spot.
The unassuming storefront in the old Walmart stripmall features hundreds of video games for numerous consoles, including a wide-array of retro games, as well as DVDs, CDs, BlueRays and even VHS tapes.
The game lounge is equipped with five gaming stations, that are equipped with everything from the original Nintendo and Sega Genesis consoles, to more modern gaming platforms like Xbox One and Playstation 4.
“We’ve got everything between the two generations,” Adair said.
While the business is new to Cortez, DVR Games had a successful 14-year run in Pennsylvania before the family packed it up and moved to Chino Valley, Arizona.
“We came out to Cortez about three months ago, and opened this up here last month,” said Bibeau. “We’re geared to families and kids and have games for all ages and stages.”
Aside from the selection of retro games that many big box stores may not have available, what sets apart DVR Games is the customer service, Adair says.
“I actually talk to and engage people about the games, get in conversations with customers and really try to help them with what they’re looking for,” he said.
Bibeau and Adair say the business has been a good fit for small towns in the past, and they hope the legacy continues in Cortez.
DVR Games and Arcade Lounge is located E. 2236 Main St. in Cortez.