The feeling of nostalgia is racing Regina in Mario Kart, stirring excitement among gamers and curious locals to display their skills and maybe even win a little cash.  

“The Saskatchewan Retro GameCon is a celebration of all things pop culture with a focal point of retro video game tournaments!” said Jared Dormer, co-founder of the event. “I think gaming, especially retro video gaming hits a special spot in our hearts … whether it’s a memory playing a game with a parent or grandparent as a kid or beating a level with your sibling or best friend, we all have those memories that we wish we could re-live and that’s what we hope to accomplish at any of our events.” 

In a prairie dominated by Agribition and Roughrider games, Dormer noticed a lack of video game cons. 

“My brother-in-law (and business partner) love going to conventions! We were always disappointed in the general lack of video games, especially retro! When I researched the closest retro conventions all I could find was ones in Vancouver, Portland, and Wisconsin. I thought ‘why not, lets just do it ourselves!’ and the Saskatchewan Retro GameCon was born!” 

Holding its first event in Moose Jaw in September of 2025, the Con quickly gained its popularity, resulting in over 1000 attendees and an expansion into the Regina area for a “Bonus Level” weekend pop-up in the heart of the city. 

“Our goal was to have 200 people at our first convention, and we blew that number out of the water! We are hoping to have around 400 for the Bonus Level.” said Dormer. 

On April 18th, the convention will take place within the Golden Mile Mall, hosting video game tournaments for classics such as Mario Kart, Mario Party and shooter game Goldeneye 007, fuelling competitiveness with cash prizes of up to $200, vendors for super-fans to get their own custom merchandise, a movie marathon of the Lord of the Rings within the Moonlight Movies theatre, and special guests for guests to interact with. 

“We have a wide selection of vendors ranging from retro video games, comic books, fossils, jewelry, tattoo artists, authors, pottery, and many more. We really pride ourselves on having retro video game tournaments as our main convention focal point.”  

Among the vendors, Hayley and Harmoni of Geekable Girls understand the need for accessibility. 

“I think it makes a world of a difference having a community that’s easily accessible. I grew up in a very rural place, and it can be so isolated when you don’t have a community, especially in a post-COVID world.” said Hayley, “Feeling connected and brought together by shared interests is another lifeline. For us, it’s taking the “geeky” things we love – like comic book characters, TV, and film and making accessories for everyone. Having lanyards, scrunchies, coasters, purses, and cups of things that make your heart happy is just a lot of fun! Seeing the way Moose Jaw embraced the convention last year, I can’t wait to see what 2026 is like!” 

Starting during the COVID pandemic, the two business partners began by sewing and selling masks, quickly noticing how hard it was to find accessories that represented the cute and geeky theme they were looking for, seeing as the market for these items was geared towards men. After discussing what they would like to see in terms of merchandise for nerdy girls, the Etsy shop was launched. Two years later, in 2023, Geekable Girls attended their first con as a vendor in Vancouver. 

“It’s always so much fun to meet other great venders and creators and to just geek out with other people who love the same things you do! Seeing someone light up because you have something for a character or game they love and can’t find can make the whole day!” said Hayley. 

With a target audience of women, Geekable Girls delivers, taking geeky concepts and giving them a whimsical, unique edge. 

“I think our products are unique in that things we make are often stereotyped as woman’s accessories, like scrunchies or purses – are still in the design that we use for everything else, instead of changing to fit stereotypes with softer images or changing the color palettes. Sometimes you want something pink and cute and other times you just want it to be the original design!” 

Closer to home, Secondhand Wonderland witnesses the popularity of retro games every day, whether it be through customers looking to bring a retro game home or pass on the nostalgia to a new gamer. 

“The gaming scene in Regina is thriving; everyone collects or plays video games on some level. Everyone loves the nostalgia of retro games – we have a console in the corner of the store that people love to see because they haven’t seen it in twenty years.”  said the local chain, “When people come in and they’ll have their old games and consoles to sell, and they’re shocked to find out how much they’re worth. Helping people find a gem or a grail and seeing their eyes light up is also awesome.” 

It’s clear that the video game trend is growing, with the nostalgia-based hobby attracting all ages and maintaining its popularity. “A lot of it is nostalgia – playing the game in the basement as a kid and not having a worry. Lot of people find community in it and comfort.” said Secondhand Wonderland. 

“The best part of video games is you can start anywhere you like! And the best part of the convention is you have willing people ready to help answer any question you have and beat those hard levels!” said Dormer.