About WiffleGames
Built by a collector. Shaped by a builder. Run by an operator.
WiffleGames was built through over a decade of collecting, buying, selling, restoring, and operating within the world of retro gaming and vintage collectibles.
Owned and operated by Shawn Orza, WiffleGames represents more than just a store. It represents years of hands-on experience, calculated risks, and a deep respect for the culture surrounding arcade machines, video games, and collectible history.
What began as buying and selling collection doubles has grown into one of Vancouver Island’s retro gaming destinations, combining a real coin-operated arcade with a carefully curated collectibles store and professional services.
WiffleGames was not built quickly.
It was built correctly.
The Story Behind the Name WiffleGames
The name WiffleGames comes directly from early coin-operated amusement history. One of the biggest influences was Harry Williams, a major pioneer in the arcade and pinball industry. Early in his career he worked with devices like the Wiffle Board, which was described as “the granddaddy of the pinball game.”
That piece of history stood out because it represents the beginning of what would eventually become modern arcade culture. Long before video games, before modern pinball, there were mechanical amusement devices like the Wiffle Board laying the foundation.
WiffleGames was named as a tribute to that origin point — not just the games themselves, but the spirit of innovation, craftsmanship, and authentic player experience that built the industry.
Today WiffleGames continues that philosophy by focusing on real coin-op machines, preservation of arcade culture, and creating a space where these games are meant to be played and experienced the way they originally were.
For those interested in the historical reference, the Harry Williams interview mentioning the Wiffle Board can be read HERE:
The Builder Mindset Behind WiffleGames
Before running WiffleGames full time, Shawn worked in construction for nearly 10 years. That experience still shapes how the business operates today.
Construction teaches you to:
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See problems before they become failures
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Build things properly the first time
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Avoid shortcuts
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Think long term
That same mindset now goes into every decision at WiffleGames — from arcade machine restoration to store layout to how inventory is selected.
The same mentality that once built structures now builds an arcade culture.
From Side Business To Full Commitment
WiffleGames began as a small side operation built through nights and weekends while working a full-time job.
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Buying collections.
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Selling duplicates.
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Learning markets.
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Building trust one transaction at a time.
Over time this built:
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Thousands of successful sales
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100% positive eBay seller feedback
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A strong collector network
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Deep product knowledge
Eventually a decision had to be made:
Stay comfortable — or build something real.
The leap was taken.
Building Something Real
In 2017 Shawn secured his first storefront and personally completed extensive renovations using his construction background.
Around the same time he and his wife were expecting their first child. Like many small business owners, the timing wasn’t perfect — but waiting for perfect timing rarely builds anything meaningful.
The store was built anyway.
That hands-on approach continues to define WiffleGames today. Every move the business has made has come through reinvestment, careful growth, and long-term thinking rather than shortcuts.
The WiffleGames Timeline
2011–2012
Serious collecting begins, starting with retro video games and expanding into comics, vinyl records, and vintage toys.
2012–2017
Online sales build reputation through honest grading, careful packaging, and collector trust.
2017
First physical storefront secured and renovated personally using construction experience.
May 2018
First WiffleGames retail location opens to the public.
2019–2024
Arcade operations expand alongside collectibles, helping develop the hybrid arcade and retail model that defines WiffleGames today. Community involvement grows through events, pinball leagues, and collector relationships.
2025
WiffleGames establishes its current headquarters in Duncan, British Columbia, refining the concept into a true retro gaming destination combining arcade culture, collectibles, and services.
A Living Arcade Culture
WiffleGames was built around a simple idea:
Arcade culture should be experienced — not just displayed.
The space was intentionally designed to feel like a functioning retro ecosystem rather than a decorated retail store.
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Real coin-operated machines
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Curated atmosphere
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Vintage technology still in use
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Rotating arcade lineup
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Carefully selected collectibles
Every decision is made to preserve the feeling that made these things special in the first place.
This is not a resale shop.
This is a culture space.
More Than A Store
Today WiffleGames operates as a hybrid of:
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Coin-operated arcade
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Retro collectibles store
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Repair & restoration resource
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Collector network hub
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Local gaming destination
Customers visit not just for inventory, but because they trust the knowledge and integrity behind the business.
Many become repeat visitors because of how the business is run, not just what is sold.
Experience You Can Trust
Over the years WiffleGames has built a reputation based on:
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Fair dealing
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Honest condition evaluation
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Authenticity standards
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Professional knowledge
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Long-term customer relationships
The goal has never been quick sales.
The goal has always been building something that lasts.
Built For The Long Term
Today WiffleGames supports Shawn’s family and continues to grow through careful expansion of arcade machines, improved services, and constantly evolving inventory.
Every decision is made with long-term stability in mind.
The mission remains simple:
Preserve retro gaming and collectible culture while providing a place where people can experience it the way it was meant to be.
About Shawn Orza
Shawn Orza is a lifelong collector, arcade operator, restoration enthusiast, and former carpenter who built WiffleGames through years of hands-on work and steady growth.
His approach remains simple:
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Do things properly.
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Treat people fairly.
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Build something worth visiting.
Visit WiffleGames
WiffleGames continues to grow as one of Vancouver Island’s retro gaming destinations.
Whether you're searching for a rare collectible, looking for expert advice, or just want to experience a real arcade again, WiffleGames is built for people who appreciate this culture.
📍 5795 Duncan Street
Duncan, British Columbia
WiffleGames exists to preserve and present arcade and collectible culture with integrity, expertise, and respect