About WiffleGames
Built by a collector. Shaped by a builder. Run by an operator.
Over a decade of collecting, buying, selling, restoring, and operating in the world of retro gaming and vintage collectibles.
Owned and operated by Shawn Orza, WiffleGames represents more than a store. It represents years of hands-on experience,
calculated risks, and deep respect. Surrounded by arcade machines, video games, and collectible history.
What began as a hobby has grown into one of Vancouver Island’s best retro gaming destinations. Proudly showcasing real
coin-operated arcade games, with curated collectibles and professional services.
WiffleGames wasn't built in a day.
It was built through years of professional experience.
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For those interested in the historical reference, the Harry Williams interview mentioning the Wiffle Board can be read HERE: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
From arcade machine restoration, store layout, and inventory selection. That same mindset now goes into every decision at WiffleGames.
The same mentality that once built structures now showcases a
retro experience.
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 first storefront was complete.
That hands-on approach still defines WiffleGames today.
Reinvestment, careful growth, and long-term thinking rather than
shortcuts.
The WiffleGames Timeline
2011–2012: Serious collecting begins. It starts with retro video games and expands into comics, vinyl records, and vintage toys.
2012–2017: Online sales build reputation. Honest grading, careful packaging, and collector trust.
2017: First physical storefront secured and renovated personally using professional construction experience.
May 2018: First WiffleGames retail location opens to the public.
2019–2024: Arcade operations expand alongside collectibles. This helps 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. Combining arcade culture, collectibles, and services. Refining the concept of an authentic retro gaming destination.
A Living Arcade Culture
WiffleGames has a simple idea:
Arcade culture should be experienced —
not displayed.
The space needs to feel like a functioning retro ecosystem, not a decorated retail store.
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Real coin-operated machines
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Retro atmosphere
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Vintage technology still in use
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Rotating arcade lineup
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Curated collectibles
Every decision preserves the feeling that made these things special in the first place.
This is not a resale shop.
This is a retro 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 because they trust the business's knowledge
and integrity.
Many become repeat visitors because of how the business is run, not what it sells.
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. He continues to grow through ever-expanding arcade machines, improved services, and evolving inventory.
Every decision is made with long-term stability in mind.
The mission remains simple:
Preserve retro gaming and collectible culture. Provide a place where people can experience it the way it should be. Everyone is welcome here.
About Shawn Orza
Shawn Orza is a lifelong collector, arcade operator, restoration enthusiast, and former carpenter. He 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 with respect.
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Build something worth experiencing.
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 looking to experience a real arcade again. WiffleGames is for people who appreciate retro culture.
📍 5795 Duncan Street
Duncan, British Columbia
WiffleGames operates with integrity, expertise, and respect.