The organizers of Saskatchewan Retro GameCon are defining 'retro games' as anything older than two generations ago, which one of them joked 'makes (him) feel super old.'

The late 1990s and early 2000s saw the rise of iconic gaming consoles like PlayStation, N64, and Xbox, along with memorable games that still hold a special place in many people's hearts today.

Bringing back the nostalgia of those platforms and games, four friends in Moose Jaw are gearing up to host a gaming convention that will primarily focus on games from that era.

The inaugural Saskatchewan Retro GameCon is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the old Sears location in the Town 'n' Country Mall, offering over 1,800 square meters (20,000 square feet) of activities ranging from gaming tournaments to vendors and cosplay.

Admission to the event is $10, with 'super admission' priced at $20, including entry into one tournament, and 'super admission 64' at $30, which grants access to all three tournaments. Children under 10 can enter for free.

Jared Dormer, one of the co-organizers, described Saskatchewan Retro GameCon as a celebration of pop culture with a special emphasis on retro video game tournaments. The idea had been brewing among the friends for two years, but gained momentum rapidly in the past two months due to overwhelming community support.

Aside from Dormer, the organizing team includes Andrew Fath, Scott Benson, and Jared Robinson. Fath, who is Dormer's brother-in-law, shares a passion for attending conventions, but they found a lack of events focusing on video games, prompting them to create something closer to home.

Originally planning for a small venue with 20 vendors, the group's plans expanded after securing space in the former Sears outlet at the mall. With over 40 vendors from across Saskatchewan now on board, the organizers are excited about the event's potential.

The Moose Jaw Gamers Association (MJGA) will play a significant role in the event, hosting a 'retro corner' featuring free-to-play board games, retro consoles, and pinball, along with nostalgic TV shows and music videos from the 1980s and 1990s.

The organizers' definition of 'retro games' includes anything older than two generations ago, encompassing platforms like Xbox 360 and N64. They aim to introduce retro board games and card games in the future.

Attendees can look forward to three tournaments, including Super Street Fighter and a challenge tournament in Super Mario Bros. 3. The winners will compete in a final showdown to determine the ultimate champion.

Stay connected with Saskatchewan Retro GameCon on social media for the latest updates and information.