Steve Moerke

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I was wondering if anyone is going to the Midwest Gaming Classic tradeshow, March 23 & 24th in Brookfield Wisconsin. I was also wondering for the people that have gone to it in the past; what is it like? Is this a party or an auction? Is it worth going to? Does it have a lot of games? Does it have a good turn out? I also read that you can buy games at it? Are they usually restored classics that are very expensive or can you get fair deals as well? Is it better to go Saturday or Sunday or both days? Any information about this event would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve
 
Not an auction, just a retro gaming show/convention. That said, lots of games/pins are available for purchase. Prices tend to get cheaper as the weekend goes on. ;) Lots of vendors on hand, speakers, tournaments. Something for everyone from arcade hardware to vintage and new consoles.

Sunday is family day, so it's a little more youth oriented. Saturday is the day to go if you think you're going to be buying.

I'll spend most of the weekend tucked into a corner with the Atari Jaguar contingent.

Here are a few of my pics from last year.
 
You can get some really cheap game on sunday, I bought a 3 player off road 2 years ago for $250 and it was fully working. Their was a ton of $100-$200 machines last year on Sunday most were jamma. I will have more arcade parts for sale then most people will see in their lives. It is hands down the best gaming show I have ever been to. Turnout is huge, Saturday is hard to play games as their is so many people you end up waiting a few minutes between games, but Sunday you can normally walk up to anything and play. Saturday can be filled with great deals if you can get in early, Sunday can also have some great deals later in the day.

-Jake
 
I have had a blast the last few times I've gone. Every year it gets a little bigger. This year won't be any different. It's a blast!!
 
You can get some really cheap game on sunday, I bought a 3 player off road 2 years ago for $250 and it was fully working. Their was a ton of $100-$200 machines last year on Sunday most were jamma. I will have more arcade parts for sale then most people will see in their lives. It is hands down the best gaming show I have ever been to. Turnout is huge, Saturday is hard to play games as their is so many people you end up waiting a few minutes between games, but Sunday you can normally walk up to anything and play. Saturday can be filled with great deals if you can get in early, Sunday can also have some great deals later in the day.

-Jake

Great show, and I think Super Off Road was $150.
 
won't be going this year but have gone the past 2 or 3 but won't be there this year.
very fun.
if you are anywhere near it is a not-miss.
the biggest let down is that the really nice pins, if they are for sale get sold right away so they are usually not available for play as early as Saturday morning.

Star Worlds arcade does a huge 80s room that is superb and this year you can play for record scores at a new scoreboard.

the pin selection is great. I went to pinball expo in chicago last year and thought MGC was much better venue if you are into pinball.
 
Go, you'll have a blast. About 2/3rds gaming and 1/3rd pinball. The pinball keeps getting bigger and better every year.

And the gamers add a level of excitement you won't see at any other show.

Video games, classic games, console games, the heritage room, and gamers in costume.

You have to see it to believe it. It is a great time.

LTG : )
 
Definetly worth going. I have gone the last couple of years. It does get pretty crowded on Saturday. So We take a couple hours off and find something else to do in the city. Then come back. I would recommend trying to stay at the hotel.

I am in one of your pictures!! I am imortal;)

Not an auction, just a retro gaming show/convention. That said, lots of games/pins are available for purchase. Prices tend to get cheaper as the weekend goes on. ;) Lots of vendors on hand, speakers, tournaments. Something for everyone from arcade hardware to vintage and new consoles.

Sunday is family day, so it's a little more youth oriented. Saturday is the day to go if you think you're going to be buying.

I'll spend most of the weekend tucked into a corner with the Atari Jaguar contingent.

Here are a few of my pics from last year.
 
It's hands down my favorite show of the year. Ground floor, there's arcade, pinball, a video game museum with all consoles playable, contests, guest speakers, and a large vendor area that has tons of consoles and games for sale. Downstairs, I help run the Retroids Room that has a lot of gaming podcasts - most of them will be running LIVE shows throughout the weekend, and Galloping Ghost Arcade is in the room too - they always bring a lot of arcade cabs, have wiring and arcade building classes, etc. We'll also be doing console high score sessions this year as well. More downstairs -- Star Worlds arcade room (as mentioned before), and some other rooms TBD. Overall, it's a great time. Highly recommended.

Here's a vid from last year if you want to get a feel for what's at the show:

 
I'll be there all weekend this year, but I have to admit it will be my first show. I have been doing some volunteering with the coordinators of the show, and I can tell you they have some really cool stuff they will be bringing (thats all I'm allowed to say).
 
Steve it is a great show and has gotten bigger and better as the years have gone on. Pin's and video's are for sale and show. As others have pointed out, the prices are better on Sunday. I ended up picking up a few good deals at the end of the show in the last few hours. It's an event you can attend with a group of friends and their will be something for everyone to enjoy. I know they have added in more tournaments this year. I run Star Worlds Arcade and we are on the lower level. I bring most of our games for play/show. This year I will have a few games with us for sale. Sunday is the more family day with things for the kids to enjoy. We always run the Mario and Luigi's birthday party and I know the crafting ma ma's in the Retroids room always have a fun art project for the kids to do. All around a fantastic show, you wouldn't be disappointed.


Pat
Star Worlds Arcade
 
Ill be going for my first time and probably bringing the Fix It Felix Jr cab for everyone to play. ;) Anyways how does it compare to CAX? I was at CAX two years ago and it was HUGE and a blast!
 
Steve many people get a room at the Sheraton, but that can get expensive. Many of our guests and my family have booked rooms near by at the Hampton Inn and the rooms run about $30.00 cheaper. You can also find plenty of places to eat near by as the Sheraton's food prices are pretty expensive.

Pat
Star Worlds Arcade
 
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