4 retro video game and software stores that have been deleted from malls across America

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Some video-game retailers didn't ultimately survive a confrontation with their respective final bosses.

• The rise of video games and computer software led to the founding of a number of specialty brick-and-mortar retailers in the late 20th century.
• But selling new tech proved to be a business fraught with peril for retailers.
• Here are a few defunct retailers that ultimately face-planted in their efforts to sell software and video games.
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Retail isn't always about collecting golden coins and gobbling up power pellets. Sometimes, you've got to accept that it's "game over" for your company.

It's no different for video game and computer software retailers.

Read more: Inside the luxurious department store founded by one of the most important figures in Mormon history

Stores dedicated entirely to selling video games and computer software might be relatively new, compared with, say, department stores or grocers. But they've still got to contend with tough competition, evolving technology, and fickle consumer preferences like other retailers.

Here's a look at a few video game stores that glitched out for good: