If you grew up in the early 2000s, this one probably hits a little harder than expected.

EB Games has announced it is proposing to shut down all 38 of its stores across New Zealand. If the proposal goes ahead, every role within the New Zealand business would be disestablished.

In a statement sent to staff on both sides of the Tasman, the company stated that it no longer believes the New Zealand operation is viable, despite its continued success in Australia, which would not be affected by the proposal.

“Regrettably, we have commenced consultation with our New Zealand employees regarding a proposal to close the EB Games New Zealand business, including all stores and the distribution centre,” the statement said.

And just like that, it feels like another slice of the early 2000s is slipping away, joining the likes of Video Ezy and United Video in the nostalgia vault.

For a whole generation of gamers, EB Games wasn’t just a shop. It was the place. 

From after-school visits to major game launches, including the unforgettable midnight releases, lining up at 12:01 am, tired but buzzing, knowing you were about to head home and disappear into a new game.

Of course, the industry has shifted significantly. Digital downloads now dominate, and most modern consoles no longer include disc drives, plus physical game sales have continued to decline.

In recent years, even some gamers have joked that EB Games felt more like a collectibles store than a traditional game retailer.

For now, the future of EB Games in New Zealand is not sealed. But the announcement already feels like another shared experience from the early 2000s, slowly fading away.

If it does close, it may leave Briscoes as the last remaining place in New Zealand permanently on sale.