Cosmic Cards & Curiosities

Cosmic Cards & Curiosities

Reviews Summary

This store consistently earns praise for its diverse selection of retro games, trading cards (Magic, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh), and unique witchy/metaphysical items. Customers highlight the friendly, knowledgeable staff and welcoming atmosphere, with many enjoying the in-store gaming areas, pinball arcade, and community events. The well-organized layout, fair prices, and helpful service for beginners make it a standout local gem. Frequent mentions of rare finds, great bulk options, and fun extras like rune readings add to its charm. A must-visit for nerdy enthusiasts seeking a vibrant, inclusive space with something for everyone.

About This Listing

Who Can Play?

Most arcades welcome all ages (some may have age restrictions for certain games)
Minors may need parent/guardian supervision (policies vary by location)
No gaming experience required - games range from beginner to expert level
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended for safety
Valid ID may be required for certain attractions or age verification
Groups and parties welcome (advance booking may be required)

*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.

Common Restrictions:

Age-Based Some games may have height or age requirements for safety reasons
Capacity Popular games may have wait times during peak hours

*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Cash or card for tokens/credits (some arcades are cashless)
Valid ID for age verification or membership signup
Phone to capture high scores and memories (check photo policies)

*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check arcade hours and peak times online before visiting
Eat beforehand or check if the arcade has food options
Bring friends for multiplayer games and competitions
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in
Avoid bringing valuable items that could be lost or damaged
Check for special events, tournaments, or discount days
Set a budget for games and stick to it
Stay hydrated, especially during long gaming sessions

*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*

How to Get Started

Most arcades accept walk-ins, but call ahead during busy periods or for large groups. Check for membership deals!

Other Helpful Info

Most visits last 1-3 hours depending on games and group size
Popular games may have longer wait times during weekends and evenings
Many arcades offer unlimited play packages or time-based pricing
Some locations host tournaments and special events regularly
Prize redemption available at many arcades - save your tickets!

*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*

Contact Information

Address

47431 State Hwy M26 Portage, Plaza Unit 3

Houghton, MI 49931

Hours

Monday 12-8PM
Tuesday 12-8PM
Wednesday 12-8PM
Thursday 12-8PM
Friday 12-8PM
Saturday 12-8PM
Sunday 12-8PM

Customer Reviews

Had a wonderful stop into the shop today. The owner was informative and very friendly. Great selection of retro games, MTG cards and lots of other awesome stuff. Definitely recommend checking it out.

I visited this game store and had an amazing experience. The selection of games was great, and the employees were super nice and helpful, they even asked about us and were very respectful. They answered all my questions i had quite easily and gave excellent recommendations on shirts and locations. Their friendly service made my visit really enjoyable. I'll definitely be coming back to your awesome store!

Great place, has tons of variety and the owner knows his stuff. I enjoyed looking through the video game, magic, and pokemon sections. The game nights were also pretty good. I will definitely come back when I'm in the area again.

Chuck has such a cool place! Young or old, it's a fun experience, trading cards, pinball machines video games- all the things you enjoyed as a kid, walk around and take it all in.

The staff are extremely kind and helpful. Always a positive vibe in the store, a great place to hang out and play some card games.

Good selection of cards, lots of bulk, and only slightly more expensive than market cause they do need to make a profit. Overall a great local store that doesn't just have magic and Warhammer, but also a lot of cool retro stuff.

Good selection of retro gaming and witchy stuff. Small arcade room with PINBALL! Friendly staff.

Always friendly and knowledgeable super awesome place to stop in, they even have a pinball room that's a blast!

Very nice place, has a lot to browse through, though I am mostly here for magic cards. Staff is very helpful and the store has a good atmosphere for nerdy things.

Really cool place, the perfect place here in houghton if you want to get nerd stuff. Has good deals on magic cards.

Was on vacation and this place caught my eye, I went in looking to update a magic deck I brought and found some good upgrades, tons of bulk to look through and a chill low stress environment to browse. My girlfriend found a ton of books that excited her and tons of cool trinkets. We finished off the shopping experience with a rune reading that was pretty accurate and lots of fun.

Very well organized, friendly staff, also very helpful in helping a beginner like me find exactly what I'm looking for!

Great place! Very organized and very nice customer service

This place is a vibe! Super nice people helped me with my broken computer monitor! Come check this place out

Fun spot to shop! My boyfriend loved checking out magic cards & I had a blast in the metaphysical section. Really beautiful and eccentric jewelry and book collection!

Very wide selection of cards. Cards are organized where it is easy to find what I am looking for

The staff is very knowledgeable, cool and knows their stuff. Been going there for a few years at this point, never leave disappointed. Got most of my games and even my playstation 1 there, so it's pretty epic!

Amazing shop. Would visit for more deals.

Looking for an old school game store where you can spend a bunch of time picking through cards or leafing through books? The shop is any place to go when you're way up North and need your gaming fix. Wish I lived closer. I would stop in more.

Only people in the area who can resurface discs. Also a great selection of anything and everything!

They have a wide assortment of cards (Pok?mon,mtg,yugioh) along with having videos games, cds, etc. The staff is very friendly and helpful as-well and the place is clean and organized. Besides games they also have jewelry and clothes which adds a nice touch to the place.

I really like this place. My boyfriend finally found it and it has games that he wants to play, along with records and other merchandise and spiritual/witchy amenities that I can go through. Definitely a place I will become a regular at. ??

Awesome local game store. Does magic, yugioh, pokemon, has a pinball arcade, in-store gaming area, d&d room and does parties by booking! They also carry metaphysical supplies as well as video games, manga, anime, Warhammer, and some other stuff.

This store has basically every card a magic player could need. Prices are good for the U.P. and singles are always priced at market for their condition.

A fine selection of games, very helpful staff, and a great atmosphere. Will definitely be returning to peruse the shelves periodically

Cool place! The new building looks incredible! Also the building may be smaller, but there's still just as much left to buy! Oh my aching wallet?

Found a game I've been trying to find for a bit at a great price. Will be returning to see what else this amazing store has to offer

Very calm store, temperature was great, friendly staff and plenty of hobby bits to look through.

Large selection of singles, great customer service.

Very charming store, great community. Highly recommended for trading card game players and retro game enthusiasts!

Awesome shop with a huge assortment of different collectibles. The interior has a lot of charm which can be hard to come by.

Awesome store! Lots of cool stuff! Check out their dnd room! ??

Fantastic prices if you're looking for movies or games and don't mind that they're pre-owned!

Have a great selection of magic, Pok?mon.and yugio cards along with some amazing witchy things, highly recommend stopping in and visiting

Great place with great customer service

Great place to find Pokemon, Magic, and Yu-Gi-Oh cards, and great place to find vintage video games.

Great place, helpful staff and large collection of cards!

This is an awesome store with a great selection and a very knowledgeable staff

Great place, lots of nice people to play cards with!

I liked the old location, seems like lots of big things coming soon.

Awesome store with a lot of awesome collections of nerd stuff

Very nice place! Staff were very helpful for what I needed

Amazing store so many cards to choose from!

So much stuff! From old games to tabletop books, something for most nerds

Oldest son loved this place and had sweet deals

Good deals and great atmosphere

Really nice card shop

Great place for cards and commander.

Great selection and knowledgeable staff

Great staff great selection

Got great stuff for magic!

Fun retro rarities and friendly staff.

Found what I'm looking for! W store!!!

Super friendly staff!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like visiting an arcade today?

It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.

Is it better to go alone or with friends?

Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.

What should I bring to an arcade?

Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.

What’s the best time to visit an arcade?

Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.

Can I meet new people at arcades?

Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.

Are arcades still just for kids?

Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.

Are there events or tournaments I can join?

Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.

What if I’m not great at arcade games?

No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”