Koros Games Shut Down? Here Are Our Best Alternatives for Ontario Gamers
As passionate board and card game fans ourselves, we’ve spent countless hours huddled over strategy games, slinging spells in Magic: The Gathering, or just rolling dice with friends on a lazy weekend. Did you know that nearly 40% of Ontarians report playing board or card games regularly? It’s not surprising – tabletop gaming has become a huge part of the culture here, bringing people together in a way that’s hard to beat.
One store that was at the heart of this community, the same as it was once EB Games in Orangeville, was Koros Games. For years, it was go-to spot for everything from the latest board game releases to well-organized game nights. Sadly, Koros Games is no longer with us, but that doesn’t mean the fun stops. Although Koros Games is no longer around, the spirit of strategic play and competition continues to thrive in the digital world, where online platforms offer new ways for Ontario gamers to test their skills.
Online Casinos: New Way for Ontario Gamers to Test Their Skills
While many of us loved gathering around a table at Koros Games for an epic board game night, the world of gaming has expanded beyond the physical store. Online casinos have become a new way for Ontario gamers to test their strategic skills, offering games that require more than just luck. Just like with tabletop games, players can engage in skill-based casino games, such as poker or blackjack, that demand careful planning and decision-making. This growing online platform offers another exciting option for those who enjoyed the competitive spirit of Koros Games.
For anyone looking to dive into this digital realm, here are some key points to consider:
- Research and Choose Wisely. Not all platforms are created equal. It’s important to find reputable sites that offer fair gameplay and excellent customer support. If you’re based in Canada, you might want to check out the exclusive behind-the-scenes insight which highlights the best online casinos available. It provides detailed insights into the top real money casino sites for Canadians in 2025, highlighting great slots to play online and organizing games by category for easy navigation. Additionally, it dives into the world of best casino apps and mobile casinos, ensuring players have all the tools they need to enjoy a seamless playtime adventure.
- Understand the Rules. Each game comes with its own set of rules and strategies. Take time to familiarize yourself before diving in.
- Set Limits. Responsible gaming is key. Set budgets and stick to them to ensure it remains fun and engaging.
By combining strategy and caution, online gaming can be a thrilling experience for modern-day enthusiasts.
As online gaming continues to evolve, players now have access to a variety of interactive and skill-based experiences beyond traditional casino games. If you’re looking to level up your entertainment journey, check out the JetX game, a thrilling experience that combines strategic thinking with high-energy fun. Get a maximun informativity due to visiting the page that offers a detailed overview of playing JetX, including strategies, expert advice, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Feature | Koros Games | JetX Game |
|---|---|---|
Entertainment Type | Board Games & Tabletop RPGs | Online Crash Gambling Game |
Community Engagement | In-store game nights, tournaments | Online multiplayer experience |
Strategy Level | High (complex rules, long gameplay) | Medium (real-time decision-making) |
Accessibility | Physical store in Orangeville (closed) | Available online on multiple platforms |
Popular Among | Board game enthusiasts, RPG players | Gamers who enjoy risk and fast-paced action |
Learning Curve | Moderate to high, depending on the game | Easy to pick up, but strategic for long-term play |
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best game stores in Ontario to keep your gaming adventures going.
Store Name | Location | Website | Rating |
Board Game Bandit | 3355 The Collegeway, Mississauga, ON | boardgamebandit.ca | ★★★★☆ 4.9 |
The Game Chamber | 1700 Dundas St, London, ON | thegamechamber.com | ★★★★☆ 4.8 |
Fantasy Forged | 113 Broadway, Orangeville, ON | fantasyforged.ca | ★★★★★ 5.0 |
Angelfire Games | 469 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON | angelfiregames.com | ★★★★☆ 4.7 |
J&J Cards and Collectibles | 169 King St E, Hamilton, ON | jjcards.com | ★★★★☆ 4.6 |
Koros Games: The Store We Loved
Koros Games was more than just a store – it was a community hub for gamers across Ontario. Opening its doors in 2011, Koros Games quickly became a popular destination for gaming enthusiasts looking for everything from board games to rare MTG cards. Their stock included all kinds of games, whether you were into immersive RPGs like Pathfinder Vampire or competitive card games like Magic: The Gathering.
Koros Games also had a robust offering of niche products, including MTG’s The Dark booster box, Modern Horizons booster box, and the legendary Fifth Dawn booster box. Collectors loved browsing their shelves, hoping to find sealed packs like the Revised Edition booster pack or even the coveted Magic: The Gathering Revised booster box. The store was a haven for those on the hunt for rare items like the MTG The Dark booster box or thematic products like Dark Rider of Mordor miniatures.
What Made Koros Special
Koros Games wasn’t just a place to buy games; it was a place to gather. They regularly hosted game nights, tournaments, and special events that brought gamers from all over Ontario together. Whether you wanted to try a board game like Secret Hitler or go head-to-head in a Magic: The Gathering draft, Koros had something for everyone.
What truly set Koros Games apart was its community-driven atmosphere. The staff were knowledgeable and approachable, helping customers find exactly what they were looking for, be it a Shardsoul Slayer card or a rare Star Munchkin 3 expansion. Gamers of all kinds were welcome, from casual players to collectors searching for the rarest products.
Why It Closed
Unfortunately, like many small businesses, Koros Games struggled to keep up with the challenges posed by online shopping and the economic disruptions of the pandemic. The store officially closed its doors in 2024, leaving a void in the Ontario gaming scene. For many of us, it was heartbreaking to see such a beloved spot disappear.
What Was on Their Shelves: Koros Games Products
One of the things we loved most about Koros Games was their amazing selection of games and collectibles. Whether you were looking for board games, trading card games (TCGs), or miniatures, they had it all. Here’s a look at some of the standout products you could find at Koros:
- Board Games: Koros had an impressive collection of modern board games, including popular titles like Secret Hitler and expansions like Star Munchkin 3.
- MTG and TCGs: If you were a Magic: The Gathering fan, Koros was a treasure trove. You could find rare items like the Magic: The Gathering Revised booster box, Fifth Dawn booster box, and even the elusive MTG The Dark booster box. Their selection extended to other trading card games as well, with items like the Bumblebee vs Megatron TCG pack for Transformers fans.
- Miniatures and RPGs: Koros catered to tabletop RPG enthusiasts with a solid lineup of products for games like Pathfinder Vampire. They also stocked miniatures like Dark Rider of Mordor for those who loved to immerse themselves in fantasy worlds.
- Warhammer and Collectibles: Warhammer fans could find starter sets like Start Collecting Space Marines, along with other niche hobby supplies.
Whether you were looking for a Shardsoul Slayer card or hunting down a rare Angelfire Games product, Koros Games was the place to go for both casual and competitive gamers.
Products That Were Available on the Koros Games Site
Product Name | Price | Categories |
|---|---|---|
2 D6 & Tape Measure | $1.75 | 40K, Accessories, Age of Sigmar, Warhammer |
4 Row BCW Box | $6.75 | Accessories, Magic The Gathering, Trading Card Games |
A Game of Thrones Catan: Brotherhood on the Watch 5-6 Extension | $59.99 | Board Games |
A Game of Thrones The Card Game – Lords of Winter Expansion | $29.99 | Board Games, Deck Building |
Advanced D&D 2nd Edition – Complete Thief’s Handbook | $13.28 | Books, Dungeons & Dragons, Role Playing Games |
Alhambra – The Card Game | $29.99 | Board Games, New Arrivals |
Anatolian Puzzle: 1000 – Revelation | $24.99 | Puzzles |
Angelfire D&D Miniatures Singles – Abyssal Skulker | $4.99 | Dungeons & Dragons, Miniatures, Pathfinder, Role Playing Games |
Bananagrams – Classic | $24.99 | Board Games |
Batman The Killing Joke The Joker Statue | $399.99 | Statues & Toys |
Battlefoam Tray – Bloodthirster | $69.99 | Accessories & Supplies, Age of Sigmar, Warhammer |
BCW Long Plastic Box – White | $39.99 | Accessories, Comics & Graphic Novels |
Bears Vs. Babies | $59.99 | Board Games |
Bicycle: Cribbage 29 | $17.70 | Other Games |
Bones Reaper Miniature – Avatar of Thoth | $4.99 | Miniatures, Role Playing Games |
D&D – Deck of Many – Animated Spells Level 3 Vol. 1 | $39.99 | Dungeons & Dragons, Maps & Accessories, Role Playing Games |
D&D 5e – Dungeon Master’s Guide | $64.99 | Books, Dungeons & Dragons, Role Playing Games |
The Impact of Koros Games on the Ontario Gaming Community
Koros Games was more than just a store; it was a cornerstone of Ontario’s gaming community. From hosting competitive tournaments to offering a welcoming space for casual game nights, it fostered a culture of connection, strategy, and shared enthusiasm for tabletop gaming. Koros Games was widely recognized as one of the best venues for Magic: The Gathering (MTG) players in Ontario. It wasn’t just a place to buy booster packs or deck-building supplies – it was a thriving hub where players could test their strategies, meet like-minded fans, and participate in tournaments. One customer’s review on Facebook summed up the experience perfectly:
“Great venue for Magic: The Gathering. Extensive merchandise of games, books, graphic novels, T-shirts, and other paraphernalia. Staff here are friendly, professional, and have superb patience.”
The store’s selection of MTG products, from Modern Horizons booster boxes to Revised Edition packs, made it a top destination for collectors and competitive players alike.
Bringing Board Gamers Together Through Events and Tournaments
Beyond selling games, Koros Games created a space where gamers could gather and engage in the hobby they loved. They regularly hosted:
- Friday Night Magic events, where MTG players of all skill levels could participate in structured play.
- Board game nights, featuring everything from strategy-heavy eurogames to party-friendly social deduction games.
- RPG meetups, where Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder enthusiasts could build campaigns and immerse themselves in fantasy worlds.
These events weren’t just about competition – they helped form friendships and build a tight-knit community. Many players who met at Koros Games continued gaming together long after the store’s closure.
Online Board Game and TCG Communities for Ontario Gamers
Even though Koros Games has closed, Ontario gamers can still connect through online communities. Whether you’re into Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon TCG, or board games, these platforms offer discussions, game nights, and trading opportunities.
Top Online Communities:
Discord Servers:
- Toronto Board Gamers – Organizes online and in-person board game sessions.
- Ontario MTG Community – Deck discussions, online play, and trading.
- Warhammer & Tabletop Ontario – Focuses on Warhammer 40K, Age of Sigmar, and miniatures.
Facebook Groups:
- Ontario Board Game Swap – Buy/sell/trade board games.
- M:tG Ontario – Deck-building and card trading.
- Reddit & Forums:
- OntarioGaming – Ontario-based gaming discussions and meetups.
- BoardGameGeek Ontario Forums – Board game strategy and recommendations.
- Face to Face Games Community – Canadian TCG marketplace and strategy hub.
Ontario gamers can stay engaged by joining these communities, ensuring that tabletop gaming continues to thrive online.
Where to Shop Now: Our Favourite Game Stores in Ontario
Koros Games may no longer be around, but Ontario still boasts some incredible game stores that carry on the tradition of community, variety, and passion. Here are a few alternatives we recommend:
Board Game Bandit (Mississauga)
If you’re looking for a game store that stocks a wide range of games – board games, TCGs, puzzles, and more – Board Game Bandit is a fantastic option. Known for its vast collection and great customer service, this store also offers local pickup and delivery across Canada.
Why we love it: The loyalty program, Bandit Bucks, rewards you for every purchase, and they offer hard-to-find games at great prices. Their wide selection covers everything from modern board games to expansions for fan-favourite titles like Imperium 1 Index.
The Game Chamber (London)
If you’re into miniature games like Warhammer 40K or Age of Sigmar, The Game Chamber is the place to go. Their selection includes everything you need, from paints and hobby supplies to board games and RPGs.
What’s cool about it: They host regular game nights and events, making it easy to meet other gamers. Whether you’re looking for a Modern Horizons booster box or a unique Bloodseeker Drake figure, The Game Chamber’s got you covered.
Fantasy Forged (Orangeville)
For fans of TCGs like Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, and Yu-Gi-Oh!, Fantasy Forged in Orangeville is a must-visit. The store offers an impressive selection of singles and sealed products, making it a great spot for both casual players and serious collectors.
Why you should visit: The staff are extremely helpful, and they even offer card grading services, perfect for serious collectors looking to preserve cards like the Bloodseeker Drake or the Dark Rider of Mordor.
How to Pick Your Next Game Store
With so many great options, how do you choose the right game store for your needs? Here are a few tips to help you decide:
What to Look for:
- Game Selection: Make sure the store has what you’re looking for, whether it’s rare board games, TCG singles, or specific expansions like the Revised Edition booster pack or Angelfire Games products.
- Community Events: Stores that offer game nights, tournaments, and events tend to have a more welcoming atmosphere. If you’re a fan of miniatures, look for places that run hobby days or demo sessions.
- Customer Service: A knowledgeable and friendly staff can make all the difference. The best game stores will help you find what you need, whether it’s a Magic: The Gathering Revised booster box or the latest Secret Hitlerexpansion.
- Perks and Loyalty Programs: Look out for stores that offer perks like loyalty rewards, discounts, or special offers. Some stores, like Board Game Bandit, provide points with every purchase that you can redeem for discounts on future orders.
Why Local is Best
Shopping at local game stores doesn’t just help small businesses – it helps build a strong gaming community. Many of these stores give back by hosting events, offering play spaces, and supporting local tournaments. Plus, nothing beats the feeling of walking into a store, chatting with like-minded gamers, and discovering your next favourite game in person.