Renton City Retro 2022 has come and gone, but the love for older video games and all things nerdy still persists.

Filled with a variety of vendors, podcasters, special guests, some cosplayers and even a puppet-human comedy duo, the first full-capacity Renton City Retro convention since the pandemic began offered so much Aug. 6-7.

“This is our first year as a vendor and it’s been a cool experience,” said C.J. Osborn, an employee of GameBound video game store in Kent, which had a booth at the convention.

While there were plenty of local businesses displaying their goods, like Retro Game and Toy Exchange and Dpad Retro Gaming and Collectibles, there was also a Barnes & Noble booth and a few vendors who were selling items from their own private collections.

Barry Shilmover and his son Connor sold items from the former’s vast vintage computer and technology collection, with several colorful Y2K-era Mac computers and a LaserDisc player playing Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner.” This was their second time at the Renton City Retro convention with the first time being in 2019, like many other vendors. Another vendor selling items from his personal collection of action figures, movie posters and toys was Danny Kim from Portland, Oregon. It was Kim’s third time at the Renton City Retro. “The PNW is blessed with so many cons but the pandemic has made it hard,” Kim said. “[Retro has] been great, it’s been a good turnout.”

Among the booths selling action figures, Nintendo DS games and handmade arcade-style controllers, there were also local artists and authors selling their work.

One artist was Amaya Kokame, a 17-year-old senior at Auburn Riverside High School, who had her first booth at Renton City Retro four years ago. “I think my art has improved a lot since then,” she said, remarking on her anime and video game inspired art work.

One author was Jay Palmer, who had all 16 of his published books on display, including his first set of books, “The Vikings! Trilogy,” which he said was written at the Applebees on Grady Way in Renton.

Along with vendors, there were special guests that included Renton-local Colin Aceves, Derp and Todd, Egypt, Bizsnes, Tommy Rice, Kelsey Lewin and Randall Ng.

Colin Aceves, a special guest at Renton City Retro, and Lena Osuna pose at their kawaii and anime-inspired booth. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.

Guests at the convention could play retro video games like Tetris. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.

One booth at Renton City Retro sold vintage and retro electronics from the vendor’s personal collection, including a game of Pong. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.