Singapore has always been perceived as a small country trying to punch above her weight. MTG may not be as widely popular in Singapore as in other major markets, but the local game store (LGS) scene is thriving, with 3 new shops opened since 2021, and 3 having moved to bigger premises in 2023.
With 29 major game stores committed to MTG events within just 725.7km2 of land, Singapore has a higher LGS density than even London (18 stores in 1579km2) or Los Angeles (26 stores in 1302km2).
Although the COVID-19 pandemic had grounded daily events, tournaments and Friday Nights Magic for a good part of 18 months, the nation began opening up in early 2022. Today, local game stores have full restored paper Magic events, and with a growing interest in tabletop and trading card games, more new establishments are popping up.
Tap & Sac presents this complete, unbiased and (non-sponsored) honest guide to 19 major game stores in Singapore that cater to the MTG community. We’ll be analysing play areas, ambience, staff friendliness, and even locations and accessibility through public transport. All info comes from the team’s personal experiences as well as surveyed local players.
Most of these stores accept local payment systems (PayNow, bank transfers, NETS). Cash is of course always accepted but most do not take credit cards. Some offer alternative pay channels such as GrabPay too. We hope this review will give a helpful overview to new players on where they can play MTG events – check them out yourself and find which one works best for you!
Agorahobby
Play Area/Ambience
(Updated April 2023)
Agorahobby made their long-desired move to a bigger space, but they didn’t have to travel far. In fact, just one floor down in the same Kitchener Complex building. The new place space is massive, likely 4 times the size of their previous shop unit.
The windows are neatly covered with shades and it looked like the whole place had a minor makeover before the game store owners moved in. The increased floor (and table) space means more ways for MTG and other game events to be played concurrently.
The old Agorahobby had one of the most cramped playing spaces, and the front counter was so small that it created a long line especially when players hog the counter to open booster packs/boxes. All of that is thankfully gone and will stay as fond memories for old players.
For new visitors to the store, enjoy the good times, but don’t forget the hard times that came before.
Buying Singles/Products
Best Online Shop
Agorahobby has arguably the best online store system for buying single cards, with a clean layout, easy search tools, and clear card images. It does take a few days to process singles orders, probably because of the sheer volume they handle.
Staff Friendliness
Of the dozens of times we’ve collected orders or played at events, the staff has always been polite and helpful. Great staff who always greet with a smile. There are times when staff will even directly join in for some games when new players have trouble learning the game.
Location Accessibility
At just 3 minutes walk away from Lavender MRT station, Agorahobby ranks as one of the closest to a train station. The proximity to the CBD and the Orchard belt also makes it a convenient stop after work. It’s not within a major residential estate so students might have to travel a bit to get there.
Webstore: http://www.agorahobby.com
809 French Road
Kitchener Complex
#05-164
Singapore 200809
Tel: +65 9876-7183
Email: boohasa@gmail.com
Bricks Play
Play Area/Ambience
Play area is decent, although tables are still packed relatively close together to maximise space. Shop spaces built by the public Housing Development Board are often not that big, and Bricks Play falls under that category.
Both front and back shelves are filled with MTG products and other non-MTG merchandise, such as Lego sets and board games, and add to the overall vibe of the place.
Buying Singles/Products
They do not offer an online ordering system but sealed products and preorders can be reserved through their Facebook page.
Staff Friendliness
While not particularly warm, they are professional and to the point. However there have been looks of disdain when cards are being picked up or dropped off for other players – one gets the feeling they do not particularly want the service.
Location Accessibility
Bricks Play has one amazing advantage, as it has one of the closest walking distances to an MRT station. Its entrance is rather tricky to find (look for a colourful spiral staircase), but once you’ve been there once there isn’t any problem.
The Toa Payoh hub also has a bus interchange and plenty of other amenities to run errands. There’s a library, community centre, banks and a post office all a short walk away. Being centrally located and surrounded by residential estates also makes this a prime spot for anyone who lives in Toa Payoh and nearby estates.
183 Toa Payoh Central
#02-278
Singapore 310183
Tel: +65 6255-5928
Email: bricksplay@hotmail.com
Card Citadel (Crawford)
Play Area/Ambience
Set up very recently in mid-2020, the Crawford branch is Card Citadel’s second and a nice improvement in terms of playing space. The shop has a practical shape, if not very large. It can manage about 16 players indoors, but with ample room in the walkways outside, there’s hope more tables can be set up.
Buying Singles/Products and Shop Deals
No web store but they do sell singles based on request. You could also join their Discord group where they post discounted deals for members. Recently they’ve offered to match the lowest price of new sealed products sold by other shops.
Staff Friendliness
They’re not the chattiest people in the business, and like many people they will warm up to regular patrons. That said, they are also very appreciative of any support they get, and make sure purchased cards are delivered or dropped off quickly.
Location Accessibility
The Crawford branch is closer to downtown, and in the same vicinity as Agorahobby (if not as close to Lavender MRT station). This prime and accessible location is probably a big reason why the new shop was set up there. It’s still around a 5-10 minute walk from the MRT station, but that’s no problem for players who will travel cross-island just to get some games in.
809 Crawford Lane
#02-01
Singapore 190464
Tel: +65 9616-8926
Email: gathering_zone@yahoo.com.sg
Card Citadel (Khatib)
Play Area/Ambience
Card Citadel’s original branch can be said to be the smallest store around, working out of literally half a shop unit. Play tables have to be placed along the common pedestrian walkways, exposed to the elements and the prying eyes of passers-by. It certainly has its charm, and their supporters don’t mind it one bit.
Buying Singles/Products and Shop Deals
No web store but they do sell singles based on request. You could also join their Discord group where they post discounted deals for members. Recently they’ve offered to match the lowest price of new sealed products sold by other shops.
Staff Friendliness
*Unknown
Location Accessibility
Located at the northern region of Singapore, a very short walk from Khatib MRT station, this branch of Cards Citadel is perfect for anyone living or working that area since it’s one of the few stores operating in that area. They also have frequent events to accommodate a range of MTG formats. For anyone not living in the North, the travelling distance might be too far.
846 Yishun Ring Road
#01-3653
Singapore 760846
Tel: +65 9616-8926
Email: gathering_zone@yahoo.com.sg
Card Master Games
Play Area/Ambience
The play area is mostly outside the shop, with enough space for around 6 players inside. It’s not the tidiest of stores around, with lots of loose cardboard and opened boxes around the place.
Unfortunately the store doesn’t follow a fixed schedule for events or even opening hours. It’s best to message ahead if you’re thinking of dropping by.
Buying Singles/Products and Shop Deals
They’ve got some really good boxes and singles, most of the recent sets but loads of older boxes from the Modern era (after Mirrodin). Ask nicely, and the shop owner might just sell Single cards at SCG 1:1, meaning you pay whatever price is listed on the site. That’s a rare deal not usually found in game stores.
Staff Friendliness
The owner, Lionel, has got the whole “coffeeshop uncle” vibe where he’s loud and outspoken but also really helpful and friendly. He has good knowledge of cards and the markets.
Location Accessibility
We lasted visited CMG in a super hidden corner of the Beauty World Centre shopping mall, which used to be rather inaccessible. Today, with the Downtown MRT line fully operational, it’s now less than 2 minutes walk (and sheltered!) from Beauty World MRT station to the games store.
Dueller’s Point
Play Area/Ambience
Best Geek Ambience
In our opinion Dueller’s Point has the coolest and geekiest MTG space in Singapore. As you arrive, you descend down a long stairwell to the basement of residential HDB flat (a really uncommon thing to see). The walls are lined with game illustrations and memorabilia, bringing back memories of yesteryear. You enter what looks like a mini dungeon, not filled with cages and chains, but shelves of MTG products with plenty of play tables at the back.
This urban cave is surprisingly spacious and brightly lit, and even if MTG is not in the cards for the day, there are plenty of our board or tabletop games one can get into.
Buying Singles/Products
Dueller’s Point recently revamped their website, offering a nice, convenient way to order MTG products and singles, and they also have Warhammer and other board games available for purchase. Its layout isn’t as clean as Agorahobby, and images could be bigger, but they look to be well stocked enough to find what you need.
Staff Friendliness
If you’re a new player there, there could be some freebies waiting for you! Back when there were still Standard Showdown events, a new player would get a free Showdown pack, regardless of how well or badly you did in the event. Today we’re not sure if they still have that practice, but try telling them it’s your first time there and you might get a surprise!
Location Accessibility
As it’s a basement store deep in the heart of a residential area, it’s not the easiest place to find or get to with public transport. If you’re not a local and is staying in a hotel downtown, Dueller’s Point could be too far out to make a trip. It’s about a 10 minute walk from Buangkok MRT station, so not a dealbreaker but it’s most popular with residents in the north-east area.
Webstore: http://www.duellerspoint.com
450 Hougang Avenue 10
#B1-541
Singapore 530450
Tel: +65 9476-6080
Email: play@duellerspoint.com
Flagship Games
Buying Singles/Products
Because of the Covid-19 slowdown, many stores begun to look into their online shops, and Flagship Games was no different. They moved to a new URL, revamped the user interface, and even includes a buylist for you to list all the cards that you want to sell. Their inventory is steadily increasing and it appears they are likely the only store in Singapore that accepts American Express and various cryptocurrencies.
Another cool feature is their Deck Builder, where you can submit a list of cards and they will do an automated bulk search, saving you the hassle of entering card names one by one. In times when you’re buying a completely new Commander deck, this is a godsend.
Location Accessibility
We have yet to check out their new premises.
Webstore: http://www.flagshipgames.sg
45 Jalan Pemimpin
#03-01A
Singapore 577197
Tel: +65 9476-6080
Email: flagshipgames.sg@gmail.com
Gallant Games
Play Area/Ambience
(This review is on their previous location in Clementi)
Gallant Games moved to their current location recently from West Coast Plaza, trading in more floor and playing space for perhaps less passer-by traffic. Despite having lesser visibility, the main area comfortably holding 16-20 players for Magic (or other card games), plus they have a private room that fits 6-8 more players. That room (S$5/hour per person) even comes with a movable, overhead rig to clamp a camera and do some filming of your games.
Buying Singles/Products
While Gallant Games runs a website showcasing upcoming new launches and events for MTG and other tabletop games, right now there isn’t a live online ordering system. In-store sealed Magic products were also limited, but new launches can be preordered. They also stock singles, but you’ll have to inquire about pricing and availability through email or their social channels.
Staff Friendliness
Gallant Games exudes a warm environment for anyone looking to have a laid back, peaceful game. Think of it as a “senior citizen club,” according to owner William, who started playing Magic over 20 years ago. The players we met there aren’t actually seniors, just working adults who are slightly older than the average card gamer. If you’re looking to learn a new game, MTG or not, Gallant Games can be a good place to find patient and seasoned players to help you get started.
Location Accessibility
The Clementi location sits in the 2nd storey of a HDB shophouse block right behind Clementi MRT station. For those living in the west in either Clementi, Buona Vista, or West Coast Road, Gallant Games fits in nicely as you run your errands or grab at meal at Clementi Mall.
Just like Bricksplay and Games Haven (Jurong East), the entrance is actually at the back of the 2-storey block (facing the carpark). It’s not incredibly hard to find, and they’ve also made it easy with 2 huge and colourful store banners to show you the way!
Webstore: http://gallant-games.com
443 Clementi Avenue 3
#01-71
Singapore 120443
Tel: +65 8783-7958
Email: william@touchstone-events.com
Gamersaurus Rex
Play Area/Ambience
GRex, as the shop is affectionately called by its fans, is situated along the famous Upper Thomson stretch of food jaunts. You could have a nice dinner there before heading with your buddies for a game of Magic.
The playing space is partitioned, hence it doesn’t feel as roomy as some other stores, but it’s definitely not the smallest around. They also provide gaming tables for Warhammer, Dungeons & Dragons, and other board games if you need a change of scenery from MTG.
Buying Singles/Products
While GRex does have an online store, only sealed products are available for purchase. These do have a wide range of other games available such as Warhammer and Star Wars miniatures and their relevant painting supplies.
Staff Friendliness
Our takeaway from our sporadic visits is that they are mostly all about business. Unless you’re a familiar face, just manage your expectations and brace for an ordinary welcome.
Location Accessibility
The upcoming Upper Thomson station (projected 2021 completion) on the Thomson-East Coast Line will make GRex right at the station’s door step and more accessible to the public.
Parking in that area is still among the worst though, as the popular dinner and supper places mean any street-side parking lots are quickly taken up. Once we drove 20 minutes wanting to play a Saturday night event at GRex. But because of the dinner crowd, we couldn’t find a parking space and had no choice but to just head home!
Webstore: http://www.gamersaurus-rex.com
259A Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574386
Tel: +65 8693-1060
Email: contact@gamersaurus.com
Games Haven (Paya Lebar)
Play Area/Ambience
The biggest and most popular store in Singapore’s east, Games Haven Paya Lebar takes up the second-floor of a corner shophouse. It can hold a good number of people for events but it can get messy with long lines and jostling to get to your assigned table.
GH recently went through a minor revamp with newly painted walls adorned with beautiful MTG artwork. We haven’t checked if they’ve finally fixed their creaking front door? They also have a little showcase wall featuring MTG’s history, using booster packs or cards from specific sets to recount milestones from 1993’s Alpha up to the present day.
Buying Singles/Products and Shop Deals
Thanks to the pandemic, GH released their own online web store where you can search for both sealed products and singles. They do claim to have the biggest inventory in Singapore, and with them being a premium WPN member, it’s not a long stretch of the imagination. Facebook messaging would be one of the fastest ways to make an order or check on singles prices.
GHPL also offers some of the sweetest deals when it comes to preorders or events. At one point during Prereleases, you could receive freebies of a deck box, sleeves or even playmats for each pod you play in. As far as we know no other local store has done that.
Staff Friendliness
First impressions can be rough if you catch them at a busy moment, but over time you’ll find them to be polite and very helpful especially to newer players. Even though some of us are by no means regular customers, we were pleasantly surprised when several staff remembered us by name.
Location Accessibility
Situated just 5 mins walk away from the East-West and Circle MRT lines, GHPL is the de facto store to play at. Street side parking is also free and easily available on weekday evenings, making GHPL a great option if you drive.
In addition, Paya Lebar has been earmarked by the government to be a suburban commercial hub, with the new PLQ mall providing even more dining and entertainment options before or after games.
Webstore: https://www.gameshaventcg.com
736A Geylang Road
#02-00
Singapore 389647
Tel: +65 9880-8723
Email: Nil
Games Haven (Jurong East)
Play Area/Ambience
Games Haven’s second store caters to the west market, and unfortunately does not have the kind of playing space as its cousin. Playing tables are separated into different rooms, and the product counter is small and shoved into a corner just beyond the main entrance.
Buying Singles/Products and Shop Deals
Luckily, GH Jurong enjoys the same product pricing and event deals as GH Paya Lebar. Expect daily and prerelease events to be highly sought after because they’re one of the only stores that far west, so it’s good to notify them early if you want a slot. The same goes for sealed products and singles.
Staff Friendliness
We have yet to participate at an event at the Jurong East branch.
Location Accessibility
The Jurong branch follows the tradition of being located very close to an MRT interchange. Jurong East Station is a major hub for both the East-West and North-South lines and gets notoriously crowded during peak hours. The plus point you have three or four malls nearby where you can find just about anything you can possibly need. Being the MTG store that is farthest west of Singapore, there is no better place to meet for Friday Night Magic.
Website: https://www.gameshaventcg.com
131 Jurong Gateway Road
#02-245
Singapore 600131
Tel: +65 9880-8723
Grey Ogre Games
Play Area/Ambience
Grey Ogre underwent a renovation in early 2020, increasing the size of the playing area by moving away shelves along the wall. They still have a nice and long counter to handle player purchases, and the central walkway is wider now.
MTG art line their grey (surprised?) walls, adding some flavour to an otherwise functional layout. The use of spotlights instead of floodlights, and vinyl flooring also provide a classier feel compared to other stores. Grey Ogre also records featured matches from their monthly events that you can watch on their YouTube channel.
Buying Singles/Products and Shop Deals
They’ve yet to establish an online shop for purchasing singles, but any requests can be made through their Facebook page – they are very quick to respond! Sealed product prices are on par with other stores.
Staff Friendliness
When we mentioned about their quick responses on Facebook, we forgot to mention they are also among the friendliest to chat with, and that’s not just on paper! At in-store events, don’t be surprised to see staff join in for some games and laughs. We believe it’s part of their customer-centric philosophy and hope that this practice will continue.
Location Accessibility
If you need some exercise, then Grey Ogre might be the place to be as you have to climb four storeys of stairs to reach it (that’s right, no lift). GOG is also located in the heart of downtown where parking is expensive and elusive, so unless you work in the area, it doesn’t make as much sense to go there instead of your neighbourhood store.
However if you’re into the night life, GOG is right next to up-market pubs and restaurants that expats love to go to. If you’re up for a pint or two after a game, GOG is a good option to consider.
Website: http://www.greyogregames.com
83 Club Street
#04-01
Singapore 069451
Tel: +65 6904-5733
Hideout
(Updated May 2023)
Play Area/Ambience
You wouldn’t expect one of Singapore’s newest MTG stores to move in slightly over a year of its opening, but that’s exactly what Hideout did.
It is a massive (and necessary) upgrade, as their old location was more suited for a light industrial office (complete with meeting room partitions) instead of a game store. The new Hideout is now one continuous area that can fit around 60 people at capacity. The renovations were thorough and functional, with proper product shelving, display cabinets, and brand new tables and chairs.
If there is one odd feature, it has to be the 2 support columns that are right smack in the centre aisle. It’s unfortunate that they cannot be removed as it would make the space appear wider and at the same time allow for more flexible table arrangements.
The freshly painted walls are currently still bare, hurting the ambience a little. In the coming months, expect lots of new MTG artwork on display, and combined with the faux skylight fitting on the roof, they should create a unique ambience for all players.
Buying Singles/Products and Shop Deals
Hideout opened its web store shortly after it first opened, and has been expanding its inventory. However its selection of single cards still trail behind the established stores such as Agorahobby and Games Haven. Singles are also priced slightly higher than most.
Of late, Hideout offered really attractive pre-order prices with the Lord of the Rings set, easily one of the lowest (if not the lowest) prices in the country. We’re quietly crossing our fingers that these good deals will continue.
Staff Friendliness
The owner of Hideout – Edwin – personally greets everyone he knows who walks through his doors, which is a lot more than any other owner we’ve met. He’s aided with a little army of part-time staff who are not the most chatty but certainly know the game incredibly well, and not just there to man the counters.
Location Accessibility
Hideout is now located within a HDB estate, just adjacent to Jalan Besar Community Club, and a few minutes walk to Lavender MRT station. The new location offers major a advantage – shelter from the rain directly from the train station, something the old location couldn’t provide (and being a further 2-minute walk away).
The shop’s 2nd floor façade faces a wide walkway and can be spotted from there, even if it’s not the most obvious. Locals shouldn’t have a problem navigating to the front door, but 1st time visitors from abroad might.
With regards to amenities, there are plenty of local dining options within the area, but don’t expect to do much retail shopping for well-known fashion brands here. The Lavander area is pretty well known as a hipster hangout for cafes, so pop by Habitat or Chye Seng Huat Hardware if you need to bring a fix to the games.
Webstore: https://hideout-online.com/
803 King George’s Avenue
#02-190
Singapore 200803
Tel: +65 9819-3406
Email: hideoutcg@gmail.com
ManaPro SG
(Updated May 2023)
Play Area/Ambience
Even though ManaPro was born in a difficult time of Covid-19, they have since moved on to a bigger playing space in Choa Chu Kang. The basement bunker unit (similar to Dueller’s Point and Utopia Games in concept) underwent a full makeover before opening up to players.
The walls have been painted a very clean white, and the floors redone with a smooth vinyl top. While it still doesn’t have the same game-cave vibe as Dueller’s Point, ManaPro does feature a distinct long passageway before reaching the play area. It might feel like wasted space, but with some creativity it could be turned into a unique hallway of sorts, and build up the anticipation to play.
The actual play area (pictured) looks deceptively small but can comfortably hold almost 40 players for an event. Noise levels do get high, as with most other game stores, due to the compactness of the walls.
Buying Singles/Products and Shop Deals
Right off the blocks their website and Facebook stores have been listing new products regularly. If you follow their Facebook group, you’d be the first to be notified of any flash deals or sales. Prices are fair – not the cheapest but reasonably middle ground to keep the business going. They have also been actively doing box breaks on live stream, and you might get some free gifts if you take part.
Staff Friendliness
The two co-owners pour their heart into the store, and consistently think of new initiatives and ways to do things differently from other stores. Their year-long EDH League in 2022 provided a refreshing take on deck building and challenged the traditional concept of “winning.”
They’re also very receptive to teaching newbies how to learn different card games. So if you’ve ever been intimidated about approaching veterans and strangers in a store to learn a game, ManaPro is one of the best places to visit.
Location Accessibility
The shift to the northwestern part of Singapore sacrifices accessibility in exchange for a bigger space. It’s a reasonable10 minute walk from the nearest MRT station (Choa Chu Kang), but since basement bunkers like these are nestled deep within residential areas, you won’t find the convenience of other stores right next door.
That said, just like their previous location in Beauty World, this new location provides a nice viable option for anyone living in the northwestern areas of Singapore. At a time when many other MTG stores are competing in the same neighbourhoods (some just across the street), serving a less popular area is doubly important for the playing community.
Webstore: https://sg-manapro.com/
203 Choa Chu Kang Avenue 1
#B1-41
Singapore 680203
Tel: +65 8812-4470
Email: info@sg-manapro.com
Mox & Lotus
Play Area/Ambience
Although their original location at Centropod was no bigger than a store room, Mox & Lotus quickly moved to a new location – a shophouse along Paya Lebar and just opposite Games Haven Paya Lebar (see above). Over the next 1 year, M&L has turned the space into a sort of above-ground hideaway, with brightly-coloured beams and even artificial vines hanging across walls.
In terms of ambience, Mox & Lotus is a close second behind Dueller’s Point. Stepping through a front door, you get a sense that you’ve entered a new world, complete with dainty melodies and their mascot bunny whichever way you turn.
If there is any kind of let down, it’s the rather small and narrow playing area. On busy days, you’ll be bumping chair with others and sliding between bodies as you move up and down the solitary aisle.
Buying Singles/Products and Shop Deals
They may be new but they have a considerable inventory of singles and sealed product for every new release. Recently they were also awarded as a Dragonshield premium store, allowing them to offer special redemptions for sleeves and other product accessories.
Their preorder prices for new MTG releases have also been very aggressive, going as low as S$5-S$10 less than most stores in Singapore. As their customer base grows, such deals may also slowly disappear.
Despite their explosive growth, their webstore has yet to come online, so any orders have to be made at the store or through their social media channels. They also offer frequent snap deals on their Shopee page, sometimes with amazing discounts.
Staff Friendliness
With the brand focused on community building, M&L’s store manager is naturally one of the friendliest players you’ll meet.
Location Accessibility
At their new Paya Lebar location, M&L enjoys connectivity to two MRT lines at Paya Lebar station, and alongside Games Haven is a natural choice for anyone who lives in the east especially in Eunos, Bedok, and Tampines. No other location also offers free roadside parking after 5pm and for the entire Sunday.
Webstore: https://www.moxandlotus.sg
789 Geylang Road, 3rd Floor
Singapore 389675
Tel: +65 8789-1689
Email: hello@moxandlotus.sg
MTG-Asia
Play Area/Ambience
MTG-Asia has been around for the longest time, and their current location in Bugis/Bras Basah makes it a convenient stop for anyone in town. Because it’s a HDB commercial unit, the overall space isn’t big, but they do have a private room (for about 8 players) that can be booked in advance if you need it.
Buying Singles/Products and Shop Deals
Their website offers an amazing inventory of singles, although their prices are not the most competitive. Still, there are times when they’ll have a card available that you can’t find in other online portals. They are also very quick on delivery (if you opt for mail), with cards received as early as the next day.
Sealed products are a little above the market average so ask around the other stores before committing. But do look out for their reward payouts for daily events – you could win a free Prerelease ticket entry for being the big winner. That’s worth at least $30!
In early 2024, they migrated their online store to a new platform, which is similar to most other game stores and offers more online payment methods.
Staff Friendliness
Once a staff member angrily shouted at the entire store, because of one player’s possible mistake. It might not have been a baseless accusation, but the tirade was not justified and the situation could have been handled better.
Location Accessibility
MTG-Asia is sandwiched between two MRT stations, and a 5 minutes walk from either one will get you there. There’s no shelter for rainy days so remember to pack that umbrella. Parking in the building is also expensive and notoriously scarce.
Being close to Bugis has its perks though, with the Singapore Arts Museum, National Library, and Marina Bay all pretty close by.
Webstore: http://www.mtg-asia.com
261 Waterloo Street
#03-28
Singapore 180261
Tel: +65 6336-6844
Email: sales@mtg-asia.com
Sanctuary Gaming
Play Area/Ambience
Update Apr 2024: Due to high rental costs, Sanctuary Gaming closed its Somerset store still further notice. They do still run online sales through their website, where you can purchase products not just for Magic: the Gathering but many other popular Japanese cards games such as Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh and Vanguard.
By utilising a walk-in concept with glass walls and zero doors, Sanctuary Gaming (SG) feels like a product showcase by itself. Despite already having a good number of play tables, on big event days every seat is filled and the front counter is swarmed with players, making it hard to get around.
SG caters to other renown card games such as Pokemon, Yu-gi-oh and Vanguard, and being located in Singapore’s premier shopping district also adds to the shop’s popularity and crowds on weekends. Recommended place if you like banter noise and being in the thick of things!
Buying Singles/Products and Shop Deals
Like many other stores, Sanctuary Gaming emerged out of Covid determined to have an online presence that could make purchase of sealed products and singles faster. However it is infrequently updated and lists products from 2022 on their home page.
Staff Friendliness
Although crowds can get rowdy and the front counter is packed, the staff has always been professional and kind, even if you have to wait a while for your turn. There have been less positive reviews from other readers about their no-refund policy for cards that are not collected within 2 weeks. These cards were auctioned through third-party channels and various stores were used as ‘pickup points’ as a free service.
Location Accessibility
Best Place To Bring a Date
If you know the secret, there is a lift that takes you right from Somerset MRT station up to Sanctuary Gaming’s shopfront. That’s right, no braving the rain or crossing roads – you never even leave the air-conditioning. SG is very convenient by public transport but less appealing for drivers, with expensive parking and jammed roads a hurdle to play there.
But being within an Orchard Road mall also has its perks, as you can bring your family, girlfriend or boyfriend along. They can tag along or explore the hundreds of shopping and dining options while you sneak off for a little MTG fun.
Webstore: https://sanctuary-gaming.com/
277 Orchard Road
#04-09
Singapore 238858
Tel: +65 9113-7697
Email: sanctuarygaming@outlook.sg
Tanoshimou
Play Area/Ambience
Tanoshimou is one of the newer stores to the Singapore MTG community, currently nestled in the central residential region of Ang Mo Kio. As it is a shop unit at a public HDB flat, the space isn’t as broad or roomy as their original, short-lived location in Macpherson. Check out their Facebook page for a quick video tour of the premises.
Buying Singles/Products and Shop Deals
Although they’re a relatively new store, they’ve taken the downtime during Covid-19 to release their own online shop. The layout is clean and easy to navigate, though in recent months it’s not been updated as much. At one point they offered trade-in value if you’re looking for sell certain cards – it’s a good option to look out for if you need to offload some cards while get some new ones.
Staff Friendliness
The store is pretty much a one-boss show and during our few interactions has been easy going and helpful arranging for orders or answering general questions.
Location Accessibility
Much like Gamersaurus Rex, Tanoshimou will benefit greatly when the new Thomson-East Coast MRT line is completed. It’s so close to the Mayflower station that it could easily rival Agorahobby, GRex, Sanctuary Gaming, and Bricks Play for the title of easiest accessibility. Tanoshimou is also one of the only MTG shops in the central-to-north region of Singapore, filling a gap for players in that area.
Webstore: https://www.tanoshimou.com.sg/
114 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4
#01-361
Singapore 560114
Tel: +65 9753-7467
Email: support@tanoshimou.com.sg
Utopia Games
Play Area/Ambience
Utopia Games has the distinct honour of being 1 of only 2 MTG stores that uses the old underground bomb shelters as a shop space (the other being Dueller’s Point. They are one of the brand new local game stores that was born after the Covid-19 pandemic withdrew into the shadows.
While the space is expansive as one’d expect from bomb shelters, Utopia Games actually splits it equally with another shop called Sentinel Games, which caters to the Japanese card market. Nevertheless, Utopia Games is still big enough to comfortably fit 30 or so players. The furnishings are a little run down, which adds to its underground charm but on the other hand may not draw players back as much.
Buying Singles/Products and Shop Deals
One standout feature about Utopia Games is that they love to give our lucky draw prizes for their events. On Commander/EDH Friday nights (that run until an astounding 3am), you might get lucky and win promo cards or even Collector Booster packs.
Unfortunately they do not yet have an online store to buy singles and sealed product.
Staff Friendliness
While we haven’t met the owner in person yet, its staff are MTG players themselves and keep shop management light hearted. They are receptive to new players and try their best to get more experienced players to guide the beginners.
Location Accessibility
This is where Utopia Games suffers when compared to most other shops. There is no MRT station within reasonable walking distance, and could put a downer on players’ motivations to play there. The closest bus stop also covers only a handful of routes.
On the plus side, the newly constructed Marymount Community Club is just a few minutes walk away and should provide sufficient dining and recreation options (even if it’s not a dedicated mall with retail space). For those who live around the Bishan/Marymount enclave, Utopia Games will be an excellent choice, but for others it could be too out of the way to make a trip there.
254 Bishan Street 22
#B1-444
Singapore 570254
Email: utopiagames@utopiapsg.com
End Step
Ever since store events came back in full fore Singapore, there’s been a resurgence for MTG stores. There are plenty of new places to experience as well, with 3 new stores emerging since 2022.
If you have a specific and personal experience you’d like to share, feel free to reach out to us at lets@tapandsac.com – we’ll take your input into consideration while also keeping you anonymous.
