Kyo's collection has grown so much that he now has over 3,500 games, making it a real challenge to keep them all in the house. — Photos: FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
In the world of video games, collectors stand out as true connoisseurs. These enthusiasts go beyond merely playing games; they savour the hunt for rare finds, revel in the nostalgia of classic consoles, and take pride in their meticulously curated collections.
For them, each cartridge, disc and console holds a reservoir of memories and is a testament to the evolution of gaming.
The joy they derive from their collections is multi-faceted: it’s in the thrill of discovering a long-sought-after item, the satisfaction of preserving a piece of history, and the camaraderie found in sharing their passion with fellow collectors, or simply anyone who’d like to hear a good story or get a game recommendation!
Azlil Shah Shaharuddin comes from this passionate, quirky community of video game collectors. Affectionately known as Kyo, the 37-year-old dynamo has turned a childhood passion for Nintendo into a steady enterprise, giving joy to gamers across Malaysia.
Since 2007, Kyo’s Game Mart has served as a cherished hub for Nintendo aficionados and gaming enthusiasts alike. With its unique mix of nostalgic classics and the latest gaming innovations, Kyo’s small business is a shining example of where dedication and love for the craft can lead.
For the past 17 years, Kyo has seen no need to operate from a brick-and-mortar store, choosing instead to set up shop on the weekends at Amcorp Mall’s flea market in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, as well as sell his goods on online platforms Shopee and Lazada.
“I’ve never had a physical store. There was just never the need to do so. I built my business very gradually over the years,” Kyo shares during a recent interview from his home/workspace in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, which also doubles up as a collection depository, a veritable treasure trove of video game history, which Kyo is only too happy to show off.
A gift – a gaming console – from his dad when he was just six sparked a lifelong passion for gaming in this affable entrepreneur.
The affable entrepreneur’s love for video games began at the tender age of six, thanks to a reward from his dad – a Micro Genius clone of the Nintendo Entertainment System console – that ignited a lifelong obsession.
“I started playing games when I was in kindergarten because I did well in my tadika exams!” Kyo chuckles. His childhood was a colourful tapestry of Super Mario, Street Fighter and countless other iconic titles, all played on that humble console. Little did his father know then that this early introduction to video games would shape Kyo’s future in ways unimaginable.
“He probably regretted that decision later in life because, at one stage, Dad would get really worried about my health; that I was spending too much time on gaming, and that would give rise to high blood pressure!”
One cartridge at a time
Despite his love for video games, Kyo initially followed a more conventional path, influenced by his dad’s career.
“While I was at the Multimedia University, I studied banking and finance because my dad was a bank manager. I have always looked up to my dad; he is my role model,” Kyo shares, adding that he secured a scholarship with Bursa Malaysia and embarked on a five-year stint in the corporate world.
However, the corporate grind never extinguished his fire for video games. In fact, prior to corporate work, while still a university student in 2007, Kyo had already started selling Nintendo games online. This bold move marked the birth of Kyo’s Game Mart.
“I told myself that I probably could start selling Nintendo games. I met people who were already distributing Nintendo DS and Wii consoles in the country and asked them if I could start an online store.
“This was during a time when there was no Shopee yet. So I started something on Lowyat.Net forum. Along with a few other sellers, we got our start over there, and fast forward 17 years later, I am still here.”
Among Kyo's collections is the limited edition Star Wars Darth Vader PS4 gamepad. Decked out in the Sith Lord's red and black colours, it makes you look ready to bend the galaxy to your will.
Kyo’s Game Mart is a one-man show powered by sheer passion and determination. From organising Malaysia’s biggest Pokemon launch in 2014, which netted RM100,000 in just six hours, to partnering with Video Games Live in 2016, Kyo has continually pushed the boundaries of what a small business can achieve.
Meanwhile, his weekend stall at Amcorp Mall, which has been going strong for the last eight years, has become a “pilgrimage” site for gamers.
“You’ll find me there every weekend. Back in the day, I had my partner, The Zendersons, who would normally handle the more retro stuff like the PlayStation, the older Nintendo systems, and the Game Boys. I would deal more with the current games and consoles,” Kyo says.
This symbiotic partnership allowed both to thrive, even as the market grew more competitive. Today, they operate separately but remain great buddies.
For Kyo, video games are more than a business; they are a deeply personal journey. His collection, meticulously curated over the years, includes rare treasures like a complete collection of the Yakuza series – a collection he would never part with.
Yakuza, known as Ryo Ga Gotoku in Japan and also more recently known as Like A Dragon elsewhere, is a video game franchise created, owned and published by Sega.
Kyo also has a stash of hardware, including old consoles (he's a bit of a fix-it guy as well!) and special items including soundtracks, art books, figures, tumblers and even a pair of night vision goggles.
“You could say the Yakuza series is the pinnacle of my collection. It has been my favourite since I first played the game in 2003/2004 on the PS2. I have followed the series faithfully; they have made eight mainline games and a few spin-offs. This is the absolute one collection that I could never get rid of,” he says earnestly, and then just as quickly does a 360.
“However, if ever someone wanted to buy everything that I have, I am happy to sell it for RM4mil,” he offers with a hearty laugh, referencing how all collectors anticipate their own “Super Mario 64 moment”.
In 2021, Super Mario 64 was the first video game to sell for more than US$1mil (RM4.63mil). An anonymous bidder won a pristine 1996 edition for US$1.56mil, according to Heritage Auctions. So, one can dream!
The heart of gaming
Kyo’s approach to business is refreshingly community-focused. He has cultivated a vibrant network of collectors and enthusiasts who gather, share notes and find joy in their shared passion.
“There’s a certain kind of magic that happens; I get gamers who come by the stall who have never met each other before, but when I strike up a conversation, they join in one by one,” Kyo says.
This sense of community extends beyond mere transactions; it’s about forging connections and friendships that often outlast the games themselves. “People think gamers are introverts, but that’s a bit of a misconception. When you find a like minded group of people, magic happens.”
He also gets to interact with buyers from overseas. “I do sell some items on eBay because here in Asia or Malaysia, we do sometimes get items that are not released elsewhere, and international buyers are always interested in this stuff,” he explains, holding up a copy of Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, which was released exclusively as a physical version in Asia, featuring English and Japanese language options.
For Kyo, video games are more than a business; they are a deeply personal journey. His collection, meticulously curated over the years, includes rare treasures like a complete collection of the Yakuza series – a collection he would never part with.
Kyo’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. The early years were marked by financial struggles and uncertainty. “I’d say back then, when I left my corporate job, I didn’t earn much; I wouldn’t even call it a minimum wage. After careful calculation, I had my tally around RM1,000 to RM1,500 a month,” Kyo recalls.
Yet, through perseverance and a deep love for video games, buying and selling, Kyo weathered the storms and built a sustainable business that supports his family today.
“Over time, I began obtaining official sources, and as I went further and further into the business, more and more people knew me and knew my business. People were starting to look for me – not just customers but suppliers too. They would contact me and see if I was interested in partnering up with them or having them as my suppliers. And from there, I grew and grew. I started getting so much supply that it was difficult to contain it all in my house – a problem that I still have!”
Apart from over 3,500 copies of games, Kyo also has a stash of hardware, including old consoles (he’s a bit of a fix-it guy as well!) and special items including soundtracks, artbooks, figures, whisky glasses, tumblers and even a pair of night vision goggles.
“They’re all still in their boxes and not on display at the moment because of a lack of space. I hope to remedy that as soon as my sons reach an age when they are able to appreciate these things. Right now, I have two rowdy boys who are running around the house all day!”
Yet, even with the demands of raising two toddlers and running a business, Kyo finds time to indulge in his favourite pastime.
“Pre-kids, I definitely had more time. I’d play games four to five hours daily. My wife was ready to kill me!” he laughs.
Nowadays, his play times are much shorter but no less cherished. His current favourite title? Hades, released on the Nintendo Switch in 2020, is a game he plays in the quiet moments when his boys are asleep.
Even though he doesn't have as much time to play, Kyo feels he has to game to give genuine recommendations - after all, quoting reviews just doesn't cut it for a true collector like him.
“I would feel like a fraud,” he says, “if I didn’t play. I want to be able to have real conversations with people, and if I don’t know what’s going on in, say, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, which came out in February, that just wouldn’t be right.
“When people come to me and ask what kind of games I could recommend for them, I don’t want to just quote a review from another source. Anyone can give you a review like it’s got great graphics or gameplay, but that’s just the surface and very shallow. I try to get deeper as best I can. I know my customers, their likes and dislikes, and I want to be able to share my own real knowledge of the games.”
Legacy of joy
Kyo’s story is a testament to the transformative power of following one’s passion. From a child playing on a cloned console to a small business owner and respected aficionado in the gaming community, his journey is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. His advice for newbies is to level up.
“Persevere. Stay the course. For me, it’s always been a very slow, hard and steep climb to get to where I am today,” Kyo advises. “If you can’t take that, then this might not be the best way for you, but if you’re willing to keep on trying, then give it your all.”
Kyo’s passion also comes from knowing how painstaking it can be to get a game or console that you really want. “One story I tell people all the time is how in 1999, 12-year-old me was saving up for a PS1; I would save all my pocket money, I think it was RM2 a day. I also had to prove to my dad that I was responsible enough to have it.
“Basically, I had to get good enough results in my UPSR exams, and when my dad gave his permission, I jumped in exaltation! It was such a memorable moment for me, and since then, I truly believe that if you want something badly enough and you focus and work hard for it, you can have it!”
Kyo also shares a tale about a family that came to his stall at Amcorp all the way from Muar, Johor, last year to buy a PS4. “I showed them what I had and told them how much it was.
“There were three kids, and when they were ready to pay, I got the largest collection of one ringgit (notes) ever! I didn’t think anyone had a tabung like that in 2023. But when I looked at those kids, I saw my 12-year-old self from 1999, and it was nostalgic.
“I love the fact that they basically saved up all their school lunch money or did chores to save up for the PS4. Their dad was more than happy to top off their savings so they could get the console!”
Kyo says that moments like these are the best for him. “It may be really easy for some kids to buy stuff these days. But the effort that those Muar kids made to save up for something they really wanted was great.”
It’s moments like these that make what he does extra special, reaffirming his dedication to the gaming community and the joy of sharing his passion with others.
