BitLounger History
Born from Passion, Built for Gamers
BitLounger was founded with a simple but passionate goal: to create the perfect display solution for loose game cartridges. While exploring existing options like 3D-printed designs and snap-together acrylics, the founders realized there was an opportunity to offer something even better—something that truly complemented the nostalgia and value of retro games.
Driven by their love for gaming and a desire to enhance the way collections are displayed and preserved, BitLounger developed innovative solutions that exceeded expectations. What started as a quest for the ideal display has now positioned BitLounger as a leader in crafting premium products that beautifully showcase, store, and protect your favorite retro video games.
September 21, 2016
Kickstarter Launched for the BitLounger 16BITSN
BitLounger introduced itself to the world via Kickstarter, aiming to deliver premium storage and display solutions for retro gaming enthusiasts. BitLounger debuting with the BitLounger 16BITSN.
September 26, 2016
Kickstarter Funded
In just five days, the Kickstarter was fully funded, showcasing the demand for high-quality, custom storage solutions tailored to retro games.
December 6, 2016
Backer Orders Fulfilled: BitLounger is Officially Open for Business
By the end of 2016, BitLounger had started shipping its first products, marking its official launch into the retro gaming accessory market. Enthusiasts were now able to store their cherished games in premium cases designed with collectors in mind.
May 17, 2017
First BitBook Launches
The BitBook series, designed to protect and transport handheld consoles like the Game Boy and Game Boy Color, debuted. This marked BitLounger’s entry into portable gaming carry cases with sleek, leather-bound designs inspired by cult-following designs of the past. Since, this line has grown to encompass options for the entire line of Game Boy and Game Boy Advance models.
July 19, 2017
Storage Tray Options Expanded
BitLounger expanded its product line of acrylic cartridge storage trays for Game Boy cartridges, the BitLounger GBBITN allowing users to better organize and showcase their handheld favorites.
July 24, 2017
BitLounger XL Announced
The patent-pending BitLounger XL introduced the world to a true modular storage and display solution for the first time. The BitLounger XL provided interchangeable storage trays for collectors looking for a more substantial centerpiece for their retro cartridge collection. The modular nature catered to those with more sizable collections across various platforms, supporting anywhere from 24 to 80 cartridges depending on the configuration.
April 29, 2018
CartVault Line Launches
BitLounger ventured into cartridge-specific display solutions with the launch of the NES Cartridge CartVault, its first dedicated case for NES cartridges. This became a staple in the retro gaming community, providing collectors with a protective, stylish display option. This line has since expanded to include over 30 cases for various game and console boxes.
April 7, 2021
Support for Japanese Games Launches
Expanding its global reach, BitLounger introduced support for Japanese game boxes. Debuting with support for Japanese Game Boy game boxes, this reflected the growing demand for international retro game preservation. This eventually expanded to cover the full range of cartridge boxes from the 80s and 90s.
June 2, 2021
ClearStand Line Launches
The ClearStand series debuted, offering an elegant way to display Game Boy cartridges in a standalone vertical grid format. Constructed from transparent acrylic, it combined functionality with minimalist design, perfect for showing off retro cartridges. Support expanded to cover DS and 3DS cartridges, along with various game quantity form factors.
July 21, 2022
BuddyBox Line Launches
The first BuddyBox case was introduced as an upright display for portable handhelds, inspired by the clear plastic cases available in the 90s. Specifically crafted for the Game Boy Pocket or Game Boy Color consoles with two corresponding game cartridges, further expanding BitLounger's focus on handheld gaming systems.
July 30, 2022
CartFrame Line Launches
With the CartFrame, BitLounger explored magnetic display systems for the first time. This product allowed users to elegantly frame and showcase their Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges, merging design with accessibility with bend towards a more substantial acrylic thickness.
August 22, 2022
Support for PlayStation Portable Launches
BitLounger expanded its product offerings to support Playstation, with cases catered to the Playstation Portable, PSGO and UMD game box cases, reflecting the growing nostalgia for early handheld consoles beyond Nintendo.
June 20, 2023
CartRizer Line Launches
The CartRizer series introduced a dynamic “stair step” format to display Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges, further cementing BitLounger’s reputation for merging style and functionality in retro game storage.
July 26, 2024
CartStax Line Launches
Continuing its focus on customizable cartridge storage, the CartStax line was launched for Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges, providing collectors with an additional modular solution to neatly stack and display their game cartridges in any configuration desired.
So...
What's next?
Great question! BitLounger is in the business of innovating while expanding a growing support of retro game systems. We have a lot of space to cover, but you can get a sneak peek of our current roadmap. Have a product request? Check our product request submission form to have your influence on the future of BitLounger!