Is EB Games Closing in Australia? A Current, Detailed Look (2026)
EB Games has long been one of Australia’s most recognised video game and pop culture retail brands. But in recent weeks, many gamers and shoppers have been asking the same question: is EB Games closing down in Australia? The short answer right now is: No — but there are major changes underway that are reshaping the brand’s future.
Let’s break down what’s happening, what’s confirmed, and what this means for EB Games stores across Australia.
📉 What’s Driving the Rumours — NZ Closure Sparks Concern
In January 2026, EB Games confirmed it will shut all 38 of its retail outlets in New Zealand by January 31, 2026, and the country’s distribution centre will permanently close on February 28, 2026. This decision was made after years of financial losses and failing to turn the business around there. (Press Start)
News of this closure has understandably led some Australians to wonder whether a similar fate awaits EB Games in Australia.
📌 The NZ shutdown is real and confirmed, but it only applies to New Zealand operations — not Australian ones. (PC Gamer)
What EB Games Australia Says (and What They Haven’t Said)
Here’s what is confirmed:
✅ EB Games still operates in Australia
There are hundreds of EB Games stores in Australia — far more than in New Zealand. (Wikipedia)
✅ EB Games Australia has not announced a nationwide closure
Unlike NZ, no official statement says all Australian stores will shut and current operations are continuing.
The company’s handling of the New Zealand exit has not directly mentioned shutting Australian stores or forcing mass closures there. (Real Commercial)
🛍️ Are Individual EB Games Stores in Australia Closing?
Yes — but this is part of normal retail restructuring, not a full collapse.
🔹 Individual store closures have happened in Australia before — for example, in 2020 the company closed 19 underperforming outlets as part of a strategy to focus on larger flagship and hybrid stores. (Nintendo Life)
🔹 Local Australian closures still occur occasionally
Regional and suburban locations sometimes close due to performance, lease changes, or relocation to larger combined sites (often merging EB Games with ZiNG Pop Culture merchandise stores). (Reddit)
This is typical for many big retail brands adjusting to shifts in how customers shop.
🕹️ Why Some People Think EB Games Is “Closing”
There are a few reasons these rumours spread:
1. New Zealand Exit Is Highly Publicised
The NZ closure is widely reported and real — but only applies to NZ. (Press Start)
2. Store Reductions & Format Changes
Some smaller Australian EB Games stores are being closed or converted to large format/hybrid stores with merchandise sections from ZiNG Pop Culture — which can look like closures. (Information Age)
3. General Retail Pressure
Like many physical retailers, EB Games faces competition from online giants like Amazon and JB Hi-Fi (which sells games online and in stores), plus the ongoing shift toward digital game downloads — reducing demand for physical game discs and cartridges. (Pulsar.news)
📊 What This Means for EB Games Australia — Right Now
Here’s the current situation in clear, simple terms:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is EB Games closing all stores in Australia? | ❌ No — Not at this time. |
| Are some stores closing or being restructured? | ✔ Yes — occasional closures and format changes happen. |
| Is the brand under financial pressure? | ✔ Yes — retail challenges and NZ losses indicate pressure. |
| Are Australian stores at immediate risk? | ❓ Not confirmed, but the NZ closure signals possible future risks. |
At present, EB Games Australia remains open and operating as usual nationwide, with no official plan to shut all stores. However, evolving retail trends mean the company continues to reshape its physical store footprint and online strategy to stay competitive.
🔮 What Might Happen Next?
Here are possible future outcomes:
📌 1. More Store Format Changes
EB Games may continue to merge smaller stores into larger hybrid locations that include pop culture merchandise (a trend seen already in many Australian centres). (Information Age)
📌 2. Continued Focus on Online and Trade-Ins
As physical game sales decline, stores will likely lean into:
- collectibles and merchandise,
- nerd culture items,
- retro games,
- trade-ins, and loyalty programs. (Pulsar.news)
📌 3. Retail Adaptations
If digital game sales continue to rise and foot traffic declines, we could see more closures of underperforming outlets, but this would be targeted, not a full shutdown.
🧠 Truth
✅ EB Games is not closing all Australian stores.
❌ The recent closures only apply to New Zealand operations and a few specific store locations.
📍 EB Games Australia still has hundreds of stores nationwide, but is evolving in response to market pressures.
So if you’re in Australia and wondering if your local EB Games is about to shut — the brand is still operating — but it’s wise to stay updated on local store announcements, especially if you’re a frequent visitor or have preorders.
📌 Related Links (For Reference)
- 📌 EB Games Australia official website: https://www.ebgames.com.au
- 📌 Recent news on NZ closures from PC Gamer, Vice, RNZ, and Filmogaz