We visited the new Micro Center Phoenix location and here are our thoughts.

We visited the new Micro Center Phoenix location this week, and here’s how it went—from the overnight lines to the energy inside Arizona’s most anticipated tech store opening.

A VIP Tour with Micro Center’s Editor-in-Chief

When we arrived on Wednesday, Dan Ackerman, Editor-in-Chief of Micro Center, gave us an exclusive media tour during their VIP preview days.

Naturally, we asked: Why Phoenix? Why now?

Dan told us, “We see all of the comments, videos, and posts from people wanting a Micro Center – Phoenix is becoming a tech hub. Intel moving to Phoenix and having one of their largest properties here.”

That decision makes perfect sense. Phoenix’s growing population of builders, gamers, and creators has been calling for a Micro Center for years—and now, the wait is finally over.

The Hype: Crowds, Lines, and Overnight Waits

Both the VIP preview days and the grand opening drew massive turnouts—at least a few thousand people total. Some fans even camped overnight just to be first through the doors.

Dan shared that the first person in line for VIP day waited overnight, and of course, the goal was a GPU. That says it all.

By sunrise, lines wrapped around the building. For many, it wasn’t just a store opening—it was a tech community moment years in the making.

The Atmosphere Inside

Once inside, the energy was contagious. The staff were friendly, upbeat, and clearly proud of what they’d helped build. Every department was buzzing—PC parts, gaming gear, smart home tech, you name it.

It felt more like a convention than a retail store. Customers were comparing setups, chatting with employees about specs, and exploring every corner like kids in a candy shop.

Putting Their Selection to the Test

We wanted to see if Micro Center’s reputation for having “everything” held true—so we made a list. Each item came from a different corner of the tech world:

A high-end graphics card (RTX 4090) for gaming and creative work
A mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable switches
USB-C hubs and adapters for MacBook workflows
A Raspberry Pi 5 for home-lab projects
A Sony mirrorless camera for digital media production
Smart home devices like Philips Hue bulbs and Nest sensors
A portable SSD for video editing on the go

Every single item was in stock. That’s not something you see often—especially on opening week.

The Grand Opening with Austin Evans & Mr. Yeester

When the doors opened for the grand opening, the excitement only ramped up. Tech YouTuber Austin Evans and Mr. Yeester hosted a live PC-building session, chatting with fans, answering questions, and keeping the vibe electric.

It wasn’t just a show—it felt like a celebration of the community that had been waiting for this store to arrive.

Store Layout and Navigation

We’ll admit, the layout can be a little disorienting at first. The space is massive, and every aisle is packed. But once you glance up, the large overhead signs make navigation much easier. After a few minutes, you start to get the rhythm of the store, and it’s smooth sailing from there.

Final Thoughts

Our overall experience at Micro Center Phoenix was outstanding. Between the friendly staff, wide product selection, and genuine excitement from everyone involved, it’s clear this store isn’t just another retail space—it’s a new hub for Arizona’s growing tech scene.

Phoenix finally has the Micro Center it’s been asking for, and judging by the crowds, it couldn’t have come at a better time.

Whether you’re a gamer, a builder, a photographer, or just a tech fan, Micro Center Phoenix delivers.

Special Thanks

We’d like to give a huge thank you to Micro Center for inviting us to the VIP tour and allowing us to be present during the Grand Opening.
And an extra thank you to Dan Ackerman for taking the time to show us around and share insight into why Phoenix was the perfect next step for Micro Center.

See our Instagram post for this article.