Exile on Main Street in Champaign IL is an absolute joke price-wise. Most things are above ebay prices, and there is some stuff priced 3-4 times what you'd pay on ebay even. Seriously, never go there.
Disc Replay in Terre Haute IN used to have amazing prices. Last time I was there a month and half ago or so, they had just upped a lot of their NES/SNES prices, though. Still good prices, but not as amazing. A lot of the lower end stuff seemed to suffer the most, like games that were $2-3 were now $4-6.
Yeah, I thought their game prices were a bit much (but I don't go there for the games, but for the records).
As for Disc Replay, I mainly go there to get dvds. Able to find some neat titles. If you want NES/SNES games, the Disc Replay in Decatur's collection dwarfs Terre Haute's.
Exile on Main Street in Champaign IL is an absolute joke price-wise. Most things are above ebay prices, and there is some stuff priced 3-4 times what you'd pay on ebay even. Seriously, never go there.
Disc Replay in Terre Haute IN used to have amazing prices. Last time I was there a month and half ago or so, they had just upped a lot of their NES/SNES prices, though. Still good prices, but not as amazing. A lot of the lower end stuff seemed to suffer the most, like games that were $2-3 were now $4-6.
Yeah, I thought their game prices were a bit much (but I don't go there for the games, but for the records).
As for Disc Replay, I mainly go there to get dvds. Able to find some neat titles. If you want NES/SNES games, the Disc Replay in Decatur's collection dwarfs Terre Haute's.
Yeah, the Terre Haute one is very hit or miss. They must have a collector or re-seller around, because sometimes you'll go there and find stacks and stacks. Come back a week later and find literally nothing. I walked out with a big bag full a couple months ago and they told me I was a day late, that someone had walked out with well over a 100 SNES/NES games.
The Decatur one seems like the best as far as selection(where I found my Demon's Crest, Chrono Trigger, and Earthbound), but they are priced a little higher compared to Terre Haute (at least before Terre Haute upped their prices a couple months ago). I got Soul Blazer from Terre Haute for $17, they want $50 for it at Decatur. They also seem to have upped their prices in the last few months, but to a much lesser extent.
An update: Blasted Machines Tech Shop is now in Northgate Mall in Chattanooga, TN.
I'll check you guys out next trip through. Maybe in a week or so.
A bit of an update: The Score will not be shutting down, you can remove the strike from it.
Also spotted a craigslist add for "Control Freak Video Games" in Pigeon Forge with an actual store. I'll visit tomorrow if possible and see if they're any good.
You guys need to clean up part of South Carolina's section. The store in Taylors (yes, with a 'S' is called 'The Video Game Cavern'. Their Facebook doesn't say that, but trust me, the store's sign does. There's two similar posted for Taylors in the list, but trust me, there's only one.
"You guys"? You mean this appears to be more than a 1 man operation?
An update: Blasted Machines Tech Shop is now in Northgate Mall in Chattanooga, TN.
I'll check you guys out next trip through. Maybe in a week or so.
A bit of an update: The Score will not be shutting down, you can remove the strike from it.
Also spotted a craigslist add for "Control Freak Video Games" in Pigeon Forge with an actual store. I'll visit tomorrow if possible and see if they're any good.
Please do! I'm vacationing there in a month and would love to hear your feedback!
I noticed there is a Massachusetts retro store not on the list:
Replay'd Allston,MA - $$
Went there once to check out the place with friends. The store specializes in hardware repair of consoles, computers, and cellphones. The store also has a CD resurfacer. The store itself is pretty small with a limited selection. From my brief visit there, the prices looked like they were running about Ebay average prices.
One warning about the location. This isn't the store's fault, but the storefront is located directly in front of an MBTA bus stop while the rest of the street is parallel parking. I saw the empty space and thought it was a parking spot. Nope! Came out 10 minutes later to find a $100 ticket on my windshield. Again this is not the store's fault, I just want anyone who wants to check out this store to avoid the same mistake I made.
Just found a new one today. Better Sound in Johnstown, PA. Its kind of like a resale shop with a really good selection of vintage games at very competitive prices.
Haven't made it to Control Freak yet, but I did find a "Game Trader" in Johnson City yesterday off S Roan Street. Don't bother visiting them unless you have something to sell, as their retro stock is extremely limited right now (supposedly grand opened Monday). The inside was about as large as a standard bedroom too...
I just got back from a vacation in Corpus Christi and Play Again Classic Video Games has opened a second store in Corpus. Oddly enough they are pretty close together, it took me about 5 minutes to get to the new location. The original location also has a little arcade in the space beside it now.
Haven't made it to Control Freak yet, but I did find a "Game Trader" in Johnson City yesterday off S Roan Street. Don't bother visiting them unless you have something to sell, as their retro stock is extremely limited right now (supposedly grand opened Monday). The inside was about as large as a standard bedroom too...
That area definitely needs more/better stores. Hopefully this one picks up some stock and sticks around awhile!
Went to a new place in Charlotte, MI this weekend: The Game Swap.
Address is 113 W Lawrence Suite B, Charlotte MI 48813.
It's not easy to find, since their sign is around the back in the parking area. In front, there's a hair salon. You have to open the door and walk past the salon.
Inside is a small retail area and a small, but interesting selection of games for every console since the NES. Nothing really caught my eye, but they don't stock 20 copies of Duck Hunt, so that's good. Prices appeared to be similar to eBay +/- 10%. They also sell "tobacco" pipes.
The place feels spare and has a vibe similar to The Swap Meet up in Lansing, but I think it's mostly just the store needs some time "to cook" in order to come into its own. The young lady that runs it seems personable and knowledgable about good vs. bad games, so that's a plus.
Decided to drive around the state (Michigan) today and hit up three stores that are on the list already: Topps Trade Center, Epic Electronics & Gaming, and The Gaming Warehouse. Was told to hit up the stores in Kalamazoo too, but didn't listen since Topps was talked up to me (and is listed as "Preferred" here). In hindsight, I wish I had.
Here are my impressions:
Topps Trade Center in Benton Harbor, MI
First time here. Clean, nicely organized, and helpful staff that seemed to be giving solid recommendations. I was not pleased, however, because there was very little NES and Game Boy retro love. Final Fantasy NES loose for $19.99 was probably the most interesting thing. Place seems to have more to offer to SNES, N64, and PS2 fans, if you're into loose items. Prices were exactly in line with eBay. I don't know what "preferred" means by the store's entry on the list here. If it was the reference to cheap prices from a 2012 post, I think that ship has sailed.
Epic Electronics & Gaming in Grand Rapids, MI
Return visit. Bargain options were slim today, but they were great the last time I went. Hopefully the bin is better next time. Lots of new boxed NES in the shop. They have a Mega Man 1 in the case that looks almost brand new. Bible Adventures CIB, River City Ransom CIB, Felix the Cat CIB, Turtles Manhattan Project CIB (looks new), and on and on. Must be more than 100. Good selection of hard-to-find NES, SNES, Genesis, and PS1 games too. Prices were about 10-20% higher than eBay across the board, which kinda kept me at bay this time. But, when I want a specific item and want to get it without fuss, this is the place I go. Their gamer's card that basically amounts to "spend $180, get $25" helps calm my price annoyance a little. Wish they had a larger store space. They have SO much stuff!
The Gaming Warehouse in Holland, MI
First time at the Holland location, but I've been to the Grandville location a few times. I really like this store and I REALLY like the Holland location. The stores are spacious, the racks are laid out like the way Gamestop used to be back before they were horrible, the staff can tell you why a game is good, and the prices are truly competitive. My only complaint is they don't have much boxed NES/SNES. Selection can be good or bad depending on the week, but today's visit to the Holland store made me think this is the location that holds onto the better stuff longer. They had Mega Man 2, 4, and 6 in the case, Super C, the Dragon Warriors, and a solid mix popular NES, SNES, and PS1. Their multiplicative discount policy is too good. Basically, at max, it amounts to buy 4, get 2 free. I bought Mega Man 6 for $32, which I consider fair, but since it was my expensive item, I ended up getting two $10 DVD sets for my wife for free.
I need to get around MI more, and hit up the Kalamazoo stores, but so far, I'm leaning to making The Gaming Warehouse and Epic my 1-2 punch in the region. I'd rather drive the 75 minutes to them than shop in my own city!
Just curious if someone on here happens to know who owns State Line Games in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts? I'm assuming the owner is on here... just a hunch I have.
Anyways I went way out of my Sunday loop to drive all the way there, (quite a drive for me), only to find out the owner is an SNES collector himself! Lol my fault for not calling ahead for sure... but yeah, don't go to that place if you're expecting to find any SNES items of interest besides carts priced right off Ebay. 40$ for Turtles in Time, 50$ for Mario RPG carts, etc.
Most of the stuff on their shelves seemed to be predominantly more "modern", (Wii, PSP, newer gen stuff)... with the most boxed retro games being Genesis.
The dude that was behind the counter was pretty cool, so they get points for that simple fact as lots of retro stores I've been in have had butt-hole's working behind the counter.
Newer store with Ebay prices, they repair everything which is cool. And for every 10 used games you buy (recorded on stores business card) you get an 11th game free (under $18.99 value)
Comments
Originally posted by: Hero_of_the_Day
Exile on Main Street in Champaign IL is an absolute joke price-wise. Most things are above ebay prices, and there is some stuff priced 3-4 times what you'd pay on ebay even. Seriously, never go there.
Disc Replay in Terre Haute IN used to have amazing prices. Last time I was there a month and half ago or so, they had just upped a lot of their NES/SNES prices, though. Still good prices, but not as amazing. A lot of the lower end stuff seemed to suffer the most, like games that were $2-3 were now $4-6.
Yeah, I thought their game prices were a bit much (but I don't go there for the games, but for the records).
As for Disc Replay, I mainly go there to get dvds. Able to find some neat titles. If you want NES/SNES games, the Disc Replay in Decatur's collection dwarfs Terre Haute's.
Originally posted by: duck182
Originally posted by: Hero_of_the_Day
Exile on Main Street in Champaign IL is an absolute joke price-wise. Most things are above ebay prices, and there is some stuff priced 3-4 times what you'd pay on ebay even. Seriously, never go there.
Disc Replay in Terre Haute IN used to have amazing prices. Last time I was there a month and half ago or so, they had just upped a lot of their NES/SNES prices, though. Still good prices, but not as amazing. A lot of the lower end stuff seemed to suffer the most, like games that were $2-3 were now $4-6.
Yeah, I thought their game prices were a bit much (but I don't go there for the games, but for the records).
As for Disc Replay, I mainly go there to get dvds. Able to find some neat titles. If you want NES/SNES games, the Disc Replay in Decatur's collection dwarfs Terre Haute's.
Yeah, the Terre Haute one is very hit or miss. They must have a collector or re-seller around, because sometimes you'll go there and find stacks and stacks. Come back a week later and find literally nothing. I walked out with a big bag full a couple months ago and they told me I was a day late, that someone had walked out with well over a 100 SNES/NES games.
The Decatur one seems like the best as far as selection(where I found my Demon's Crest, Chrono Trigger, and Earthbound), but they are priced a little higher compared to Terre Haute (at least before Terre Haute upped their prices a couple months ago). I got Soul Blazer from Terre Haute for $17, they want $50 for it at Decatur. They also seem to have upped their prices in the last few months, but to a much lesser extent.
Gamerz-Lakeline - Cedar Park, TX www.gamerzaustin.com
A1 Video Game Exchange - Boise, ID
Another Man's Treasure - Caldwell, ID
I recommend them both.
Originally posted by: mb7241
An update: Blasted Machines Tech Shop is now in Northgate Mall in Chattanooga, TN.
I'll check you guys out next trip through. Maybe in a week or so.
A bit of an update: The Score will not be shutting down, you can remove the strike from it.
Also spotted a craigslist add for "Control Freak Video Games" in Pigeon Forge with an actual store. I'll visit tomorrow if possible and see if they're any good.
Originally posted by: andrew244
You guys need to clean up part of South Carolina's section. The store in Taylors (yes, with a 'S' is called 'The Video Game Cavern'. Their Facebook doesn't say that, but trust me, the store's sign does. There's two similar posted for Taylors in the list, but trust me, there's only one.
"You guys"? You mean this appears to be more than a 1 man operation?
I'm flattered.
Originally posted by: catfriedrice
Originally posted by: mb7241
An update: Blasted Machines Tech Shop is now in Northgate Mall in Chattanooga, TN.
I'll check you guys out next trip through. Maybe in a week or so.
A bit of an update: The Score will not be shutting down, you can remove the strike from it.
Also spotted a craigslist add for "Control Freak Video Games" in Pigeon Forge with an actual store. I'll visit tomorrow if possible and see if they're any good.
Please do! I'm vacationing there in a month and would love to hear your feedback!
UTAH
Salt Lake City
Please remove: Game Hub (first store on the list) no longer exists
Please add:
Game Changerz (X2) - Video Games and Gadgets 801-433-3020 3309 South State Street, SLC,84115
Salt Lake City Thrift Store - 625 S. West Temple, SLC. WWW.SALTLAKECITYTHRIFTSTORE.COM
WA
Seattle
Please remove: Half Priced Books on 115 Belmont Ave E, Seattle, WA is closed
Replay'd Allston,MA - $$
Went there once to check out the place with friends. The store specializes in hardware repair of consoles, computers, and cellphones. The store also has a CD resurfacer. The store itself is pretty small with a limited selection. From my brief visit there, the prices looked like they were running about Ebay average prices.
One warning about the location. This isn't the store's fault, but the storefront is located directly in front of an MBTA bus stop while the rest of the street is parallel parking. I saw the empty space and thought it was a parking spot. Nope! Came out 10 minutes later to find a $100 ticket on my windshield. Again this is not the store's fault, I just want anyone who wants to check out this store to avoid the same mistake I made.
Originally posted by: thesubcon3
We call Video Palace in Hobart...Jew Palace as they try to pinch every penny out of you there!
Hm, mildly insensitive.
Originally posted by: catfriedrice
Haven't made it to Control Freak yet, but I did find a "Game Trader" in Johnson City yesterday off S Roan Street. Don't bother visiting them unless you have something to sell, as their retro stock is extremely limited right now (supposedly grand opened Monday). The inside was about as large as a standard bedroom too...
That area definitely needs more/better stores. Hopefully this one picks up some stock and sticks around awhile!
Originally posted by: thesubcon3
We call Video Palace in Hobart...Jew Palace as they try to pinch every penny out of you there!
Hm, mildly insensitive.
Oh I'd say more than mildly!
I also found a place called videogames then & now in Chicago that's apparently been around 10 years!
Address is 113 W Lawrence Suite B, Charlotte MI 48813.
It's not easy to find, since their sign is around the back in the parking area. In front, there's a hair salon. You have to open the door and walk past the salon.
Inside is a small retail area and a small, but interesting selection of games for every console since the NES. Nothing really caught my eye, but they don't stock 20 copies of Duck Hunt, so that's good. Prices appeared to be similar to eBay +/- 10%. They also sell "tobacco" pipes.
The place feels spare and has a vibe similar to The Swap Meet up in Lansing, but I think it's mostly just the store needs some time "to cook" in order to come into its own. The young lady that runs it seems personable and knowledgable about good vs. bad games, so that's a plus.
Bros. Game Shop $$$$ (Waste of time; Asking $160 for Mario RPG CIB?!)
1UP Videogames $$ (Picked up Godzilla 2 for $40 and Splatterhouse for $35)
A&J Games $$ (Huge manual selection)
Cali Games $$ (Lots of games but nothing that stands out in particular)
Game Dude $$$ (Printouts available of all buy/sell prices; slightly overpriced)
PTR Games $$$ (Meh)
Phat Collectibles (HB) $$$$ ($12 for SMB/DH!)
Games 4 Less $$ (Lots of games; pricing is hit or miss)
Video Game Geeks $$$$ (Don't waste your time)
Also good to see Puerto Rico on the list!
Mr. Zeros
$$ Average pricing, though not the largest selection. He gets new stuff often though. He also stocks toys and vinyl from the 70s/80s.
Gamefellas is expensive with Mega Man II Cart only for $29.99... they do have good trade in credit prices.
Here are my impressions:
Topps Trade Center in Benton Harbor, MI
First time here. Clean, nicely organized, and helpful staff that seemed to be giving solid recommendations. I was not pleased, however, because there was very little NES and Game Boy retro love. Final Fantasy NES loose for $19.99 was probably the most interesting thing. Place seems to have more to offer to SNES, N64, and PS2 fans, if you're into loose items. Prices were exactly in line with eBay. I don't know what "preferred" means by the store's entry on the list here. If it was the reference to cheap prices from a 2012 post, I think that ship has sailed.
Epic Electronics & Gaming in Grand Rapids, MI
Return visit. Bargain options were slim today, but they were great the last time I went. Hopefully the bin is better next time. Lots of new boxed NES in the shop. They have a Mega Man 1 in the case that looks almost brand new. Bible Adventures CIB, River City Ransom CIB, Felix the Cat CIB, Turtles Manhattan Project CIB (looks new), and on and on. Must be more than 100. Good selection of hard-to-find NES, SNES, Genesis, and PS1 games too. Prices were about 10-20% higher than eBay across the board, which kinda kept me at bay this time. But, when I want a specific item and want to get it without fuss, this is the place I go. Their gamer's card that basically amounts to "spend $180, get $25" helps calm my price annoyance a little. Wish they had a larger store space. They have SO much stuff!
The Gaming Warehouse in Holland, MI
First time at the Holland location, but I've been to the Grandville location a few times. I really like this store and I REALLY like the Holland location. The stores are spacious, the racks are laid out like the way Gamestop used to be back before they were horrible, the staff can tell you why a game is good, and the prices are truly competitive. My only complaint is they don't have much boxed NES/SNES. Selection can be good or bad depending on the week, but today's visit to the Holland store made me think this is the location that holds onto the better stuff longer. They had Mega Man 2, 4, and 6 in the case, Super C, the Dragon Warriors, and a solid mix popular NES, SNES, and PS1. Their multiplicative discount policy is too good. Basically, at max, it amounts to buy 4, get 2 free. I bought Mega Man 6 for $32, which I consider fair, but since it was my expensive item, I ended up getting two $10 DVD sets for my wife for free.
I need to get around MI more, and hit up the Kalamazoo stores, but so far, I'm leaning to making The Gaming Warehouse and Epic my 1-2 punch in the region. I'd rather drive the 75 minutes to them than shop in my own city!
Anyways I went way out of my Sunday loop to drive all the way there, (quite a drive for me), only to find out the owner is an SNES collector himself! Lol my fault for not calling ahead for sure... but yeah, don't go to that place if you're expecting to find any SNES items of interest besides carts priced right off Ebay. 40$ for Turtles in Time, 50$ for Mario RPG carts, etc.
Most of the stuff on their shelves seemed to be predominantly more "modern", (Wii, PSP, newer gen stuff)... with the most boxed retro games being Genesis.
The dude that was behind the counter was pretty cool, so they get points for that simple fact as lots of retro stores I've been in have had butt-hole's working behind the counter.
Game Cycle - 2 locations
472 Tecumseh Road East Windsor, Ontario, Canada N8X 2R8
4681 Tecumseh Road East Windsor, Ontario, Canada N8W 1K8
http://gamecycle.ca/
Awesome stores always getting new retro games, I've bought most of my rare SNES games from here
Prices usually coincide with Ebay, but they don't update their prices when a games value goes through the roof like Earthbound/Chrono Trigger
The Game MD
5452 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor On. N8T 1C7
http://www.thegamemd.com/
Newer store with Ebay prices, they repair everything which is cool. And for every 10 used games you buy (recorded on stores business card) you get an 11th game free (under $18.99 value)