Where should I go? Where do you go?

[ThoughtBomb]

I read all these stories about Gamestop straight trashing old games simply because they've been instructed not to carry them anymore. Whether the games were good or bad, I think that something is still something to someone. These games must go somewhere and I'd like to get some input from my fellow DPers, especially with me just getting my hands on a Nomad,
where are some good sites/stores to visit to get some ol school NES, Genesis, Game Boy, Snes and such goodness? I've literally fatigued myself with all the old gems I've had to search for so far, I know someone here will throw me a bone. There's still got to be some places to go to scope out some games I can just buy a bunch of. Mom & Pop places? So forth...tell me where you get your fix!

[James8BitStar]

GameXchange and Gamz4Less are both chains that stock older games.

In my local area we have a pawn shop and several flea markets as well.

[strassy]

the one thing i hate about GameXChange...they don't let you take the box when you buy the game. what the hell is that? do they have some clandestine box selling racket going on eBay?

i asked them once and they said they kept the boxes for display purposes. OK..so I asked "if you have more than one copy of the box, can i have the box?" they said no. I walked out without buying anything. Everytime I am in the area, I stop by to see what the have, but I seldom buy anything because of this ridiculous policy.

i would also discourage anyone here from trading their games in to gamexchange for this reason.

[thetoxicone]

the one thing i hate about GameXChange...they don't let you take the box when you buy the game. what the hell is that? do they have some clandestine box selling racket going on eBay?


I had a local rental place do the same thing on a genesis game, but it was for the manual, I was going to buy from them. After trying to convince them to give it to me with the game, I said you can put the game back and walked out without the purchase. I have refused to go there since that incident. They had the manual in a plastic case for the purchase of the game.

[strassy]

i should have clarified...they won't give you the manual, either. this is the gamexchange in bloomington, IL...are the other ones different? there's one about 45 miles away in Springfield. next time I go that way, I was planning to check it out...but if they have this same stupid policy, I won't bother.

[James8BitStar]

Really? I almost bought some Genesis games and they seemed perfectly willing to let me have the case and manuals.

Great, now I'm gonna have to try to buy one just to see how that works out.

[Andred]

I know that the GameXchange here in Indianapolis doesn't give you the manual or box with the games. I used to buy from them occasionally before I started buying stuff here and other places on the net. Their prices are rather high here as well.

[jb143]

I know some don't like going this route but I've gotten really good deals on loose lots of Genesis games on Craigslist. Some are complete as well. I've also done well at goodwill but it's pretty hit and miss...usually miss.

[SONIKtheHEDGEHOG]

I remember going to a Game-x-Change on my way back from California to Michigan... Took the boxes of the games I wanted to purchase up to the front paid and then they started putting just the games in a bag.. I said, "I don't get the boxes with these games?" They said, "No they are for display purposes" I said, "well you're going to have to refund my money because I wouldn't have bought the games if I knew they didn't come with the boxes" They were cool about it but it just seemed so dumb.. They should at least have a sign saying that the boxes are not for sale...

[Zebbe]

This must be some conspiration against gamers who want their games complete... If not, it is at least very sick.

[brykasch]

Yep most game xchanges are of that for anything non cd based. I only buy cartridge games there if the very cheap and hard to find. Been able to find alot more of demo cds and older game mags, snagged a few odm and gamefans for a buck a piece.

[ThoughtBomb]

So basically you guys are telling me I should just stick to online if I want my games complete? Is there a non-box-Nazi chain of cartridge game stores I can go to?

[JerseyDevil65]

Try pawn shops, antique stores, used record stores, junk stores and TV/VCR repair stores. I've picked up OK to great deals at all these places. Also try video rental places especially if you know they used to rent games, they may still have some in the basement.

Even if I don't see games, I always ask if they have any.

Good luck!