Paris. Mecca of videogames!!!! Photos inside.

[Saturn Sensei]

Went to Paris again. Re-visited the videogame district and was once again blown away. Everyone should make it their mission to at least once visit this veritable mecca. Afterall, a dozen incredibly well-stocked videogame stores within one city block. Heaven.

The breadth of games and systems available is mind-boggling.

Once again, I found everything on my want-list. Everything!!

I ended up getting Taxi 3: Le Jeu for GameCube. Hopefully it will become as rare as Taxi 2: Le Jeu for DC.

The PS2 version of Taxi 3 was everywhere but I only found the GC version in two places. HERE (http://www.alapage.com/mx/?type=5&tp=F&REF_NOVA=621169&donnee_appel=KELKO) is the GC cover btw.

Also got a bunch of Japanese MD titles, as well as US Steep Slope Sliders, and a few Jap Saturn games.

Also saw Metal Slug(home version cart) in 2 separate stores!!!!! X_x I had never seen one in the flesh before.


HERE (http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/md_saturn_dc/vwp?.dir=/Games&.dnm=window.jpg&.view=t) is a very impressive store-window. When was the last time you saw a PC Engine LT, NeoGeo CD, NeoGeo CDZ, and a PC Engine GT in the same place??

HERE (http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/md_saturn_dc/vwp?.dir=/Games&.dnm=systems!.jpg&.view=t) is an impressive stack of available systems in one store. A Qube, Pink and blue Hello Kitty DC, Sakura for Internet DC, Resident Evil DC, etc.

THIS (http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/md_saturn_dc/vwp?.dir=/Games&.dnm=Saturn.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/md_saturn_dc/lst%3f%26.dir=/Games%26.src=ph%26.view=t) is a quarter of this store's Japanese Saturn games. They also had every imaginable shooter for the Saturn in stock. Kingdom Grandprix, Sexy Parodius, Steam Hearts, Radiant, Garegga, Strikers, Sengoku Blade, etc.

Oh and a few forumites on here wanted me to look for Taxi 2: Le Jeu(DC) for them but I found only one and it was so scratched up I didn't get it. :(

[Saturn Sensei]

Went to Paris again. Re-visited the videogame district and was once again blown away. Everyone should make it their mission to at least once visit this veritable mecca. Afterall, a dozen incredibly well-stocked videogame stores within one city block. Heaven.

The breadth of games and systems available is mind-boggling.

Once again, I found everything on my want-list. Everything!!

I ended up getting Taxi 3: Le Jeu for GameCube. Hopefully it will become as rare as Taxi 2: Le Jeu for DC.

The PS2 version of Taxi 3 was everywhere but I only found the GC version in two places. HERE (http://www.alapage.com/mx/?type=5&tp=F&REF_NOVA=621169&donnee_appel=KELKO) is the GC cover btw.

Also got a bunch of Japanese MD titles, as well as US Steep Slope Sliders, and a few Jap Saturn games.

Also saw Metal Slug(home version cart) in 2 separate stores!!!!! X_x I had never seen one in the flesh before.


HERE (http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/md_saturn_dc/vwp?.dir=/Games&.dnm=window.jpg&.view=t) is a very impressive store-window. When was the last time you saw a PC Engine LT, NeoGeo CD, NeoGeo CDZ, and a PC Engine GT in the same place??

HERE (http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/md_saturn_dc/vwp?.dir=/Games&.dnm=systems!.jpg&.view=t) is an impressive stack of available systems in one store. A Qube, Pink and blue Hello Kitty DC, Sakura for Internet DC, Resident Evil DC, etc.

THIS (http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/md_saturn_dc/vwp?.dir=/Games&.dnm=Saturn.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/md_saturn_dc/lst%3f%26.dir=/Games%26.src=ph%26.view=t) is a quarter of this store's Japanese Saturn games. They also had every imaginable shooter for the Saturn in stock. Kingdom Grandprix, Sexy Parodius, Steam Hearts, Radiant, Garegga, Strikers, Sengoku Blade, etc.

Oh and a few forumites on here wanted me to look for Taxi 2: Le Jeu(DC) for them but I found only one and it was so scratched up I didn't get it. :(

[maxlords]

Holy gods! That 's insane! Now the REAL question is...what are their prices like? Are they reasonable or obscene? Can you get DEALS on some of that stuff?

[maxlords]

Holy gods! That 's insane! Now the REAL question is...what are their prices like? Are they reasonable or obscene? Can you get DEALS on some of that stuff?

[Achika]

:frustrated:

WHY WHY WHY? Why couldn't I get to this place when I was over there! I only grabbed one game while I was there, but I brought money just incase I found such a place as this.

In any case, those pics are impressive!

[Achika]

:frustrated:

WHY WHY WHY? Why couldn't I get to this place when I was over there! I only grabbed one game while I was there, but I brought money just incase I found such a place as this.

In any case, those pics are impressive!

[Lost Monkey]

I was in Italy last year for 3 weeks and all I found was pirated Fami-clones.. why didn't I just drive over to Paris?!? :angry:

Those pictures are beautiful by the way... remind me of the good ole days...
There isn't even 1 (real) Mom & Pop VG store here in town anymore, and none of the ones I used to frequent in Toronto carry imports anymore either... :(

[Lost Monkey]

I was in Italy last year for 3 weeks and all I found was pirated Fami-clones.. why didn't I just drive over to Paris?!? :angry:

Those pictures are beautiful by the way... remind me of the good ole days...
There isn't even 1 (real) Mom & Pop VG store here in town anymore, and none of the ones I used to frequent in Toronto carry imports anymore either... :(

[TheRedEye]

I thought this was going to be about a videogame port of the Paris Hilton sex tapes. :(

[TheRedEye]

I thought this was going to be about a videogame port of the Paris Hilton sex tapes. :(

[hydr0x]

I was in Italy last year for 3 weeks and all I found was pirated Fami-clones.. why didn't I just drive over to Paris?!? :angry:


lol, you know it's a 16-hours drive?? paris is only 5 hours away from where i lived until last year (and my family still does), but i still wasn't there, it's a shame :(

[hydr0x]

I was in Italy last year for 3 weeks and all I found was pirated Fami-clones.. why didn't I just drive over to Paris?!? :angry:


lol, you know it's a 16-hours drive?? paris is only 5 hours away from where i lived until last year (and my family still does), but i still wasn't there, it's a shame :(

[calthaer]

Europe's laws must make it pretty favorable for mom & pop stores. I'm not sure what part (if any) does that...wish they'd get some laws like that over here so that we could see small specialty stores like these.

[calthaer]

Europe's laws must make it pretty favorable for mom & pop stores. I'm not sure what part (if any) does that...wish they'd get some laws like that over here so that we could see small specialty stores like these.

[Saturn Sensei]

Europe's laws must make it pretty favorable for mom & pop stores. I'm not sure what part (if any) does that...wish they'd get some laws like that over here so that we could see small specialty stores like these.

I don't think laws have anything to do with it. England isn't this impressive for instance. These are very nice stores. Plus, the French, for some reason like to group their stores together. All the crafts stores or whatever in the same place. Brussels has a comic-book district for instance. X_x

There are EB-like chain stores in Paris too but not in that district. But why go to EB when these stores offer so much more? Perhaps that is why they are flourishing.

Importing is obviously big too since all the stores in that district carry all regions of games for all systems, past and present, and EB doesn't carry imports or much retro. The French take their pop-culture seriously. Be it movies, comics, or games.

The French also dislike bland EB/Blockbuster-esque multinationals. I saw quite a few McDonald's restaurants and subway billboards scribbled with "Merde A McDonald's" for instance.

[Saturn Sensei]

Europe's laws must make it pretty favorable for mom & pop stores. I'm not sure what part (if any) does that...wish they'd get some laws like that over here so that we could see small specialty stores like these.

I don't think laws have anything to do with it. England isn't this impressive for instance. These are very nice stores. Plus, the French, for some reason like to group their stores together. All the crafts stores or whatever in the same place. Brussels has a comic-book district for instance. X_x

There are EB-like chain stores in Paris too but not in that district. But why go to EB when these stores offer so much more? Perhaps that is why they are flourishing.

Importing is obviously big too since all the stores in that district carry all regions of games for all systems, past and present, and EB doesn't carry imports or much retro. The French take their pop-culture seriously. Be it movies, comics, or games.

The French also dislike bland EB/Blockbuster-esque multinationals. I saw quite a few McDonald's restaurants and subway billboards scribbled with "Merde A McDonald's" for instance.

[evilmess]

My wife is planning a trip to paris next year! WEEEEEEE!

What is this district called and how can she find it?

And how are the prices on the older games?

[evilmess]

My wife is planning a trip to paris next year! WEEEEEEE!

What is this district called and how can she find it?

And how are the prices on the older games?

[calthaer]

Europe's laws must make it pretty favorable for mom & pop stores. I'm not sure what part (if any) does that...wish they'd get some laws like that over here so that we could see small specialty stores like these.

I don't think laws have anything to do with it. England isn't this impressive for instance.

Laws have absolutely nothing to do with making things favorable or unfavorable for certain business models (i.e. - small vs. large)? What dream world are you living in?

England also isn't part of the EU. Germany is, Italy is, Switzerland is, and yes, France is, too - and I've seen lots of small stores / restaurants in all of those places. Having socialized medicene, the tax structure, etc. - all those things contribute to an auspicious environment where the small guy can survive. Location is a part of it, too...the whole village / town center structure (as opposed to the suburban / mall / strip mall structure) adds to that.

I don't know what exactly the laws are that make those sorts of things possible or likely in Europe, but I'd love for it to happen here, because I want to see more of those types of stores survive & thrive.

[calthaer]

Europe's laws must make it pretty favorable for mom & pop stores. I'm not sure what part (if any) does that...wish they'd get some laws like that over here so that we could see small specialty stores like these.

I don't think laws have anything to do with it. England isn't this impressive for instance.

Laws have absolutely nothing to do with making things favorable or unfavorable for certain business models (i.e. - small vs. large)? What dream world are you living in?

England also isn't part of the EU. Germany is, Italy is, Switzerland is, and yes, France is, too - and I've seen lots of small stores / restaurants in all of those places. Having socialized medicene, the tax structure, etc. - all those things contribute to an auspicious environment where the small guy can survive. Location is a part of it, too...the whole village / town center structure (as opposed to the suburban / mall / strip mall structure) adds to that.

I don't know what exactly the laws are that make those sorts of things possible or likely in Europe, but I'd love for it to happen here, because I want to see more of those types of stores survive & thrive.

[Saturn Sensei]

Europe's laws must make it pretty favorable for mom & pop stores. I'm not sure what part (if any) does that...wish they'd get some laws like that over here so that we could see small specialty stores like these.

I don't think laws have anything to do with it. England isn't this impressive for instance.

Laws have absolutely nothing to do with making things favorable or unfavorable for certain business models (i.e. - small vs. large)? What dream world are you living in?

England also isn't part of the EU. Germany is, Italy is, Switzerland is, and yes, France is, too - and I've seen lots of small stores / restaurants in all of those places. Having socialized medicene, the tax structure, etc. - all those things contribute to an auspicious environment where the small guy can survive. Location is a part of it, too...the whole village / town center structure (as opposed to the suburban / mall / strip mall structure) adds to that.

.

First, England is part of the EU. Though not of the EMU. Meaning they don't have the Euro but otherwise partake in everything EU related(no import or export fees between countries, etc.).

Second. Switzerland is not part of the EU or EMU. They are completely neutral as well as very wealthy so they are not part of any such organization.

As far as your town center theory. The videogame district is quite a ways from the center of Paris. And as such would fall more into the suburban category. The more mainstream game stores such as Game, Micromania, FNAC, Virgin, etc, are all located elsewhere, more downtown, as well as in malls and such. The Mall Les Halles in Paris is one of the largest malls I have ever been in, and the FNAC store on Champs Elysees is probably the largest media store I have ever been in.

I think the district has flourished because of the tradition of putting similar stores together, and not by any laws. Afterall, why shop at a traditional independent store when you have access to a veritable Wal-Mart Superstore of videogames just a quick Metro-ride away?? This is the same reason why small-towns all over America fear the opening of a Wal-Mart, because it knocks out local small-business.

FYI: The tax structure is harsher on business in Europe than over here.

[Saturn Sensei]

Europe's laws must make it pretty favorable for mom & pop stores. I'm not sure what part (if any) does that...wish they'd get some laws like that over here so that we could see small specialty stores like these.

I don't think laws have anything to do with it. England isn't this impressive for instance.

Laws have absolutely nothing to do with making things favorable or unfavorable for certain business models (i.e. - small vs. large)? What dream world are you living in?

England also isn't part of the EU. Germany is, Italy is, Switzerland is, and yes, France is, too - and I've seen lots of small stores / restaurants in all of those places. Having socialized medicene, the tax structure, etc. - all those things contribute to an auspicious environment where the small guy can survive. Location is a part of it, too...the whole village / town center structure (as opposed to the suburban / mall / strip mall structure) adds to that.

.

First, England is part of the EU. Though not of the EMU. Meaning they don't have the Euro but otherwise partake in everything EU related(no import or export fees between countries, etc.).

Second. Switzerland is not part of the EU or EMU. They are completely neutral as well as very wealthy so they are not part of any such organization.

As far as your town center theory. The videogame district is quite a ways from the center of Paris. And as such would fall more into the suburban category. The more mainstream game stores such as Game, Micromania, FNAC, Virgin, etc, are all located elsewhere, more downtown, as well as in malls and such. The Mall Les Halles in Paris is one of the largest malls I have ever been in, and the FNAC store on Champs Elysees is probably the largest media store I have ever been in.

I think the district has flourished because of the tradition of putting similar stores together, and not by any laws. Afterall, why shop at a traditional independent store when you have access to a veritable Wal-Mart Superstore of videogames just a quick Metro-ride away?? This is the same reason why small-towns all over America fear the opening of a Wal-Mart, because it knocks out local small-business.

FYI: The tax structure is harsher on business in Europe than over here.

[hydr0x]

First, England is part of the EU. Though not of the EMU. Meaning they don't have the Euro but otherwise partake in everything EU related(no import or export fees between countries, etc.).

Second. Switzerland is not part of the EU or EMU. They are completely neutral as well as very wealthy so they are not part of any such organization.


yep, both things are absolutely true



FYI: The tax structure is harsher on business in Europe than over here.

exactly, btw why do u think if laws have anything to do with it it's european laws??? IF laws are the reason for this district, they must be french laws, you know, of course there are a lot of EU laws (import/export fees...) BUT most of the things are still in the hands of the single countries

i think the reason is just the french mentality, we don't have anything near as good as that district in germany. The situation in germany is so bad, i'm already happy about having EB games (about 10 ) and some rare Virgin Megastores (about 1-2 in germany i think) here. Finding real video-game-only stores in germany is anything else but easy!!

[hydr0x]

First, England is part of the EU. Though not of the EMU. Meaning they don't have the Euro but otherwise partake in everything EU related(no import or export fees between countries, etc.).

Second. Switzerland is not part of the EU or EMU. They are completely neutral as well as very wealthy so they are not part of any such organization.


yep, both things are absolutely true



FYI: The tax structure is harsher on business in Europe than over here.

exactly, btw why do u think if laws have anything to do with it it's european laws??? IF laws are the reason for this district, they must be french laws, you know, of course there are a lot of EU laws (import/export fees...) BUT most of the things are still in the hands of the single countries

i think the reason is just the french mentality, we don't have anything near as good as that district in germany. The situation in germany is so bad, i'm already happy about having EB games (about 10 ) and some rare Virgin Megastores (about 1-2 in germany i think) here. Finding real video-game-only stores in germany is anything else but easy!!

[Saturn Sensei]

Holy gods! That 's insane! Now the REAL question is...what are their prices like? Are they reasonable or obscene? Can you get DEALS on some of that stuff?

Sample prices:

Steep Slope Sliders - US - Saturn - E30 used but great shape.
Sakura Wars Complete - JAP - DC E200
Sonic the Hedgehog - JAP - MD E15
World of Illusion - JAP - MD E15
Rez - PAL - DC E30 brand new sealed!!!!!
Metal Slug - NG - E1800
Rambo 3 - Genesis - US E5
Baseball Stars - NG - E30
Cool Boarders Burrrn - DC - JAP E15 sealed
Pocket Tennis - NGPC - PAL(with the cool hard plastic box. E15
Taxi 2: Le Jeu E10-E25 depending on condition.
Cosmic Smash - DC - JAP sealed E60
Aqua GT - DC - PAL E7
Zoom - Genesis - US E5
Arctic Thunder - Xbox - US E10
Super Mario Sunshine - GC - JAP E15
Spirou - SNES - PAL E5
Saturn Nights Controller - JAP - Brand New E15
White Saturn System boxed - E90
PC Engine Core Grafx 2 - New - E100
NEC Supergrafx boxed E150

Those are just a few of the games that I either bought, or remember the prices of.

US imports are generally not worth it. Some older titles can be found fairly cheap though. One thing I do recommend if you are going though is to bring US games and trade them in.

I managed to get 30 Euros for a US copy of Star Ocean for PSX that I paid $12 for. 40Euros for US Giga Wing 2 which I got from EB for $12.
15Euros for my $5 US copy of Darius Twin(SNES), 15Euros for my $5 Outlaw Volleyball Red Hot, etc. Excellent way to cheaply finance some of the more expensive titles.

The Euro/Dollar exchange rate varies over time. Right now one Euro is worth about $1.18. A year ago a dollar was worth about E1.15.


Prices vary too though. Sometimes you find real deals. The real treat is the massive, mind-numbing selection though. Virtually any game, no matter how rare or obscure can be found. Not too much prior to NES though. And there are literally no TG16 games. Gazillions of PC Engine titles though. Some TGCD and US Duo titles though.

Stuff like Radiant Silvergun for instance runs about the same as online, around $150. But you can look this one over before handing over the cash.

Overall, an awesome place to shop.

[maxlords]

Looks like some prices are high, some are average, and some are low, just like anywhere else :D Very cool! If I ever wander across the pond to france, I'll have to scope that area out!

[rolenta]

I was in Paris in 1992 and I saw Sega Master System games all over the place. I ignored them because I thought they were PAL (or SECAM) and wouldn't play on my set. I've been kicking myself ever since.

[MarioAllStar2600]

Looks like there were some pretty cool systems. What are those Hello Kitty systems? I knwo the GBA Hello Kitty is pretty rare.

[Saturn Sensei]

Looks like there were some pretty cool systems. What are those Hello Kitty systems? I know the GBA Hello Kitty is pretty rare.

There were two different Hello Kitty Dreamcast systems released in Japan. One blue and one pink. You also got matching controller, VMU, and keyboard in the same translucent color, and some Hello Kitty game and a special Internet disc.

The Resident Evil Dreamcast was released in an edition of 2000 in the same type of box, as seen in that picture. 1800 of them were blood red, and 200 of them were black STARS Dreamcasts. This store in Paris had the red one.

The Sakura Wars Dreamcast is solid-pink with various writings and pictures on the lid. Also comes with matching controller and VMU.

HERE (http://www.pelikonepeijoonit.net/articles/dcconsoles.html) is a good list of SE DC consoles, most with pictures.

[Saturn Sensei]

My wife is planning a trip to paris next year! WEEEEEEE!

What is this district called and how can she find it?



Don't know if it has an actual name.

The main district is located next to Republique. Republique is a big square that has many of the Metro lines running under it. Most of the stores are on Boulevard Voltaire, just next to Republique. There are 10-15 stores around there. Some on parallell streets, and some on intersecting streets, but most are on Blvd Voltaire. On the left hand side coming from Republique.

The second batch of stores(about 5) are located on Rue des Ecoles. Around the intersection of Rue des Ecoles and Rue d Arras. Metro stop is Cardinal Lemoine. Some on Arras, and some on Ecoles.

The third place only has 2 stores. One on 12 Rue de la Forge Royale, and one next to it on 17 Rue Trosseau.

Videogames are called Jeux-Video. So look for signs with that. A controller is a manette. A clavier is a keyboard. Thon is Tuna. Oeuf is egg. :)

There is also a swap-meet, flea-market kind of place in Paris called Puces de Saint-Quen et Clignancourt. It has 10 miles of paths! and about 2000 sellers every Sat, Sun, and Mon. Haven't been there though, so I can't comment on how good it is for games.


A couple of good arcades on Boulevard St. Martin just off Republique. Some good shooters like Zero Gunner 2, and Strikers 1945 Plus. Lots of new pinball machines too. Terminator 3, Simpsons, Playboy(uncensored!!), Monopoly, etc. Lots of 2D fighters too.

A huge arcade/McDonald's/all-night gamestore on Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle. Tons of games. Lots of shooters(Raiden Fighters Jet, Viper Phase-1, etc). Snk vs Capcom Chaos, Crazy Taxi 3 Arcade, House of the Dead 3, V-Rally arcade, Pump it Up, and various DDR iterations, though they are called Dancing Stage there.

Also found a Sonic the Hedgehog arcade game at that place. I have never heard of it. It is basically Genesis Sonic 1 but copyright 1993. You only get one life for your credit and the time-limit is stricter. Anyone else seen this, ever? Some beefy security guard had told me not to take any pictures in there, so I didn't dare take a picture.

[Lost Monkey]

I was in Italy last year for 3 weeks and all I found was pirated Fami-clones.. why didn't I just drive over to Paris?!? :angry:


lol, you know it's a 16-hours drive??

Heh.. of course!

I did drive from Venice to Monaco in one session though... :P

A long drive doesn't frighten me.. I live in Canada. My parents live 20 hours away from here, I have to pick up a loaf of bread for them. ;)

[hydr0x]

monaco is only half the way to paris ;)

mh you didn't find anything in italy? mhhh normally it should be no problem to find at least the italian versions of the snes rpgs (terranigma, SoM...)

[Parodius]

I have another P=A=R=I=S game district picture to add to the fray.

HERE (http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/md_saturn_dc/detail?.dir=/6ed8&.dnm=d821.jpg)

Rare system insanity.

[GameBoy]

Sorry, but the site ain't working for me....

[kevincure]

Very impressive games district.

A quick note concerning France and multinationals: Despite the "Merde a McDonalds" noted above and the Jose Bove nonsense, France is one of the best districts in the world for McDonalds. The guy who used to head McD's France is now the head of McD's for all of Europe and is almost a lock to be their next CEO. So *somebody* is eating all those Big Macs, heh.

Concerning small businesses in France, Carrefour is pretty close to the EU Walmart these days, and it's everywhere in France. The wage laws and corporate taxes, in particular, are quite rough for small business owners in France. In general, higher minimum wages and required benefits (like required vacation time and the like) hurts small businesses more than larger businesses because a greater number of low wage workers work for a small business. I'd say the French proclivity for grouping similar types of stores together probably contributes to Ethel's success.

[Cmosfm]

Sorry, but the site ain't working for me....

Yeah, the topic is from last year. LOL.

[Arqueologia_Digital]

Very very old thread...

[Parodius]

The picture worked for me when I posted it. Does Yahoo photos have a daily limit or something?


And, as for the very old thread remark. So what? A new photo from June 2004 was added to an old discussion.

[Parodius]

The picture link is working now. Must have exceeded the daily limit yesterday.

Here is the vital info in either case.

One store with an Onimusha Sword controller, a boxed PC Engine LT, a FF CC LE GC(!!??), Final Fantasy X-2 gun controllers, and the creme de la creme, a boxed Famicom controller Limited Edition GameBoy Advance SP as seen on ebay for $1500.

Picture taken in P_A_R_I_S on the 26th of June 2004.