View Full Version : Looking for a GREAT game store in MN/Western WI
pacmanhat
02-08-2005, 03:37 AM
I'm looking for a really nice game store near me...I live in the Twin Cities in MN, but I'm willing to drive a couple of hours if it'll be worth the trip. Mom & Pop store or whatever, as long as it's good. There are a few okay places near me, but I can't help but feel like I can do better if I know where to go. So with that in mind, can anyone help me out?
I was recently wowed by Discland in Bloomington. 35W & 98th St (take a left on 98th). They have just about everything, classics to next-gen.
jslithy
02-08-2005, 09:54 AM
Discland is the best place in town for some common stuff. If they think it's the least bit rare, though, the prices are through the roof.
16-bit
02-08-2005, 11:39 AM
Discland is the best place in town for some common stuff. If they think it's the least bit rare, though, the prices are through the roof.
I always scored deals there when I lived in Minnesota (until 2001). Got a mint Gunstar Heroes for $5 and a bunch of import PS1 shooters for $20 each.
They had a box of about 100 loose Japanese mega drive games sitting on the floor. Still kicking myself that I never made an offer on it.
s1lence
02-08-2005, 11:39 AM
Right down by freeway ford then?
pacmanhat
02-08-2005, 03:02 PM
Sounds interesting...I'm gonna try and check it out this weekend. Are there any others that stand out?
Neil Koch
02-08-2005, 06:00 PM
There's a place (it doesn't have a name) by my parent's house in the Richfield Shoppes at 66th and Nicollet that buys out video/game stores and re-sells the stuff. They usually have a decent selection of older games. There's also Hot Comics and Collectibles across the street that will occassionaly have stuff like old Atari systems, LCD handhelds, etc.
Besdies that, I dunno... considering that the corporate headquarters for Target, Best Buy and GameStop are in the area, most of the smaller stores have been squeezed out.
dbiersdorf
02-08-2005, 06:07 PM
The Game Crazy on the border of Richfield and Edina (right next to Southdale) has a really good selection of modern, used games. I've scored quite a few rare games there, which is suprsing for the fact that it's a wordwide chain store, but the emplyees there are really sweet too, and if you ask they'll give you free promotional stuff too, just don't be an ass and they'll help you.
Other than that... I don't know, the CD Warehouse in Edina, off of France (near Shinders and a Brugger's Bagels) has scored me one or two finds in my time going there.
I'll come back if I can think of some more. -_-
There's a place (it doesn't have a name) by my parent's house in the Richfield Shoppes at 66th and Nicollet that buys out video/game stores and re-sells the stuff
I went today & couldnt find any place like that. I found Hot Comix (awesome Star Wars stuff!) & the clerk didnt seem to know of any other gaming stores other than GameStop, which I also found. I drove all around & saw nothing. There were a few spaces for lease- maybe the place was one of these? How long ago was this place there, Neil?
pacmanhat
02-11-2005, 04:17 PM
There's a place (it doesn't have a name) by my parent's house in the Richfield Shoppes at 66th and Nicollet that buys out video/game stores and re-sells the stuff. They usually have a decent selection of older games. There's also Hot Comics and Collectibles across the street that will occassionaly have stuff like old Atari systems, LCD handhelds, etc.
Besdies that, I dunno... considering that the corporate headquarters for Target, Best Buy and GameStop are in the area, most of the smaller stores have been squeezed out.
Gamestop's HQ is in Texas...I believe FuncoLand's WAS here, though.
Thanks again for the info, everyone...I'm actually on my way to check them out right now. :)
Let us know if you find the "mystery place" in Richfield...
dbiersdorf
02-12-2005, 01:14 AM
Anyone know of a good selection of more modern games that tend to be on the rare or hard to fiind side? I've run into one or two big chains that have had some good, non common modern aged stuff.
Toys 'R Us in Richfield has a fantastic selection of odds and ends, like I picked up Bust a Move 3000, Cubivore, and Resident Evil 3 for GameCube there.
goats
02-12-2005, 02:34 PM
i also went to the richfield shoppes today and found nothing, hmmmmmm
i wonder whats up????
Daniel Thomas
02-12-2005, 03:49 PM
Let us know if you find the "mystery place" in Richfield...
Unless I'm mistaken, the 'mystery place' in Richfield (66th & Nicollet) closed down a few years ago. That's too bad, because it was a perfect stop for anything related to console games. They even had stacks of old prozines if you wanted to collect those.
There aren't many options in the Twin Cities, besides the few places sited above. Your only real options are to hunt down the local Blockbuster, CD Warehouse, or pawn shops. By now, you should probably be using Ebay, anyway.
MagicMajenta
02-13-2005, 06:18 AM
Let us know if you find the "mystery place" in Richfield...
Might you be talking about Games to Go? That place closed down some years ago.
Also there's Hi Score Video. They were formerly Raven Video Games on Maryland Avenue. Here's the site. www.hiscoregames.com They have 2 locations one near Stillwater and the other one at the corner of Century and Minnehaha.
Kamino
02-13-2005, 09:29 AM
If you can make it out to Green Bay, Wisconsin...
VIDEO GAME KINGDOM
East town mall, Green Bay. Ran by DP's Dave2236.
\m/
dbiersdorf
02-13-2005, 01:27 PM
Does anyone know of any directly in Edina? Or at least really close?
Might you be talking about Games to Go? That place closed down some years ago. Also there's Hi Score Video.
Neil Koch brought it up. Surprised he's unaware it closed (did it?) if it's such a great place. I've been to Games To Go & Hi-Score(s) & was at GTG for their store-closing madness.
There aren't many options in the Twin Cities, besides the few places sited above
That's just not true. I pointed out in another thread at least a half-dozen other places I know of around here (Hi-Score is one of them.)
pacmanhat
02-13-2005, 08:24 PM
A few others I've come across...
Toyriffic (Maplewood)
Cedar Cliff Collectibles (Eagan)
Both have very good selections, but their prices can each be questionable. Each store has its share of great deals, though. The latter of the two I mentioned has an NES "bargain box" that has carts for $4 each of 3 for $10 (I got Zelda II, Wizards & Warriors and Final Fantasy from it).
Toyriffic gave me nearly $20 for a dozen Dreamcast games...after EB Games offered me pocket change.
goats
02-15-2005, 07:41 PM
what about flea markets? anyone hit up or know of any around the cities?
i hit up goodwill and salvation army weekly but neverfind anything, i get most of my games from gamestops, game couldren in roseville and toyriffic
dbiersdorf
02-15-2005, 07:47 PM
Yeah I've hit up the Goodwill in Hopkins and it sucks, the only video game related thing there I've seen was a SEGA Genesis for like $20. Not worth it.
I found my SNES at the Maplewood Goodwill for $4. The cables/controller cost more! & some random games at Goodwills around the area. Just keep your eyes open.
And 3 good gaming places have been mentioned so far... ;)
Toyriffic
Hi Score (Oakdale & Stillwater)
Game Cauldron
pacmanhat
02-16-2005, 02:10 PM
I went to high school with the guys who own the Game Cauldron. They actually just sold it to some people who are gonna be keeping it a game store...I hope they keep it great and don't run it into the ground.
Did you go to Roseville? I graduated Class of 89 there...
s1lence
02-18-2005, 09:59 AM
I guess there is a place on south hennipen.
http://www.startribune.com/stories/1673/4111603.html
They were on channel 9 news the other day, looks like they have an Atari section, though the prices seem a bit high like 7 bucks for 2600 games.
MagicMajenta
02-18-2005, 10:06 AM
I guess there is a place on south hennipen.
http://www.startribune.com/stories/1673/4111603.html
They were on channel 9 news the other day, looks like they have an Atari section, though the prices seem a bit high like 7 bucks for 2600 games.
WOW. Amazingly enough I saw that same broadcast and got the Atari 5200 they were selling in the store (15 Minutes) that the lady showed to the camera. It's the same 5200 I started a thread on here about the controller not working. Apparently I'll try cleaning the contacts. But, Yeah they have a ton of 2600 games but I wiped out their entire 5200 collection I'm sorry to say :D Got the 5200 system and all 29 games for $105. :D
pacmanhat
02-18-2005, 04:00 PM
Did you go to Roseville? I graduated Class of 89 there...
I did. Class of '01...I still go back from time to time (I work off and on w/ the quiz bowl team, which i used to be captain of).
vincewy
02-19-2005, 11:24 PM
You probably know this, Hi-Score in Twin Citie
http://www.hiscoregames.com/
FlufflePuff
02-20-2005, 01:29 AM
I went to high school with the guys who own the Game Cauldron. They actually just sold it to some people who are gonna be keeping it a game store...I hope they keep it great and don't run it into the ground.
I was so sad when Josh told me they might be closing, but I'm much happier now that it's not. I was in briefly when the new owners were getting the lay of the land. I hope they start buying games again cause the NES selection is crap right now. Does anyone else remember "Last Stop CD Shop" on Grand down from Macalester? It was open for like a year, but had a really good selection of old and new used stuff. Unfortunately they close down like 3 years ago. :(
I tend to raid the pawns and thrifts in the area and have come up with quite a few good catches. I'm sure I've also seen some of you grabbing the goods right ahead of me. The only place I've ever had much luck that hasn't been mentioned on this list is Half Price Books. They will buy used games and I've found several good games there, including a Valkeyrie Profile, Suikoden 2, and Lunar 2 Strategy Guide (the big leather one).
mosesshirai
02-20-2005, 04:59 AM
Dude, this totally makes me stoked for the visit I am planning in August. Where is this game cauldron store? I will drive pretty much anywhere in the metro area.
This is waxing nostalgic, but wasn't there a videogame store on lyndale and 494(right behind that Best Buy and Don Pablo's). I was back there a couple of years ago and it was closed. Anyone get stuff from them? I saw plenty of 32X there back in the day. You had to ask to walk behind the counter to look at the shelves. They had a plethora of used Gameboy games too.
Anyone tried Petters Warehouse direct? I thought they had a location in MOA at one time.
Laters.
MagicMajenta
02-20-2005, 11:22 AM
You probably know this, Hi-Score in Twin Citie
http://www.hiscoregames.com/
I already mentioned that on the first page of this thread. :D
MagicMajenta
02-20-2005, 11:25 AM
Dude, this totally makes me stoked for the visit I am planning in August. Where is this game cauldron store? I will drive pretty much anywhere in the metro area.
This is waxing nostalgic, but wasn't there a videogame store on lyndale and 494(right behind that Best Buy and Don Pablo's). I was back there a couple of years ago and it was closed. Anyone get stuff from them? I saw plenty of 32X there back in the day. You had to ask to walk behind the counter to look at the shelves. They had a plethora of used Gameboy games too.
Anyone tried Petters Warehouse direct? I thought they had a location in MOA at one time.
Laters.
I already talked about that Game Store on Lyndale and 494. It's Games to Go, and It's been long gone for a few years now.
pacmanhat
02-20-2005, 02:48 PM
The Game Cauldron is in a strip mall just north of the corner of Lexington and Larpentur in Roseville, on the west side of the street (across from an old style Dairy Queen) in the same building as a Walgreens. Hopefully it'll still be there w/ the new owners.
Half Price Books
Well, there goes my secret... O_O
Actually, I found a Klonoa 2 there, & THE GTA3/VC GH pak for $15.
pacmanhat
02-21-2005, 02:40 PM
Half Price Books
Well, there goes my secret... O_O
Actually, I found a Klonoa 2 there, & THE GTA3/VC GH pak for $15.
Which Half Price Books (if you don't mind me asking)? :)
s1lence
02-21-2005, 04:31 PM
I guess there is a place on south hennipen.
http://www.startribune.com/stories/1673/4111603.html
They were on channel 9 news the other day, looks like they have an Atari section, though the prices seem a bit high like 7 bucks for 2600 games.
WOW. Amazingly enough I saw that same broadcast and got the Atari 5200 they were selling in the store (15 Minutes) that the lady showed to the camera. It's the same 5200 I started a thread on here about the controller not working. Apparently I'll try cleaning the contacts. But, Yeah they have a ton of 2600 games but I wiped out their entire 5200 collection I'm sorry to say :D Got the 5200 system and all 29 games for $105. :D
Nice pick up, how were the prices on the other stuff.
MagicMajenta
02-21-2005, 09:45 PM
I guess there is a place on south hennipen.
http://www.startribune.com/stories/1673/4111603.html
They were on channel 9 news the other day, looks like they have an Atari section, though the prices seem a bit high like 7 bucks for 2600 games.
WOW. Amazingly enough I saw that same broadcast and got the Atari 5200 they were selling in the store (15 Minutes) that the lady showed to the camera. It's the same 5200 I started a thread on here about the controller not working. Apparently I'll try cleaning the contacts. But, Yeah they have a ton of 2600 games but I wiped out their entire 5200 collection I'm sorry to say :D Got the 5200 system and all 29 games for $105. :D
Nice pick up, how were the prices on the other stuff.
I didn't check the prices on the other stuff. But they had a Sega Master System, 2 Genesis systems and a ton of 2600 games. I do remember seing a ton of Pac Man 2600 cartridges but I didn't check on any of the other prices besides the 5200 I got.
Well, that remains a secret- but my location is a big hint! (nearby)
They're also in:
Apple Valley
St Paul
St Louis Park
Northtown
which I've never been to.
MagicMajenta
02-24-2005, 02:30 PM
Well, that remains a secret- but my location is a big hint! (nearby)
They're also in:
Apple Valley
St Paul
St Louis Park
Northtown
which I've never been to.
Saw your collection pics!! Nice Game Room. :D
Thanks, it looks totally different now (w/ more stuff! :D ) Joe was nice enough to feature it in Tips & Tricks (Feb 03?)
I got rid of the desk & have everything in/on one of those IKEA TV desk things w/ multiple shelves & a sliding glass door. It was featured in a past EGM Gameroom Gear article. Someday I may post updated pix.
MagicMajenta
02-25-2005, 11:39 PM
A few others I've come across...
Toyriffic (Maplewood)
Cedar Cliff Collectibles (Eagan)
Both have very good selections, but their prices can each be questionable. Each store has its share of great deals, though. The latter of the two I mentioned has an NES "bargain box" that has carts for $4 each of 3 for $10 (I got Zelda II, Wizards & Warriors and Final Fantasy from it).
Anyone know if Cedar Cliff Collectibles sells any Atari, Colecovision, Intellivision or Vectrex systems. I was at Discland and they wanted $60 for a 4 switch Atari 2600 X_x Just wondering if Cedar Cliff Collectibles is any better.
Saabmeister
02-25-2005, 11:53 PM
A few others I've come across...
Toyriffic (Maplewood)
Cedar Cliff Collectibles (Eagan)
Both have very good selections, but their prices can each be questionable. Each store has its share of great deals, though. The latter of the two I mentioned has an NES "bargain box" that has carts for $4 each of 3 for $10 (I got Zelda II, Wizards & Warriors and Final Fantasy from it).
Anyone know if Cedar Cliff Collectibles sells any Atari, Colecovision, Intellivision or Vectrex systems. I was at Discland and they wanted $60 for a 4 switch Atari 2600 X_x Just wondering if Cedar Cliff Collectibles is any better.
Cedar Cliff Collectibles has them, but the prices seem rather steep to me (not sure about Vectrexes).
The employees at the Toyriffic in Maplewood are some of the biggest jerks I've ever met. They act like they know everything, but I am constantly amazed at their stupidity. And their prices are EXTREMELY high.
When I've got some extra gas in my tank, I head across the border to another Toyriffic in Wisconsin. Much friendlier, much more reasonable prices (atleast they were the last time I was there).
MagicMajenta
02-26-2005, 01:04 AM
A few others I've come across...
Toyriffic (Maplewood)
Cedar Cliff Collectibles (Eagan)
Both have very good selections, but their prices can each be questionable. Each store has its share of great deals, though. The latter of the two I mentioned has an NES "bargain box" that has carts for $4 each of 3 for $10 (I got Zelda II, Wizards & Warriors and Final Fantasy from it).
Anyone know if Cedar Cliff Collectibles sells any Atari, Colecovision, Intellivision or Vectrex systems. I was at Discland and they wanted $60 for a 4 switch Atari 2600 X_x Just wondering if Cedar Cliff Collectibles is any better.
Cedar Cliff Collectibles has them, but the prices seem rather steep to me (not sure about Vectrexes).
The employees at the Toyriffic in Maplewood are some of the biggest jerks I've ever met. They act like they know everything, but I am constantly amazed at their stupidity. And their prices are EXTREMELY high.
When I've got some extra gas in my tank, I head across the border to another Toyriffic in Wisconsin. Much friendlier, much more reasonable prices (atleast they were the last time I was there).
Where is the Toyriffic that you are talking about in Wisconsin. Can you give directions and do they have Ataris, Colecovisions, and Intellivisions. I'd appreciate prices for those systems if you know how much they sell them and also how to get there. Thanks.
s1lence
05-16-2005, 12:10 PM
Ok, I thought I would update this topic since I went to a couple of the stores yesterday. Raven video games does not exist anymore , it has become one of the Hi Score video game stores. This is the maplewood location it is just north of 3M on minnehaha and century. I also went to the stillwater location, its right off of highway 36 on the south side of the freeway, just pass walmart. The Stillwater location has TONs of games and all sorts of games for outlandish systems, like the vic-20. The problem is it is extremely disorganized, so be sure you know what you want before you go. The Maplewood location is small, but much more organized. I highly recommend both stores as they do have fairly priced items, a few are a bit high, but the selection is top notch. Just remember your checklist when you go. :D
dbiersdorf
06-07-2005, 12:48 AM
Has anyone managed to find a place that sells complete N64 games?
I'm mainly trying to find places that will score me SNES, Genesis and N64 games, maybe even Saturn. Who can help me out there?
atomicthumbs
06-07-2005, 06:22 AM
There are a couple of nice places in Eau Claire (though I haven't been there in almost seven years). One place is called Star something or other, and there was another one that also sold old toys in the plaza next to a Blockbuster. Also, baysoftgames.com is headquartered there (in a small office not intended for public viewing in the middle of a scary warehouse, but they let us in anyway and treated us like kings). If any of these places are still around, it's worth the short hop to Wisconsin.
goats
06-08-2005, 09:43 PM
I did my undergrad at Eau Claire and frequently got games from Video Game Star which is in the small strip mall on clairemont, next to OCB, and across the street from Memorial High school. They gots a good selection of boxed (if not complete) NES Genny SNES and N64 games. The place in strip mall by shopko and blockbuster has also has a decent selection but they slap on a high price if they think it may be rare.
atomicthumbs
06-09-2005, 01:48 AM
but they slap on a high price if they think it may be rare.
And the store smelled like urine.
I'm mainly trying to find places that will score me SNES, Genesis and N64 games, maybe even Saturn. Who can help me out there?
Did you read the thread? I see you contributed a few times...99% of the stores mentioned have what you're looking for. Last time I was in the Hi-Score in Maplewood they had shelves & shelves of Genny games. Saw Saturn games there too, also at ToyRiffic Maplewood (on Beam & White Bear Ave.)
Dont tell me you missed the recent GameCrazy $5 game sale(s) too...
pacmanhat
07-08-2005, 01:04 AM
As said earlier in this thread, the Game Cauldron was sold, and is now under new ownership. And I've gotta say...I'm REALLY impressed with the new look of the place. It looks completely different in there. They've added a lot of new inventory, especially when it comes to imports (including Radiant Silvergun and Ikaruga on DC). Check it out if you get the chance.
Also, there's a new store in Brooklyn Park called Games'n'Go that opened up a month or two ago. It's next to the Cub Foods off of Jolly Lane and Brooklyn Blvd (near Hwy 81). I've only been in there briefly but it seems like a good place for stuff from any era.