Gamestore review: Videogames New York

Probably my favorite store in all of New York City is Video Games New York.

This store features the largest collection of new and classic video games and systems I have seen anywhere, and might be one of the most complete video game stores in the United States. It's like going to some collector nerd's house except everything is for sale, from $.99 Genesis games to $400 Neo Geo systems. I remember when the store used to be on Saint Mark's Place a few years ago. Musty and less visually appealing, I remember lots of neat old games but also the surprising amount of porn and Faces of Death VHS'. But that makes their current all the more impressive. Every self-respecting video game connoisseur cannot help but get excited every time they walk in, though most trips wind up pretty wistful as the good old games get very expensive.

While most people will spend most of their time looking at old Nintendo or Sega games

 (because that's what they will probably buy), the store also functions as a wonderful video game museum. Where else can you see so much colorful plastic electronics on display?

You would never use a CDi or Commodore 64 if you got it but this store makes you feel like you NEED it.

Of course the dreams of buying a Neo Geo or Sega CD are rosier than the reality. These are old systems, and let's face it, most old, obscure games are actually crap. Those pretty 32x cases staring at you from the wall may seem like the answer to all your problems, but you'd only be flushing your money down the drain. But it's fun to pretend and joke and laugh and sing with your friends about getting a Game Gear.

(Of course, I will buy everything in this store if I won the lottery)

The one critical comment that is always made about this store is how dubious the pricing is. Some prices seem fair, given that these are old, sometimes rare and coveted games and consoles. But other times it is too apparent that the store is deliberately inflating prices for items they know people will pay an arm and a leg for. An OPENED copy of non-Greatest Hits Final Fantasy VII will fetch almost $100 here. Panzer Dragoon Saga I could understand but NEVER was FFVII a rare game. Likewise, I was sure my mint copy of Secret of Evermore would garner at least $20, but they barely offered $3.

The other complaint is the people. The staff are all friendly and informed, but the frequent customers are all horrible nerds who like to block the aisles with their fat heads and drone o to whoever will listen about their PS3. They are both annoying and a fire hazard.

But so many games! Althought three copies are not enough for Ted and Alex!

You can really find any(game)thing you might be looking for at this place. I actually sold the Sega Saturn I got on eBay for fear of spending too much money on "ok" Saturn games at this store. However, when I get my first real job I know I am going to buy something stupidly spectacular from this store...