Play-n-Trade video games - grab a burrito next door while you’re at it.
A couple of weeks ago, while waiting on line at Chevron over on 31st and Barbur, I noticed a sign for a new video game store had gone up at that one shopping center with Bellagio’s and Taco Del Mar. This would be a lot more useful as a post if I knew the name of the place wouldn’t it? That’s the sort of thorough blogger you’re dealing with, I guess.
Anyway, this is about gaming, not navigation. Jr. V and I, Nintendo DS in hand, popped over for a quick look on Sunday. Jr’s going through a serious “Mario” phase right now, and I’m on the lookout for places that I can pick up used games on the cheap for him, oh and the occasional XBOX360 title for certain other members of the household.
Play-n-Trade is a popular franchise, and this location appears to be owned and run by a Dad and son combo who were very friendly and courteous towards all the customers while we were there. Even Jr. V’s relentless sampling of various game titles (which the store encourages) were welcomed. They have a pretty wide range of titles for the various platforms, including some blast-from-the-past stuff that I always get a kick out of. Their collection of 360 titles is pretty complete, with a good range of used games.
The prices are only OK. The new games are at the upper end of full retail, and the used titles are not a whole lot cheaper, but since we’re only talking about a difference of three or four bucks it’s worth it to support someone’s shot at running their own business. Plus, unless you’re in the car headed to Fred Meyer (for only new titles), or in the car headed over to GameStop next to Safeway on BH Highway which has used stuff but not always very cheaply - there’s not a lot of options for video game buyin’ within walking distance of the village. Before I get lots of flames about how Play-n-Trade is a national chain…. I consider franchise owners pretty much the same as “independent” businesspeople - they have the same pressures and struggles to build a customer base locally as anyone else, and rarely have a “safety net” besides the perceived value of a national or regional brand name. So if you’re a gamer and you live in the Village, you should at least stop by the store.
And it’s right next door to Taco Del Mar, and seriously, video games and burritos? Need I say more?