A & C Games — Attraction in Toronto

Very extensive review - tl:dr in the bottom

For my first visit here, I was greatly impressed with the selection, services, and products offered. I'm typically an avid collector of various handhelds and consoles, with a particular focus on PS3 games and Nintendo franchise series. During my visit, a staff member engaged in a conversation with me about the business, which was a nice touch. However, I must mention a few considerations for potential visitors.

Whether it's games on the shelves or behind the glass cases, the prices for both common and rare titles tend to run about 15-30% higher than the market average. They do check prices upon request, but many times they remain unchanged, despite databases like Price Charting or CLZ Games (accessible via a phone app) showing fair online sold listings or different rates at other retro game stores. Unfortunately, negotiations are not permitted, which could be a drawback for buyers willing to pay a bit more for several items at a reasonable price. Additionally, they don't sell manuals, slip covers, or loose copies separately. Trade-ins are not handled on the spot, so scheduling an appointment is necessary.

Outside of my criticisms it really is a all-in-one store deal. From board games, cards, apparel, and limited blu-rays, it has a truly large selection of product to browse and talk about. Staff is friendly. Events for card collectors and players are hosted via there Facebook site or other advertising. In summary, while this store is appealing to fans of various media and collecting, it may not be budget-friendly, lacks discounted options, and offers limited trade-in opportunities, potentially resulting in higher costs.

Many people would likely appreciate the suggestions mentioned in this review for a fairer approach to spending their money. While this hobby is considered a luxury by many, offering well-priced clearance items in larger bulk quantities can make titles more accessible to a broader audience. Being flexible with customers and offering solid prices on stacks of titles is not only fair but essential.

Ensuring that your products come with a warranty, confirming their tested and working status, and proficiently restoring items from poor condition to a high-quality state (which is sometimes neglected notably on cases despite being market valued+) isn't merely a golden standard; it's an integral part of everyday pricing. As much as it is included with all purchases, it is by no means a premium on top of market rates. This is your commitment to delivering exceptional value to all customers.

TL:DR - PROS: Impressive selection, accommodating staff, diverse services, efficient use of space.

CONS: Pricing tends to be inflated, absence of discounts or room for...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting A & C Games, the local card and retro game shop located not far from the University of Toronto (UofT). From the moment I stepped inside, I was met with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

One of the standout features of A & C Games is their incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff. They are always ready to assist you with any questions or recommendations you may need. Their passion for card games and retro gaming is evident, and it's refreshing to interact with a team that genuinely cares about their customers.

The store itself is a treasure trove for gamers and collectors alike. Whether you're into trading card games or retro video games, there's something for everyone. The selection of single cards available for purchase is impressive, and I was thrilled to find some rare gems during my visit. The fact that they host card tournaments for games like Magic: The Gathering and Pokemon is a huge plus for the local gaming community, and it's evident that they actively support these communities.

A & C Games also offers an online shop, which is a fantastic option for those who may not be able to visit the physical store in person. It's convenient and ensures that you can still access their extensive range of products.

Now, when it comes to prices, it's worth mentioning that they can be a bit on the iffy side. However, this is not unique to A & C Games; it seems to be a trend in the collectibles market as a whole. While it's tempting to blame the store for pricing choices, it's important to recognize that they are likely navigating the same challenging market dynamics as everyone else. So, it's more of an industry-wide issue rather than something specific to this shop.

In conclusion, A & C Games is a must-visit for anyone interested in card games, retro gaming, or collectibles in Toronto. The knowledgeable and kind staff, the fantastic browsing experience, the option for online shopping, and their support for the local gaming community make this shop stand out. While prices may not always be ideal, it's a reflection of the broader collectibles market, and it shouldn't deter you from exploring what this fantastic store has to offer. I highly recommend...

Honestly a really cool store, I walked inside and was immediately met with this sick 8 bit version of a Nintendo tune and I knew, Ok, yeah this is the place.

So much cooler pre and I'm assuming post pandemic as the store is more open and there is availability to hang out in shop but even still it has so much to offer.

-Old games you might have trouble finding.(Like me who found a copy of Tony hawk American wasteland for only $30 With the booklet!) There were also many games I never heard of and may be interested in trying or at least looking up online before purchasing. On top of this they also have retro games for sale. I am not sure if they buy games as well, but I assume they might, something to look into.

-A whole card section with dedicated staff for selling AND buying your cards.(if they carry a value of course). I saw mainly Yu-gi-oh and Pokémon, but that is to be expected as they are mainstream. I got the privilege of being helped by Liam with my Pokémon cards, and he is just the best. Funny, good at what he does and will actually look into the card before giving you a value opposed to just face value. There were also a wide Variety of booster packs for purchase, which I liked being able to look up the sets and see what I wanted to get.

-Cool Anime, gaming, and cartoon merch and figurines.(I had to leave quick before I spent my whole paycheck there!)

-Board games(I didn't dive into them, but I had to leave something new for next time!)

-Charismatic and cool staff. There are so many stores that do similar business but I interacted with 3 staff while I was there, and they were all very helpful and just a pleasure to interact with. Also quick and efficient whenever I would call and have a question as well.

If you are a gamer, anime enthusiast, nostalgic cartoon fanatic, you consider yourself a card collector, or someone simply looking for some new hobbies, I definitely suggest...