1UP Games — Attraction in Mesa

So my wife and I are driving out of this parking complex and we see this sign for a place called 1UP games. My wife asks if I would like to drop in. Of course, I say yes. I was wondering what this little place was as I drove by. I walk in and it's incredibly quiet with the gentle sounds of gaming stuff going on in the background. We start looking around and we both are amazed at the selection here, my wife included who doesn't even play games. I'm walking around and I get a friendly, "Hello!" from a worker behind the counter. We say hello back and keep on browsing. Then my wife notices a video of a guy on one of their TV's playing Super Mario 3, she asks, who's that? I say, "It's Mike Matei from AVGN," And from over my shoulder I hear the worker say, "You know your angry video game nerd." From there, I knew I had come to the right place. He told me his story about how he started the store and how this collection was gathered by him over the years and that the store was not just a place he worked, he owned the freaking place. Plot twist! He said he just cares about gaming and gamers and if he doesn't have a product, he is more than willing to call up another store and recommend people there. He said he doesn't see anyone else as competition, because he just loves games. We talked in great detail and what was just a simple stop to browse turned into, "I have got to buy something to support this place." I picked up a lesser known PS1 game I used to have as a kid, "Driver 2". I bring it to the counter and instantly, this guy goes, "Ah Driver 2. Good choice." He knows so much about so many types of games and genres and all the different types of consoles. He hooked us up with a first time customer discount. Not to say that happens for everyone but he just was really cool about it. I tried to offer him an extra $1 tip and this fool straight up goes, "Nah dude, you keep it. Either that or donate it to the dogs," and he points to a tip jar with some candy in it that goes to a dog shelter. Dude! You just don't see that in any business, gaming aside! This guy rocks and his store rocks! I'm so happy I live down the road and that I love retro games because he's gonna be getting all of my business from here on out. I made a decision to buy a switch for the upcoming smash brothers and now he's going to be getting my purchases for that. And he was telling me about potential future smash brothers competitions to be had there, I really hope they go through with that because I'm definitely going to bring all of my smash bros buddies to come play if that's the case. I was blown away and totally caught off guard by this place. Skip gamestop every time, it's worth the extra drive if you're...

Whether you are a hardcore gamer or just love the nostalgia of gaming in your childhood, you have GOT to check out this place. It may be small but the owners have it set up perfectly. Only the best titles and selection, great prices, fun atmosphere, and the owners are the friendliest ever. My husband and I have a great time whenever we stop in and it feels good to support a small local business that so clearly pours their heart and soul into what they love. In addition to tons of great video game decorations throughout the business & video game soundtracks playing on the speakers instead of the radio (at least I think I noticed that last time?), they also have a couple TV's set up with different video games and fun challenges that go along with them. For instance, the first time we stopped in they had an old Super Mario Bros water level pulled up and if you could get through the level holding the contoller upside down on your first try you won a drink from the cooler! Another time you could win a drink by landing a helicopter in a game after spinning in circles 10 times. We used to go to Zia for all our used video gaming needs --- but we are total converts to 1UP Games now! Better selection, fair and reasonable prices, and GREAT...

As per my first review being deleted. This is my second explaining and providing a rightful evaluation for the public. (A gamer since the age of 10, I've been to thousands of retail stores from large/robust, to the local shop of intimate gaming collectors.) After entering, the individual behind the counter, looked in my direction then decided not to acknowledge. He carried on shuffling with items. Off to a bad start, began to paruse the inventory of the shop. Although racks were orderly, nothing was found out of the ordinary. Taking that last statement further, I can say nothing here was to be coveted for ANY system. The inflated prices for hits of past was elevated beyond a reasonable cost. Small amounts of accessories for consoles and no gaming memorabilia was found. It should be mentioned during the visit, another customer of whom the employee recognized, was greeted then provided a "concierge" level of service. Left with a foul taste, and based on the lack of service/no worthwhile items, no return visit is necessary.  (†) Todays retail market is scarce and it is imparitive in providing excellent customer service. When you compound that on top of the lackluster supply offered, it becomes a gamble...