Video Game Depot — Local services in Alaska

I never write scalding reviews... Never! but I must here. I got a Groupon for 'Video Game Depot' without first going to the store because I was just stoked there was a mom and pop type video game shop in Anchorage. I went in, everything seemed fine at first. Then I asked for a specific product, I was told by the owner that he: "had it, but doesn't sell them individually because they don't make them anymore... maybe if you were a friend or I knew you I would do it..." ok, that by itself isn't too terrible, to an extent I agree that maybe selling a product to someone you don't know when you only have some left makes sense. So I shrugged it off.

Then I inquired about an 'off-brand' model of the same thing I asked for. He pulled out the exact same product I have already that I was looking to replace, exact, as in, the exact same company, exact same model, even the color was the same. and the price was exactly double what I'd purchased mine for. Again, ok, so what? specialty shop, you expect a little higher price, whatever, no problem there. The problem came with the next thing he said: "We get these made for us, they don't sell them anywhere, you can only find them here" "but... Mr. Shopkeeper, a month ago I purchased this same exact product on Amazon for half the price" he said "really? no way!" "yep! way!" it got awkwardly quiet, and, to lighten the mood, I quickly changed the subject.

Now lets talk about the Groupon, I've got to be honest here I'm not really sure what happened. I picked something small and inexpensive up (since they didn't have what I wanted or, wouldn't sell it to me because I wasn't his bro) I was pretty done with the place at this point, very disappointed and wishing I hadn't bought the Groupon in the first place. I go up to the register and I inform him I have a Groupon and proceed to show him my coupon, this is where I got mad.

He started ranting about how he really doesn't make any money on the Groupon deal because Groupon pulls a big chunk of the profit or something and that I would have to buy something more expensive to offset it. I was flabbergasted, first of all, sir, how is this my problem? I saw a Groupon, I bought it, now you as the merchant must honor it. I'm not very good at confrontation so I probably looked like an idiot, but eventually his employee took over and rung me up.

At this point I just wanted to be out of there, so awkward, so uncomfortable. I never inquired about store credit or any of that, I was just happy to be gone. Seems like the type of place where if you know these guys and you're all friends its great but if you're a dirty outsider you're treated as such.

I hate that I am writing this review because I always go to local businesses before the big chains and want to support local but really do yourself a favor and avoid this place...

I’ve been inside of this store probably 7 times now. 4 of those times was back to back, checking to see if my online order for a game came in when the guy told me that he would get it in 1 hour of being ordered. It took 4 days for him to go to his warehouse and get the game.

As for the prices, everything is 50%-100% more than going market rates you’d find on eBay and local.

For games themselves, you can likely find something you’re looking for but you will be overpaying for it on average.

For game Accessories, don’t bother. If you want controllers, the store refuses to sell you any controllers except their junk third party controllers that they have a partnership with, this “Nu Wave Armor 3” controller brand that’s complete garbage. All their first party controllers are bundled with buying a console (which is also overpriced). The only time they’ll sell you first party controllers is if they’re for a somewhat old/rare controller with a jacked up price. Dude tried passing off a sealed controller with a MANGLED box for $300. Very funny.

This place is not very useful and you can get a better deal on local, eBay, or Ian’s Game Paradise. At least Ian’s will actually sell you first party accessories.

2 stars because at least there’s an alright collection of games there, but I still don’t recommend...

I have been going to this place after a friend referred to me of it's existence around 3 months ago. After I had initially went to the place broke, I was awestruck at just how much was there (They were still getting the shop ready, and inventory stocked)

They had things like special editions of modern titles for PS4 and Xbone, to niche wants like Super Famicom systems and games, and even a Sega Dreamcast with several copies of Shenmue.

They have a floor to play games at (just ask), and they even got the arcade systems up and running. I was even offered to play one for free since I kept coming as a customer.

The biggest plus about this place is that they will buy games from you, for a decent price for in-store credit or in cash for half the in-store credit value. The thing is, is that Gamestop won't give you credit like this place will since they check the prices online.

Give this place some business, please! Not many game shops stay around long here (given their track record) and this place almost seems too good to be true. I can tell a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into it's conception and I deserves to stay forever. I don't want to see a place as good as this fade, and neither should you.

Oh yeah and the staff are...