Playback Video Games — Local services in Jacksonville

Hi, I don't review much but I wanted to give my slight insight and some advice when going to stores like this. I live in Jacksonville, so I get around. Here is my take based on my visits and insights from other customers I've talked to.

They don't allow you to test their systems and I've heard that they use aftermarket parts in their retro systems. When you're a collector, you want something original and not to be made to believe it is genuine if it isn't. Also, be careful with aftermarket internal parts for some systems. They can ruin your original cartridges.

If you're looking just to play, it's fine, but even just being able to play the systems can be compromised by aftermarket parts and systems that aren't cleaned up.

Their selection is miniscule compared to where I normally go. There's mostly merchandise here compared to games. I guess their collection of old Nintendo Power magazines is unique.

Number one thing when buying a system for play or collection, ask to test it. Test EVERYTHING. If they do not allow you to test it then don't trust it whatsoever. Also look at the systems closely, examine the controllers to make sure they aren't aftermarket if you're collecting. Don't buy any third party controllers unless they're from the OldSkool brand.

If they try to sell you retro games, like GBC or GBA or N64, be sure to look closely at them. A lot of stores I go to don't check for the authenticity of a cartridge. They'll sell you fakes. I do not know if it's on purpose or they just don't realize they're fake.

JUST CHECK EVERYTHING

I've also heard they don't clean up their games. The disc? Sure. Cartridges? I'd check those.

Also, before buying, ask them how they clean their games.

This advice is from a collector's standpoint, and my review is based on my 2 visits plus my insight from other customers I've heard from.

When it comes to staff, they seemed pretty friendly but staff is not what makes a retro game seller high in stars. It's their knowledge and authenticity. So far, I've only been greeted with good customer service on general visits. I am slightly swayed by the talk of others about their business.

Their prices are lower than other retro game stores around here but I'm...

Amazing Environment, Energy, and camaraderie. I find myself chilling here for hours literally 3 hours I stay there just chatting and hanging out. And of course I buy about every game they have there. Personally to me playback always has the best selection and prices, games that aren’t even heard anymore of are good prices and there. Honestly I’m amazed and their subscription is amazing too. Buy two games and get any 5.99 game for free. Like honestly man this place has been my outer heaven since I started going there. I’ve bought about 100+ games from these guys and all have been in mint condition and perfect. I remember getting red dead redemption undead nightmare for ps3 for 9.99 and it was so perfect that it felt like it was just opened from wrapping. I also played the game and it plays perfect, to even support that the workers are skilled when it comes to trading in or taking games and what I mean by that is they won’t take it if the disc is beyond repair so that’s how you know all discs are in good or mint condition to last you another decade or longer. Great environment and great workers. The only thing I’ve had that didn’t work right was my Black ops 1, it played and worked but once’s you get to the end levels it didn’t load right or barely load into zombies after the last mission. Which you have a 14 day period to return if I recall but I highly implore you to not return unless absolutely necessary and try to have them resurface it or take a look at it. I was lazy so I never took it back which I’m fine with 💀🤷‍♂️ it’s not even a bad experience it’s just my own laziness. Besides that everything and I’m not kidding I mean everything I got from them is amazing and works 100% I found metal gear solid way cheaper and with the manual and better condition then what I got it for on eBay. And funny enough the one I got on eBay way more expensive without manual and the disc 1 was scratched up to hell. So my go to will always be playback, I wasn’t kidding that I stay their for 3 hours either 🤷‍♂️ get to know everyone and treat them with respect even if something goes wrong and it’ll feel like family. Good...

This place is a gem. Great selection and even better help. Miles literally ran to save a starving baby kitten stuck up a tree in the parking lot but not before helping a sweet elderly lady walk across the road, all while helping us select the most amazing games for our collection and sharing his impeccable taste in music (we especially appreciated his beloved self described “pee yellow non cussing metal band so it’s appropriate for all customers” choice in vinyl). If you haven’t visited this fine establishment yet to satisfy all of your wildest vintage gaming dreams, what are you waiting for? I’m pretty sure the baby kitten made a full recovery in record time and is now stalking the streets of Jacksonville again all thanks to Miles’ swift action, bravery, and love of all things...