PLAYABILITY — Local services in Middlesborough

Shop Local – A Treasure Trove Worth Going To! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Playability, a small business video game store in Middlesboro, Kentucky, and let me just say—this place is a hidden gem that every gamer needs to know about.

As I was driving into Middlesboro, I noticed the store and thought to myself, “Well, that’s new.” On my way out of town, it was right in my path, so I decided to stop in. Best decision I could have made.

From the moment I walked through the door, I was greeted with warm, hometown hospitality. The staff welcomed me, asked what I was looking for, and made me feel comfortable right away. I mentioned I was just browsing and didn’t even realize they were here—they had just celebrated their grand opening.

Then I scanned the walls… and my heart instantly filled with joy. Playability is an absolute treasure trove of classic gaming. Everything from retro consoles to the games we grew up with is here, all at very reasonable prices. As someone who’s been gaming for over 40 years, seeing shelves stocked with childhood classics felt like stepping back in time.

And then I saw it—the Nintendo 64 wall. Yes, a full wall of N64 greatness. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I found nearly every wrestling game ever made for the system, and the one I didn’t see—WWF No Mercy—was sitting up front. I grabbed every single one. The staff then pulled out a complete N64 system with all the hookups and a controller, placing it carefully on the counter.

At that point, I admitted I had these very same items sitting in my online shopping cart with one of their competitors. I asked them to make me an offer, and if they could beat it, I’d take everything right there on the spot. Without hesitation, they pulled out a phone, did the math, and gave me a deal that worked perfectly. Box in hand, I pulled out the cash. On top of that, they even had the AC/HDMI converter I needed. Truly, this place has everything.

Now, some people prefer the convenience of digital downloads. But let’s be honest—nothing beats the roots of this industry: the consoles, cartridges, discs, and the magic of holding a game in its original case with full artwork. Playability embraces that feeling while still offering modern titles like current PS5 releases. It’s the best of both worlds.

The staff deserves special praise. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate—not just about modern gaming, but about the classics, too. They knew the ins and outs of old-school games, the challenges of certain levels, and the nostalgia they carry. That’s something you don’t get from a big-box store or online retailer.

Brick-and-mortar stores like this are here for a reason. They keep people employed, give communities something unique, and keep gaming history alive. And in small towns like Middlesboro, shopping local matters even more. Supporting places like Playability helps them grow, thrive, and continue offering us the joy of holding real games and consoles in our hands.

Bottom line: Playability is perfect. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia, looking for rare finds, or grabbing the latest release, this small-town business is worth every minute of your time. Don’t shop the large corporations—shop local. You’ll walk away with more than just games—you’ll walk away with an experience you’ll...

Final review: tldr,shop online or at GameStop

For the fun part,so I was kicked out of this dump because of a Facebook comment..the dude is a joke and acts like he runs a reputable business that shuts down because an employee lives down a road that gets a little wet...the vast majority of these reviews are by friends and family members.

He will haggle with you which is a plus...but I mean what eBay seller doesn't, it would of been a nice spot...twenty years ago, ten years ago or even five years ago

Can almost to Corbin and you hear stories about how big of a prick this guy is at the end of the day though

Save yourself the time and effort and let the bum get back to trying to pawn crap he can't move at his...

Playability is a local gem that we are so lucky to have in this area. They have very fair pricing whether you are buying or selling, you can choose between cash or store credit when selling to the store, and they have the neatest collectibles/memorabilia. They have a great selection of games, and nearly every console you could think of. Any time I visit, I know that I’ll have friendly conversation and get great advice and recommendations from the staff members. I would give Playability 10 stars if I could. I happily recommend them to anyone in the KY/TN/VA area searching for an honest and...