Videogamesnewyork — Local services in New York

Long Review: The best thing about Videogamesnewyork is the community and staff, they're all absolutely wonderful and everytime I go, I've always had great conversations and a good time.

My biggest complaint comes from the pricing of consoles, compared to other video game retailers in the 5 boroughs, the use of third party video cables and power supplies, and the use of cheaply made 3rd party sticks. I'll break everything down below.

Price of consoles: Manhattan is a very expensive place, almost unaffordable in terms of expenses. So to some extent I do expect prices higher than average but some are substantial differences. Ps2, PSP, and Vita systems are the ones that come to mind. The difference between VGNY and other retailers can sometimes be as high as 60 or more dollars so definitely do your research and contact stores within NYC to check pricing. Ebay isn't bad either but there's those who want to shop locally so there's always an inherent price bump when doing so. It's always best to be informed.

Third party parts: VGNY really recommends the use of OLD SKOOL products. Sometimes they can be decent, usually the controllers are decent, but the power supplies and AV cables leave alot to be desired. Tested using a Sony KV-20TR23, PVM JVC, and a Retrotink 5x both at 1080p and 1440p, most consoles using OLD SKOOL power supplies exhibit some form of visual interface, more often than not it is jailbars. N64, Gamecube, and Xbox 360 over component has been the most apparent in my testing. All consoles have been recapped and tested with OEM products as to ensure the issue is not with the console itself. As for video cables, I used OEM AV, S-video, and component cables for testing, same with the power supplies. For those that use Composite only on a crt, it's very easy to mask these visual issues. I see countless posts all throughout the internet and on repair servers about jailbars and other visual issues, more often then not, it's the power supply or a cheap AV cable. Amazon unbranded stuff isn't good either. I also asked around other stores and some either outright don't carry old skool or they don't reccomended it unless your on a budget.

When you buy a console from VGNY they usually supply a third party controller, this isn't inherently bad unless you want a OEM controller then there's an added fee. Most other stores do not do this, I'm really not a fan of this.

Third party sticks: N64 and Gamecube in particular are the most effected, most commonly mass produced third party sticks are garbage, either they fail accuracy tests, wore down quickly, or lack the same feel and responsiveness of an original, it's very apparent if you have a OEM controller near you. If this is your only controller then it's not horrible, but be mindful that the stick itself is not an original. They do this as most controller's they receive have loose or failing sticks, so it's understandable to some extent, but for the case of N64, there's quite a few alternatives to repairing a broken stick, and quite a few alternatives for Gamecube 3rd party sticks aswell, usually from the community so it's hard to get them in mass but quality or quantity anyday. Method of testing is using homebrew software to compare the values of an original stick vs the third party sticks. The n64 stick they use is a OLD SKOOL Sharpshooter n64 stick, it's roughly $20 but isn't great. As for the gamecube sticks, I'm not too sure where they source them but when referencing other third party sticks, it seems they bulk order the usual cheap sticks you find on ebay or amazon. Most tests they use comes from general gameplay testing, Golden Eye is a good example, but it doesn't really portray the whole picture. Usually they lack the sensitivity and responsiveness of other sticks, or on the other hand, they can be too sensitive.

A major positive about VGNY though is their repair services, speed, and reliability. I have to end my review here but check the store out! Just be mindful of the caveats I mentioned. I still go when I'm looking for a new release...

Ive been a customer there for a long as I can remember. I bought a controller for 65$ (Amazon charged 29$) because I want to support my brick and mortar stores in the area. I hate watching small stores fall because people buy online: In any case, the controller was broken. I showed it to their guy who ran tests and confirmed not one but several issues, besides the one I brought in in for, with the controller. He offered me another one or store credit. I didn’t want another one because I don’t want to keep coming back with the same issues and store credit doesn’t help because I don’t play games. I run my television through the ps 4. Carlos, the smarmy manager made excuse after excuse and refused to hear my end, and kept brushing me aside. This is not how things are done. His argument was “we’re human.” So am I which is why I shopped at the store to begin with. I do not want my willingness to over pay for an item (because I want to support the store) disrespected. I shouldn’t have to be forced into a transaction I dont want because I was sold a faulty item. The thing to do here is for them come back with respect and humility not deference and a bad attitude. I didn’t use counterfeit money did I? After all, I’m “human” and could have. I feel completely disregarded and disgusted in a place that I’ve purchased from since I can’t even remember when. I’m no newcomer to the area and have lived in the same place in n 7th street since 1992. I’ve purchased many cables, games and controllers there and this was the first time I’ve been treated with such disregard and contempt. . Apple has refunded my money but I feel its necessary to inform you of their employees attitude. They’re selling used games not new Lamborghinis. They’re selling to the neighborhood and I, at 60, am am adult and will be spoken to like one. I do not wish to play semantics with a 20 year old. The level of respect for customer service was poor and the level of respect as a person was terrible. Carlos, the smarmy “manager” definitely needs to be spoken to. I doubt it will happen but in all honesty it would benefit him, as a “human” and employee more than anything else. This experience left me with a terrible feeling and i will probably do the unsupportive and lazy thing and order from Amazon...

Lots of vintage games and consoles but definitely a bit too expensive. Came here to buy Super Smash Bros. Melee and to see what else they had. Their inventory is great. They have all popular retro consoles and games, and lots of game memorabilia for gamers of all ages and walks of gaming life. The place is cozy, so expect rubbing elbows with a few people, but that only adds to the charm honestly. Most games are nicely displayed and easy to see. Some game discs, which don't have cases, are in a locked box, and the employees there have no problem opening the box and letting you search through them. They were also nice enough to let me see which release version the disc of "Smash" I was buying. I ended up buying the game for $60 USD, which came in a regular DVD disc case, not the original gamecube case. The original game case comes with a place for a memory card. Also the label was printed in a regular printer and was not by any means original, the disc was original though. The reason why I'm sharing these details is to enforce my complaint about the price. You could get a "Smash" game with all the goodies: game case, booklet, and game for roughly $30 USD online. The reason why I didn't buy it online was because I didn't want to ask them to check the disc version; it's hard to find on the disc, and these online sellers are usually other game store owners with lots of listings. (Left a photo to show version. Micro font on an already tiny disc) I also got Baten Kaitos for $40, and that was in great shape with original booklet and case; I think I got a good deal. I think this store is great, and some games can be found for a "decent" price, but a lot of games are way too expensive. Smash 64 was $70 for just the cartridge You can get a tested working game online for $15. I understand that this is a brick and mortar store with employees, but the mark-up seems high on a lot of their stuff. Especially since used condition doesn't really seem to affect the price in this store. You can get Smash 64 with a label which is barely visible for the same cost of a copy with an immaculate label. TLDR; Lots of variety, some good prices, but most things are highly overpriced and you're better off buying online. Still...