Hidden Block Games — Local services in Raleigh

Really enjoy this store and the new location is a prime spot with much more space and traffic. That being said Ive had some issues with this store.

You will not get a fair trade value no matter what you consider offering them. They state very bluntly that they pay 50% value for your stuff. Which isnt horrible, but that is the MOST you will get. Getting offered 60% of the value of a rare game is insane.

Which ties into the next problem. They NEVER have sales. I understand it is a small store, but there is no way to get a discount here. Doesnt matter how much you buy. Ive spent thousands with them and acquired some nice stuff. But when I asked if I could save a couple dollars by paying cash they said "This is a business and we pay taxes." Very confusing, because you dont pay taxes on the trade-ins though.

The last problem I have is half the store is Pokemon cards. Which is completely fine, and draws most of their foot traffic. But the store is super hyped about investing in Pokemon that they miss opportunities to promote/invest into heavy games that come into the store. Its always a random guess as to what they have on a given day. Which can be fun in its own way.

Dont mean to sound all negative, but had better experiences when they were in the other location. Still time to improve though.

EDIT: So not only was my original review vindicated, I had a rather negative experience when testing my trade credit theory with a substantial trade in. I had a little over 30 games to trade in with about 10 of them being modern titles(PS5,XSX,Switch). As well as a bunch of Limited Run stuff worth a couple hundred and the rest was a bunch of SEALED last gen games(PS4, Xbox, PS3, Dreamcast).

Keep in mind that I wanted around $300 STORE CREDIT(50%) for these items valued over double that. So I come in with my big box of stuff, greeted by one of their friendly staff who glances over it and says "Oh yeah we would definitely be interested in taking this, especially the newer titles". So they run the newer titles(which is about 7 of the 33+ games) and offer me $120. That was great and I was immediately happy with being offered about 60%(as I estimated in my original review) for those. I ask about the other 20+ games; and before I can finish getting an estimate with the employee, the manager walks over.

He introduced himself and said something along the lines of:

"Im not sure if the other employee explained the situation to you of how we handle lesser value trade. I can make you an offer for the rest of the games(sealed LRG,PS4, Xbox), but you probably wont like the number I give you. Generally Limited Run, Xbox, PS4(keeps listing the other games in the box) dont sell as well here"

I was kind of taken aback by that comment given that I was already half-way to my goal and still had 25 or so games to trade valued at around $300 anyway. So I figure okay im like $180 away from the target amount, as long as I get half that $300 value it should be fine.

He comes back and says the best offer for everything is $200(meaning he valued the $300 in games at $80 trade). I immediately was turned off from the trade. I asked if they could do $280 store credit total(45% trade) and they refused. Saying that is the absolute best. Keep in mind that I was going to use that credit right there in the store.

So not only did I walk out with all my games, I was able to trade them for $320 CASH($420 Store Credit) at playntrade. Not before they roughly handled my games during the entire process.

The irony of the replies from the owner here stating they do better than the pawn stores 35% and then offering me less than 33% was almost too unbelievable. I still like the store, but havent felt the want to spend money there after that so far. Especially considering that even gamestop has a better trade...

Synopsis: Truly a hidden gem of the gaming store world, Hidden Block Games is everything you would hope for from a small shop.

I was browsing through gaming stores in the triangle area and noticed this small shop in Raleigh with odd hours. After looking up the store on Google Maps, I decided to make the trek out to see them. The hours are not traditional, but there is a window for people to get in and shop and you will not be disappointed.

I showed up right at opening time on Friday and was amazed by the quantity of stuff they had in such a small place--and the quality was amazing. I truly felt at home and in a store that loved what it was doing.

I ended up snagging a Batman: Arkham Asylum (360) Collector's Edition for only $70. I have never been able to find a full collector's edition of Asylum for any less than $100, and even incomplete editions without the game run for more than Hidden Blocks charged. I've added it to the collection of collector edition games I have in my classroom and it fits perfectly!

My one piece of advice with their hours and location is that you stay on top of their social media. Instagram seems to be the best way to keep up with what they are getting in stock and it can be followed: Instagram - Hiddenblockgames eBay - Hidden Block Games

Overall this is an amazing shop run by some amazing guys. I cannot recommend them enough and will continue to keep coming back for more collector edition's they come across, games, and other nerd items!

5 Hidden...

After seeing the recent absurd reviews of this place, I felt compelled to post my experience from a few days ago. I have been looking a very long time for two games, and after randomly stumbling upon HBG online, I took a shot in the dark and gave them a call. Josh answered and was extremely knowledgable, professional, and polite. To my astonishment, they actually had the 2 games. Not only that, but they had different options to purchase them (no case, CIB, NEW?!) and were very upfront with the condition and contents of the games. Before I could get it out, Josh offered to hold them for me as I had mentioned I lived about 45 - 50 min away. When I arrived, they were right there next to the register with my name on them. I took a moment to look around and was amazed by how neat and clean everything was, not to mention their VERY impressive stock. While browsing, I glanced at a game that I barely remembered from my childhood but instantly felt this HUGE rush of nostalgia as the memories started flooding back. Checkout was a breeze, and I walked out of there with 3 surprises that day along with one of the best experiences I've had in a long while. Josh you are the man, thank you again. I only wish I...