Ben's Game Zone — Local services in Ralston

By far the best retro video game store in Omaha, from what I can tell the best in Nebraska/Iowa even. Amazing selection, the true "retro feel" brought by a store that's locally owned and run by people with a true passion for retro gaming, not a chain or conglomerate which may employ retro gamers but doesn't care about the product. Ben is here very often, with a few family members (or basically family, in Zach's case) also staffing the store. It's the type of place where they'll quickly get to know you by name and face, and as soon as I walk in they'll often notice and point to something they got in recently I might find interesting. Always up for a conversation about whatever gaming history strikes your interest if they aren't busy (sometimes even if they are), it's somewhere any enthusiast or newly interested retro gamer would easily feel at home.

A great place to hang out and browse, dig for hidden gems, and check back regularly for those rarer games that are hard to find. Generally "drops" new stock, often by the hundreds, for one or two systems at a time on Wednesdays and/or Saturdays, though which system(s) depend on what they've been working through recently. In between these "drops", stock of various systems will be added to whenever stock comes in individually. Sells tons of Funko Pops and does drops for those as well if that's your interest. Has a huge selection of non-game retro stuff too, lots of DVDs and VHS tapes for example.

Prices are on the cheaper side of market, but be aware they are fully conscious of what various games, accessories and systems are worth, so don't go in expecting pricing far below (or, similarly, above) market value. That said, there's few if any prices I'd consider "expensive" if you know the market rate, and they tend on the cheaper side of market value in most cases. They authenticate most any games that may be in doubt, be it due to rarity or otherwise, and while reproductions are sold if they've already purchased them, they are quite uncommon ("repro"s are both clearly labeled and super heavily discounted if they are sold). Discounts for things like torn/worn labels and such happen as well of course, with the other side being a price increase based on box/manual/sealed/etc. as one would expect.

Systems can be more expensive here than eBay or similar, but the systems are not only fully tested, any parts that commonly break or wear on a specific generation of system are often proactively replaced before selling them. The return policy on both systems and games is generous, though I'd expect this given the type of inventory, that's not always the case with chain owned retro stores. The few times I've had a concern or issue (for example, though they are tested and replaced first if they are an issue, a cartridge battery died in a game I bought shortly after purchase) they've never batted an eye at making it right. This includes replacing a cartridge battery in the one I purchased, swapping out with an identical copy if available, or refunding the purchase (leaving the choice to me), with Ben apologizing profusely for the issue despite my knowing it's largely outside his control, and that it comes with the territory of...

This is the absolute best retro game store I've ever set foot in. I've visited stores like this all my life, being a lover of old nintedo games. However, rarely do I feel welcome, comfortable, or even safe in stores like this.

Ben's Game Zone is the exception to this for me, and the only exception I've encountered in my thirty+ years. And that is super important for a queer, transfemme person like myself. Omaha is actually the only place I've lived where there are board game shops, video game shops, and comic shops where I feel safe and welcomed.

All of the employees (be they part of Ben's family or simply coworkers) always treat me so kindly. The instant I step in the shop I feel welcomed. They are always willing to go above and beyond in helping me find rare games, get game cleaning tips, or even just chatting about nostalgia.

my last visit really inspired me to finally write this review. My PS3 finally bit the bullet, so I took in my whole game collection to them. Within a matter of five minutes or less, I was given a very very high offer of store credit for the games. I didn't have to stand around for an hour while they looked up every game online in some database. I didn't have to feel shamed for the condition of my games. I didn't get nickle and dimmed out of my old collection. I got a very high offer that satisfied me to no end.

I used the trade to get a few NES games that I've been seeking for awhile and was thrilled to see they had in stock. They were excited to offer ideas and to talk about the games I was considering.

When I got home, one of the cartridges didn't work. I did the usual cleaning process with a bit of alcohol and compressed air, but it still wouldn't work. When I took it back in, they found me another copy that worked AND they gave me my money back! I was dumbfounded by the kindness and customer service. It makes me want to come in every week (if I had that sort of income).

All in all, Ben's Game Zone is the absolute best retro video game store (or just best video game store in general) ever....

Bens game zone is the best used game store in nebraska. Everything there is in good quality. I've been to used game stores that have like soup stains and stuff on the cases. That will never happen at Ben's game zone. They have fair prices. Usually the price of games there is consistent with prices online, but you have the benefit of seeing the quality of the game in person. I have found games cheaper than what's online, for example I bought god hand for 85 at Ben's game zone, when it usually goes for upwards of 200 online. But I've also bought games that I can find cheaper online as well. Just price check for yourself to see what's a good deal. Their games collection is very diverse. They also have a massive vhs collection for 1 dollar per tape. The staff is very friendly and personable. They looked at my n64 for me because I was having issues with it. They did it for free too. They also sell game consoles. Also, you can put down your number and a list of games you want, and they'll call you if they get it. All around, I couldn't complain about anything with this place, it's a great store for collectors. They're always pulling rare games and tapes. I cannot reccomend this enough to those serious about collecting...