Pastime Legends Video Games & Arcade Showroom — Local services in Ventura

When I first came to this store, my impression of it was amazing! All these games and retro things inside one store were truly impressive. I occasionally returned to the store to browse and have items appraised. However, I have decided not to return anymore. Why won't I be returning? Well, I had a Game Boy Color that I wanted to get appraised to see how much I could get for it. So, I went over and asked the store owner how much he would offer me. He looked at it and quoted me $50. Satisfied with the price, I left. However, when I returned a few days later, he changed his offer to $40. I had to remind him that he initially quoted me $50. This incident was just one example among a few others. This store offers a wide variety of items and games. One day, my son and I entered the store to check out some items and have two things appraised. We took our time exploring the selection and ended up picking six games. We then proceeded to the register to leave the two items for appraisal and inquire about the total cost of all the games. The cashier informed us that the amount would be around $60 (I don't recall the exact price). We requested to put the money towards the games once they were appraised. However, when we returned after a few days, we approached the cashier to inquire about the appraisal results. To our surprise, she stated that the value of both items was only $15. On eBay, we found similar items priced at around $48. If they had quoted $15 for each item, it would have been acceptable. Additionally, when we inquired about the prices of the games we had placed on hold, the cashier had to consult the owner, who mentioned that prices fluctuate daily. Consequently, the revised price had increased from $60 to $75. Moreover, before these incidents, we had purchased games from this store and had to clean them multiple times with vinegar to finally get them to work. It strongly suggests that they do not adequately clean or inspect the games To make sure they work before placing them for sale. All in all, due to the consistent low-ball appraisals the difficulty in getting the games to function properly, and the fluctuating prices despite putting items on hold, I have decided not to return...

I've popped in here twice since learning of this store. I'm sorry I didn't know of it two years earlier when it opened. I've bought a few games and have been working to get a couple old consoles shipped in from one of their east coast locations. That looks promising. I chatted up Michael quite awhile on my last trip about possible future purchases. He's knowledgeable and friendly. I most definitely plan to continue supporting this rare gem of a store now that I know it's here. I didn't know we had a local retro gaming store at all! Made me miss the heyday peak of Funcoland, may it rest in peace.

Many months later... Things didn't work out so well with having consoles shipped in from back east, but life happens. Regardless, I find myself in this store usually on a weekly basis (if not more) and it's a great hang out spot to chat away with fellow hobbyists and learn a new thing or three. Michael and Ray are great folks and an asset to the gaming community! I really couldn't recommend this business more!! Thanks, guys!

Some more years later... the additional arcade moved in next door was a much loved treat! Such a blast to kill a couple hours in nostalgic goodness. Still visiting regularly and filling collection needs on the regular.

For those leaving negative reviews concerning game prices in store vs. what you may be fortunate enough to pay on eBay? You’re getting luck of the draw regarding condition and functionality online, and most folks selling product on eBay don’t have the added overhead expenses of running a store front with rent, electricity, business licenses/taxes, etc. take that into consideration next time you want to whine about the cost of supporting...

I had a friend buy a Sega Genesis mini with 300 games on my belhalf. I started playing Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter series games only to find out I can’t switch between hi and low kick/punch. I called and asked if I could return it and purchase a regular console with the game cartridges instead. They said no, they don’t accept returns. They said they would allow me trade it in. I was thinking okay fair enough, I’ll take a small hit on it and get the actual console. Less than half of what I paid for it is what they offered. Then they said you need a 6 button controller to play those games. I asked if they have a 6 button controller. They said no, they’re all out of stock. Then I asked if there was anything he could work on with me since I was more than happy to spend money at his store. He said he didn’t have time for this because he was extremely busy. I thanked him for his time regardless but was extremely disappointed on my interactions with them. I understand buying a game and not being able to return it because “I didn’t like the story” but I couldn’t play 2 of the biggest and most popular franchises to their full extent and they were not willing to accommodate me at all. Needless to say I won’t be supporting this local “mom and...