Powered Up Video Games — Local services in Westerville

Used to come here a fair amount. Selection and aesthetics is really where this store shines. Essentially all of the games are in mint condition, and there’s a lot of variety in what is offered. The store is always clean and has nice display cases. Games are priced higher than pricecharting generally, so if you’re trying to save money, perhaps look elsewhere. That being said, many of the games are not comically overpriced like other reviewers say. Some are, but some are not. For an average PS2, SNES, Genesis, or Xbox 360 game, you can expect to pay 5-10 more. For pricier games, this differential increases. The logic is likely that having a rare or expensive game in good condition justifies this kind of differences. A benefit of this store is that their trade values are fair and reflective of the higher prices on average. One can expect to get more here than most other game stores in the area. Paul is a little intimidating to me, but I am pretty socially anxious. That being said, he is nice and even apologized once because he was worried he made me uncomfortable. The store is run with dignity and I think it’s overall a fair deal if you’re a collector who cares about the condition of their items. Only recommendation is that some of the prices may (on a case by case basis) be a little too high and should be adjusted, and that there should be a bathroom for customers if there is sufficient space in the back. It is very common for retro game stores to not have bathrooms accessible, but this seriously disincentivizes business and cuts short the amount of time people will browse. The closest obvious bathroom is a Speedway (yikes) and it’s...

I went a few weeks ago on my way to Polaris to check it out and buy some Gameboy games. I will start this off by saying the store itself is great, well organized, and very clean. Pricing is what I expect - let's be honest - deals aren't going to be found in a store that is dedicated to retro. These guys have to survive as much as everyone else and there might be some prices that don't mesh with your idea of what something is worth, but again, that's not the issue and not the reason I'm giving two stars.

Upon entering (this was a Sunday) I was looked at by the person behind the counter like I was ruining their day. No "hello" or "how's it going" - just a dead eyed stare that reeked of "get the hell out of here so I don't have to bother". I said "hi" and walked around looking at and for certain items. I got to the GB case and found around $300 in games I wanted for my collection. I walk up to the counter and said "I'm interested in a few games in the case over here" - nothing. Said employee was too busy drawing a Pokemon to acknowledge my presence. I stood there for a couple of more minutes, they looked right at me, and turned back to their drawing.

I've been in this hobby for over 20 years and I have never walked out of store without a conversation with the staff. NEVER. I'm always willing to give a place a second chance, and eventually I will, but when I have cash ready to spend on what was probably a slow day -...

Edit: I am downgrading my review from a 2-Star to a 1-Star. This place is even worse now. Not for Resale Sonic the Hedgehog has now increased to $50.00. They also completely removed all their good Sega Genesis games from the shop and left only a bunch of filthy, mostly loose commons. NBA Jam T.E. is $35.00! This is a $15.00 game on eBay all day. This is absolutely the worst video game store in Columbus.

Original Review: Retro video games are way too expensive! I'm not paying $40.00 for a complete Not For Resale Sonic the Hedgehog on Sega Genesis. That's a $15.00 game, if it looks new! Otherwise it's $10.00.

You know they didn't pay more than $2.00 to some poor guy for that. Gunstar Heroes was well over $200.00. Absolutely insane! Saw it later that day at another shop for $165.00.

I don't care how clean the store is, or how nice of a selection they have. I'm not paying a 150% upcharge on games. I will pay like $5.00 or $10.00 more for a game to support local, but I'm not going to be robbed blind.

Drove all the way there. Hour round trip.

Waste of time and money.

Taking advantage of people new to the hobby that don't understand how to use eBay and dedicated reto-gaming Facebook groups to acquire games.

Prices are so offensive, I wouldn't buy something to support the place even if it was a steal.

Tempted to take a Sonic the Hedgehog in there just to see what they offer and...