Vintage Video Games from Pastime Legends
You can't go home again -- but you can play your old games.
The AOA elves are back to help you with your holiday shopping. For the next couple of weeks we'll be bringing you fun, interesting, local gift ideas for the holiday season.
On this ninth day of the gift guide, AOA brings to you: retro video games and a partridge in a pear tree.
OK, no partridge. And no tree. But the rest, yes. Absolutely.
I'm not much of a gamer myself - when I think games, I think of Scrabble or Apples to Apples. And my video game skills don't go too far past the occasional attempt at "Guitar Hero." But for the right person -- the video game freak (or is it geek?) who doesn't just want the hot new thing but appreciates a good game of Super Mario Brothers, Pastime Legends is your place.
On a recent trip to Pastime Legends, I found vintage games by Atari, Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo and more.
Oh and they've also got the retro consoles too, including Atari 2600, which comes with five games for $49.99. Handheld Gameboy games go for $5 a pop, and they'd make great stocking stuffers.
Many of the games sold here are actually "gently used" copies of pretty current stuff. So you can also score a gently used copy of Call of Duty: Black Ops. But wouldn't it be more fun to be able to hold a post-Christmas Donkey Kong challenge? King of Kong anyone?
What?
Retro video games and accessories.
Who's it for?
The gamers on your list, kids (you can share the games you grew up with back in the old days) or kids at heart. Also folks who want to relive their youth.
How much?
PSP games run from $2.99 to $9.99 while Atari games go for $1.99 each and Super Nintendo games will set you back somewhere between $1.99 and $9.99. A Sega Genesis 2 console retails for just $24.99 while a Super Nintendo set goes for $54.99.
Where?
Pastime Legends, 292 Lark St., Albany. Phone: 518-512-5353
Also: Pastime Legends, 37 Mohawk Ave., Scotia. Phone: 518-374-4050
You can also find vintage games at Forgotten Freshness, 377 Hudson Ave., Mechanicville. Phone: 518-664-1003.
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Comments
I'm disappointed that the "cartridge in a pear tree" play on words was passed up here.
... said B on Dec 15, 2010 at 2:59 PM | link
My kids have taken me to the Scotia store; great place!
... said Dina on Dec 15, 2010 at 3:45 PM | link
I love this place. It brings up some pretty powerful feelings of nostalgia when I walk through the door.
... said Summer on Dec 15, 2010 at 4:49 PM | link
the BEST vintage video game selection in the cap region is at FORGOTTEN FRESHNESS in Mechanicville. http://www.forgottenfreshness.com/
... said anon on Dec 16, 2010 at 10:17 AM | link
I've got an old Atari console and an old Genesis console and an assortment of games taking up space in a closet... Might be worth a trip to see if they'll take them off my hands for me.
... said Slacker on Dec 16, 2010 at 10:51 AM | link
I would NEVER shop with these guy again! The worst game store I have ever been too. The girl behind the counter was rude, and they offer less trade credit for games than Gamestop. Not to mention that they wouldn't take a return on a broken game that they sold me. Would never shop there again, and I recommend you don't either. Go to Jay St Video Games in Colonie Center Mall and Crossgates Mall if you want to support a local game store, they are the best that I have encountered. www.jaystvideogames.com
... said David on May 2, 2011 at 1:29 PM | link