Retro Gaming Retailer Under Scrutiny: Quality Concerns Emerge

Retro Gaming Retailer Under Scrutiny: Quality Concerns Emerge

The online marketplace for retro video game consoles and collectibles is a burgeoning space, promising a nostalgic trip back in time for gamers. “The Video Game Company” positions itself as a “nostalgic sanctuary for gamers,” aiming to redefine the retro gaming experience by offering high-quality, refurbished consoles at reasonable prices. However, a recent deep dive into their offerings reveals a mixed bag of experiences, raising questions about quality control and customer service.

A Promising Concept, A Flawed Execution?

The allure of purchasing a piece of gaming history is undeniable. The Video Game Company boasts a grading system for its products, ranging from “Mint” (9.8/10) to “Fair.” While a 60-day warranty is standard, a longer guarantee would offer more peace of mind. The real test, however, lies in the condition and functionality of the consoles themselves.

Our investigation involved purchasing a selection of consoles and games, including a Game Boy Play It Loud, a Crystal Edition Original Xbox, a PlayStation Vita, an NES, a custom modded Game Boy Color, and a PlayStation 3 Super Slim. The results were, to put it mildly, inconsistent.

Console by Console: A Detailed Look

Game Boy Play It Loud (Clear DMG)

Priced at $120, this console was described as “very good” condition. While the overall condition was deemed a good start, with a clean screen lens (though with minor scuffs and a slight burn-in at the bottom), a closer inspection revealed a physical defect: a noticeable seam in the casing. The culprit? Missing screws that had magnetized to the speaker, causing the case to improperly seal. Once rectified, the Game Boy was functional, but the initial oversight is a concern.

Crystal Original Xbox

This unit, purchased for $200 and listed as “fair” condition, came with a significant crack on the top casing, which was disclosed. However, the package was incomplete. It lacked essential cables (AV and power) and the included controller was not the original Crystal controller, with a chewed-up cable strain relief. Furthermore, the included controller proved non-functional, forcing the use of a different one. Despite these issues, the console itself powered on, displayed the correct dashboard, and the disc drive worked, playing a copy of Medal of Honor: Rising Sun. The game, Medal of Honor: Rising Sun, was an additional $16. While the console price might be within the typical market range of $200-$300, the missing components and faulty controller detract significantly.

PlayStation Vita (White 1000)

Priced at a steep $235 and listed as “very good” condition, this Vita came with a surprise: a forgotten 4GB memory card. However, the included AC adapter was for a PS Vita 2000, not the 1000 model purchased, rendering it useless without the correct charger. The console itself looked clean with a screen protector (albeit with bubbles) and the OLED display was in good condition. The major stumbling block emerged when attempting to power it on: the console was locked by a passcode. This oversight, along with the incorrect charger, turned a potentially good purchase into an expensive paperweight, as the passcode could not be bypassed. The game, Wipeout 2048, cost $19, which is considered slightly high without a box.

NES (Canadian Model)

This “fair” condition NES, costing $110, was a pleasant surprise. Despite its grading, the console appeared to be in good shape, with surprisingly clean contacts. Crucially, it arrived with all the necessary components: an AV cable, a legitimate Nintendo power adapter, and a clean NES controller. It powered on flawlessly, and a game of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, purchased for $19 (considered slightly overpriced), worked without a hitch. This was the standout purchase, functioning as expected with no significant issues.

Custom Modded Game Boy Color (Mew Edition)

At $220, this custom Game Boy Color featured a new shell, buttons, and an IPS screen. The screen looked good, with solid blacks and a lit-up Game Boy Color logo matching the pink shell. The only minor complaint was a crackly volume potentiometer, which stabilized once a setting was chosen. While functional and as advertised, the lack of a longer warranty (compared to some eBay sellers offering a year) and the premium price point raised some questions, though the quality of the mod itself was satisfactory.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim (250GB)

This “good” condition PS3, priced at $165, came with a power cable, HDMI cable, a DualShock 3 controller, and a mini-USB cable. It powered on, was wiped, and had no passcode. However, a copy of Quantum of Solace, bought for $35, failed to load properly, making a crunching sound. While the console itself worked with a different, known-good PS3 game, the inability to play the purchased game is a significant issue. The price for the console itself is considered reasonable.

The Verdict: Quality Control and Customer Service Lacking

The Video Game Company’s offerings present a clear dichotomy. While some items, like the NES, were remarkably well-handled, the majority of purchases were plagued by missing components, faulty accessories, or significant oversights like passcodes on consoles. The lack of comprehensive quality control is evident across multiple purchases.

Compounding these issues is the customer service response. Despite a stated 48-hour response time for warranty concerns, over five days passed with no contact from the company after issues were reported. This lack of follow-through further erodes confidence in the retailer.

Who Should Care?

Retro gaming enthusiasts looking for convenience might be tempted by The Video Game Company’s curated selection. However, the inconsistent product quality and poor customer support suggest that buyers should proceed with extreme caution. For those seeking reliable retro consoles, exploring platforms like eBay, where individual seller reviews and longer warranties are often available, might be a safer bet. The potential for a good deal exists, but the risk of receiving incomplete or faulty products, coupled with a lack of recourse, is substantial.

Specs & Key Features

• Grading System: Mint (9.8/10), Very Good, Good, Fair
• Warranty: 60 days
• Consoles Tested: Game Boy Play It Loud, Crystal Original Xbox, PlayStation Vita 1000, NES, Custom Modded Game Boy Color, PlayStation 3 Super Slim
• Key Issues Identified: Missing components (cables, screws), faulty accessories (controller), passcodes on consoles, incorrect accessories (Vita charger), undisclosed damage (Xbox crack), non-functioning games.
• Customer Service: Stated 48-hour response for warranty, but experienced over 5 days with no reply.

Availability and Pricing

The Video Game Company operates online, with prices varying significantly based on the console, condition, and included accessories. While some prices were deemed reasonable (NES, modded Game Boy Color), others were considered high given the issues encountered (Vita, Xbox, PS3 game).

Ultimately, while The Video Game Company offers a vision of accessible retro gaming, its current execution falls short. The company needs to significantly improve its quality control processes and customer service to truly earn its place as a “nostalgic sanctuary.” Until then, buyers are advised to weigh the risks carefully.

Source: I Bought from "The Video Game Company" (YouTube)