If you’re looking to buy video games in Bloomington, Indiana, there are several options to choose from. From locally owned game stores to big box retailers and online marketplaces, each option has its pros and cons. This guide walks through the most common places to buy video games in Bloomington and helps you decide where to shop based on what you’re looking for.
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Game World (3289 W. 3rd St)
The west side Game World location has thousands of video games, consoles, and accessories in stock across almost every generation. New inventory is added every day, making it easy to find everything from current releases to older and harder to find titles.
In addition to video games, Game World also carries Pokémon cards, Blu rays, Funko Pops, and a variety of other collectibles. Game World permanently runs a Buy 4, Get the 5th Free deal on used games and movies, and this location also gives out free popsicles with every purchase.
All consoles are thoroughly tested before being sold. Discs are run through a professional disc resurfacing and repair machine to ensure they work properly, and disc repair is also offered as a service for customers. Every item is cleaned and backed by a working guarantee, with optional extended warranties available.
Game World is locally owned and staffed by a knowledgeable team with years of experience. Whether you need help troubleshooting a console, want recommendations on what to play next, or just want to talk shop, the staff is always happy to help. The west side location is conveniently located near Planet Fitness and offers very easy parking.
Big Box Stores
Big box stores like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy are common places to buy video games in Bloomington, especially for current generation releases and accessories. These stores are convenient and often competitively priced on new titles.
Selection is typically limited to the most popular games, and inventory can vary by location and timing. Big box stores generally do not carry used or retro games, making them best suited for shoppers looking for brand new releases rather than a wide variety of options. If you didn’t find what you were looking for at Walmart, the Game World west Bloomington location is just a short drive north.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is an option for buying video games locally in Bloomington, especially for people looking for deals on used games and consoles. Prices can vary widely, and it’s possible to find items below market value if you know what to look for and are quick to respond.
The downside is that it can be very competitive to find good deals, and coordinating a time and place to meet is often inconvenient. Safety can also be a concern, so it’s best to meet in a well-lit public place, such as outside a police station. There is also no guarantee that items are working or authentic, and private sellers typically do not offer returns if something goes wrong.
Thrift Stores
Thrift stores in Bloomington can occasionally have video games and consoles, but availability is very inconsistent. There are two Goodwill locations in town, though higher-value items are often listed online through ShopGoodwill rather than placed on store shelves.
Other local thrift stores sometimes receive games through donations as well, but selection is unpredictable and usually limited. Thrift stores are best suited for casual browsing or lucky finds, not for reliably finding specific games or systems.
Game World (901 S. College Mall)
This location offers the same wide selection, testing standards, deals, and guarantees as the west side Game World location. Many customers like stopping at both locations, as unique items and inventory can vary from store to store.
The east side Game World location is conveniently located just south of College Mall in the same strip as the UPS Store and Subway, making it an easy stop for students and east side shoppers.
For those without a car, the store is accessible via Bloomington Transit Route 9, which stops nearby and provides a straightforward option for getting there from campus. For current schedules and route details, be sure to check Bloomington Transit’s website.
Pawn Shops
Pawn shops like Tomcats and Ace Pawn can be an option for buying video game consoles in Bloomington. They often carry current-generation and previous-generation systems, along with a small selection of games and accessories. Inventory varies based on trade-ins, so availability changes regularly.
GameStop
The GameStop located inside College Mall on the east side of Bloomington focuses primarily on the newest video game releases, along with a wide selection of video game merchandise and collectibles. It’s a convenient stop for current-generation games and branded merchandise tied to popular franchises.
Some GameStop locations are designated as Retro GameStops and carry older games and systems, but this location does not fall into that category. If you’re looking for used or older titles and don’t find what you need here, the Game World (901 S. College Mall) location is just a short drive south and offers a broader selection across multiple generations.
Buying Locally Vs. Buying Online
Buying video games locally allows you to see condition in person, avoid shipping delays, and take games home the same day. It also makes it easier to ask questions, check compatibility, and handle returns or exchanges if needed.
Buying online can sometimes offer lower prices or a wider selection, but it often comes with waiting for shipping and uncertainty around condition. Shopping at locally owned stores also helps keep money in the community and supports local jobs, which is something many Bloomington shoppers value when choosing where to buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local video game stores, like Game World, are usually the best option for used games, with a wider selection and inventory that changes daily. Big-box stores mostly focus on new releases. Pawn shops and thrift stores can have used games, but availability can be hit or miss.
Buying locally lets you see the condition in person, avoid shipping delays, and take games home the same day. Online shopping can sometimes be cheaper, but comes with more risk and waiting.
Big-box stores can be competitive on brand-new releases, while local stores often offer better value on used and retro games.
Facebook Marketplace can have the occasional deal, but authenticity and functionality are not guaranteed. It’s best suited for bargain hunters who are comfortable doing their own due diligence and inspecting items in person.
Conclusion
There are plenty of places to buy video games in Bloomington, but the best option depends on what you’re looking for. Big box stores and online marketplaces can work for certain situations, while thrift stores and pawn shops are more about occasional finds. Each option has its own trade offs when it comes to selection, convenience, and reliability.
For shoppers who want to browse a wide range of games, see condition in person, and take purchases home the same day, local game stores tend to offer the most consistent experience. By understanding what each option does well, it becomes easier to decide where to shop and find the games you want without unnecessary guesswork.
If you have video games you no longer play, you can also check out our guide on where to sell video games in Bloomington to learn about your options.
Disclaimer: This article is purely informational. Game World doesn’t endorse or partner with the businesses/events mentioned in the article.