If you’re looking to buy video games in Indianapolis, you’ve got plenty of options across the city. From locally owned game stores around Indy to big box retailers and online marketplaces, each option comes with its own trade offs. This guide breaks down the most common places to buy video games in Indianapolis and helps you decide where to shop based on what matters most to you including selection, convenience, and value.
Table of Contents:
Game World (7625 Shelby St.)
The Game World location in South Indianapolis has thousands of video games, consoles, and accessories in stock across nearly every generation. New inventory is added daily, making it easy to find everything from current releases to older and harder to find titles.
In addition to video games, this location also carries Pokémon cards, Blu rays, Funko Pops, and a wide variety of other collectibles. Game World permanently runs a Buy 4 Get the 5th Free deal on used games and movies, and this location even offers a free popsicle with every purchase.
All consoles are thoroughly tested before being sold. Discs are professionally resurfaced to ensure proper performance, and disc repair is also available 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 games, the staff is always happy to help. The South Indy location is conveniently located just off U.S. 31 in the strip anchored by At Home, with easy and plentiful parking.
Have games or consoles to sell? Bring them to Game World for an on the spot offer for cash or store credit. Store credit offers higher trade value and never expires, making it a great option if you plan to come back.
Big Box Stores
Big box stores like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy are common places to buy video games in Indianapolis, 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.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is an option for buying video games locally in Indianapolis, 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 Indianapolis can occasionally have video games and consoles, but availability is very inconsistent across the city. There are several Goodwill locations throughout Indy, along with a few Goodwill Outlet stores, though higher-value games and consoles are often listed online through ShopGoodwill instead of being placed on store shelves.
It’s also important to note that Goodwill Outlet stores do not offer returns, so if a game or console is defective, you are typically out of luck. Return policies at other thrift stores vary by location.
Thrift stores are best suited for casual browsing or the occasional lucky find, rather than reliably tracking down specific games, systems, or replacement accessories.
Flea Markets
Flea markets in Indianapolis can occasionally have video games, consoles, and accessories, though availability depends entirely on individual vendors. Some of the more well known options include South Side Flea Market and Emporium 40.
Because flea markets are vendor based, return policies vary and many sellers do not accept returns. If possible, it is best to test items on the spot before purchasing to avoid issues later. Southside Flea Market is a short drive from the Game World South Indianapolis location, making it a convenient stop if you are already in the area.
Pawn Shops
Pawn shops can be an option for buying video game consoles in Indianapolis, especially at larger chains like EZPAWN and Cash America Pawn, which have multiple locations across the city. These stores often carry current generation and previous generation consoles, along with a limited selection of games and accessories. Because pawn shops deal in a wide variety of merchandise, product knowledge and testing procedures may not be as specialized as at stores that focus primarily on video games.
GameStop
GameStop has several locations spread throughout Indianapolis, most of which focus heavily on the newest video game releases, current generation consoles, and branded merchandise tied to popular franchises. These stores are typically found in malls and shopping centers across the city, making them a convenient option if you are already out running errands.
While some GameStop locations are designated as Retro GameStops and carry older games and systems, the majority of Indianapolis locations do not fall into that category. Selection for used and retro titles can be limited and varies significantly by store. If you are looking for games from multiple generations or a deeper used inventory, locally owned game stores in Indianapolis generally offer a much wider and more consistent selection.
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 Indianapolis 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.
Yes, the Game World South Indy location carries thousands of retro video games. You can view the current inventory of the 7625 Shelby St. location here.
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 Indianapolis, 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 Indianapolis 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.