If you’ve lived in the Treasure Valley for more than a few years, you’ve probably driven past that signage on Overland Road a thousand times. Maybe you’re a collector hunting for a mint-condition copy of EarthBound, or maybe you’re just someone trying to find a Wii remote that actually works.
Whatever the case, VIP Games Boise Idaho—officially known as VIP GameStore—is one of those places that sparks a weird amount of debate in local Facebook groups and Reddit threads.
Some people swear it’s the only place in Idaho where you can get a fair trade-in value. Others? Well, they’ve had some... interesting... encounters with the staff over the years. But if you're looking for the truth about this local staple, you have to look past the occasional Yelp rant and see what’s actually happening behind that storefront at 8638 W Overland Rd.
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The Vibe at 8638 W Overland Rd
Walk in and the first thing you notice is the smell. It’s not a bad smell, just that specific, nostalgic mix of old plastic, cardboard, and floor cleaner that defines every "real" game store.
It’s cozy. Kinda cramped, honestly.
But for a lot of us, that's the draw. Unlike the sterile, corporate shelves of a GameStop where everything is behind glass and the staff is forced to upsell you on protection plans, VIP GameStore feels like a garage collection that got way out of hand—in a good way.
The layout is pretty straightforward:
- The Back Shelves: This is where the heavy hitters live. Think retro consoles, boxed N64 titles, and those rare RPGs that cost as much as a car payment.
- The Walls: Floor-to-ceiling movies and games.
- The Counters: Usually where the "trading magic" happens.
Bill and Reed, the guys who own the place, have built a reputation for being hands-on. They aren't just suits; they're the guys actually testing your old Guitar Hero controllers to make sure the buttons aren't sticky before they put them back on the shelf.
What VIP Games Actually Does (and Doesn't) Do
There is a common misconception that "VIP Games" is some kind of high-stakes gambling den or an arcade. It’s not.
Actually, wait. Let’s clarify that.
If you search for "VIP Games" online, you might stumble upon a Bulgarian software company or the Idaho Lottery VIP Club. Those are totally different beasts. If you're in Boise looking for the physical store, you’re looking for a buy-sell-trade hub.
They specialize in:
- Retro Gaming: We’re talking NES, SNES, Genesis, and even some niche stuff like the Saturn or Dreamcast.
- Modern Trade-ins: They take PS5, Xbox Series X, and Switch stuff, often giving better rates than the big chains.
- Repair & Maintenance: Sometimes they can help with resurfacing discs or checking out a console that's acting up.
- Media: They still carry a decent selection of DVDs and Blu-rays, which is a dying art these days.
The "Love It or Hate It" Reputation
Boise collectors are a vocal bunch. If you spend enough time at the Lemp Street coffee shops or browsing the r/Boise subreddit, you’ll hear the stories.
There was a legendary thread from years ago where a customer claimed they were treated poorly while trying to buy a stack of rare games. The owner allegedly checked eBay prices right in front of them and hiked the price up.
Is that true? Maybe for that one guy. But for every one of those stories, there are ten more about the staff calling around to other shops to help a parent find a specific game for their kid’s birthday.
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The truth is usually somewhere in the middle. Small businesses in the gaming world have thin margins. When a rare game like Chrono Trigger walks through the door, the shop has to balance being a "hometown hero" with the reality of market value. If they sell it to you for $50 when it's going for $250 online, they won't be in business by next Tuesday.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
Digital gaming is taking over. Everyone knows it. You can download almost anything on Steam or the PlayStation Store without leaving your couch.
So why does a shop like VIP Games in Boise still have a parking lot full of cars on a Saturday afternoon?
Tactile history. You can’t hold a digital download. You can’t flip through the manual of a digital game. For the community in the Treasure Valley, this store is a museum where you can actually buy the exhibits.
Plus, they offer a military discount, which is a big deal in a town with a strong veteran presence. It’s those small, local touches that keep people coming back even when Amazon is cheaper.
How to Get the Best Deal at VIP Games
If you're planning a trip down Overland to do some trading, don't just show up with a cardboard box of tangled wires.
- Clean your gear. A console covered in dust and cat hair is going to get you a lower offer. It’s basic logic.
- Check the hours. They’re usually closed on Sundays. Don’t be that person tugging on the locked door at noon on a Sunday.
- Be ready to chat. The staff knows their stuff. If you're looking for something specific, just ask. They might have it in the back or know when another one is coming in.
- Compare prices. Look, they’re competitive, but it never hurts to know what a game is worth on PriceCharting before you walk in.
Actionable Insights for Boise Gamers
If you have a stack of old games gathering dust in your garage in Meridian or Eagle, don't just throw them away.
First, inventory what you have. Separate the "sports games" (which are basically worth pennies) from the first-party Nintendo or Sony titles.
Second, visit the store mid-week. Saturdays are chaotic. If you want to actually talk to the owners and get a thorough look at your trade-ins, Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon is your best bet.
Third, ask about their warranty. One of the biggest perks of buying local is that if a disc doesn't work, you can just drive back and get a replacement. You can't do that with a random eBay seller from three states away.
VIP GameStore isn't a perfect, polished corporate experience. It’s a gritty, authentic, "hometown" game shop. And in a world of digital licenses and disappearing physical media, that’s exactly why it’s still standing.