Level Up Games

YES! I have found the place to be! The staff were just AMAZING! I have had some difficult experiences in «geeky» stores with feeling out of place and things of that nature. Not in this store! Very welcoming and so helpful! I now love Level Up! Best place I’ve found in St. Paul yet!

We went there bacause I wanted to start my NES collection again. I called ahead to see what they had… they said they had it, so we jumped in our car for an adventure. We got there, and to my surprise it must have been league night or something, as I am not a gamer… but there was room off to the side packed to the rafters with people playing Magic, or something… they had a nice selection of games and everything they said they had. The gentlemanthat ahowed me around the store was happy to have me visit, and he was excited for me cause I got some really good stuff. I would say there inventory on hard to find NES stuff is running short as in most cases, but I am happy I got to visit them.

OK this store is fabulous! It is neat and clean, arranged well and huge selection. The staff are actually friendly and helpful compared to like Game Stop. Seriously great used video game prices and accessories are cheap, too. Nice cooler with energy drinks and Surge! Little back area to play board games or RPG type games. Definitely a jewel in SSP to visit!

Wonderful little shop that sells a lot of the classic games, harder to find stuff, board games, table tops, card games, collectables and accessories. From NES to Xbox One, and every stop in between. A recent addition has been the pinball machines in back, though I’m fairly sure they’re rented (and thus the selection might change from time to time, so don’t count on your favorite game staying there forever)
The recent redesign has put less of an emphasis on collectables, comics and unique board games, and more on things like Magic the Gathering and newer games, I’m afraid. However the rare and valuable case is still there, and you can still pick up games for your Dreamcast and Saturn (though it seems the selection may be getting condensed). There also seems to be less of an emphasis on the reproduction bootleg NES games too, which I always found to be a bit schlocky. The new layout also feels easier to navigate given the crowds, but at the expense of shelf space.
The prices are pretty reasonable, as well. You can get good value for your trade-​ins, and the staff are incredibly friendly and know their stuff. They do a fair number of events in back too.
The location is also pretty accessible, if a little ways off the beaten path. Traffic is negligible, especially compared to Robert Street, the location very visible, and there are several entrances to the parking lot. So if you’ve never been through town before, it’ll be hard to miss.
Parking is a bit of a boondoggle, though. The lot is shared with the whole shopping center, but Level Up is slotted in between the gym, and now the smoke shop, both of which have their own clientele who show up by car, meaning you may have to park further away by the grocery store.
Bicycle parking isn’t the best either, just a few front-​wheel loops that block the sidewalk, and I think that belongs to the gym. However they’re rarely used, and the town is safe enough that you could lock up there with little fear. While Southview is probably the second busiest street in the city traffic is light enough that bicycling is quite safe, and because of the proximity to the high school and all the students that brings drivers usually have a keen eye open for safety.
But if neither driving nor biking are your thing right on the corner of the block, not more than a minute’s stroll, is the bus stop for the 68 (stop #9931), however note that the bus only runs once every 30 minutes, and even then the 68C and 68G are different beasts.
While the proximity to the smoke shop might seem worrying, it’s the proximity of patrons of Level Up who smoke that’s the bigger issue, as they usually don’t go too far away from the doors and you’ll have to walk through their fumes in order to get to the door.
All that being said, none of it would deter me from coming here. If you’re stopping in for an event or to hang out, food is conveniently nearby. The convenience store across the street is nice and has a deli, but if you’re looking for a healthier snack than sodas the grocery store is worth a visit. If you’re hungry for a meal there’s a Chinese place just past that (with a sushi bar) and an Italian place where you can have a nice sit-​down meal.

Level Up, the stuff of dreams. They have everything you could ever want.
Comics, video games + consoles, board games, cards, etc. etc. If they don’t have something be sure that any one of their staff will know how to help you. They are so knowledgeable, helpful and kind. I can’t say enough good things about this place.
Above everything though? Their trade-​in value is amazing and they do not rip you off. They pay what your games are worth so you can actually afford to buy something that you want.
I’m in love. I always try to find a reason to go.

The one and only. Collected MTG, while I was young. Started playing again and this store has all bases covered. Looking for nostalgic classics? Welcome to Level Up.

We play D & D on Wednesday nights and always enjoy ourselves. The ages range from 11 – 42 and everyone has a good time!
The owners are funny and accomodating.
Snacks and drinks are inexpensive. We would spend more time here if it were closer to home (Hastings) but as it is we visit– a lot!
Great selection and supply. Including hard to find games at good prices.

After making my first visit to Level Up last night, I have to echo Josh B’s review. Level Up is clearly in the top tier of gaming shops in the cities. The employees were knowledgeable and friendly. The prices were fair and clearly marked. The building was clean and well maintained.
I will definitely be returning to Level Up soon.

I’m not a gamer (not anymore at least). I’ve dealt with plenty of MTG card shops and video game dealers in my prime. Now I was just a guy looking to get rid of some old games. These were some of the nicest people I’ve ever dealt with when getting rid of second hand stuff. Not only that, they were the most transparent about what their offer was. There was no need to negotiate as I knew I was getting a fair value.
The shop is great, the people are better. I echo everyone’s thoughts on here. Whether you are a hardcore gamer or just someone looking to get rid of some childhood games, stop by this place… you won’t be disappointed.