When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
TOTL Games
Why TOTL Games is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
TOTL Games is a standout destination in Portland, Oregon, for enthusiasts of retro video games and trading card games (TCGs). Established as a locally owned store, it offers an extensive range of products spanning classic Atari consoles to modern PlayStation 5 systems, alongside a rich selection of TCGs including Magic: The Gathering and One Piece cards. The store is more than just a retail space; it promotes a safe, fun, and welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds and skill levels to shop, play, and engage. Beyond video games and cards, TOTL Games caters to hobbyists with offerings such as Warhammer miniatures, Gunpla model kits, and other collectible models. The staff are passionate about their hobbies and eager to support newcomers interested in getting started with games like Warhammer or Magic. With regular events hosted nearly every day, including tabletop battles and gaming gatherings, TOTL Games serves as a vibrant community hub for gamers and collectors alike. The store also provides specialized services like console modding (excluding piracy tools), adding unique value to their customers. Open daily from 11 A.M. to 8 P.M., with extended hours during events, TOTL Games invites everyone to explore its rich gaming culture collection at 736 MLK JR Blvd, Portland, Oregon.
Here's what people think of TOTL Games
As of recent, TOTL Games holds a 4.7-star rating based on 279 reviews.
Among 279 reviews, TOTL Games maintains an impressive 4.7-star rating, reflecting widespread customer satisfaction. Positive reviews frequently mention the store's great and fair pricing, extensive and diverse selection of retro and modern games, as well as trading cards and modeling kits. Patrons appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and the knowledgeable, friendly staff who help guide new gamers and hobbyists. The sense of community fostered by frequent events and the store's inclusive environment are also highly praised. Conversely, some less favorable reviews note occasional issues such as limited stock of highly sought-after items or specific products running out quickly. A few customers have expressed desires for a wider variety of events or longer store hours beyond standard and event times. Despite minor concerns, the overall consensus is that TOTL Games excels in combining quality, community, and customer service. The majority of reviews endorse TOTL Games as a reliable and enjoyable place to buy, trade, and engage with gaming culture, solidifying its reputation as a beloved local hub for gamers and collectors in Portland.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Super Cool
Surprisingly great prices and excellent stock. I easily found the games I was looking for. Also very knowledgeable and nice staff. Would recommend for sure.
AJ McGucken
First, the positives: The staff are very nice, the store is clean, there's a pretty good selection of games, including some great rare items, and the atmosphere is super welcoming. That being said, the prices are questionable and downright confusing sometimes. I was at 3 different stores today, and the prices here were definitely the highest. When I say questionable, I mean selling Elden Ring on PS5 for $80, when you can buy it brand new for $30 (and that includes either Bandai Namco logo), or brand new with DLC for $50. Just... really confusing pricing at times. The retro game prices weren't terrible, but definitely higher than the other two stores I visited. I'll definitely keep this on my list of stores to go to for maybe some of the more rare items, since their selection in that regard is quite good, but for the more "common" retro titles, might be better to shop around first.
Nathan Berres
What a fun and unique game store in Portland! I just started getting into Pokemon TCG and this is one of the few places in Portland that has packs in stock (and they aren't hella up charging like some other stores I've seen). A huge selection for retro video games - it was awesome to see so many different consoles and games that are decade+ old. Alongside that, their play area is huge! I can definitely see how fun it would be with events going on. I wish there was Pokemon events here, that's the only thing I would like to see. All the events were MTG, Warhammer or OnePiece related. Staff was super friendly and helpful, lots of good food and drinks options, and the space was welcoming. I recommend!
joe boitano
My son and I visited today hoping to buy some magic cards and a video game. While the video game section staff seemed friendly, our experience in the card area was disappointing. I used to frequent their old location and always enjoyed the cheerful, knowledgeable staff. However, the woman at the card counter today was the opposite – cold and unhelpful. I felt like I was bothering her with my questions. It took several follow-ups before she informed me that if I'm looking for a singles I'm going to need to look through the binder. Honestly, I decided not to buy anything before she passed me the binder. I politely pretended to browse the binder like I was interested in something before saying darn nothing here I need and my son and I left. I likely won't be returning for card singles. I would highly recommend guardian games which is not too far from this location South or Portland game store which is North. If you're looking for cards, the people in both of those locations are far more friendly and don't act like you are interrupting something more important.
Erika Anne Sinclair
My favorite game store, and a piece of personal heaven. Good selection of retro and modern game stuffs, card games, and mini figs with a fantastic atmosphere and great staff! I make a habit of recommending them to all my friends ❤️
How to reach TOTL Games
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Why TOTL Games may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at TOTL Games with your friends? Because it offers an exceptional and welcoming atmosphere where gamers of all levels and interests can come together to share their passion and enjoy hours of fun. TOTL Games combines the excitement of a massive game store with the warmth of a community hub, making it an ideal destination for group meetups. Whether you're nostalgic about retro games, eager to dive into the latest trading card game, or keen to explore tabletop miniatures, TOTL Games caters to every type of gamer. Its expansive and diverse collection means every friend can find something that sparks their interest, while the friendly and knowledgeable staff ensures beginners and veterans alike feel supported. The store’s safe and inclusive environment, including a commitment to being queer-owned and community-focused, further enriches the experience. Rallying your friends here guarantees memorable moments not just from gaming, but from the shared camaraderie, learning, and cheering each other on during whichever activity you choose. It’s a gathering place where friendships deepen over games, hobbies, stories, and laughter.
What activities can you enjoy at TOTL Games?
One of the standout features of TOTL Games is its diverse selection of gaming activities suited perfectly for groups. First, the store hosts a wide range of trading card games like Magic: The Gathering and One Piece, with organized events almost daily. This setup provides a fun competitive but friendly environment for players to challenge each other, learn new strategies, and celebrate victories together. If your group prefers video games, the store boasts an impressive inventory spanning from classic Atari titles up to the latest PlayStation 5 releases. This enables mixed groups to enjoy something for every generation and taste, making the store a nostalgic trip and a modern gaming hotspot in one. Board game fans and tabletop enthusiasts find their niche here as well by engaging in Warhammer battles or exploring Gunpla model kits, which the shop also sells and supports with gaming sessions and painting workshops. For hobbyists interested in customizing, console modding is even offered, with expert assistance on retro and current consoles. This broad spectrum of activities ensures that every meetup can be tailored to the interests of your friends, keeping the energy high and the fun accessible to all.
Why is TOTL Games perfect for a group meetup?
TOTL Games stands out as a meetup spot because it balances the needs of serious gaming with a community feel in a spacious, inviting setting. The large physical space — touted as the largest game store in the Pacific Northwest — means your group won’t feel cramped even during busy events, allowing room for movement and socializing. The store’s friendly and inclusive culture encourages both new and experienced gamers to interact and support each other, making it easy for any newcomer in your group to jump in without intimidation. The staff’s passion for gaming and readiness to teach newcomers how to play games like Magic or Warhammer adds immense value, turning meetups into opportunities for shared discovery and growth. The regular events calendar offers consistent and varied activities, so planning meetups around official tournaments, casual game nights, or model-building workshops becomes seamless. Extended hours during events provide flexibility for groups to gather at convenient times, adding to the accessibility. Moreover, TOTL Games’ local ownership and emphasis on being a safe and queer-owned space reflects a dedication to community well-being, giving groups confidence in the store’s values alongside its entertainment options.
How does TOTL Games build an inclusive gaming community?
The inclusive nature of TOTL Games is woven into every aspect of its operation, making it more than just a place to buy games but a welcoming community hub. Owned by members of the queer community, the store actively fosters an environment where everyone—regardless of background, identity, or experience—is encouraged to participate in gaming and social events. This inclusivity is reflected in the respectful, friendly atmosphere where harassment and exclusion have no place, ensuring your group can relax and enjoy their time. By hosting frequent events that appeal to a broad spectrum of players and offering guidance to beginners, TOTL Games lowers barriers to entry that often intimidate new gamers. Their commitment to creating “a safe, fun and welcoming environment for everyone” ensures that anyone can find a sense of belonging whether they are old friends or newcomers looking to meet like-minded people. The shop’s dedication to inclusivity strengthens group meetups by fostering a comfortable space where members feel appreciated and free to be themselves while bonding over shared hobbies and interests.
What makes the selection at TOTL Games so appealing for any gaming group?
TOTL Games is renowned for its vast and well-curated inventory, making it a treasure trove for any gaming group with diverse tastes. Their stock covers an impressive range of gaming genres and platforms—from retro cartridges and console mods for classic systems like Game Boy Advance and Wii to the latest video game releases on PlayStation 5. For groups interested in collectible and trading card games, TOTL Games offers a comprehensive array of popular titles like Magic: The Gathering and niche picks like One Piece cards, supporting an engaging playing experience with plenty of deck-building options and strategies. Tabletop miniature enthusiasts benefit from a strong selection of Games Workshop products and Gunpla model kits, with expert advice available to help new players get started or veterans hone their craft. The store also proudly supports buy/sell/trade, allowing groups to refresh their collections affordably or find rare items together. This rich variety ensures that every friend can find something exciting, making TOTL Games a one-stop destination for groups wanting to explore multiple gaming hobbies in a single meetup.
How does TOTL Games support gamers with expert guidance and community knowledge?
Beyond just selling games, TOTL Games distinguishes itself with its knowledgeable and approachable staff dedicated to fostering a thriving gaming community. Whether your group is composed of veterans or newcomers, staff members provide personalized advice, tutorials, and game format explanations to make gameplay smoother and more enjoyable. For example, if your friends want to get into the complex world of Warhammer but don't know where to start, TOTL workers happily guide beginners through game rules, army building, and painting techniques. Likewise, Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts can receive coaching on different formats and deck strategies that encourage friendly competition and learning. This personalized support turns each group meetup into an opportunity to deepen skills, discover new games or improve gameplay experiences. The staff’s enthusiasm helps break down barriers common in gaming communities and promotes inclusiveness, making TOTL Games not just a store but a hub for social connection through shared knowledge.
What are the event offerings at TOTL Games and how do they enhance group gatherings?
TOTL Games hosts a vibrant schedule of gaming events almost every day of the week, making it incredibly easy to find or coordinate group meetups around dynamic activities. These events range from competitive trading card tournaments and casual game nights to tabletop battle sessions and community painting workshops. The store’s calendar encourages groups to try new formats and games, enabling both discovery and regular participation. For groups looking for a social and structured environment, these events provide a perfect framework where friends can play together against other local gamers in a lively but friendly setting. Extended store hours during event days mean your group can enjoy more flexible timing for longer play sessions or socializing after official games end. Additionally, TOTL Games welcomes suggestions for new events, empowering your group to tailor gatherings to your interests. These continuous activities help build lasting relationships within the gaming community and create a vibrant backdrop for memorable group experiences.
How accessible is TOTL Games for local and visiting gaming groups?
Conveniently located at 736 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd in Portland, Oregon, TOTL Games is easily accessible for gaming groups both local and visiting. The store’s daily operating hours from 11 A.M. to 8 P.M., with extended hours during special events, provide ample opportunity for scheduling meetups at times that work for your group. TOTL Games’ policy of maintaining a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment ensures all groups feel comfortable visiting regardless of their background or gaming experience. The store’s spacious layout not only accommodates many players simultaneously but also enables groups to spread out and enjoy private or communal gaming sessions without feeling crowded. Additionally, the store’s reputation as the biggest game store in the Northwest means it attracts a diverse crowd, allowing your group to interact with a wide community and even make new friends. Whether you’re Portland locals or gamers visiting the city, TOTL Games offers a ready-made destination that caters perfectly to group gaming meetups.
What unique features does TOTL Games provide that elevate a group meetup experience?
In addition to its vast game selection and community focus, TOTL Games offers unique features that elevate the experience of group meetups. One highlight is their console modding service, where groups interested in retro gaming can customize their favorite older consoles with upgrades like backlit screens for Game Boy Advances or crystal-clear display mods for Wii systems. This technical expertise adds a hands-on hobby aspect your group can enjoy outside of traditional gaming sessions. The store also acts as a collector's haven where groups can buy, sell, and trade games and miniatures, turning meetups into opportunities to expand collections together or hunt for rare finds. Furthermore, TOTL Games’ emphasis on fair pricing and customer service ensures your group gets the best value without compromising quality or selection. Their inclusive queer ownership and commitment to maintaining a safe space also provide a foundation of respect and openness that enhances group dynamics. Altogether, these unique offerings create a more engaging, dynamic, and meaningful gaming meetup than a typical store visit.
Why do reviewers rate TOTL Games so highly?
With a 4.7 rating from 279 reviews, TOTL Games has earned high praise from its customers for several important reasons. Many reviewers highlight the store's incredible selection, noting that the variety and depth of games and gaming-related items are unparalleled in the region. Customers appreciate the fair pricing and the opportunity to buy, sell, and trade, which makes collecting more accessible for groups on a budget. The friendly, knowledgeable staff consistently receives accolades for being welcoming, helpful, and passionate about gaming, which greatly enhances the shopping and social experience. Several reviews emphasize the inclusive and safe atmosphere, calling attention to the store’s queer ownership and community-driven values, which create a welcoming space for diverse groups. Although some early reviewers noted that busy periods could be crowded or noisy, the store’s move to a larger location and attention to customer comfort have addressed many of these issues, making TOTL Games a consistently enjoyable destination. This strong reputation assures your group of a positive and memorable meetup every time.