PLAYABILITY

PLAYABILITY

Reviews Summary

The overwhelming consensus is extremely positive, with most reviewers praising the store's friendly, knowledgeable staff, fair prices, and exceptional selection of retro and modern games, consoles, and collectibles. Many highlight the welcoming atmosphere, great trade-in deals, and personalized service, often comparing it favorably to GameStop. A few negative reviews seem sarcastic or isolated, but the vast majority consider it a top-tier local gem for gaming enthusiasts.

About This Listing

Who Can Play?

Most arcades welcome all ages (some may have age restrictions for certain games)
Minors may need parent/guardian supervision (policies vary by location)
No gaming experience required - games range from beginner to expert level
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended for safety
Valid ID may be required for certain attractions or age verification
Groups and parties welcome (advance booking may be required)

*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.

Common Restrictions:

Age-Based Some games may have height or age requirements for safety reasons
Capacity Popular games may have wait times during peak hours

*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Cash or card for tokens/credits (some arcades are cashless)
Valid ID for age verification or membership signup
Phone to capture high scores and memories (check photo policies)

*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check arcade hours and peak times online before visiting
Eat beforehand or check if the arcade has food options
Bring friends for multiplayer games and competitions
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in
Avoid bringing valuable items that could be lost or damaged
Check for special events, tournaments, or discount days
Set a budget for games and stick to it
Stay hydrated, especially during long gaming sessions

*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*

How to Get Started

Most arcades accept walk-ins, but call ahead during busy periods or for large groups. Check for membership deals!

Other Helpful Info

Most visits last 1-3 hours depending on games and group size
Popular games may have longer wait times during weekends and evenings
Many arcades offer unlimited play packages or time-based pricing
Some locations host tournaments and special events regularly
Prize redemption available at many arcades - save your tickets!

*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*

Contact Information

Address

2021 W Cumberland Ave

Middlesboro, Kentucky 40965

Hours

Monday 12-7PM
Tuesday 12-7PM
Wednesday 12-7PM
Thursday 12-7PM
Friday 12-7PM
Saturday 12-8PM
Sunday 12-5PM

Customer Reviews

Playability is a local gem that we are so lucky to have in this area. They have very fair pricing whether you are buying or selling, you can choose between cash or store credit when selling to the store, and they have the neatest collectibles/memorabilia. They have a great selection of games, and nearly every console you could think of. Any time I visit, I know that I'll have friendly conversation and get great advice and recommendations from the staff members. I would give Playability 10 stars if I could.

10/10 This place is incredible. Not only do they have a huge selection of retro, and newer video games and consoles. All at great prices. They also have more pokemon cards than I've seen in most stores. Puts places like cm games and game stop to shame. The staff is super nice and helpful ,along with the design of the store it's awesome just to look around (hint: look up)

Been to Playability several times now, and it is exactly what is needed for a towns local video gaming and card entertainment store. Always good business and owner/workers there are are great folks. Head on in there and have a great experience.

My son and husband love this store and visit often! The workers are polite and helpful! My husband and son have bought awesome merchandise from here. My husband has brought in things to sale and they worked with him to give him what was deserved from what he was selling. Fun and awesome place!

Fantastic game store, great on prices, large selection or games and consoles I have never even heard of. Family friendly environment where the people will remember who you are when you come in next time. Give you the best possible cash out or store credit for your used collectibles. Always a nice place to stop by because they are open EVERY day. I wish I could give them more stars. This is the standard game and collectible stores should have.

Great people, great store, great deals! Some of the best in the business. I highly recommend them, seriously super nice and will work with you on pretty much anything. They really care about their customers and community. Keep up the good work!

This store has a cool atmosphere and a great selection of videos games, game consoles, 90's memorabilia and collectibles. They also have a sweet CRT TV lounge area with game systems set up that are free to play.

once i found out about playability, they quickly became one of my favorite game stores ever. they've got a wide selection of games and figures and the prices are great. seriously they've got low prices for awesome stuff. the pok?mon cards are my favorite to check out and i?ve actually found a couple that i?d been hunting for at playability. anyone i?ve seen working out there has also been super friendly and helpful too. i would absolutely recommend this store to anyone even slightly interested in gaming/col

One of my favorite stores. Not only do I always find the most interesting things in here. They always keep an eye out for the things I'm in search of and lets me know when they get what I want. I always find a laugh and smile when I'm here. Highly recommend!

If I could leave a 10 star review I would absolutely. Dan is quite literally the man. He is honestly one of the most genuine people I have ever met. We are lucky to have him in a town like middlesboro. Much love!

Great store to go to with an amazing collection. Prices are very reasonable and I've always been treated good when I've went there. Highly recommend going here over gamestop and they've always done right by me.

I love these guys. They are always fair with their price's! They have a great selection of vintage and modern games. I always feel like family every time I come to the door.

Wide variety and amazing prices. Amazing place to shop or just browse. Staff was AMAZING, super helpful and friendly. Me and my kids will definitely be back. ??

I love going to this shop, great selection of collectibles and video games. Great customer service and actually remembers your interests, which most other places forget who you even are lol I cannot recommend this shop enough. They have waaay better prices than GameStop who loves to rip you off at any chance they get !

I've sold a lot of stuff to Playability for some quick cash, even very niche collectibles, shovelware, expensive Pok?mon cards and retro games. Always gotten fair prices for everything. If you're looking to get rid of old gaming and collectible items, this is the place ro bring them. This also means they have a massive selection of modern and retro gaming consoles, games and collectibles to buy and are always getting new stuff in. One of the best places out there and you can be sure you won't be getting off

BEST VIDEO GAME STORE EVER really respected workers and they have very good prices PLUS DAN IS THE BEST you know who I am ?? also EVERYTIME I WALK IN THERE IM LIKE A KID IN A CANDY STORE also this is my favorite of all time retro games store So thank you for opening this store thank thank thank youuuu.

Awesome local gem gotten some crazy good finds at crazy good prices! My go to for games and anything I'm looking for!

Final review: tldr,shop online or at GameStop For the fun part,so I was kicked out of this dump because of a Facebook comment..the dude is a joke and acts like he runs a reputable business that shuts down because an employee lives down a road that gets a little wet...the vast majority of these reviews are by friends and family members. He will haggle with you which is a plus...but I mean what eBay seller doesn't, it would of been a nice spot...twenty years ago, ten years ago or even five years ago Can al

Great group of guys, if you want the best deal absolutely the place to go for gaming. Support small business, and help these world class guys out!

Spectacular selection! Fantastic trade in offers! 10/10 would recommend to anyone who loves retro, nerdy stuff or games!

I was offered a much better offer than GameStop (Never given your business to GameStop!)

I love this game store and the owner goes above and beyond for anyone who wants to buy games!

Playability is your one stop shop for all things gaming. Great prices on a great selection of consoles, accessories, collectibles, movies, comics, and classic to current games, makes Playability the place for nerds of all ages and eras. They even offer a great layaway plan for us who want to splurge on a vintage NES in box, but also have bills and responsibilities. Lol. So, visit Playability on Cumberland Ave, and get your vintage game on!!!

Absolutely friendly staff. Was looking to a buy a Gameboy off of em and the owner tested the console for me and discovered it had a line and instead of selling it he didn't want me to have a defective console. Absolutely coming back to buy more from them. I couldn't ask for a better gaming store around town than this, these people know their stuff!

Went there for the first time today to sell some things and they were extremely nice and gave me a fair amount in exchange! For years, I was a loyal customer with GameStop but honestly, I highly recommend you do your business with these folks! Thank you so much! Will definitely be coming back in the future!

The store is absolutely the worst because they were so helpful. He actually listened to what I say help me find the selections I need and where willing to be negotiable on prices. they actually invited me back. As if!!! Why would I ever come back to your game store where to get treated well and you have reasonable prices screw that I'm going to GameStop where I get ripped off and I get treated lousy. Do yourself a favor stay away from this store. Because they don't know the meaning of being rude.

Excellent selection and phenomenal service. The staff is always so enthusiastic that you are there

Got some Wii games here that I couldn't find at GameStop all around friendly

Wonderful place. Brings back alot of memories for us young at heart people.

Awesome people and fantastic game store.

The absolute best game store around! Dan is honest, fair and is always knowledgeable and helpful with store credit or purchases! Thanks Playability!

Always love going in there the staff are nice definitely brings you back to your childhood with old retro games and consoles that they have

Great selection, great prices, friendly environment

Awesome place! Had many retro consoles that were really cool. Staff was nice. 5/5!! Definitely coming back soon.

Good deals will be back nice staff always

Good employees, good quality trading cards, will buy games off you

Great place for Pokemon card and antique toys

Everyone is nice good customer service

Great place, good selection and great service. Surprised GameStop is still open with this lot in competition with em.

This place is the best game store in town. Much better then GameStop

Great staff, very knowledgeable and helpful. Will definitely be returning.!!

Friendly staff, great selection.

Great inventory and friendly people. Low prices as well! Highly recommend!

I always feel like I'm getting to relive my childhood when I go in this awesome store!!

Really good local game store. Employees were nice and helpful.

Good selection and really nice/helpful staff. Really good for our town!

They are very helpful and great on prices

Love the place everyone is great!!!

Fabulous people, fabulous merch.

Very informative and was just awesome very friendly and awesome prices

You should goooooooooooooooooo

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like visiting an arcade today?

It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.

Is it better to go alone or with friends?

Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.

What should I bring to an arcade?

Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.

What’s the best time to visit an arcade?

Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.

Can I meet new people at arcades?

Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.

Are arcades still just for kids?

Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.

Are there events or tournaments I can join?

Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.

What if I’m not great at arcade games?

No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”