Play N' Trade More Than Just Fun and Games

Play N' Trade is an interesting twist on the modern-day video game store, recognizing the rich past of the industry and offering services above and beyond just selling games.

It's a hip-looking, modern place in the West Caldwell Plaza (796 Bloomfield Ave.) with a basic black decor and simple layout creating a futuristic, sci-fi look.

Though the game selection is undoubtedly in the thousands, display fixtures are not overly packed. It's clean, simple and shopper friendly. Wii, PS2 and 3, XBox, DS, Gamecube and more are all represented. So are their related accessories.

Along with shelves, game-playing stations line the walls, complete with consoles that look like something Mr. Spock would use for scientific analysis. They're actually used by customers of all ages—there's a "try before you buy" policy that helps take the guesswork out of wondering if you'll like a game, only after spending the money on it.

In what is a modern-day video gaming phenomenon, games can be pre-ordered before they're released. In case one plays titles so much they no longer work (not too likely) or drops and scratches them (most likely), the store performs disc repairs.

"[We do] systems, too" one employee said. "I can fix anything that's electronic."

Anyone who plays video games knows it's not the cheapest pastime, but luckily one can sell back old games for store credit, essentially offering a discount on new stuff as well as old items. There's also a nice selection of used games available.

In addition to it's unique presentation and allowing customers to "test drive" games, two additional services make Play N' Trade stand out from the video game store pack: they go way back and they know how to party.

In a corner there's a glass case. In it there are vintage items, including an impressive array of Atari 2600 cartridges, as well as original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) units and games. The case makes them seem even more valuable and historic, and invokes "it started with these" kind of vibe. It's certainly a curiosity, and they're all for sale, too. 

About a dozen of near-mint and complete Intellivision cartridges are on display on the nearby wall. I marvel at the artwork on the box for "Astrosmash" and suddenly feel like it's 1981, I'm 11 and I'm uptown at Grand Variety.

In another interesting turn, Play N' Trade is available for birthday parties. In a hookup with Frank's Trattoria, kids have pizza a few stores down, and then come for some special video gaming—birthday style.

On the day I stopped in, the store was buzzing with shoppers. "Today's the release day for the new baseball games for PS3 and the XBoox," Al Algay said.

As the store's owner, the 35-year-old is the captain of this "enterprise."

Caldwells Patch: In your estimation, what sets Play N' Trade apart from other video gaming stores?

Al Agay: As far as I know, it is the only nationwide franchise. We are not a corporate-owned store. We don't just buy, sell and trade. We do repairs and have monthly tournaments. We have older games for older systems. No one carries them anymore. You can also try anything before you buy ... no more paying $60 for a game you don't like.

We try to be a one-stop shop for the video gaming experience.

CP: Where did you grow up? 

AA: I grew up in Queens. I moved to Bergefield five years ago.

CP: What started your interest in video games?

AA: Comic books ... my brother and I grew up on the original Nintendo (NES).

CP: Did you work in another field prior to owning this store?

AA: I was a systems engineer for Deutsche Bank in New York City.

CP: What made you change? 

AA: The industry—I saw where it was going; outsourcing, layoffs. I came across this, something I love.

CP: Why did you choose West Caldwell?

AA: I found it through research; I like the store tenants here.

CP: How do like the town?

AA: I like that kids ride their bikes here.

CP: What's the most popular game system?

AA: It's a tossup; either the Nintendo Wii or X-Box 360, based on sales.

CP: What's your current personal favorite game right now? Of all time?

AA: Favorite system: the Xbox 360. All of my friends have it. I love the controller; it feels right. Favorite game: "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II." I play it every night. It's was the most popular game of 2009.

CP: Here's a very "important" question: Who's cooler? Sonic or Mario?

AA: I'd say Mario.

CP: Do you think the customers feel that way?

AA: I think they'd agree with me—I don't think anyone could top Mario! 

CP: Who exactly is playing video games these days?

AA: It ranges from kids from 5 years old to ... this morning, we had an older guy about 70 years old buy the new baseball game. 

With the Wii, a lot of nursing homes are using the Wii as physical therapy.

CP: Do girls finally play video games?

AA: Yes, that segment of the market has been increasing—there are more games for them.

At a Glance: Play N' Trade

Address: 796 Bloomfield Ave. (in West Caldwell Plaza), West Caldwell 

Phone: 862-210-8420

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Offering: Buying and selling video games and systems from the present and past; repairs and accessories.