Gamers In Control

Negative experience: Edit 2: just buy your stuff on ebay or tcgplayer stuff here is above retail. If you want a place that doesnt see you as walking money go to GPG if you are into tcgs they have stock if you are a player or collector. No scalper price. Very ok. It went from games to pops and now it's mostly cards. Good place to maybe sell something for a pack of cards Edit: gave it another star for reading other reviews. If you want a slightly better look at the business go to yelp

Fantastic experience: My go to for anything video games, collectibles, and TCG!

Fantastic experience: Awesome customer service and would keep buying great store!

Fantastic experience: Amazing card selection and great prices for singles

Fantastic experience: Excellent service and a great selection. The team is welcoming and highly knowledgeable about their stock. I appreciate that their high-quality products are always honestly and accurately graded for condition. Highly recommended!

Negative experience: Sometimes come here great collection but reading the 1 star reviews has me confused as to why his responses are so childish!?

Fantastic experience: My daughter and I go there often for Pokémon. Staff are super friendly and chill. They let us go slowly through the binders. Very clean and organized store. So glad to have GIC here! Reading through the 1 star reviews has me concerned. Seems like a different personality expressed by the owner in his responses. I’d prefer no response to the reviews instead of what I’m reading.

Fantastic experience: Came home for the holidays and ran into this place while shopping around. Good selection, everything reasonably priced and the guy at the cashier was super friendly. Enjoyed the conversation and looking forward to coming back soon!

Fantastic experience: Always love stopping in here for buying and trading cards, always a great atmosphere and friendly service!

Negative experience: scalper pricing for products + taxes = bad place to do business. hope these types of practices die out as the market crashes. at least with market place scalpers you don't have to pay CA taxes. this mall has seen it's shares of these types of shops. they always rotate in/out. this one will be no exception

Negative experience: Came in with my nephew and was blown away by the rudeness experienced. The guy at the counter is a rude and lousy person with a terrible attitude and disrespectful. We walked out not willing to purchase anything and I will never go there again.

Fantastic experience: Its a small store. Staff was friendly and helpful. Good stop if you are in need of gaming items

Fantastic experience: Been shopping here for years, sells new and vintage in great condition. Their Instagram @Thegic is the best place to check for the newest inventory.

Fantastic experience: Best local card trade spot. Can always trust them to be fair, and authentic, love the instagram and has fast costumer service even outside of working hours on the gram! Accommodated with shipping when I was out of town for college and will always trust Compa to get me right with my cards lol! Support your local business!! ♥️

Fantastic experience: I’ve been going to Gamers in Control for the past 2 years and they’re my favorite card shop. I moved away and still buy my cards from here online. Compa always hooks it up!

Fantastic experience: Good store

Fantastic experience: Incredible responsiveness and customer service overall, has hard to find collectibles, games, and cards, and delivers it all with a smile. Best store on the central coast!

Fantastic experience: Very customers friendly the compa has been very helpful definitely keep coming back

Fantastic experience: Great customer service and great variety of products to choose from! They’ve got the newest releases in video games and a good retro game selection. You can also find newest TCG releases from multiple card games here as well!

Fantastic experience: They have a great selection of pokemon cards and games. Something new every time I go in

Fantastic experience: I mainly go for pokemon stuff but when i do get a chance to look around lots of awesome stuff game consoles video games etc. Great staff always helpful.

Fantastic experience: Great experience, always having trading card product, vintage/new games, and much more! Not only that the employees are very kind, would go and visit again soon

Fantastic experience: Very helpful and friendly staff. Lots of games, cards, and packs! Have bought them all from compa and never had any issues

Fantastic experience: Best spot in town if you want to buy games or cards! Stay locked in on his stories on ig compa always dropping deals on there!

Fantastic experience: These guys are awesome! Loveeee to shop here

Fantastic experience: Excellent selection and service, quick friendly communication

Fantastic experience: Nothing but grade A quality, been buy online for years now and no complaints at all. Have purchased retro consoles, Trading cards and also games! Great prices!

Fantastic experience: Cool little spot in Salinas that has Pokémon cards and video games. Staff is pretty friendly price seem reasonable. I go there probably once a month the stock upon Pokémon cards for my sons who really liked that place by the way

Fantastic experience: An establishment that came to Salinas over 15 yrs ago is now thriving and better than ever. Seems like business being outside the mall is better than it was inside. Ive met the owner, Aaron aka Compa, when he first appeared inside the mall. He wasnt one to conversate with at first. However, Sports and wrestling was what got us to click and become good friends. His video game collection is massive and always expanding. His Instagram posts and stories are great because he will even take transaction over the app too. His store is always kept clean and he makes sure nothing is out of sight. He knows his product inside and out, and does his research. Over the years I see him here and there, but he has 2 loyal workers to help run the store and continue to provide excellent customer service. They are straight to the point and no BS. So dont cry because you didnt get an offer for your Barbie dream house game for the wii. With that said, POKEMON TCG is their biggest hit and they have expanded their stock like no other card shop Ive seen. They do have other choices like Yugioh, MTG and One Piece etc. so thats another big plus. I dont ever have a chance to game it up anymore or have time to sell games over the internet so Im happy that they exist a block away from my home. Cheers for being one of the best video game shops in the valley.

Fantastic experience: Amazing service

Fantastic experience: Awesome service. Fast response. Has what you need. Stop by and see Compa!

Fantastic experience: Awesome place would recommend to anyone !

Fantastic experience: They got great products and great service! They always seem to have what I’m looking for. Every time I’m looking for a game they end up having it within a week of me looking for it elsewhere. They also have a great selection of trading cards.

Fantastic experience: Great place me and my brother always go there to buy games and games are great quality and good customer service. For sure I recommed people to go here and buy games .

Fantastic experience: Glad to get some games to add to my collection

Negative experience: You pretend to be all cool on social media but when people go sell you stuff you act all stiff and not welcoming.

Fantastic experience: Good selection of Pokemon TCG cards And retro games Very helpful and friendly :)

Fantastic experience: Great staff Great Vibe Great Store 10/10 recommend

Fantastic experience: Gamers in control is gem of a card/video game store. They always have a great selection of singles and used games here. Happy to have found the shop, and owner and employees have been great!

Fantastic experience: Been going to them for a few years now and I can say that they have a great selection of cards. I personally will go just for the vintage they have. If you can’t find a card you like in the displays, check their binders. Support the Compa

Negative experience: Super rude customer service. The heavy build set guy with a scruffy beard was extremely rude when asked a question. He came off very condescending and annoyed. Never coming back and im telling my friends not to ask well. Avoid if you dont wanna pay high prices for games and cards and receive horrible customer service. Edit: he decided to remove his comment but thankfully I screenshot it. This goes to show his unprofessionalism. Do better as an owner and try fixing the issue instead of acting childish and attack the customers.

Fantastic experience: Staff always has great communication and offers great service. I have never had issues buying products. I highly recommend going to GIC for what you need. A++ service. Thank you, Compa!

Fantastic experience: Compa's always my go to place for pokemon tcg!

Fantastic experience: The best customer service! Great value and always take care of his customers.

Fantastic experience: all cool dudes! can always count on them for pokemon cards!

Fantastic experience: Shop here all the time for my Pokémon cards and other games and or trades ins great staff and friendly environment makes everyone feel like family will always be shopping here with the compa!

Negative experience: Poor customer service, VERY HEAVY SET GUY was extremely rude, smelled too. Gave me and my friends stinky customer service. Never coming back, horrible service here. Don’t come here.

Fantastic experience: real chill store not too crowded but still filled with awesome stuff I say the price for most of the items is pretty reasonable and the japanese pokemon cards are real cheap going for about 4.36$ with taxes the guy there is really helpful with evey single one of your needs and in general has a great vibe and attitude this will be my go to spot for pokemon cards n stuff from now on definitely come here you won't regret it

Fantastic experience: This store has the best sales on Pokémon TCG in the Monterey area. I purchase majority of my non-online cards from this local store so, if you’re looking to support any local business, this is it. They always distribute products well for customers. If you’re looking collect and the staff here has always treated me well.

Negative experience: Trash so bad get better

Fantastic experience: Best retro game and card shop in the bay area!❤️

Fantastic experience: i havent really been able to find pokemon cards anywhere else like walmart or whatever, but thanks to you guys i am able to buy some cards….ive already gone like, 2 times already now it will be my 3rd today because my dad is going to take me over there to get some and my dream cards are the ones of my favorite pokemons mostly porygon, magnemite, pansage, and melmetal. nothing crazy expensive or anything but yea you guys are awesome

Fantastic experience: genuinely loved how easy it was for me to grab,pay, and go! staff were nice and very helpful & judgment free.

Fantastic experience: The best quality and price, from cards to Funko's and classics games that fit your age. Best Shopping on Instagram too they post images off product like TCG Cards to all kind of playing games, it is for fun and for collectors.

Fantastic experience: Aaron is a great small business owner. He always has fair prices and always tries to get to know his customers. When you care about your customers, you are winning. Support local. Shop The GIC!

Fantastic experience: W compa

Negative experience: Ts place so buns ts pmo‍♂️‍♂️‍♂️

Negative experience: To be honest, what you're doing, my guy.It's called price gouging

Fantastic experience: Amazing people very friendly

Fantastic experience: Every personnel is kind and welcoming.. That's a great shopping experience for me..

Fantastic experience: Cool people

Fantastic experience: Sold my old game collection here. They were polite and fair. Got about $350 and now I have more free space.

Fantastic experience: What a great shop!! If you’re looking for a specific card, pack, etc. this is the place to go. They carry everything and very good quality. I hardly visited the Northbridge Mall, but once I discovered this store I’m there at least every other week. You ask Compa or his staff a question, they have an answer for you. I recently began collecting Pokemon cards again. If I’m looking for a card, I’ll definitely find it here. The majority of the cards I’ve gotten here and have sent to get graded have come back a 10. Highly recommend you give this shop a visit. Also, great giveaways on their Instagram. If you don’t believe me, check it out.

Negative experience: Super rude customer service. Spend your money literally anywhere else.

Negative experience: Poorly informed staff. And quite tasteful, as you can see from the comment on my review. No offer to help, answer any inquiries or offer improve the situation. Word of advice, when you’re a business owner and rely on your community to keep you in business.. I’d treat them a little better. 0 stars if I could now that I know the owner is as obnoxious as the employees are unhelpful.

Negative experience: When I ask him how much was silent hill books of memories he was really rude about he over priced it to it used to 100$ and he raised for dam near 130$ at least his employees are nicer than him they deserve a better boss them him before I went there he would be chill now he’s all rude and everything

Fantastic experience: Edit 2: Recently went back in. It's so much different. I'm leaving my reply up because I want people to see that customer service can in fact change. Maybe we were both in weird moods at the time who knows it has been a while but customer service was really good this time around. They have really good deals on some older games which their collection seems to have grown since the last time I was there. They also have decent trade in credit compared to gamestop. I will definitely come back and I apologize for the older review but my feelings were valid at the time. Also idk what $5 game he was talking about to this day as I never ask for discounts in retail/small business stores but this whole interaction is just funny thinking back. I visit this place every now and then but I dont know what it is about the guy running it but man does he have a good way of making you feel unwelcome at times. I get that sometimes I or someone I'm with doesn't purchase something can be frustrating as an owner but don't make them feel unwelcome. I remember when this place used to be inside the mall and the guy had an arcade cabinet and his little shop was a little smaller so it's awesome to see him doing well. Just hope he changes his attitude. That's it. Other than that, the prices aren't necessarily competitive with the other game stores nearby. Edit: Take a note of the type of response the owner gives here. Narcissistic just like most of the people I've talked to have described. Very telling of the type of customer service you'll have here. Also it's the internet guy, this is just one of 4 reviews I've done. Sorry the review told you some truths maybe you need to face head on.

Fantastic experience: I was low on gas and decided to try and sell some of my not so good cards to get me to work and I happen to make a sell really really appreciate what everyone at gamers in control did for me . God bless peace and love . Also the shop is really awesome was my third time in here and for sure I will be back for that Nintendo lol and most of my booster boxes for Pokémon .

Fantastic experience: drove 1h and 30m to Salinas just to check this place out and it was nice experience, spoke to the compa for a bit and he actually gave me some nice information about shipping product so I wouldn’t have to drive so far and he gave me some tips and pointers and the newest and hottest TCG right now. His prices on his products are actually way better than other places that I’ve been to

Negative experience: Nothing. There is nothing good at all in this place. They dont have nothing at all on games.

Fantastic experience: Awesome place amazing atmosphere! Aaron is a great person, I love to buy my cards here. I highly recommend it.

Fantastic experience: Friend recommended this shop months ago and only did shipping since I live in San Jose but drove all the way out here to buy things in person and it was worth it! Picked up my order and was greeted nicely and came to pickup my order and did some shopping around. I was hoping to see Compa in person to thank him for live ripping my one piece packs and always keeps his word and seemed like a nice guy but maybe next time I will since I was told he went on vacation lol! Coincidence they had crash on the ps2 I was looking for a great price and more one piece accessories to purchase and the missing PS2 cable that I’ve been looking for! Definitley will come back here and shop again for my gamer needs! Highly recommend this place for any of my retro and TCG people:)

Fantastic experience: I'm gonna be honest my friend told me about this place and man I don't regret going there compa if you read this man you the man and the prices are Hella fair and I find a bunch of stuff from my child hood In games and I haven't stopped going there it's an awsome place to go it's chill and the customer service is pretty awsome and they treat you kindly

Fantastic experience: I’ve been going here sense I was a kid and this place has never failed to have the game I’ve wanted!!! And the owner is the nicest person in the whole world best costumer service ever!!!! 10/10 I’m definitely coming again.

Negative experience: BEWARE DONT SEND YOUR KIDS HERE they will rip them off a 20 n64 games 20$ 1$ each golden eye Tarzan just too name two and they always have attitude and stare at you really weird if you wanna buy games today it’s your way too go but I rather buy online for cheaper now since I will no longer give these kid scammers my money

Fantastic experience: My entire gaming collection is from here, my favorite local game store, please visit they're the best

Negative experience: UNFORTUNATELY, it's the only shop in Salinas that carries product. They over price their product when they are in DIRECTLY with distributors. They NEED TO BE SELLING AT MSRP. They do not. They over charge you on every item, give you 50% on trade in, 40% cash value on items but here's the kicker: THEY CHARGE YOU TAXES ON TRADE IN!!! THIS IS BAD BUSINESS. Shame on the owners for becoming 'hype beasts' .

Fantastic experience: I was trying to sell my yugioh cards, but my old cards had no value and One Piece trading cards are rising. Apparently, yugioh is dead in Salinas, but I’m sure the online community is relevant and still ongoing. The Retro sega games on display brought back memories, though!

Fantastic experience: awesome! found just what we were looking for! helpful people too!

Fantastic experience: Was visiting from out of town and im always on the look out for good local card shops. This place is definitely a gem. Fair, friendly and knowledgeable. These guys had some of the best prices in and around that area. Me and my son have a decent pokemon collection and recently introduced to DBZ cards, we love their selection and try to stop in as often as we can. I got some of my biggest hits at this store and look forward to coming back next time we are in town.

Positive experience: Located in Salinas, CA, right next to Northridge Mall. I can only come here every so often since I’m not from the area. The good thing is that they are open everyday but they close super early at 7pm. They have a good selection of Pokémon Cards in binders to look at and purchase and their whole wall behind the register is all sealed product. They also sell video games and consoles and other gaming necessities. However, I am not happy about the way they stare at every little thing I do making me super uncomfortable and causing me to pick out the wrong Pokémon Cards that are not even returnable even though I just made the purchase 2 seconds prior. I understand that they are looking over their items but it was still an uncomfortable feeling. Also, it’s hard to see what I’m purchasing when I look through the binders, because there is a glare from the lighting and sometimes I don’t even know what I’m looking at. But they have all kinds of cards that are potentially helpful for any collector trying to complete their sets which is why I like looking at their cards whenever I am in the area.

Fantastic experience: Very good video game store and lots of good old school video games of the past

Negative experience: Stopped by for my first time ever to check out the store and ask about the trade requirements and had no issues. Store had good stock on everything game and hobby related. Just had a weird interaction with the guy wear the hat in the front. I was trying to make conversation and asked him how long they'd been around, which he replied "10 years". I told him I've heard about them, but never came in until now. He then bitterly made comment about how people don't support local stores and what not. Like, did I say something bad to get that rude comment towards me. I said thank you and left. Interactions like this are just sad to be honest and could've been easily avoided. Edit: It's crazy how when the owner sees how he got the 1 star, then proceeds to say how it's somehow the customer's fault for that result. Just look at all his 1 star reviews. Either says that they're fake or tries to call out the customer for being negative. Narcissistic to the teeth! 05/21/22 This guy is so funny! You're still proving my point by how you keep coming back and leaving comments on reviews. Just looks bad on you and your business. Nobody cares how much money you make buddy. That's the only come back you have, it's just sad. Remember, this all started because you had a bad interaction with a customer. Look what you turned it into, such a shame. I'm not the only person you've done this to. I love how I live rent free in your head. Nobody cares about your sales bro. Glad you're still showing everyone how you truly are! Money hungry! Keep me in mind;)

Fantastic experience: Always great choices, great prices, great staff, and great service. I love supporting them!

Fantastic experience: " Looking for the ultimate destination to score the best deals on Pokémon cards and games? Look no further than Control Games! Not only do they offer the most competitive prices, but the folks there, including the incredible owner, Compa, are absolute legends! From rare cards to the latest releases, you'll find it all at Control Games. Don't miss out on this gaming paradise! My favorite place in all Salinas. #ControlGames #PokemonCards #GamingHeaven"

Fantastic experience: Great selection and great service! Highly recommend

Fantastic experience: Your one stop shop for everything TCGs, Pokémon, retro gaming, and modern gaming related. Swing on by and Aaron aka Compa will hook you up with the best prices you’ll find anywhere. Or if you’re looking to sell anything gaming related or trading cards Compa is there to buy for good prices.

Positive experience: Love this store nice people and good deals I've only had one problem with a unfair price with a pokemon card but that's it

Positive experience: Disappointed that this has become just another store for Magic, and not miniature wargaming. No paints, flocking, figures, strategy games. A real let down.

Negative experience: Worst experience I've ever had. The owner of the store "compa" is a complete payaso,he was very disrespect when I was asking questions about a ps2. He need to work on his customer service, no wonder he's been open for years and is still a small business

Fantastic experience: It is the best place to buy Pokémon card

Negative experience: They didn’t want to buy any of my games they said they were “too old” and plus when I tried selling them my Gameboy advanced ipsv2 gengar edition they totally low balled me with “110” when In reality it’s worth “280+” they also said get out my store we don’t negotiate by talking. I’d really give this a 0 star but it only lets me do a 1 , I’d rather go to GameStop at this point lol!

Fantastic experience: Mr. MARTINEZ IS A GREAT SALES MEN NEED MORE STAFF TO HELP

Fantastic experience: Better than Gamestop in price and games.

Fantastic experience: Good service, lots of games available, new & used. Knowledgeable employees. One stop shop for video games.

Fantastic experience: I love this place. My lady and I travel just to come here. We are always excited to visit this location ! I can't wait to be back the staff are friendly and helpful.

Negative experience: Mid store so Just go to GameStop. You will have a a better experience. :)

Negative experience: My husband and I came here tonight and the owner was very standoffish. He glanced at the items we brought in for a quote and gave us a low price then tossed one of our items on the table at us. We will not be coming back and letting everyone know our experience here. We have never seen this man before but he was extremely rude/ he could care less.

Fantastic experience: Always have good prices and good help

Fantastic experience: Been here a few times. Great shop! it's a place to look at the old games while growing up and remember the simpler times. Plus, the new games as well. Apart from that they buy your games in a fair price in my opinion. All in all, great experience and good place for nostalgia. Aaron and his staff are good at what they do. Recommend it to anyone looking for retro and new games.