Remember Toys R Us (https://www.toysrus.com/)? We bought several gaming consoles and videogames through Toys R Us stores when they were in the area. Sadly, their locations around us are mostly closed.
They are still in business, and using AI to tell their story, interestingly enough, see the official Toys R Us studios AI video below:
These AI-generated videos have a certain look to them and this one is no different. I’ve seen people say the same about AI-generated image and music. It must be the artificial nature that I’m trying to describe here.
Those interested in shopping at Toys R Us can get free shipping on orders over $50. Shopping online might be convenient, but I still prefer to toy shop in person. There’s just something about walking around the store, looking at physical game boxes and picking out games based on this, the going home and playing them. There are still some places you can kind of do this … but then due to shoplifters even Wal-Mart has most of the games locked up and you are just perusing empty game boxes.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about Costco and the Stern Pinball home version of Jurassic Park. The “new” one that has IC added to it and Stern has said they are going to retrofit the older home version. Apparently, the price is falling on these games and I’ve seen one display model in Arizona almost $2,000 off the MSRP of $4,999 (see: OPINION: The Future of These Stern Home Pinball Machines at Costco for $4,999?). Anyway, maybe not to buy it, but to play one inside a Costco is an experience in and of itself that reminds me of Toys R Us somewhat fondly.
Do you miss the days of shopping physical games? (see: Will We Ever See Again More Physical Media Ownership than Digital Media / Streaming?) Or enjoy the convenience of digital only game shopping through sites like Steam?
I miss being able to go into these stores. Shopping digitally is not the same. When shopping online you have to either know what to search, or depend on the recommendations the site provides. Being able to explore the whole store and find something created memories and excitement you just can’t experience digitally.