Cancel

    Search

    Desert Island Video Games

    4.7 (100 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

    Get pricing

    Response time

    2 days

    Response rate

    15%

    Services - Desert Island Video Games

    Tablet support

    Video game console support

    Desert Island Video Games Photos

    You might also consider

    Portfolio From The Business

    Sponsored

    Recommended Reviews - Desert Island Video Games

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos - Desert Island Video Games

    Front entrance (Aug 2024)
    Luke L.

    Desert Island Video Games is one of very few shops in the SGV (San Gabriel Valley) area that offers electronics and game console repair service. Street parking only. [1st Visit - January 2022 - Fixing Nintendo 3DS] I first visited this video game repair shop back in January 2022 and my Nintendo 3DS wouldn't turn on. The owner inspected the device and said he will send it to another specialist(s) to fix it. He quoted $99.99 repair fee (parts included) and I was all good. Unfortunately I didn't receive any updates for few months. I did personally stop by the shop few months later and the owner said parts haven't arrived yet (that was during the time when inflation peaked at 9.1% in June 2022 due to a backup of shipping traffic). After more than a year (March 2023), I brought my original receipt and asked for the status update. The owner said he had trouble reaching out to me when my 3DS was finally fixed. The owner apologized for taking it this long and gave me a discount on repair fee ($65.00 instead of $99.99). At long last ... I finally took my newly working 3DS back home. [2nd Visit - August 2024 - Fixing Nintendo Gameboy Advance SP] Recently I re-visited the shop again and wanted to see if it was worthwhile to fix non-working Nintendo Gameboy Advance SP. The younger staff couldn't resolved the issue, but the owner said "try giving it a new battery" and the device magically worked. I asked the owner whether I can just sell my Gameboy Advance SP instead and I was quoted $30 (cash or store credit). Since I didn't want an extra hassle of selling it online (average sold price was $65 via secondary resale platforms), I just took the cash offer and left. [Conclusion] Overall I had one good experience and one meh experience, so it averages out to 4-star. The shop also sells various game cartridges from different game consoles so definitely give this shop a look if you are hunting for a specific game. P.S. - Please note that the original invoice stated that items for repair must be picked up within 90 days from the date of completion. Item left over 90 days will be considered abandoned and will be disposed.

    John S.

    I came to this lousy video game repair store in September and met Ricardo the owner of the store, i showed him a broken PS1 5" LCD monitor, the video wasn't working, He assured me 100% he could fix it and he would need 2 weeks to fix it so I told him take 3 weeks if you need to, the first month passed with no respond so I called and another worker told me he was out of town, I called 2 weeks later then he started with the lies and excuses that he needs to order the part, I waited another 3 weeks then he told me he remembered having the part but needs to find it because he was renewing his business and he had to clean up to find the part after I called on November 15 and he told me that he came down with the cold virus and he would get back to me after thanksgiving but he never did so finally I had to call him back because he was avoiding me, instead he texted me that he was still sick but he was lying to me and I have all the text messages and I snapped pictures where you can see what a bullshitter this person is and you can see it for your self. Do not do business with this liar he will give you the run around and give you a lot of excuses and bullshit. This is a second reply to the owners reply. If that was the case you should have explained it to me and I would have taken it to a much better professional technician but instead you wasted my time for almost 4 months. I took the monitor to get it fixed as soon as the mailman delivered it back to me, in 1 WEEK the other technician fixed it with no problems. Here is the proof. On top of that you couldn't even fixed the hinges LOL

    This is the outside of the building.

    See all

    6 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of John S.
    1
    19
    19

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Desert I.

    Desert I.

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Art G.
    0
    44
    3

    4 months ago

    Traded in a console and picked up some games, great experience, I recommend checking it out.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Took in my xbox 360 because it couldn't read the games, came back and was able to read and play all my favorite games.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    This is a family owned shop is are welcoming and accommodating. I rather support them than the big places. Here they know you by name.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2
    Photo of Chris A.
    19
    56
    37

    2 years ago

    "I had a fantastic experience here; they repaired my Nintendo Switch in no time at all!"

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Polite, professional, fast. Took in an xbox remote with a broken bumper, he said give me 5 min.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Desert I.

    Desert I.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Very friendly and they fixed my ps5 which I thought would never work again. Thanks guys , you are awesome .

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of HD S.
    1
    168
    28

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    3 years ago

    I came to repair a system of mine and they repaired it very quick! Very informative and easy to talk to. Cute little shop too!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Glenn S.
    31
    36
    16

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Desert I.

    Desert I.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tania G.
    286
    32
    8

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Walter V.
    515
    36
    56

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of V ..
    0
    60
    29

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Desert Island Video Games

    Do you fix PS5 that keep crashing when playing Fortnite, seems to be overheating?

    Internal Cleaning $80 - Drop by 7.19 Same Day Service

    Do you repair the old Nintendo NES systems?

    We can clean and change the pin connector and see if that helps Some cartridges need to be cleaned over time for compatibility… 

    Do you buy consoles?

    Yes , please text pictures to 323-248-1546

    How much does it cost to repair a New 2DS Screen?

    Starts at $79.99+tax New 2DS XL - $109.99+tax 3-5 Business Days

    How Much Would It Cost To Repair A PS2?

    Issues Start at $64.99+tax Takes 7-10 days if we have to order parts What wrong with yours… 

    How much will it cost to prepare a joycon drift and Right button on a Nintendo Switch joycon controller?

    Broken R Button + Analog Replacement $24.99+tax What color ?

    Hello. Do you repair possibly bricked PS5s? It turns on and immediately turns off and I don't know if it's bricked or not. Is there anything this shop can do to help?

    Free Diagnostic Strong possibility that it will be sent back to Sony… 

    Hello, I was wondering if you provide repair services for remotes like an Xbox x series controller?

    Drift starts @ $22.99+tax Takes 2-3 days Pay when you pick up… 

    Hello there. Do you fix game disc and if so how much?

    Apologies we do not provide this service , check with Game Hogs

    Hi Do you also have any PS3 Consoles For Sale Without The Controller?

    $99.99+tax Slim 120 GB

    Hi. Just wondering If you have any PS2 Consoles for sale?

    Yes, they start $89.99+Tax All wires 1 Controller

    How much do you guys charge to fix ps5 controller stick drift?

    Yes , $30 minimum Takes 2-3 Days

    Hi how much to repair Nintendo switch lite water damage? Screen won't turn on.

    $130-$150 Cleaning + Possible LCD Replacement Free Diagnostic - Pay when you pick up… 

    Hi, do you replace nintendo switch usb port?

    Yes , $99.99+tax Parts , Labor , Warranty Turn Around Time… 

    Can you replace Nintendo switch lite analog stick, and if so how much?

    Left is $25 Right is $35

    Hello. Do you fix 3DS? It doesn't turn on at all.

    Possible battery / Top Screen $45-$65 Free Diagnostic… 

    How much do you charge to replace a Nintendo switch battery?

    No Power No Video Battery Replacement is $44.99+tax… 

    Do you guys work on PS5's? Specifically with the HDMI port being damaged.

    Yes , 2 -3 Days $169.99+tax $185 out the door… 

    I have a GBC Zelda: Oracle of Ages that won't boot past the "Gameboy" splash. I tried replacing the battery and cleaning the contacts with alcohol and it's the same. Is this something you guys can potentially repair given your expertise beyond mine?

    Did you try cleaning the contacts on the bottom with alcohol

    Estimate for PS4 Pro re-soldering power connector ripped from motherboard?

    $75 takes 2-3 days Drop off is between 11-530

    View All 55 Questions

    Review Highlights - Desert Island Video Games

    I would give them 5 stars, but the controller that was given to me when I bought the PS4 didn't work properly.

    Mentioned in 20 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Book Off

    Book Off

    (40 reviews)

    Originally came to Book Off because I saw it had merchandise from Tokyo Sea. Apparently so did…read moreeveryone else. By the time I came, all the good merch were sold out. But no fear, they have so many other items to choose from. They offer books, collectable figurines, old game consoles and games, vinyls, and many other items. Some are Japanese related but not all of them are. I would say it's a pretty good sized store and everything is organized and labeled. It's fun rummaging through the boxes to see what goodies one might find, remember that this is a used book store so most items are pre-loved. I didn't get any Tokyo Sea items but I did get a pre-loved well kept Japanese Pressed vinyl of Air Supply's greatest hits! Priced at only $19, I thought it was a great find. Clean, well organized, lots of things to go through. Definitely a place worth checking out if you like hunting for treasure.

    Background On Visit: Decided to stop by to take a gander at their single Pokemon cards. They don't…read moreoffer much english prints, but they do have a massive collection of Japanese ones. They are a Japanese based company. Credit Cards: They're accepted. Price Point: In regards to Pokemon cards. Higher than others. Considering that most common single loose bulk card is dollar. They don't use tcgplayer for price guidance. Location/Parking: Parking can be found in plaza that is share with many shops. Ambiance/Decor: Disneyland For Collectors! You'll feel a little overwhelmed with all the offerings that they have at the shop. Offerings: They sell cd's, dvd's, toys, cassettes, anime/manga stuff, Pop Figurines, video consoles and games, trading cards, and used books. You can also sell your stuff their also. Service: Service is decent, but can take a while if there's people that want to get their collectibles appraised or to purchase something. Experience: Had a okay experience. I would like to come back to check out their massive collection of DVD's. Been on the hunt for the dvd, Renaissance Man.

    The Game Cellar - Wall art

    The Game Cellar

    (17 reviews)

    One of the nicest and most organized LGS shop staff I've met!…read more I go to game stores to look through Magic bulk as a hobby, and this store is very organized in how they present cards (They are alphabetical and organized by type)! The employees were so kind and even cleared a table for me to look through bulk. They also walked me through each drawer of cards which was a huge lift! The shop also feels very welcoming and family friendly. Definitely one of my favorite shops!

    Background On Visit: Recently, I've been on a Pokemon card buying spree to obtain cards of all the…read moreoriginal 151 pokemons. Credit Cards: They're accepted, but will charge tax if you decided to pay with plastic. Restroom: Restroom is available to use towards the back of the shop. Visitation Rights: Been here about 3 times Location/Parking: Major cross streets are Broadway and San Gabriel Blvd.. Parking can be found either in the back of the shop, along San Gabriel blvd., or on Broadway. This shop use to be located in El Monte. Next door to Cha Cafe. Ambiance/Decor: Your typical trading card shop feels. They specialize in Pokemon, One Piece, Magic, and Yugioh cards. Towards the front, you'll see tables for game seekers to get a game or 2 in and towards the back, they have merch, ETB's, bundle packs, and single cards for sale. They also have a wide arrangement of loose bulk cards. Entertainment: They have host tournaments for different card games. Service: Service is pretty good. The staffers are friendly, attentive, and are willing to help you find the cards that you need. Pricing is fair. They use the tcgplayer app to get the price of their cards. Experience: Had a wonderful experience. The staffers are patient and are willing to help. Will definitely come back to continue my quest to get all 151 original pokemon's. Gotta catch em' all, POKEMON!

    Videomen - Their janky fix.

    Videomen

    (175 reviews)

    $

    Van Nuys

    My husbands PS5 was getting stuck on a black screen after saying it would restart after "repairing…read moreconsole storage". We went to geeksquad first, which apparently no longer sends out consoles to Sony for repair. And then we went to GameStop, where we were told that they do not do repairs either. But the workers at GameStop highly recommended Videomen. That is how we came to know about this location. I came to Videomen with my husband after calling and explaining the issue that we were having with my husbands ps5 slim. My husbands first impression was very pessimistic, simply because the location looks like it hasn't been updated in years. We went in and met Tai. Tai is the only one working in the store. I believe it is his location. He explained he would try his best to fix the issue, and quoted us a price for the repair. He said if he wasn't able to fix the console, he would only charge $25 for his time, which we found very reasonable. Tai told us to give him a call in hour for a report on his progress. We left and my husband was still very doubtful, saying the store was empty, and outdated. I told my husband that it looked like Tai and the Videomen location had been there for more than 20 years, working to repair electronics. I told him, I put my faith in him much more than a kid working part time in a newer store. After an hour we called again at 5:00pm, well past the store closing time. But Tai answered the phone to let us know that he was still working to solve the issue and would need more time. We understood and agreed to give him another call back in an hour. Tai ended up giving us a call around 6:00pm letting us know the console was up and running perfectly again! He asked if we wanted to pick up tonight or tomorrow. I let Tai know we were about 25 minutes according to GPS and he agreed to wait for us to pick the console up from his store. When we arrived Tai was very communicative. He connected the ps5 for a monitor to show us that the console was up and running smoothly before he explained all he had done to repair the console, and the likely reason it failed to work in the first place. He told us he let the console run for about 45 minutes to make sure the issue didn't arise again. And literally explained everything we needed to know to prevent the issue from ever happening again. Now, My husband is in a much better mood since we have received the working PS5 back from Tai. And we 100% recommend him to anyone and everyone in need of an electronic repair. I definitely recommend calling beforehand to speak to Tai, verifying that he will be in the store. And to communicate the item you need repaired plus the issues you are having with it. It's very rare to see a mom and pop shop still standing, and I am happy I was able to support this gem in my community. We will definitely return for any future repairs our family may need, And will proudly refer Tai at Videomen to anyone looking to repair their gaming console.

    AVOID!!! I came in to get my ps2's laser cleaned. It stoped reading compact disc recently and it…read morethe laser needed to be cleaned. First mistake was when he told me that he doesn't give receipts and that he has my name number. He later called and told me me he couldn't get any disc to read after cleaning it (I had just been playing kingdom hearts 2 literally an hour before going to his run down pos shop). He explained I should just get a new ps2 from Amazon and that the laser is completely broken. I tried to play when I came back home just for the ps2 not to work and read any of my games from my library. Dude charged me money just to break my console that I had since 2003. What a joke of a business and terrible customer service. Who gets bothered when a customer ask for a receipt of service. I can see why dude is a quack.

    FYE

    FYE

    (52 reviews)

    $$

    Stumbled into FYE at the mall with my boyfriend and instantly knew this place was our kind of vibe…read more As huge fans of collectibles, we were seriously impressed by their unique and well-rounded selection. Everything from toys and clothing to movies and tons of fun merch. I was living for all the nostalgic finds! They had goodies from Scooby-Doo, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Powerpuff Girls, Invader Zim, SpongeBob, Pokémon, and so many other cartoons I grew up loving (and still do). It honestly felt like stepping into a curated throwback dream. They also had tons of cool Sanrio and Anime stuff. Fair warning though... this place is dangerous for your wallet in the best way possible because I kept finding things I wanted. Luckily, they had a lot of in-store promotions and prices that felt super reasonable. The store itself is spacious and nicely organized, so it didn't feel overwhelming despite how much they carry. The staff was also super friendly and helpful, which always makes a difference. As a horror movie lover, I was especially excited when my boyfriend surprised me with the "King of Horror Expanded Edition 8-Film" DVD set--such an amazing find! I've been wanting to build up my physical media collection, and this felt like the perfect start. Safe to say, I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in the mood to treat myself.

    Fye brings me back to the days of Tower Records, and Amoeba in Hollywood. They bring a bit of…read morehistory with a twist of new mixed together. You can find Music in Vinyl and CD forms. Next aisle, you can find figurines of music memorabilia to new school Funky Pop. You can browse another aisle and there's a t-shirt wall, then plushees . Prices is a hit and miss ,... but I do like to visit this store . There's so much to see.

    GameStop

    GameStop

    (92 reviews)

    $$

    My visit was on 12/26/2024... I went into the store as I was browsing through their game…read moreselection. I found a hidden gem during my visit, however, the cashiers couldn't sell me the game that was clearly marked down a lot lower than what they had wanted me to pay. When they scanned it, the price showed up HIGHER than the sticker price. Then, the cashier (who was helpful by the way to a certain extent) explained that they couldn't do a manual override. Then I asked if I could speak to a manager who was coincidentally on lunch... then I was told that she (the manager) stated she needed to email their DM for a price override. I was skeptical about it as it seemed that they wanted to sell the game at a higher price rather than the marked down price. I declined to purchase that specific game for the higher price as they should've sold it me for the lower price! I was told I could leave my info behind, but have not heard back from anyone They were not too busy but I wasn't going to "wait" around for a response as no one seemed to do anything else but wait for the "manager" to "email" their DM or OM. I went into the store and they were able to "sell" it to me but their reason behind it was that they hadn't updated the sticker for that very day i went in so they can replace it with the higher price. I've gone to other GS locations before and well, let's say I won't be going back to this one.

    This store is closing. When I came today all the way from Boyle heights, the doors were locked and…read moreit had a sign that said "this store is closing."

    Desert Island Video Games - videogamestores - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...