They are SO nice here! I always stop by when I'm picking up a drink in a same complex to see if they have tcg in stock. Their pricing is usually about $10 more than msrp, which is honestly so good compared to buying directly from resellers. They're always so friendly too! I also love that they limit pokemon tcg to one item per person. So if they have booster bundle and etbs, you can only choose one of them. They also sell loose packs from a booster box, where you can buy a max of 6. I truly love that they limit everyone to one so that there's enough to go around. We've been able to score some packs for decent pricing since pokemon had an uptake in collectors :) Aside from that, they also sell smiskis and sonny angels as well for about msrp! read more

The Game Chest - Previous snag! - Toy Stores Near Me - Irvine, California

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The store has changed many locations but one thing has been consistent, rudeness. I try my best to sympathize for any retail person but when listening to the workers there openly and loudly talk trash about a person on the phone and then about a previous customer, it becomes hard to feel anything but offended. Having to wait for their help because they are mid-bashing customers is an awkward feeling - but they manage to deliver on that. Asking for their help on anything makes me feel I owe them something or am completely creating a nuisance for them. The best way to sum up shopping at Game Chest is shopping for fun games but judged by mean bullies. The two individuals working Saturday were miserable. FWIW, in the past, there was a very nice gentlemen who was helpful and pleasant but that was at the spectrum center. You could tell he enjoyed games and speaking about it. And for those who want to say, "you don't have to go if you don't want" - I know and I won't. read more

I was in the area and while walking around the shopping strip I found this awesome toy store. With tons of options for puzzles, board games, pretend play, party games & more. If you're looking for the perfect toy or item for any one of any age. You need to stop in here. It's got the most interesting options that are sometimes hard to find. You can find lots of learning toys that are fun to play. And there were lots of people competing with Dungeon & Dragons inside the store. They have a special section for gamers to compete. Check it out! read more

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The employees are always nice here and they have a lot of different games! We have been coming to game chest when they were at Irvine spectrum. It's a great place for gifts as they have toys for all ages, board games, trading cards etc. lots of options so I'm sure you'll find something! read more

My children have enjoyed browsing and shopping in this store since it was located at the Spectrum. They have a nice selection of toys, cards, etc. The employees are friendly. It's nice that they relocated so I don't have to deal with the chaotic parking lot at the Spectrum. read more

This is by far my favorite game store ever!! Burhan is extremely knowledgable and knows all the ins and outs of every game, puzzle, and TCG!! I always talk to him every time I go in, we always share a laugh or 2. Manager Karen is amazing as well, super personable and so positive! The owner is also one of the most amazing people I've gotten to know there, if you ever get the chance to meet her, DO IT!! read more

The Game Chest - The Game Chest - Toy Stores Near Me - Irvine, California

It's a great shop to buy product at retail but I wouldn't recommend coming here for their tournaments they host. It's $10 entry for just a participation pack and that's all you get. Not worth it. Other shops I frequent is either top 4-8 depending on how many show up get a big prize split which is cool understandable or everyone gets 1 pack each which is nice. But no prizing not coming back again for a local event. Fastest way to kill a community read more

This place is the best!! We love all of the cards and games they had available in stock. Karen was very kind and helpful.

First time visiting this shop! Many fun games are available but the price is a bit more than other places. If you look for varieties, this place definitely has ones! :) read more

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Love this place. I'm here on Thursday nights for mtg commander night as much as i can. I highly recommend coming a bit earlier than the 6pm start because it is a popular place and event each week. read more

The Game Chest - Dog cat forever - Toy Stores Near Me - Irvine, California

I wandered in here while waiting for an order in one of the stores next door! I love the assortment of products and picked up a sticker from a small artist! I thought the employees that I ran into were lovely and approachable. I wish I got their names to highlight them. Thank you! read more

Very helpful, clean and knowledgeable. They were friendly and shared a lot about games, puzzles and another specialty items.

I dont mind needing to keep a store open but charging $5 to sit down for 1 hour in an empty room is actually stupid I wouldn't mind if it was $5 for as long as you wanted... Karen please consider fixing the issue read more

The Game Chest - The employee was mad that I was trying to play elsewhere - Toy Stores Near Me - Irvine, California

Been going to this store for many years throughout its various locations. I am always finding something new to play with or explore. From card drops to new puzzles this place has it all. The staff has always been helpful whenever I have had any questions read more

Dont bother going here. Overpriced, lacking knowledge, unhelpful and have no respect for their customers. You are better off going to the local game stores in Lake Forest and Mission Viejo like Comic Quest, Kingslayer Games or Magic & Monsters. There is a reason this place is rated lower than any other game store in the area. read more

Store is fine, clean and has a good supply of assorted games, puzzles and toys. Puzzled at the negative feedback about returns, most gaming stores have this policy due to scams. Yeah sure dude .. returning a bunch of pokeman/magic packs that haven't been tampered with. No one does that, not even Target or Walmart. Why 3 stars? I was floored on the pricing of boxes of packs. FULL RETAIL PRICING FOR ALL THE PACKS IN THE BOX. NO ONE DOES THIS, the whole point of buying booster boxes and cases is to save money. I was quoted $370 odd dollars for a collectors booster box of Magic: Duskmorn. For that price? I got a Duskmorn bundle of a play booster box, a collector box and 2 promo cards for $350 at another card store nearby. Way over MSRP So board games and the odd pack sure, this place is fine, Any serious magic people should look elsewhere. read more

They have lots of strategy games, like Dominion, Everdell, Forbidden Island, and Labyrinth. They have classic ones like Scategories, Pictionary, Clue, Mancala, chess, checkers, Guess Who, and a ton of toddler and early elementary school-age toys. read more

The employee there has a major attitude issues. They stare at you with attitude just because you walk around in the store, like asking you to leave and don't give them any extra work. I thought it was just me, but I see many similar comments in Yelp that they will just be rude to you for no reason. Well, I guess the staffs there just want the paycheck and want no work. read more

It seems like the Game Chest moves locations in the Spectrum more often than once a year. As of August 2021, the Game Chest has moved to be closer to the Apple Store. It's taken a space previously used by a yoga studio. One of the yoga rooms in the back has been converted into tournament gaming space. This is a neat spot at the Spectrum to check out board games, or other trading card games. PROPS: Deep selection of tabletop games. SLOPS: If you visit a year from now, who knows where the location of this shop will be. read more

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Pro: * Super friendly staff, knowledgeable * Good Selection Cons: * No returns Extra: * You can rent board games for 1 week * You can rent a table and play games in the store read more

Just buy from major retailers and online or window shop here. Overpriced. No returns, even same day, unopened read more

Came back at a later date and they did indeed honor the promotional items that were meant to be handed out at a later date. It would be a 5star if they used the official app to give an update but atleast they honored it when I showed up and brought it up. read more

Came for the release of op09. Called all week to make sure they would have boxes for sale, which they said the day before they would have some for sale. Got there early and waited an hour before they open, but when they open they say they will NOT have any boxes for sale. The worker was also in the store organizing shelves 30 minutes before while people were waiting, and that person had to have known they wouldn't have any boxes on sale for everyone in line. But nope he couldnt be bothered to let the people in line know about this and opened the store exactly at 10 to tell everyone. The lack of caring for their customers is astounding. Go to any other card shop nearby if you don't want to be treated like garbage read more

Playing games with family, on a busy day!!! While this place tends to move locations within the Irvine Spectrum, it is now located near the CPK location. My family and I decided to spend a nice afternoon playing board games in the back of the store, where they charge $5 an hour to use their tables. The store is well stocked with EVERYTHING games, from the classics to the current board games in all different genres. What a selection. As I checked all the Yelp reviews for The Game Chest, I tend to notice mostly negative reviews that were the majority of their reviews. Everyone has a different experience in the world of Yelp. While I didn't experience a negative impact, the customer service could use some improvement. The store was somewhat clean, and even though we did have an enjoyable experience yesterday afternoon, the customer service team was very informative on when each hour passed. If you are a board game fan, and you want a decent selection to choose from, my suggestion is to check this store out. I give this place a 3.5-4 stars for my overall experience. read more

I called to get information about their local league and the lady/woman was giving me false information and gatekeeping information. She kept refusing to answer my questions and lied about their scheduled tournament. I don't understand why they are not giving information. I think the employees are limiting access/information to the tournament to get the prizes for themselves. read more

I have seen this chain many times but never went inside to explore. From the windows, however, I was able to see that this place sold all sorts of game related items and toys for all ages! Finally this past month I decided to take my toddler inside to pick out a bday present! I was surprised at how many options she had even for her specific age! Also, the store employee was super kind and helpful. The prices were super reasonable. I'd definitely pay these prices to have the experience of watching my toddler walk in amazement though a store. You can't get that with online shopping. The store isn't a huge warehouse but it isn't super small either. And they pack it well so for sure you and/or your child will find something they like. We will definitely be back soon to support this business!! read more

Extremely overpriced booster boxes, you're better off buying from tcgplayer. Booster boxes that would normally go for 20-30 dollars are marked up all the way to 110 dollars read more

I wanted to love this place. As a new boardgamer, I was hoping to find support and a community through our local game store. So many reason brought them down to two star. 1. Every time I go in and ask questions or about a game, there is an attitude from the employees. They help, but always seems like it is a task for them. 2. The prices are like a 30% mark up. Barnes and Noble is way cheaper than this place and Barnes and Noble sells less items. Picked up a game there because the price was actually cheaper than online, which is always easy. When I went to check-out the tag and ring up price were different. They called the manager and we're actually going not sell it to me at the sticker price because of their error. I was shocked I was sitting there watching them text about the price. IT was the worse check out I have had yet. 3. I asked about a game I wanted. They did not sell it. Their reason, "It did not sell well". Their had to be way more games on their shelves that did not sell well. Not sure how, sorry again, this place is expensive, if you if you buy from here, you must not care about money. Back to the complaint. Their is a very elitist attitude at this place, in answers and service. I hope the tone of these reviews changes, then I can actually give them my business. read more

Absolutely fun Orange County Game Shop. Not a comic shop which is odd in this part of the world. Also located in a fantastic mall with a lot of food places. read more

Bought some magic cards here, didn't get to take part of their pre-release because they book up. The owner is super nice, she really knows her stuff. The employees are pretty disconnected and some of them are pretty cold to deal with. Other employees are nice. Prices here are higher than what you see at other stores, but sometimes they are competitive. read more

Managers, particularly Karen, and employees are dishonest. Tried to do a pre order and was told they acted like I didn't know what I was talking about. A couple days later in store they said they went live for pre orders before I had previously called but had sold out by now. Additionally, they charge over MSRP at scalper prices. Take your business elsewhere. read more

Lady at the front on 12/17/23 was extremely rude and unprofessional never buying from this place again. Staff needs to learn manners and be respectful same on you! read more

I don't think the employees like kids(maybe one particular one?) They are nice enough to your face but you can tell he doesn't like them and consider them a nuisance that causes him more work. read more

I signed up for an event two weeks in advanced and was told I had a spot. The day of, 5 hours before the event they sent out a message saying they overbooked and spots weren't guaranteed regardless of whether or not you were approved before. I called them to ask about it and they said to show up early to lock in my spot. I showed up 2 hours early to sign up and then was told that being early didn't matter, the order that I signed up originally is what decided who got in and since I was near the end I probably wouldn't get in. Hour and a half round trip wasted, terrible business practice and terrible customer service. Do not go here. read more

Employees have a "selective" mask enforcement policy. Some people can shop without masks while others are told they must put on a mask before they are served or make a purchase. I'm not anti mask but I am anti hypocrisy. Masks should be required for all customers or no customers. I saw an employee refuse to serve a customer until he put on a mask and then served a family with no masks immediately after. read more

This new game shop in Spectrum has a ton of variety for people of all ages. They have buildable roads and cars for really young kids, puzzles, card games, board games...you name it. They have Magic: The Gathering, which is why I checked it out. They do hold prereleases, but haven't had any events yet. Maybe soon? They also have all sorts of dice sets here as well as game mats! Prices that I saw are basically retail. I'll be stopping by to see if they have any events worth checking out! read more

What a cool store, fully dedicated to games that aren't played on an electronic device. They have a large selection of board games, card games, and puzzles for all ages. If you're at the Spectrum, check it out! read more

The Game Chest - Wall of games - Toy Stores Near Me - Irvine, California

My kids were checking out their toys so they were playing with some of them. One of the staff (she has strawberry blonde hair) was training a young man. She looked at my kids and said "please don't play anything on the floor!" irritatingly and they have toys displayed on the floor. Mind you, my son is 5 and my daughter is 2. Then a few minutes later my daughter ran in a different direction while I was telling my son we had to leave, and she bumped into her. The same woman said "excuse me!" with an irritated tone. We left the store because they have bad service. If you don't want ages 5 and below in your store, remove your Montessori toys in your collection. If I can give a -3, I would. read more

Their newest store just opened up at the Spectrum this year, and much like the Mission Viejo location, they sell children's toys and board games. They focus more on interactive toys, such as trains and cars, coloring books, board games, etc., than on less interactive toys like stuffed animals or costumes. The front of the store has games/toys focused on smaller kids (e.g. Fish & Count or play Shopping Carts) while the rear section of the store (where the cash register is) focuses on more complex games (e.g. Pandemic Legacy). While they don't have a large play area like their Mission Viejo location, they make up for that with a much larger inventory here, so their stock of games here has a much greater variety. Like any new store, there are a few growing pains. I called on Dec 31st to get the newly released Game of Thrones Settler's of Catan Expansion Pack. (just released a month earlier) I had it on hold at Comic Quest a little further South, but I didn't want to drive that far, and figured I could save some time by grabbing the game in a store close-by. Long story short, they told me they had it, but they did not. What they had was the normal game and NOT the Expansion Pack. Which I could understand if this was a Walmart or a Target, but The Game Chest literally ONLY sells children's games! They should be able to tell the difference. So, if you call them to ask for something specific, I'd just double-check to ensure that they understand what you're asking for. Maybe describe the exact color and shape of the box. read more

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I've been here many times and while the new location is more snug, it's still a great place to find a gift or a new board game. They don't have everything but they do have a wide variety and prices are fairly standard. It's a good place to find educational toys for kids as well if you want to get a niece or nephew something more stimulating than a regular toy or clothes. read more