Button-mashers and studied gamers alike can find everything they're looking for at GameStop. The knowledgeable staff and the wide variety of new and used games, consoles and accessories can turn you into the kind of alternate-reality-addicted person you always knew you could be. While you may not get as much as you'd like when trading your old games in, you can always count on the GameStop guarantee when buying refurbished games and consoles. Who needs real life, anyway? Taking down some aliens or turning go-kart racing into a nuclear war of flying shells and bananas offers a nice, cheap and effective excursion from your actual depressing problems.
Runners up:
2. Play N Trade
2485 N. Swan Road, No. 111
327-3841
7401 N. La Cholla Blvd., No. 162
544-8800
10785 N. Oracle Road, No. 159
742-2200, www.playntrade.com
3. Bookmans Entertainment Exchange
6230 E. Speedway Blvd.
748-9555
3733 W. Ina Road
579-0303
1930 E. Grant Road
325-5767, bookmans.com