Used Board Games and Rentals Around Pittsburgh: Two Different Models

A game that no longer reaches the table and a game you want to try present different problems. Pittsburgh-area stores publish options for both, but a trade-credit program is not the same transaction as a rental. Games Unlimited in Squirrel Hill describes buying selected used games for store credit. Game Masters on Perry Highway publishes take-home rental terms alongside its in-store game library.

This comparison uses the operators’ information checked November 8, 2026. It does not establish that either shop has a particular title available or will accept every game offered. Begin with the game’s exact title, edition and condition, or with the title you hope to borrow. Those details let the shop answer the actual request before you plan a trip.

Games Unlimited: selected trades for future credit

Games Unlimited’s used-game page says it considers modern strategy games with reasonable demand. Customers can call, email or bring a game for consideration. The published expectation for most trades is 10–15 percent of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, provided as a gift card for future store purchases. That is an operator guideline, not a guaranteed appraisal for your copy.

The page says trades are final and the shop does not offer consignment. Work out whether store credit fits your purpose before handing over a collection. Someone seeking cash or hoping to leave a game for sale on commission is asking for a different arrangement from the one described here. An older purchase price does not establish the current trade value.

The store’s official information lists 5876 Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill. If you are bringing several boxes, send a list first so the shop can consider the titles rather than relying on a general statement that used games are accepted. Do not interpret that advance conversation as an accepted trade until the shop confirms its decision.

Game Masters: pay to borrow rather than transfer ownership

Game Masters’ game-use page publishes take-home rentals at 10 percent of MSRP per week, with a $5 minimum and possible late charges. The same page describes a possible rental rebate when buying a new copy upon return, excluding out-of-print items. Confirm the actual title, return date and purchase terms before taking a game home.

This model leaves ownership with the shop. It can answer a different question from trading an unwanted game: whether you want time with a title before deciding about a purchase. Keep the return obligation separate from the later buying decision. A potential rebate is not a general promise that every rental becomes a free trial, and the published percentage alone does not establish the total charge for a late return.

Try a game in the store before choosing a take-home route

For a family visit to Games Unlimited, its code of conduct requires children under 13 to have a guardian. The demo service is not a drop-off activity.

Games Unlimited also describes a demo bar and staff teaching, while Game Masters lists a $5-per-person table charge including use of its game library. These are separate in-store arrangements. Ask whether the game and appropriate help are available at the time you intend to visit; a published service does not reserve a staff member or a table.

Bring the likely player count and available playing time when asking for help. A game that works for two people on a weekday may answer a different need from a larger weekend gathering. For more retail context, the tabletop-store guide compares established local options. For an outing built around machines rather than boxed games, use the arcade group-booking guide. Neither a trade nor a rental should be confused with an event reservation.