JACKSON, MI – Some people are the life of the party, and for one Jackson man, it’s a trait he’s built into a business.
Robert Porter started Joystick Mobile Video Gaming in July 2019, providing old and new gaming consoles and screens at birthday parties and social events.
The idea came about while he was at a birthday party for a friend’s son and the family used a mobile gaming trailer.
“When I saw the trailer, it was a no-brainer of how great this business could be and what I could do with it for the community of Jackson,” he said. “That night I started working on a plan to make this dream come true.”
He drafted a business proposal and set it aside in 2016 while he worked on other projects. In April 2019, he decided to give his dream some more effort and started asking friends and family for funds to help get the business on its feet. Now, he has about 10 events under his belt.
“When video games first came out, it wasn’t called a controller, it was called a joystick,” Porter said. “I wanted to incorporate that into my business and design so that people would not only be drawn to the symbol, but also the name and hopefully that it would stir up some memories of when some first started gaming.”
Porter offers the most recent gaming consoles, such as PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch and Wii U, but he also provides classics like the Nintendo NES. Most kids want to play newer games such as Call of Duty and Rocket League, which Porter keeps on hand, he said. For nostalgic customers, he has classics such as Mario, Halo, Madden and NBA 2K.
“Generally, if someone tells me what they are looking for ahead of time and I don’t have it, I will get it,” Porter said.
While brainstorming ways to expand his services, Porter came across foam cannons and purchased one with a 20-foot shooting range. Pieced together with a 30-foot tarp slide and the occasional glow-in-the-dark setting, it has become a popular offering. He debuted the foam cannon last year at an NAACP back-to-school event at the King Center, where it was a hit, Porter said.
“As soon as it came out, there were 40 kids or more just chomping at the bit to experience the foam cannon,” Porter said.
As he looks forward to the summer, Porter anticipates that the foam cannon and foam parties will continue to be a popular service.
Porter runs his business himself as it doesn’t require a large team, but on occasion, he enlists the help of his 12-year-old son Julyan Porter, who’s at times able to better connect with young partiers and new equipment, he said.
“They may ask him something that I am not familiar with and he might be a little faster at getting something connected, changed out or updated,” Porter said. “It’s definitely a big help having someone not only be my son, but someone who is young enough to relate to the kids because they definitely like being able to talk to someone who is like them.”
Joystick Mobile Video Gaming can bring their consoles and five 55-inch, 4K high-definition television screens wherever an event is taking place for up to 20 people. The foam parties can be hosted indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Parties and events can also be hosted at Pop Up and Paint, 120 E. Cortland St.
Porter purchased a 29-foot trailer that will eventually house the gaming services, but is awaiting some updates. The first update will be adding a generator, which Porter is $2,500 away from doing. Then he’ll add heating and air conditioning.
“We’re building it as I get the funds to do so,” Porter said. “From there, we will build on our seating and decorating, and hang our screens so that we can migrate all of our equipment into the trailer. Then we will offer the trailer as part of the service.”
Once the trailer is up and running, Porter plans to hire a gaming coach, but until then, he fills in. He said he’s been in touch with other Jackson-area businesses with hopes of offering services through them. Until then, he will continue to host events and watch as his dream has become a reality, and the life of the party.
“People have had a blast. Kids love it and parents love it,” Porter said. “It’s not just a youth-based business, it’s definitely something that every age can enjoy.”
For more information, visit joystickmvg.com or contact Porter at 517-914-7448.
