Look out GameStop, there’s a new gun in town. And it’s got the brick and mortar locations, name recognition, and marketing power to give you a run for your money. Ol’ blue and yellow is moving into the used game market starting this week and I think some competition will only be a good thing.
Up until this point, GameStop has pretty much been able to do whatever they want in the used game market. From paying less then half of retail and then selling it as used for $5 off the full price, to other dodgy market practices, gamers have had a love/hate relationship with GameStop. Admittedly, Best Buy hasn’t always been everyone’s favorite company, but competition is good – hopefully Best Buy with either be a better choice, or at least force GameStop to stop some of their less savory practices.
Best Buy is launching their new program this week, starting with a massive buy up of used games in about 600 locations. In fact, they are making the deal even sweeter starting the 29th, when you’ll get a $20 Best Buy gift card along with the value of your games (on certain games). You’ll be able to trade-in your games at the customer service desk, or at the dedicated trade-in desk at certain locations. I would have gone and checked this out for you myself, but my local stores aren’t on the list of 600 locations. For more information you can check out Best Buy’s website.
From the press release:
“The expansion of our trade-in program reaffirms our commitment to consistently pursue new ways to bring a better gaming experience to consumers,” said Chris Homeister, senior vice president and general manager for the home entertainment group at Best Buy. “Fall marks the launch of several highly-anticipated gaming titles and new technology, and we’re thrilled to provide gamers with innovative ways to connect with the games they love.”
Consumers can now bring their previously played video games into Best Buy and trade them for an instant Best Buy gift card to use for purchasing anything in the store, including any game or gaming accessory. Soon, they will be able to purchase a pre-owned game as well.
Those who take advantage of the new Trade-In program in store can visit the Customer Service desk, or in select locations a dedicated Trade-In desk within the gaming department, to turn in their games. Best Buy will continue to offer a similar program online at BestBuy.com that enables customers to get estimates for their games, mail them in for free and receive a Best Buy gift card 7-14 days later. Trade-In prices in-store will match the prices shown online.
For more information on Trade-In at Best Buy and to locate a store currently participating in the program, visit www.bestbuy.com/gametradein. Stay connected to Best Buy Gaming via Twitter and Facebook at Twitter.com/RZGamersClub and Facebook.com/BestBuyGaming.