Key Takeaways
- GameStop’s new retro stores may help standardize prices for old games and consoles and make old games more accessible to new audiences.
- More physical stores specializing in retro games give gamers better access to retro platforms and more places to shift their unwanted games.
- Purchasing retro titles from GameStop should be less risky than shopping online since titles will likely be tested before being sold.
GameStop recently revealed plans to return to the company’s roots by opening up locations specifically geared toward selling retro games in various parts of the United States. This is good for both average gamers and retro enthusiasts, as it helps standardize the market and make older generations of games more accessible.
Standardize the Price of Old Games
GameStop coming back into the fold with retro gaming sales means they will likely set a standard price point for old games and consoles. With how mainstream GameStop is, the prices set for retro items will likely affect third-party markets and online sellers as well, who would likely struggle to compete otherwise.
The cost of physical games and older gaming hardware has continuously increased, and scalpers continue to dominate the market in a lot of areas. With GameStop as a mainstream option for consumers, scalpers may be less likely to overcharge at the risk of losing out on a sale to a much larger entity.
Similarly, some games and hardware that have fallen out of mainstream interest can be hard to value properly, as demand for them is difficult to gauge. If traded in at GameStop, it might be possible to nail down a solid price range for certain games, consoles, controllers, or other items that would let other sellers know how much to list them for.
Of course, there’s no telling which way this will go. Could GameStop value these items at an excessive price point to the detriment of consumers? Yes. Are collectors and fans already getting a raw deal on the second-hand market when it comes to retro consoles and games? Also yes.
Make Old Games Accessible to New Audiences
A side effect of a standardized market and perhaps the most obvious result of GameStop going retro is that older games will become more accessible to new audiences. Seeing games from past generations sold alongside the newest releases is more likely to pique the interest of younger fans than other methods requiring more effort.
Instead of relying on emulation or having to shop online for the means to play retro games, fans could be inclined to grab a few older titles alongside new releases in a single trip. Some GameStop locations have already started putting previous last-gen releases alongside newer current-gen games to seamlessly integrate them into the rest of the stock.
While many of these items are often found at independent retro shops, they can be few and far between depending on the region. GameStop not only has more locations across the country, it also offers online sales and shipping so fans can enjoy the same standard prices and quality assurance from anywhere.
An Easier Place to Get Rid of Old Games
Many GameStop locations have cut back on trade-ins for retro games, making it tricky to get rid of games or consoles you may not want anymore. While they still take some from consoles like the Wii, PS3, and others, the company often will not give cash or store credit for games from generations any older than those.
With more retro locations opening up, there will be more convenient locations for fans to drop off their old games and get paid for them. Selling them online can be a hassle, especially if they are in low demand, so even if the prices are low, it would give some players a chance to get paid for their games. Not everyone wants top dollar for their old stuff, for many decluttering is the ultimate goal.
Considering all GameStop locations offer shipping to different stores, you may not even need to find a retro location to trade in older games, though that remains to be seen.
Make Rare Games Easier to Find
Many retro games have become rare or obsolete as a result of never being ported to new hardware, which can make it difficult to find legal copies. While they might still be expensive, GameStop could start stocking these games again, returning them to circulation within the gaming market and potentially making them more common.
Many games have been delisted completely from online marketplaces, like the infamous Deadpool game, which leaves physical copies as the only legal way to play them. Sellers usually know this, which often leads to massively inflated prices when they list them for sale, something that GameStop could in theory help curb.
Due to the rarity of certain games, they are likely to be fairly expensive, even mimicking the prices of new releases. However, if GameStop manages to make them easier to find and the demand lowers, these prices might go down in the near future.
More Generations Means More Variety
If GameStop’s new retro rebrand is successful, it could mean that we see a far wider variety of games on offer in their stores, providing ample opportunities for players to experience games they’ve never played.
Instead of just seeing titles from the last two generations, consumers might find titles from all generations and a ton more variety in genres and gameplay styles.
As it is now, GameStop is largely catered toward pre-orders for upcoming games or used copies of relatively recent releases. With more retro offerings, the days of browsing the GameStop store shelves and picking up a few titles purely out of interest can come back in full force, as many older titles are also fairly cheap.
You don’t need to hit a GameStop to browse the new releases (you can do that on your console’s digital storefront), so what about hitting a GameStop to browse the old releases? This is one of the best reasons to visit a thrift store, after all.
Better Quality Control for Older Used Games
For the most part, GameStop will not sell games that don’t work, so you’re not likely to purchase an old, used game only to find that it doesn’t work.
When shopping online, you will often come across sellers who are vague or misleading about the condition of a particular game or console. This can lead to disappointment if a game arrives broken or in a condition different than advertised.
Other retro game stores often test games before selling them, but in areas where those are few and far between and GameStop is the only option, you can rest assured that you’ll receive a good, working item. You’re also more likely to get a problem rectified when purchasing from a brick and mortar retailer, as long as you keep the receipt.
Currently, GameStop’s new retro shops are limited to a few locations opening in the United States, but the move will likely impact the market as a whole if it ends up working out. Exposing retro games to the average GameStop customer will not only help to make them more accessible but will give many a reason to finally venture back into a GameStop again.
