How to Get More for Your Trade-Ins at GameStop
Discover how to maximize the value of your trade-ins at GameStop. Learn various strategies to get the most cash or store credit for your used games and tech.
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GameStop has long been a go-to destination for gamers looking to trade in their old games, consoles, and tech for cash or store credit. However, knowing how to maximize the value of your trade-ins can significantly affect what you receive. In this guide, we’ll reveal some tips and tricks to help you get the most for your trade-ins at GameStop.
What Items Can You Trade In at GameStop?
GameStop accepts a wide variety of items for trade-in, making it a one-stop-shop for gamers looking to upgrade their collection or declutter their gaming space. Here’s a list of items you can trade in at GameStop:
1. Video Games: GameStop accepts video games for all major gaming platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and more. This includes both current and previous generation consoles.
2. Game Consoles: You can trade in your old game consoles at GameStop. Whether it’s a PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or a Nintendo Switch, GameStop will likely accept it. They also accept handheld devices like the Nintendo 3DS.
3. Accessories: GameStop also accepts various gaming accessories for trade-in. This includes controllers, headsets, hard drives, and other peripherals.
4. Smartphones & Tablets: GameStop isn’t just about gaming. You can also trade in your used smartphones and tablets from brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google.
5. Electronics: Certain GameStop locations also accept other electronics for trade-in, such as iPods, smart home devices, and more.
How to Get the Most Trade in Value at Gamestop
1. Check Offers Regularly The value of tech items varies with supply and demand, and a game or device you intend to trade may be worth more or less next month than it’s worth today. To check GameStop’s trade-in values, navigate to the GameStop website, and click on “Trade In” from the top left drop-down menu. Print out the offer page and bring it to the store with your trade-in. Remember, GameStop only accepts trade-ins in a physical store.
2. Prepare Your Trade-In Before bringing anything in for a trade, make sure it’s in good condition. For games, ensure any rules or guides that came with the game are still in the box. Consoles and phones should be fully functional. Make sure you’ve got all the cords, power supplies, and chargers that came with the equipment. Charge the device fully before bringing it in and delete personal information on the device, and remove SIM or memory cards.
3. Timing is Everything A useful way to maximize your offer is to bring it in during a promotion. From time to time, GameStop runs temporary deals and bumps up its offers on trade-ins. The promotion might apply to all trade-ins or just a select few when the store wants certain games and equipment that are in high demand. The current promotion, if any, will appear on the GameStop website.
4. Join the GameStop Pro Program If you’re a frequent shopper at GameStop, consider joining the GameStop Pro program. For $14.99 a year, GameStop Pro offers a variety of benefits that can help you get more value from your trade-ins and purchases. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy as a GameStop Pro member:
- $5 Monthly Pro Reward: Each month, you’ll receive a $5 reward that you can use towards the purchase of one item. That’s a total of $60 in savings each year!
- $10 Welcome & $5 Renewal Reward: When you sign up for GameStop Pro, you’ll receive an instant $10 reward. Plus, you’ll get a $5 reward each time you renew your membership.
- 10% Extra Trade Credit: When you trade in your games and gear at GameStop, you’ll receive an additional 10% in store credit or cash. This can significantly increase the value of your trade-ins.
- Pro Exclusive Deals & Drops, And Pro Weeks: As a Pro member, you’ll get VIP access to exclusive sales and product drops. Plus, you’ll be able to take advantage of special week-long sales.
- Digital Game Informer: Enjoy unlimited digital access to Game Informer, one of the industry’s leading gaming magazines.
- 2% Back in Rewards: For every $1 you spend on your purchases, you’ll earn 20 points. You can then redeem these points for rewards.
- 5% Off All Pre-Owned Items: As a GameStop Pro member, you’ll receive a 5% discount on all pre-owned games and hardware.
- 5% Off All Collectibles: Whether you’re a fan of Funko Pop figures, action figures, or other collectibles, as a GameStop Pro member, you’ll get a 5% discount on all collectibles.
- 5% Off All Clearance: If you love hunting for deals in the clearance section, the GameStop Pro membership can make those deals even better. You’ll get an additional 5% off all clearance items.
- 5% Off All GameStop Brands: GameStop carries a variety of its own branded items, from gaming accessories to clothing. As a Pro member, you’ll get a 5% discount on all GameStop brand items.
- 5% Off All Protection Plans: If you’re buying a console or other hardware, you might consider getting a protection plan. As a GameStop Pro member, you’ll get a 5% discount on all protection plans.
- By taking advantage of these benefits, you can maximize the value you get from your trade-ins and purchases at GameStop.
5. Opt for Store Credit If you don’t need the cash right away, GameStop can issue an in-store credit. This can be used for the purchase of any item in the store, and amounts to as much as 20% more than the cash amount. The credit can also be applied to other stores’ gift cards, including Shell, Burger King, Steam, Google Play, and Applebees. GameStop will not place store credit on Amazon and Visa gift cards.
6. Sell Your Store Credit Maximizing your trade-in value doesn’t end there. Through various websites, gift cards can be sold for amounts slightly lower than their value. If you sell that card, instead of using it to buy something from the store, you may wind up with more cash than GameStop was offering for the trade-in.
Remember, GameStop’s offers for trade-ins will vary from one day to the next. The company claims that any offers quoted on its website are good for one business day, meaning your game or console could be worth more tomorrow or next week. It all depends on the demand for the product in the stores.
If you’re considering bringing your games and tech to GameStop, keep this in mind and return to the website for a few days to get a feel for how the offers change. Now, you’re ready to get the most for your trade-ins at GameStop!
Michelle Harler is the founder of Guide2Free, a website dedicated to finding and sharing freebies, product testing opportunities, and other ways to save money. With over a decade of experience in the industry, her expertise in finding quality offers makes Guide2Free an invaluable resource for anyone looking to try new products and save money.