Does GameStop Accept Old Games?
If you have old games sitting idle in your gaming collection, you’re probably wondering if GameStop would accept them. In this article, we’ll delve into the answer and provide insights into the game-buying program.
What Kind of Old Games Can You Trade?
While game companies typically retire their games once newer versions are released, GameStop recognizes the nostalgia and demand for old games. The retailer accepts trading old games for new ones or giving customers store credit, although there may be conditions attached.
Here’s what you need to know about old games:
• All video games: Console and hand-held games from all major game consoles, including PS2, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and others.
Age of the Games: The Limits of Acceptability
The answer isn’t always straightforward; acceptability can depend on:
- Games with new buyers: Although demand tends to drop after 1-3 years, rare and first editions may be considered collectible even if no longer sell-worthy.
- Consoles discontinued: The acceptance ratio skyrockets for outdated game consoles when newer alternatives discontinue game development (as with Wii or DS handhelds).
| Game | Last Developer Support Year | Condition after That Year | Can I sell/give GameStop?
|–|–|–|–|
PS2, PS1
2010 (still receives patches)
New copies bought and used, sell some copies and maintain patches as necessary, or for repairs |
DS/Wii (no developer support) older.
| X360 |
After 2006-2017 respectively).
Used; mostly all content still play (1).
Can Sell/Borrow/Rent and fix by upgrading/swap
XboxOne |
Last gen around since 2008
Only recent (current or not-older 5 y o)
WII |
In-game mechanics might vary)
(Keep)
Switch.
After its launch (~mid-2021.
Buy or new.
Restrictions on Certain Game Genre…
• Games within last 2 years: Still hold immense popularity among fans (in most genres, not solely RPG).
Some first-player, local-player-focused, nostalgic-style, retro/older-generation genres: Keep, usually remain strong on social (console and web).