For many, used games are the only way to go. With full retail releases costing $60 or more, a lot of people simply can't afford to buy games new, and being able to purchase games for a third of the total cost can make a huge difference in the long run.
For the most part, GameStop has the monopoly on used gaming: there are some online retailers, like eBay and Amazon, that offer up deals on used games, but in terms of physical stores, nothing comes close to GameStop. Then again, that may not be the case for very long.
Back in March, Wal-Mart began accepting used games in exchange for store credit. Now, with a backlog of merchandise, it seems the retailer is set to move forward. Wal-Mart has just announced that it will open certified pre-owned programs at 1,700 locations across the country.
Much of what Wal-Mart offers is similar to GameStop, but there are some key differences between the two retailers. The biggest difference is a focus on hardware. Over the past few years, GameStop has shifted toward hardware purchases and sales, but Wal-Mart will not be accepting consoles through its retail stores just yet. There are options to trade consoles in online, but considering how many other stores are making the move toward hardware sales, it's strange that Wal-Mart isn't taking advantage of the trend.
Wal-Mart will also be keeping its pre-owned games in a distinct, separate location from its new stock, which is basically the opposite of what GameStop currently does. Wal-Mart's prices are also much better than what GameStop offers: the new program from Wal-Mart should see games priced at around $15 to $30, whereas GameStop's pre-owned titles may only be a few dollars cheaper than the new release.
To get the ball rolling, Wal-Mart will also be offering timed bonuses for those who take advantage of the program. Purchases of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare will net shoppers increased trade-in values, as will purchases of Sony's PlayStation 4.
While GameStop makes most of its money through used game sales, the company seems less than worried about Wal-Mart's new program. In fact, following the announcement, GameStop's stock actually shot up. As of now, it's too early to tell if Wal-Mart will indeed affect GameStop's business. Wal-Mart has an absolutely massive shopper base, while GameStop manages the overwhelming majority of used game sales.
It'll be interesting to see exactly what happens when Wal-Mart's new program kicks into high gear.
Photo: Mike Mozart
