If you want to upgrade your video game collection without spending a lot of money, try trading in what you already own.Games, consoles, accessories, and even devices like phones are eligible for store credit at Gamestop.You can gain a lot of credit if you are careful about what you bring into the store.While also trading in games when they are most valuable, keep an eye out for bonus credit opportunities.Take your items to the nearest Gamestop to help pay for something new when you make the exchange.
Step 1: Extra trade in credit is possible with the PowerUp Rewards Pro program.
The PowerUp rewards program is free.You can get an extra 10% credit on trade-ins with the Pro plan.If you trade in a lot of games, it is worth the cost.10% off used games and 20 points for every dollar spent at Gamestop are included in the pro plan.The regular plan gives you 10 points for every dollar you spend.You can join the rewards program at your local Gamestop.Go to Gamestop's website and click the PowerUp rewards button.
Step 2: The latest trade-in offers can be found on the Gamestop website.
The trade-in button can be found at the top of the page.It will show you what products can net you bonus credit.In addition to video games, it can include consoles, phones, and other electronic devices.If you own something that gets listed, you should check the offers on occasion.There is a current bonus for retro video games.The bonus credit may change in a week.Some offers are better for you than others.If you find a new offer that can get you a lot of credit, check it out.
Step 3: To find out how much specific games are worth, use the trade-in page.
Clicking the trade-in button on Gamestop will take you to a new page with a search bar.You can type in the name of the game you want to trade in.It will show you how much you can get for your item.If you take advantage of the quotes, you can determine if you want to keep your old games and hardware.The quotes are only valid for a single day.Your games may be worth less in the future.
Step 4: If you want to buy new releases, you should wait for special promotions.
You can get bonus credit by trading for certain games.If you want to maximize your store credit, this is the way to do it.It only works if you want to own the new releases each week.TV and online ads show these promotions.If you signed up for the rewards program, make sure to check your email.Gamestop doesn't run as many of these special promotions as it used to, so check its website often for new trade-in deals.
Step 5: Games are worth more if they are undamaged.
When games are not used, store them in cases.They should be kept in their original packaging along with anything that came with them.You can lose value on your trade-ins by scratching.It's important to keep your games looking the same as they did on the day you bought them.Game discs can be kept inside a case.Save the original case, instruction booklet, or anything else you received with the game.Before trading them in, wipe them clean.For consoles and other items, keep them in the original packaging along with any accessories that came with them.Before attempting to trade them in, clean them off.
Step 6: You can trade games and devices that are still usable.
Gamestop can accept video games, consoles, accessories, and even devices.These products have to work.Store employees test trade-in items.You won't get credit for broken things if you want to pay for something that works.If you want to get the full value for your items, they need to be in working condition.Gamestop stores use machines to test things.Store associates will plug in consoles and controllers for a test.Retro games and consoles are the exception.Most stores don't have the proper equipment to plug in something like a Sega Genesis and may just accept it for trade-in if it looks like it's in working order.Some credit may still be available for games and devices that are not in working order.Gamestop sells refurbished products for resale.You will not be able to trade in a broken item.
Step 7: You can earn more credit by selecting in-demand games.
Products that are rare or popular are the most valuable.Modern games are more valuable when they are new.Unless games are part of a popular series, they will decrease in value as you wait to trade them in.Due to people transitioning to newer, more efficient models, you should expect your devices to go down in value as well.Movie tie-in and sports games lose value quickly.Few people want Madden 20 for the PS4 when it's available.Some franchises are popular.Anything related to Mario, Pokemon, or Zelda usually has a decent trade-in value.
Step 8: Until the games increase in value, hold onto them.
Some games become more valuable as they age.The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Nintendo 64 (N64), and many other classics can be traded in at Gamestop.Working copies become more valuable as the items are no longer in production.It will be worth more if you have something that is relatively uncommon.If any older games are eligible for special trade-in details, be sure to check the Gamestop website.There is a chance that more recent items can become retro in the future.The games on the PS2 may become more valuable over time because they are no longer in production.
Step 9: If you want to trade damaged games, pay a fee.
If you have a game that can be fixed, you may be able to trade it in.You may be able to get a refurbished game from Gamestop.They take a small fee off of the trade-in value.It reduces the amount of credit you get, so you have to decide if the trade is worth it.Gamestop can fix an item and sell it as refurbished.Game discs can be refinished to eliminate scratches.Don't expect to get a lot of new releases in return for a couple of broken discs.Even with extra promotions, damaged discs may not give you enough credit to get a single used game.
Step 10: You can bring your trade-in items to the store.
To get the items to the store in person, you have to be present.They can't be traded online.Mention to store employees that you want to trade in some items and spread them out on the counter to show them.It will be easier for them to sort out the items you want to exchange.If you have a PowerUp rewards membership card, you should bring it with you.Make sure you bring everything you need to trade.Charge cables for handheld consoles and phones are included.Remove anything that wasn't part of the original product.If you bring a handheld device or accessory, make sure it is fully charged and that you have erased any personal information stored on it.
Step 11: Wait for the store employees to check out your items.
Employees have to test each trade-in item before they can give credit.The first thing they will do is make sure it is functional.They considered its demand.They give you an equivalent amount of credit after all these factors are taken into account.If you research trade-in values online through Gamestop, you will get the same result.They usually give you less credit for items that are damaged or in poor condition.
Step 12: Store credit can be used to earn more.
Make it clear to the Gamestop employee that you want credit.Gamestop gives more credit than money.When you trade in multiple items, the difference becomes significant.Put the credit toward new games, gift cards, or merchandise.The copy of Pokemon Platinum worth $22 in store credit is only worth $18 in cash as of October 2019.