GameStop is making a bold move with its new Retro Program. The program will bring back classic retro consoles such as Game Boy, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PlayStation 1 and 2, Xbox 360, and more to certain, well-established GameStop locations.
This launch comes just after the Xbox 360 Marketplace shutdown. The unfortunate event has left many gamers yearning for a way to preserve their favorite titles. If successful, this move could be a game-changer and lead to more consoles being added, new store locations, and even other retailers jumping on board.
However, its success hinges on the pricing and availability of the most sought-after games.
With the rise of digital games and other changes in the industry, GameStop has been dealing with a pretty steep decline and layoffs over the last decade. Nevertheless, one of the best-known video game stores has overcome the toughest times and is adapting to new circumstances.
GameStop ventured into selling gaming merchandise with toys, shirts, and more. However, it’s still a key place where gaming enthusiasts can find hardware, including headsets, controllers, and consoles. By reintroducing some of the consoles that changed the industry for the better decades ago, GameStop plans to bring back retro game collectors to their stores.
A complete list includes 18 retro consoles from SNES to PlayStation 3, and this shows just a growing trend among gamers who are becoming wary of modern games. Many players are frustrated with the constant online requirements, toxic community behavior behind the most popular games of today, and the fact that many titles are influenced by political correctness.
For instance, Super Mario has never been tainted by political agendas and his main goal is to save Princess Peach from Bowser and the Koopalings. There are many examples of these games and it is no surprise that gamers want original experiences like this.
All of this has led to a nostalgia-driven desire to give players simpler times when video games were more straightforward. With this festival of retro consoles, GameStop is making itself a refuge for gamers who want to escape from the shackles of the modern gaming industry.
Retro enthusiasts will be able to see the prices of games and consoles on the official store site. GameStop is not just catering to those who want to feel and play games of old. The collectors will also have a chance of snagging some long-forgotten consoles in perfect condition.
To make the program work, GameStop needs to rely on lower prices for both games and consoles if they want to attract buyers. The availability of rare and high-quality game finds is another crucial thing GameStop needs to address in its Retro Program.
If GameStop offers incomplete packages or overpriced items, collectors may turn to eBay and other other ways to find these games. The program should focus on providing complete packages.
While GameStop is for more casual collectors, with this program, they can attract hardcore enthusiasts with the right titles and a rewarding system that will make players return to the store. Overall, this is huge proof that physical media still holds its value despite being run over by digital-only formats in recent times.