GameStop offers a wide variety of products, services, and trade-in values. However, many people are wondering if GameStop will clean out their console.
Here’s what you need to know, whether you’re wondering if GameStop has cleaning services or if they clean consoles before they make a sale.
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Does GameStop Clean PS4?
GameStop does not provide consumer cleaning services. You’ll need to shop elsewhere if you’re looking to have your PS4 cleaned. However, GameStop will clean a console before putting it up for sale after it has been traded in. An employee will typically wipe down the exterior and spray out the interior.
Does GameStop Repair Consoles?
GameStop does not offer any repair services for consoles on site. This means you’ll need to shop elsewhere for console repairs. However, a console will be sent to the GameStop refurbishment center in Grapevine, Texas, if you bring in a system that requires refurbishing.
Does GameStop Reset Consoles?
GameStop will reset, reformat, and deactivate any accounts on a console you sell to them. It’s not required for you to reset your console before you bring it in. Some people recommend it anyway, as your console probably contains sensitive information.
Some employees prefer you wait to do it during the trade because they’ll have to reset and reformat the console either way.
Does GameStop Accept Dirty Consoles?
GameStop will not accept consoles or electronic devices that are deemed too dirty. A little bit of dust, grime, or paint damage might not affect your trade-in value. However, you might be hit with a refurbishment fee if your console is extremely dirty.
GameStop won’t accept any console that has bugs on the inside, whether they’re alive or dead. Instead, the employee will politely decline the trade-in without making a big scene.
How Do I Clean My Console?
You should console it before bringing it into GameStop, even if it’s not too dirty. This will help reduce the risk that you’ll receive refurbishment fees and help out the store employees.
Be sure to turn off your console before you start cleaning it. Use a cleaning solution that doesn’t contain bleach and a lint-free cloth to wipe down the exterior. Avoid getting any cleaning solution on the interior or inside the ports.
You can use canned air to spray out the interior, the ports, and any other hard-to-reach places. You might need to remove some of the covers, panels, or other components to access certain areas. Be sure to avoid damaging anything in the process.
Want to know more? Read our posts on does Gamestop reset consoles and does Gamestop repair discs.
How Do I Clean My Controller?
You should also clean your controller and any other accessories before bringing them into GameStop. Doing so will help you avoid any refurbishment fees and keep the employees happy.
You can clean off the controller button with a Q-tip and some isopropyl alcohol. You might want to lightly wipe down the chords or exterior with antibacterial wipes as well. You can follow these steps and similar methods for any other accessories you might be trading in.
Does GameStop Test Used Consoles?
Yes, GameStop tests each and every console before they make a trade-in offer and accept it. Each employee is trained to do this and will suffer consequences if they fail to do so.
Most stores have strict policies to ensure they aren’t accepting faulty systems, dirty devices, jail-broken consoles, or giving someone’s sensitive information away. Here are the GameStop console testing steps in more detail.
Did You Bring All the Parts Necessary?
GameStop will check if your console has all the necessary components when you bring it in for trade-in value. This includes power cords, controllers, doors, latches, etc. If all the parts are there, the GameStop employee will move on to the next step.
If the customer doesn’t have all the necessary parts, the employee will figure out what’s missing and if it makes sense to take the trade anyway. It’s important to note that all consoles require an on-brand controller, such as a Sony DualShock 4 for the PS4.
They’ll Inspect the Physical Components
From there, the GameStop employee will inspect the physical components of your console. They’ll check the system, controller, wires, cords, etc. They’ll make sure there aren’t any exposed wires or that the controllers have buttons in good shape.
If any components are damaged, they’ll take the cost of the new components from the total trade-in value. If any parts can’t be replaced, they’ll apply a refurbish fee and send the console to the warehouse for repairs.
They’ll also check behind any ports and remove covers to check for pests. If there are bugs or pests, they’ll politely refuse the device without making a big deal of the situation. If a console doesn’t have any bugs but is too dirty, it might also receive a refurbishing fee.
Next, They’ll Test the Controller
Most GameStop stores have a controller testing program they use to test controllers. They’ll hook your controller up and make sure the buttons, vibrations, and joysticks are working correctly. Currently, GameStop might only be able to inspect Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PS4 controllers on their testing programs. You’ll receive a refurbish fee If the controller doesn’t pass the test.
Afterward, They’ll Boot Up the Console and Test
From there, the GameStop employee will boot up your system and test to see if it works. They’ll make sure it can connect to WiFi, reads a CD, and that all the ports and wires are working correctly. They’ll inspect the hard drive size and receive a quote through their internal system. The GameStop employee will offer you a price before removing any accounts or formatting the system.
Finally, They’ll Remove Accounts and Reformat if Necessary
The GameStop team member will ask for your permission to remove any accounts, deactivate accounts, and format the console. Some employees ask that you don’t do these steps before you come in, as they’ll have to go back over your work anyways. If the format goes through, the employee will finalize the trade, and you’ll receive your desired currency.
Will GameStop Clean My Console?
GameStop does not provide consumer cleaning services. You’ll need to shop elsewhere if you’re looking to have your PS4 cleaned. However, GameStop will clean a console before putting it up for sale after it has been traded in. An employee will typically wipe down the exterior and spray out the interior.