GameStop allows customers to trade in their used video games, electronics, and consoles. But one worry customers face is that their sensitive information will end up in the wrong hands.
So, does GameStop reset used video game consoles before accepting them? Or do you have to do it yourself? Here’s what you need to know.
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Do I Have to Do It Before Selling It to Them?
GameStop will reset, reformat, and deactivate any accounts on a console you sell to them. It’s not required for you to do it yourself. You can reset your console beforehand, but some employees prefer you wait till you trade in the console. This is because they’ll have to reset and reformat the console either way.
What Should I Do Before I Bring My Console In?
There are a few things you should do before you bring in your used console to GameStop. Following these steps will ensure the process goes smoothly, and you’ll receive as much value for your circumstance.
Gather All the Components
You’ll want to gather all of your device’s components before heading into GameStop. Gather up any cords, chargers, controllers, or other accessories that go with your console. Be sure to remove any SIM or memory cards as well.
You can bring your console in something as simple as a plastic bag. Or you can neatly wrap up the cords, chargers, and accessories beforehand. Wrapping up the accessories will make the process go faster compared to stuffing everything in a bag.
Keep in mind that If you’re missing any components, you might not be eligible for trade-in, or you’ll receive a refurbishing fee.
Clean the Console
The second thing you’ll want to do before bringing your console in is to clean it. GameStop won’t accept your device If it’s too dirty. Be sure to clean and wipe down the exterior of the console. You should also clean out the ports and hard drive area with canned air.
How Does GameStop Test Consoles?
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.
Are All the Components Available?
The first step is to determine whether the customer has all the parts for their device. This includes power cords, controllers, doors, latches, etc. If the answer is yes, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Find answers to frequently asked questions like does Gamestop clean consoles or does Gamestop test consoles and does Gamestop repair discs?.
Will GameStop Reset My Used Console?
GameStop will reset, reformat, and deactivate any accounts on your console before they accept it. It’s not required to reset your console before bringing it in for trade-in value. In fact, some employees prefer this, as they’ll have to reset the device either way.