GameStop Selling Used Games as New

GameStop accepts used video games, consoles, electronics, accessories, and more. These used items will either be refurbished or placed on sale as pre-owned items.

However, some customers have reported used games being sold as new, causing multiple concerns. Here’s what you need to know.

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Does GameStop Sell Used Games as New?

GameStop does not sell used games as new. However, some customers have noted and complained that GameStop would remove the plastic seal from a new game release and place it on their shelves. Other customers have complained about receiving deliveries from GameStop containing previously opened games.

GameStop Complaints

Many customers have complained about GameStop selling “new” games that have already been opened. Some customers will go into GameStop, and try and purchase a new sealed game, only to be met with an unsealed case and a CD from behind the register.

Other customers have complained about receiving deliveries from GameStop where the shrinkwrap on a new title is already missing. Other customers have reported that GameStop employees can “borrow” new titles, bring them back after they’re finished, and put them up for sale.

These business practices have left many customers frustrated with GameStop. Whether or not GameStop is selling used games as new is still up to the jury. However, GameStop does not claim to sell used copies as new. Your mileage will vary depending on the store, employees, location, and other circumstances.

Is There Anything I Can Do?

You might be able to avoid receiving already opened copies of new titles from GameStop. Stores will sell video games that are already opened as new. These titles have usually never been played or used and are typically display models.

GameStop Selling Used Games as New

You should consider asking for the Shop-Worn discount If you come across this issue. The Shop-Worn discount might be upwards of 10% and is meant for titles that have suffered wear and tear from the store.

Ensure you’re being polite and not making a big scene When you ask for this discount. Remember that not all GameStop locations will have the same policies, values, or discounts.

What is GameStop Refurbishment?

GameStop might accept consoles, video games, or electronic devices that aren’t working properly. These items might be accepted for trade-in value at a reduced cost. Items that might fall under refurbishment include controllers with sticking buttons, scratched discs, etc.

These items will then be sent to the GameStop refurbishment center in Grapevine, Texas. An employee at the refurbishment center will inspect the device or disc, run it through a series of tests, and give it a deep clean.

If that doesn’t resolve the issue, another employee might replace wires, screws, or other electrical components to get the device in working condition. From there, the device or disc is shipped back out to GameStop locations to be put up for sale.

What’s the Difference Between Refurbished and Pre-Owned?

You’ll find two types of resold items at GameStop, including refurbished and pre-owned.

Refurbished products are items that were sent to the refurbishment center, repaired, and reshipped for retail. These products had defects when GameStop accepted them and are now in working order.

Pre-owned products are items GameStop accepted that had no apparent faults or malfunctions. These items are typically wiped down and cleaned by a GameStop employee before being placed on a shelf for sale.

What’s the GameStop Refurbishment Fee?

When GameStop accepts a console, electronic device, or video game disc that needs repairs, they’ll take out a refurbishment fee from the total trade-in value. Items that need to be refurbished might include controllers with sticking buttons, consoles with broken disc drives, scratched discs, etc.

The refurbishment fee will vary depending on the item, the resale value, and the quality. For example, a video game rated at a few dollars might have a refurb fee of $0.50. On the other hand, a disc rated at $30 might have a fee of closer to $5.

The only way to determine the refurbishment fee is to bring in your console, electronic device, or disc into GameStop and ask.

To learn more, read our articles how to trade in games at Gamestop , why are Gamestop trade in values low , are pre owned games from Gamestop any good?.

Are Used Games at GameStop Sold as New?

GameStop does not explicitly sell used games as new. However, some locations will break the seal on new titles, remove the discs, and put them on display. These titles are still “new” but aren’t sealed, which causes frustration for many customers. Some customers have also complained about receiving deliveries from GameStop, where the games inside were previously opened.

If you experience a similar issue, you can ask for the Shop-Worn Discount when you’re in the store. If you receive a delivery you’re not happy with; you can always contact GameStop customer support. Keep in mind that your mileage will vary on several different factors.

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1 thought on “GameStop Selling Used Games as New”

  1. Nah nah nah, GameStop is 100% selling used games as new. I know this because I was victim to the “display copy” nonsense. I went and purchased the marvel ultimate alliance 3, and was met with one of the pre-owned cases, meaning they didn’t even have the case. On another occasion, GameStop received a “restock” of Xbox Series X. Guess what? Already open, so no way was it brand new. On another occasion, I received the “last display copy,” and a friend wanted the same game, went in, and got another “last display copy.” Every single time I purchase the “display copy” it is missing any extra components, such as booklets or codes that should be coming with the game. These are 100% used games, which is actually illegal.

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