Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[GameStop sees majority of digital sales from cash; won't pursue used PC game sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/gamestop-sees-majority-of-digital-sales-from-cash-wont-pursue/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/gamestop-sees-majority-of-digital-sales-from-cash-wont-pursue/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/gamestop-sees-majority-of-digital-sales-from-cash-wont-pursue/#comments GameStop is building its digital distribution business, having seen a 158 percent growth year-over-year in the third quarter, with strong returns thanks to customers who don't use credit cards.

"70 percent of our sales for DLC is non credit card. So that's a customer either paying with cash, GameStop gift card or trade credit," Steve Nix, manager of PC digital distribution for GameStop told us at DICE 2012. "Think about all those Call of Duty Elite subscriptions and all those customers who aren't using a credit card to purchase them."

"We're actually growing [the downloadable content] market, because about half our DLC customers never purchased DLC previously. So, for game developers that want to sell more DLC, we're introducing gamers to DLC for the first time in our stores."

Nix recognized that it may seem odd the retail chain's brick and mortar stores are so successful selling digital content. It's clearly servicing customers who don't have credit cards or don't want to use credit cards, but still wish to extend their favorite games. He "absolutely" feels this same situation is what's pushing their in-store PC full game sales, despite PC gamers having so many online purchasing options.

Since Gamestop purchased Stardock's Impulse digital distribution store, we wanted to know if it would continue to pursue Goo, which would have essentially created a "used PC games market."

Nixing the idea, he said "We don't see a lot of interest in that model from our publishing partners." He recognizes customers would be interested, but is not really seeing publisher support for such a model.

JoystiqGameStop sees majority of digital sales from cash; won't pursue used PC game sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3Dice-2012Gamestopmodern-warfare-3pcSteve-Nixusedused-gamesFri, 10 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Used and digital sales make up 35% of total console spending in the US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/report-used-and-digital-sales-make-up-35-of-total-console-spen/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/report-used-and-digital-sales-make-up-35-of-total-console-spen/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/report-used-and-digital-sales-make-up-35-of-total-console-spen/#comments American gamers buy more used and digitally distributed games than their European doppelgangers, according to a study released by market analysis firm NewZoo. The organization's statistical findings show that 23 percent of console games purchased in the U.S. are used; slightly more than the European market where used games account for 20 percent of total console sales.

Digitally distributed titles rank lower in both regions, taking up 12 percent of the console market in America and 9 percent in Europe. That 12 percent, by the way, represents approximately $960 million, on account of 54 percent of American console owners reportedly spending an average of $49 a year on console downloads.

American PC gaming culture appears to have adopted the idea of digital distribution much faster than the console market, as an estimated 58 percent of all PC gaming dollars are spent on digitally distributed games or DLC. Now, we're no market analysts, but we think the disparity between PC and console download shares has a lot to do with PC gaming's readily available plethora of hats.

JoystiqReport: Used and digital sales make up 35% of total console spending in the US originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributionmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3salesusedused-gameswiixboxMon, 07 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[7-Eleven to begin selling used games for $20 and below]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/7-eleven-to-begin-selling-used-games-for-20-and-below/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/7-eleven-to-begin-selling-used-games-for-20-and-below/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/7-eleven-to-begin-selling-used-games-for-20-and-below/#comments
[Flickr user Emples]
Beloved Slurpee vendor 7-Eleven plans to nab a share of the video game re-sale market by soon offering budget-priced pre-owned titles as part of a partnership with Game Trading Technologies, which announced the program today. The new initiative, excitedly dubbed "GREAT GAMES BELOW $20," is currently being introduced into more than 3,000 U.S. 7-Elevens (or roughly 50 percent of all franchises), with plans to eventually extend the service to most locations. "The program is available to all 7-Eleven U.S. franchisees, and we hope to have most U.S. stores on board by September," said GTT president Todd Hays.

The partnership will have GTT providing 7-Elevens with a "broad selection" of used games for "various" platforms at price points of $19.99 and below. If the selections are actually decent, we fear for how costly our surprisingly frequent late-night hot dog runs might soon become.

Joystiq7-Eleven to begin selling used games for $20 and below originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-elevengame-trading-technologiespre-ownedusedused-gamesMon, 19 Apr 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Goozex now accepts SNES, Genesis and other retro game trades]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/goozex-now-accepts-snes-genesis-and-other-retro-game-trades/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/goozex-now-accepts-snes-genesis-and-other-retro-game-trades/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/goozex-now-accepts-snes-genesis-and-other-retro-game-trades/#comments The increasingly popular game-trading service Goozex is expanding its capabilities to encompass the game platforms of yesteryear. New to the site is an option to trade NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Genesis, Sega CD, and Atari 2600 amongst the site's growing user base. Sadly, there's still no support for our precious Virtual Boy. Now we'll never be able to get our hands on that copy of Teleroboxer we've always dreamed of owning.

There's already a ton of games from each platform up for trading on Goozex right now. Like, good games. Not the nine pathetic copies of WCW Mayhem which comprise your local used games store's N64 selection.

JoystiqGoozex now accepts SNES, Genesis and other retro game trades originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariclassicgame-boygenesisgoozexnesretrosega-cdsnestradeusedWed, 31 Mar 2010 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Goozex kicks off half-price sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/goozex-kicks-off-50-percent-off-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/goozex-kicks-off-50-percent-off-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/goozex-kicks-off-50-percent-off-sale/#comments For far too long, Joystiq has brought you stories of sales applicable only to certain games. But finally we can bring word of a bargain limited only by ... your imagination. That's because game trading site Goozex is offering 1000 points of its currency for just $27.50. Those of you familiar with the site know that 1,000 points is the price reserved for the newest games, meaning you'll be able to pick up nearly brand new releases for a little over $25.

Or, you can buy Another World three times. Imagination!

[Thanks, Cole]

JoystiqGoozex kicks off half-price sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>goozeximaginationsaletrade-inusedThu, 04 Feb 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video Game Price Charts reveal biggest resale prices of 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/video-game-price-charts-reveal-biggest-resale-prices-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/video-game-price-charts-reveal-biggest-resale-prices-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/video-game-price-charts-reveal-biggest-resale-prices-of-2009/#comments VideoGamePriceCharts.com, a site that tracks average online prices for video games and consoles, has released its year-end report for 2009, and if you were buying and selling games speculatively (we all do that, right?), you'll want to check it out. Okay, so maybe you weren't picking up the now-discontinued Demon's Souls Deluxe Edition because you hoped it would get rare, but if so, you're in luck: That game topped the list, raising in value from an MSRP of $69.99 up to a high of $116. Grand Theft Auto IV's Lost and Damned retail box (which contained a code for the DLC) is another big collector's item, and if you were so lucky as to nab a copy of Bass Pro Shops' The Strike (with Fishing Rod) for Xbox 360, then reel in the money, because it raised in value over 50%. Whew! Welcome to the exciting market of video game price speculation!

For a little more practical information, you can also see which companies and consoles kept their value in 2009 -- turns out MTV, Atlus and Nintendo games all did well at resale, with the Wii (surprise!) topping the market for overall value held among its games. Of course, you should really be buying games (and supporting developers) for their quality, not for their resale value, but it doesn't hurt to figure out which ones will give you a few more bucks in return when you're done.

JoystiqVideo Game Price Charts reveal biggest resale prices of 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atluscollectors-editiondeluxe-editiondemons-soulsdiscontinuedDSgrand-theft-auto-iv-lost-and-damnedMicrosoftmtv-gamesNintendoprice-chartsresaleretailthe-strikeusedWiiXbox-360Sat, 30 Jan 2010 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii games have superior resale value]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/wii-games-have-superior-resale-value/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/wii-games-have-superior-resale-value/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/wii-games-have-superior-resale-value/#commentsFiled under:


Once the current economic crisis really takes hold and you have to sell your Wii collection* just to afford this month's supply of baked beans and ramen, be thankful that Wii games officially attract the highest resale prices. See, things aren't so glum!

A poll conducted by the stat-tastic VideoGamePriceCharts.com has discovered that Wii software carries the lowest margin of loss when resold, losing on average 25.4% of its original MSRP. At the other end of the table, Xbox 360 owners typically lose 37.2% of their initial outlay whenever they resell a brown and gray futuristic shooter. Not only that, but Nintendo-published games are also high in resale value -- out of 45 publishers, only Bethesda's games are sold on for more. We suspect Wii Fit may have skewed the results somewhat, but all the same: yay!

Make the jump for the publisher charts!

* You did sell all of the family first, right?

Continue reading Wii games have superior resale value

JoystiqWii games have superior resale value originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ebaypreownedscalpersusedwii-fitFri, 09 Jan 2009 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 2 'Flashback' maps now on XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/gears-2-flashback-maps-now-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/gears-2-flashback-maps-now-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/gears-2-flashback-maps-now-on-xblm/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you bought Gears of War 2 new (and don't live in regions unsupported by Live), you can stop reading now. If you picked it up used, you didn't get a free voucher code for the Flashback Map Pack -- a set of five Gears of War multiplayer levels given face-lifts for Gears 2, which can now be downloaded from the Xbox Live Marketplace for 400 ($5).

Think of those five bucks as Microsoft slapping you ever-so-lightly on the wrist for turning to the vile second-hand games market for your jollies. Then again, you might want to wait until Epic has ironed out all of the multiplayer kinks from Gears 2 before investing in more maps.

[Thanks, Alex]

JoystiqGears of War 2 'Flashback' maps now on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gears-of-war-2gears-of-war-2-dlcgears-of-war-2-flashback-mapsusedxblmXbox-360Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interview: Bungie's Marty O'Donnell on the 'digital content crisis']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/joystiq-interview-bungies-marty-odonnell-on-the-digital-cont/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/joystiq-interview-bungies-marty-odonnell-on-the-digital-cont/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/joystiq-interview-bungies-marty-odonnell-on-the-digital-cont/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Marty O'Donnell caused something of an uproar recently following controversial comments aimed at used video game sales. In particular, it was the Bungie audio director's apparent assertion that content creators and publishers "shouldn't stop receiving income from further sales" that served as the biggest sticking point; after all, why should the game industry be given special treatment beyond the initial point of sale?

Not long ago we had the opportunity to have a candid conersation with O'Donnell on this topic, during which he clarified his stance, and stated that while he doesn't feel games represent a "special category," he believes that "digital content is creating a crisis for the economic model of new and existing mediums."

Continue reading Joystiq interview: Bungie's Marty O'Donnell on the 'digital content crisis'

JoystiqJoystiq interview: Bungie's Marty O'Donnell on the 'digital content crisis' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiecontroversygamestophalousedused-gamesusedgamesXbox-360Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Worn around the edges]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/12/wii-warm-up-worn-around-the-edges/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/12/wii-warm-up-worn-around-the-edges/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/12/wii-warm-up-worn-around-the-edges/#commentsFiled under:

How do you feel about buying used games? We've found there's actually quite a split amongst gamers: some folks just don't buy used games from stores (but will buy them from individuals), some won't buy them at all, while others never seem to pick up anything new. Of course, that last could be due to levels of poorness, but we won't go into that.

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Worn around the edges originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>purchaseusedSun, 12 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie: Game companies should pocket money from used sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/bungie-game-companies-should-pocket-money-from-used-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/bungie-game-companies-should-pocket-money-from-used-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/bungie-game-companies-should-pocket-money-from-used-sales/#commentsFiled under: ,

"It seems to me that the folks who create and publish a game shouldn't stop receiving income from further sales." That's the word from Bungie audio director Marty O'Donnell, who obviously feels that game developers and publishers should realize residual income from used game sales, much like we imagine the vehicle, book, and toothbrush industries do today ... in Bizarro World.


The sound guru also believes that used game sales had a "big" impact on Halo, though he admits that "complaining about sales when you have a multi-million seller is somewhat difficult to justify." That it is. While it's interesting to see that not everyone is doing backflips over pre-owned sales, we can't help but wonder if O'Donnell envisions a future where companies are allowed to double dip with online auctions, or if a Spartan will pay a visit to our neighborhood garage sale looking for his fair share.

JoystiqBungie: Game companies should pocket money from used sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiegamestophalousedFri, 26 Sep 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Summer movies raise demand for associated classic games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/summer-movies-raise-demand-for-associated-classic-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/summer-movies-raise-demand-for-associated-classic-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/summer-movies-raise-demand-for-associated-classic-games/#commentsFiled under: ,

Summer blockbusters aren't just good for propping up the sales of crappy new movie-based games ... it turns out they're also good for pumping up the prices of crappy old games based on the same characters. For proof, look no further than the always interesting Video Game Price Charts blog, which shows a distinct and recent uptick in the selling prices for older games based on the Speed Racer, Iron Man and Indiana Jones franchises. Never mind that these games aren't directly related to the new movies, or that the games are universally awful (well, almost) -- once that old clunker of a game gets attached to a hot new movie, the asking price can get inflated by up to 170%.

We can almost see the logic behind the increased demand, from the average consumer's perspective. After all, why waste $50 on the crappy new Iron Man game that junior is begging for when you can pick up a crappy old Iron Man game for half the price (even after accounting for the recent uptick). The little punk won't know the difference anyway, and the game will get him out of your hair so you can get back to having an affair with the pool boy. It's win-win!

JoystiqSummer movies raise demand for associated classic games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blockbusterindiana-jonesiron-manmarketmoviespricesspeed-racersummerusedTue, 10 Jun 2008 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Used and Zapper-less: Link's Crossbow Savings]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/used-and-zapper-less-links-crossbow-savings/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/used-and-zapper-less-links-crossbow-savings/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/used-and-zapper-less-links-crossbow-savings/#commentsFiled under:


Even without any discount, the Link's Crossbow Training and Zapper bundle is already cheap at $20, but if you're looking for a way to pick up the pack-in game without being taxed for the extra plastic, Game Deal Daily has just what you need! The Woot-styled online shop is offering used, standalone copies of Link's Crossbow Training for only $4.95 (plus shipping and handling.)

Really, for a minigame collection with only an hour or two worth of content, that price sounds on target. Buy it now before the sale ends! You can finally find out what we were talking about when we said the game reminds us of your mother!

[Via CAG]

JoystiqUsed and Zapper-less: Link's Crossbow Savings originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionbundlelinks-crossbow-trainingminigameNintendoshooterusedWii-ZapperzapperZeldaThu, 17 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Circuit City to expand used game sales program]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/circuit-city-to-expand-used-game-sales-program/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/circuit-city-to-expand-used-game-sales-program/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/circuit-city-to-expand-used-game-sales-program/#commentsFiled under:

Following an apparently successful ten-store test program started nearly a year ago, Circuit City has decided to broaden its used game sales, according to SmartMoney. No word on how many new stores will be adding a used games section or how quickly the expansion will roll out, but Circuit City Vice President Irynne MacKay said the company wants to be "competitive on pricing." That's a relief. We were worried they wanted to gouge us.

High margin used game sales could help the struggling electronics retailer, whose sales fell 11 percent last year in the face of competition from Best Buy (which, incidentally, was also testing out used game sales at one point). The company is also toying with gaming tournaments, a 10% off "Gamer Savings Club" (with a $20 annual fee) and a new store layout that prominently features gaming kiosks. That all sounds well and good, but we'd recommend caution with the placement of those Wii kiosks. There's nothing worse than an overzealous Wii Sports player knocking over an innocent customer looking at big screen TVs.

JoystiqCircuit City to expand used game sales program originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buycircuit cityCircuitCitygamestopmarginsretailsalesusedused gamesUsedGamesThu, 07 Feb 2008 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamestop's used game sales data in beautiful chart form]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/gamestops-used-game-sales-data-in-beautiful-chart-form/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/gamestops-used-game-sales-data-in-beautiful-chart-form/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/gamestops-used-game-sales-data-in-beautiful-chart-form/#commentsFiled under: ,



We've long known that used games are the key to profitability for a growing number of video game retailers. But just how key are they? Over at Next Generation, Matt Matthews digs into Gamestop's latest SEC financial report and extracts the answer to that question in handy, easy-to-read chart format. Among the key findings:
  • Gamestop's used software sales grew a whopping 444% from 2003 to 2007, compared to a "mere" 384% for new software.
  • Used sales account for 44% of Gamespot's gross profit in 2007.
  • Gamestop makes a ridiculous 50% gross profit margin on used game sales, compared to just 21% for new games (i.e. Gamespot keeps 50 cents for every dollar of used game revenue it receives, but only 21 cents of new game dollars).
  • An estimated 53% of all games Gamestop sells are used games.
While this might sound like bad news for publishers that only make money off new game sales, remember that consumers tend to take trade-in value into account when making those new game purchases. A bloated $65 price tag for a new game is a lot easier to swallow if you know you can get a good portion of that back once you're done with it, after all.

JoystiqGamestop's used game sales data in beautiful chart form originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopretailsalesusedused-gamesTue, 05 Feb 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop coupon: 20% off used games [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/gamestop-coupon-20-off-used-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/gamestop-coupon-20-off-used-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/gamestop-coupon-20-off-used-games/#commentsFiled under:

Need to fill a few holes in your DS library? Take advantage of this week's GameStop sale for over 175 used games. While most of them are crap -- license-based software and other forgettable releases -- the titles listed below are worth picking up at these prices.
Unfortunately, these bargains are only available at brick and mortar locations, so we hope you don't mind throwing on a thick coat and braving the winter weather! Don't forget to bring along the coupon we've pasted past the break.

Update: Clarified that this sale is in-store only. Thanks, Joe!

Continue reading GameStop coupon: 20% off used games [update]

JoystiqGameStop coupon: 20% off used games [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coupongamestopusedSat, 05 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Twelve (well, thirteen, actually) Sales of GameFly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/the-twelve-well-thirteen-actually-sales-of-gamefly/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/the-twelve-well-thirteen-actually-sales-of-gamefly/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/the-twelve-well-thirteen-actually-sales-of-gamefly/#commentsVideo game rental service GameFly has a pretty big year-end sale going on through January 4th for over 30 of its used DS games. Though the carts are all pre-played, each one will come with a new manual and case, so you need not worry about receiving an incomplete set.

As usual, we've picked the notable titles out of the bunch and listed them for you, except this time, we've done it in Christmas carol form!

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
DS Fanboy sent to me:
[Via CAG]

JoystiqThe Twelve (well, thirteen, actually) Sales of GameFly originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bomberman-land-touchchildren-of-manachristmascustom-robo-arenadiddy-kong-racingelite-beat-agentsgameflyhoshigamimega-mannarutoninja-councilplanet-puzzle-leaguesim-citystar-forceusedMon, 24 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: GameStop and EB Games no longer selling new GBA titles?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/rumor-gamestop-and-eb-games-no-longer-selling-new-gba-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/rumor-gamestop-and-eb-games-no-longer-selling-new-gba-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/rumor-gamestop-and-eb-games-no-longer-selling-new-gba-titles/#commentsFiled under: ,

The current buzz around the Cheap Ass Gamer community indicates that both GameStop and Electronics Boutique, the latter being a subsidiary of the former, are supposedly suspending the sale of new GBA games. Similar to how the two retailers recently converted their dusty GameCube stock, GBA titles that were previously marked as "new" are now considered "used" and are sold at used prices.

While this seems like the perfect opportunity to fill in the gaps of our GBA collection without having to spend too much, we are a little worried that this changeover might prompt some stores to gut the new games, throwing away their boxes and manuals to free up rack space. That just ain't right!

[Via CAG]

JoystiqRumor: GameStop and EB Games no longer selling new GBA titles? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electronics-boutiquegamestopusedMon, 05 Nov 2007 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: The burden of releases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/24/ds-daily-the-burden-of-releases/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/24/ds-daily-the-burden-of-releases/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/24/ds-daily-the-burden-of-releases/#commentsFiled under:

Invariably, we want more games than we can actually buy. We have to make some tough decisions at times, and occasionally, games get left behind. What's your strategy for getting your hands on as many games as possible? Do you do trade-ins or sell used games somewhere, like on Amazon? Do you rely on holiday gift requests to get the games you want the most? Do you rent? Or do you maybe work something out with friends so that you each buy different games (when you can, outside of multiplayer needs) and trade off? The worst option, of course, is going without. Even though we've certainly had moments of that, we still shudder at the very thought of making such agonizing decisions. When you do choose to let a wanted title pass you by, do you try to pick it up later, or just let it go?

JoystiqDS Daily: The burden of releases originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choiceempty-walletmoneyreleasesrentaltrade-inusedMon, 24 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop selling used DS Lites at a decent price]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/17/gamestop-selling-used-ds-lites-at-a-decent-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/17/gamestop-selling-used-ds-lites-at-a-decent-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/17/gamestop-selling-used-ds-lites-at-a-decent-price/#commentsFiled under:



GameStop usually sells its used DS Lites for $119.99, only ten dollars less than how much a new system goes for -- might as well buy a new one at that price, right? But for the next week, the video game retailer will be offering the preowned handhelds for only $99.99, provided that you present the above coupon. That sounds a lot more reasonable!

Just cross your fingers and hope that your console's previous owner treated it a lot better than these guys did with theirs.

JoystiqGameStop selling used DS Lites at a decent price originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Sep 2007 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coupongamestoppreownedusedMon, 17 Sep 2007 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Analysis: Used game prices lowest in November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/analysis-used-game-prices-lowest-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/analysis-used-game-prices-lowest-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/analysis-used-game-prices-lowest-in-november/#commentsFiled under: ,


The internet had brought a wealth of historical pricing data to the fingertips of anyone looking to buy stocks, homes, plane tickets and all sorts of other products big and small. Yet used game buyers have had to rely on intuition and sites like CheapAssGamer to know when to strike for that great deal.

No longer. JJ Hendricks, proprietor of online game retailer JJGames, tracked the average sale price of 50 randomly selected games on sites like eBay, Amazon and Half.com. The results (graphed above) show prices generally falling from January through May, leveling off during the summer months, then dipping to their absolute lowest point on Nov. 4. After that, holiday demand sends prices upward again.

Hendricks' new Used Video Game Pricing blog promises to look into all sorts of facets of the volatile second-hand gaming market, including the roller-coaster pricing of used Pokémon games and how to make money collecting games. We have a feeling the secret for that last one is going to be having lots of sealed Game and Watch units lying around.

JoystiqAnalysis: Used game prices lowest in November originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 20:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonauctionbusinesseBayJJGamesonlinepricepricingretailsecond handSecondHandusedused gamesUsedGamesWed, 06 Jun 2007 20:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Sell your messed-up DS Phat in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/sell-your-messed-up-ds-phat-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/sell-your-messed-up-ds-phat-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/sell-your-messed-up-ds-phat-in-japan/#commentsFiled under:


Demand for the DS and DS Lite show no signs of abating. Japanese retailers are sitting on such a goldmine that they can get away with putting stuff like this on the shelves: a scratched, stylus-free, filth-ridden DS, yours for only $100!

Box? Instruction manual? Get out of here! Gift wrapping extra. Store takes no responsibility if your kids get beaten up in the playground, or your partner leaves you for someone who knows crap when they see it. We'll take three. Do they come in candy pink?

JoystiqSell your messed-up DS Phat in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2007 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BrokenDSjapanNintendoNintendo DSNintendoDssalesshortageshortagesstorestoresusedMon, 07 May 2007 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Circuit City busts out the used games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/circuit-city-busts-out-the-used-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/circuit-city-busts-out-the-used-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/circuit-city-busts-out-the-used-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

...where service is state-of-the-artCheap Ass Gamer points to Circuit City's new pre-owned games section on the retailer's website. GameDaily reports that an analyst from Lazard Capital Markets is doubtful the 'experiment' (Circuit City has less than 50 used games for sale) will do much to loosen GameStop Corp's grip on the used-games market. In order to be competitive, Circuit City would have increase its inventory of both new and used games, in order to restock its store locations to balance supply and demand; and a sophisticated inventory and pricing system would need to be put in place, headed by a sales team that could accurately appraise trade-ins. "Importantly, Circuit City is not the first 'big box' retailer to test pre-owned game sales, with Best Buy experimenting with used product sales as recently as last year, with limited success according to our checks," says Lazard.

[Thanks, Yoon]

JoystiqCircuit City busts out the used games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Feb 2007 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360CircuitCityGameCubeGCNPS2PS3PSPRetailUsedWiiXboxXbox-360Xbox360Thu, 22 Feb 2007 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop reaching out for your Twilight Princess]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/gamestop-reaching-out-for-your-twilight-princess/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/gamestop-reaching-out-for-your-twilight-princess/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/gamestop-reaching-out-for-your-twilight-princess/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

give it!Ring, ring ... ring, ring. Have you recently been disturbed by Aeris' dinnertime calls? GameStop's automated insider dialed up Opposable Thumbs to drop a hot tip: Twilight Princess now has a $35 trade-in value -- "if you're finished with it, why don't you bring it to the store and trade it in?"

Apparently GameStop, which controls most of the US's used-games market, is squirreling away as many of those one million Zelda copies in circulation as it can, just in time for ... spring? GameStop's spam-calls might indicate that the retailer is not reaching its double-sale quota. GameStop is probably having trouble buying back copies of Twilight Princess (so it can sell them again for a solid profit); likely because consumers are holding on to the game. And so the calls go out.

Inside the store is one thing -- but pestering your loyal customers on their phones? That's just squirrelly business practice.

[Thanks, 32_Footsteps]

JoystiqGameStop reaching out for your Twilight Princess originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Feb 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AerisGameCubeGameStopTrade-inTwilightPrincessUsedWiiZeldaFri, 16 Feb 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Staff recommendations: Gamecube]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/05/staff-recommendations-gamecube/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/05/staff-recommendations-gamecube/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/05/staff-recommendations-gamecube/#commentsFiled under:

Yep. It still works.Lately, a couple of lists have been speeding through the tubes of the intertron, reminding new Wii-owners that in fact, your new system has all the functionality of one recently passed away: the Nintendo Gamecube. As such, the library of playable games from launch is actually quite large. But how is one to discern the hidden gems amongst such a vast field? Worry not, fair readers: we're here to help.

Let's be fair: you're here reading Nintendo Wii Fanboy, for goodness' sake, so you probably know about absolute wonders such as Super Smash Bros Melee, Metroid Prime, and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. These games, of course, must be played under penalty of death. What follows are fifteen fourteen of our personal recommendations, leading you from the AAA-released to barely known wonders of the little purple box. Most of these games can still be found, used, at many outlets nationwide. Take a look, and buy a game! We believe in you.

Continue reading Staff recommendations: Gamecube

JoystiqStaff recommendations: Gamecube originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Jan 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BackwardCheapChoiceCompatibilityGamecubeGamesListPicksRecommendationsUsedFri, 05 Jan 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: no pre-owned games for PS3?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/24/rumor-no-pre-owned-games-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/24/rumor-no-pre-owned-games-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/24/rumor-no-pre-owned-games-for-ps3/#commentsFiled under: ,

According to GamesRadar (who struck out on their last PS3-rumor at bat), Sony might be looking to prevent the sale of pre-owned games by using a software licensing system similar to the one employed in the PC software space.

The rumor goes something like this: instead of purchasing the actual game, you purchase a nontransferable license to play the game, and the physical media is just a distribution method (think Microsoft Windows). While Sony does own some patents that might be used to this end, the issue is far more complicated than the technology and motivation behind it. Sure, Sony and most publishers would love to cut off the parasitic used-games industry, but would they do it at the expense of angering both retailers and consumers? Considering the dubious origin of the rumor -- "retail sources" -- and GamesRadar's past inaccuracy, it's far too early to get upset over this one.

Next-Gen offers their (similarly skeptical) take on the rumor, getting responses from an expert in retail law and two publishing sources who, though admittedly in favor of such a plan, concede that the story is unlikely.

[Thanks, SickNic and Kerina]

JoystiqRumor: no pre-owned games for PS3? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 May 2006 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Pre-ownedpreownedPS3RetailSonyUsedUsed gamesUsedGamesWed, 24 May 2006 17:27:00 EST