GameStop has officially declared a new generation of gaming consoles “retro,” and the move could directly affect what some customers get when they trade in older devices.
In a recent announcement, the retailer said classic gaming consoles, including Sony PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii U, are now considered retro consoles under GameStop’s classification standards.
The decision, according to GameStop, came after evaluating a range of indicators – including ageing hardware, legacy components and the era in which the systems originally launched.
With the new designation, the consoles now join the ranks of older legacy systems in the retailer’s retro category, alongside platforms like the Sega Saturn and Nintendo DS.
The shift isn’t just symbolic.
GameStop says it is rolling out a Retro Trade-In Bonus promotion, running through March 21, offering customers an additional 10% in trade credit when they bring in qualifying items – including the newly classified consoles, as well as older games and accessories.
The company also noted it will now accept defective retro consoles as part of trade-ins, even if they are missing accessories or show cosmetic wear, as long as they power on.
While the reclassification may come as a surprise to some gamers, it signals a broader push by GameStop to expand its retro gaming category and encourage trade-ins tied to older hardware.
The company added that, despite the new “retro” label, the consoles remain “very cool” – and reassured customers that owning one at launch definitely does not make anyone old. – masslive.com/Tribune News Service