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Why it matters: GameStop is going all in on retro. The video game retailer is opening a series of GameStop Retro stores where they'll sell classic games and consoles to nostalgia seekers.
GameStop announced the new initiative in a brief post on X. Despite the suggestion that these will be new establishments, the store locator seems to suggest they are existing GameStop locations that are now simply selling retro goodies.
The teaser references a number of classic platforms including the Nintendo 64, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, Sega Dreamcast, Super Nintendo, Game Boy, Sega Genesis, and Sega Saturn, among others. Presumably, both games and consoles will be available although inventory will no doubt vary by location.
– GameStop (@gamestop) August 27, 2024
It may seem like an odd move, but GameStop could be on to something here.
As publishers continue to focus on digital distribution, brick and mortar retailers are feeling the squeeze. Selling physical goods is their bread and butter, and retro goods allow them to continue doing just that. What's more, classic games are experiencing a resurgence and GameStop no doubt wants to take advantage of the opportunity.
As with most things, pricing will be a huge factor here. What sort of premium is GameStop going to put on its retro merchandise? If it's fair market value or even slightly above to make a profit, I think most would be alright with that. Anything beyond that and some will no doubt feel like they are being taken advantage of.
A quick check with the store locator for Retro stores in my area revealed only one out of at least four stores I know of nearby. Perhaps more will be added in the coming weeks and months, but only time will tell.
Do you plan to check out GameStop's new retro offerings? I'm personally curious to see if my local store has anything more exotic than the usual NES or SNES games. Maybe I'll finally achieve my childhood goal of getting that Sega CD after all?
Image credit: Jens Mahnke