Play-N-Trade vs Gamestop: Which Game Store Topples the Other?

Ever since EBGames disappeared after the 2005 merger with gaming giant Gamestop, there hasn't been much in the way of competition in terms of game specialty stores. In many areas of the country it was either Gamestop or nothing. If you were unhappy with Gamestop's prices, trade in values or general business practices then it was too bad - either suck it up and purchase from them or order from one of the many online websites that sell video games. However, Play-N-Trade, a relatively new franchise-based game store, has been opening up retail locations all around the United States over the past two years. Does it topple the 800-pound giant that is Gamestop, or is it akin to the mediocre indie stores you randomly run into from time to time? Well, both stores definitely have their pros and cons, which are addressed below:

Gamestop
+ Great return policy on used merchandise (if you're unhappy with a used game that you've purchased then you can simply return it within seven days for a full refund).
+ Extremely convenient - since they can be found virtually in any mall or major shopping center, you will never have a problem locating a Gamestop store in a pinch.
+ Solid trade-in promotions - Although Gamestop generally gives chump change for the majority of game trade-ins, they often run promotions that (for example, an extra $10 for trading in multiple titles at once) make you feel like you've gotten a worthwhile amount of value.
- A complete absence of classic titles and accessories will turn off retro gamers.
- Many of the so-called "new" games are actually opened copies that look suspiciously used (they may be missing the game manuals or have scratches and smudges on the discs).
- You will be charged a resurfacing fee for scratched trade-ins, even if you purchased the title from Gamestop in that condition.
- The used game prices sometimes are aligned with online auction sites such as eBay and Amazon, so those looking for a bargain on rare older titles will be solely disappointed.

Play-N-Trade

+ Offers a wide selection of games and consoles for sale, including pretty much every old school system.

+ Each store is equipped with a professional disc resurfacing machine (used to fix scratched and damaged discs) similar to the ones found in rental stores.

+ You can try any game in the store prior to purchase.

- Abysmal return policy (you can only receive store credit back on defective merchandise or even merchandise that you haven’t opened yet but want to return).

- As Play-N-Trade is a franchise, the pricing on items is up to the manager’s discretion so each store has game’s priced differently.

- Much like Gamestop, Play-N-Trade also sells “gutted” opened copies of supposed new games.

Overall, there is not a clear-cut winner in this case. Play-N-Trade is definitely an interesting newer store with a nice retro selection, but having to be stuck with store credit (even in the case of non-defective, unopened returns such as game consoles) would make me chose Gamestop over them in the event of a large purchase. Overall though, if Play-N-Trade could somehow create a universal pricing structure and improve their store policies then they would have a better chance of taking on Gamestop’s game store monopoly. With Play-N-Trade becoming larger and larger, however, I’m sure Gamestop is watching them very closely.

Pre-Order Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword and Receive a Swanky Stylus for Free!

Ninja Gaiden was easily one of the most impressive action-titles on the original Xbox. Combining stellar visuals with terrific, action-packed game play, it later made its way onto the PS3 in the form of Ninja Gaiden Stigma. It was such a superb title that Playstation 3 gamers didn't mind playing what was essentially a two-year old game (albeit with a visual face lift) on their shiny new console.

Now, before the main sequel hits the Xbox 360, Tecmo will release Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword for the DS. This will be a still a full-fledged entry in the series, only pocket sized.

For a limited time if you pre-order Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword for the DS at Gamestop you will receive a spiffy sword-shaped stylus for free. If history is any indication, a unique collectible like this will only go up in value over time, so if you're planning on picking this title up anyway why not pre-order it now?

Here is an actual in-game screen shot of the title:
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GameStop Stops Offering Xbox 360 Replacement Warranties

Although the Xbox 360 is an outstanding console with a wide-variety of excellent games, it’s no secret that, in terms of hardware reliability, it has been struggling. We’ll never truly know the actual percentage of faulty consoles thus far, but when hardware failures are as widespread as the 360’s, there’s clearly something wrong.

Because of these issues, mega game store chain GameStop is ceasing the ability to purchase a warranty on any Xbox 360s bought at their stores. Stores typically make a killing off of warranties (usually you won’t receive a defective product), but apparently GameStop was losing an enormous amount of money because of the high-amount of faulty Xbox 360’s on the market.

This news re-confirms two things:

1. That your 360 is destined to break sooner or later and…

2. Warranties typically never benefit the buyer.

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School Grades Matter, At Least to One Gamestop Store

When a school-aged kid enters Gamestop to purchase a game, the thought of how well they’re doing in school and how good their grades are usually don’t come to mind. However, one store in Dallas, Texas, is trying to change kid’s thoughts on this subject by offering rewards – and setbacks – depending on how good or bad their grades are in school.

It’s simple: the Gamestop manager of this particular location, Brandon Scott, will refuse to let a student purchase a game if their parents can’t confirm that they’re making solid grades. If their grades are good, the kids can purchase them. If exceptionally great (straight A’s)…

"If you give me straight As with your teachers signature, endorsing it and your parent up here, I'll buy you a brand new game,"

Says Scott

This Gamestop is located in the poverty stricken south side of Dallas, where school grades are significantly lower than many other parts of the city.

Personally, I don’t think that this is a wise idea and it most likely won’t work out for long. Yes, it’s important to earn good grades in school and all, but if a kid is failing and school and wants to purchase a game, Gamestop is not their sole option. I’m sure there are numerous other places to shop.

Also, in the article Scott mentioned that the Gamestop corporation knows nothing of this. Once they do, they’re sure to shut this policy down. Plus, shouldn’t we be more concerned about the quality of the subjects the kids are learning in school rather than the grades? Many inner-city schools in the U.S. are horrible places to be, full of violence and other sorts of problems. Even if these children are getting straight A’s, are they really learning anything? That’s a whole other subject, anyway.

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