GameStop Eyes a Slice of the Pokémon Card Craze, But with a Selective Approach
The resurgence of Pokémon card collecting has caught the attention of GameStop, and the video game retailer is now making a move to capitalize on this trend. However, the company’s strategy appears to be highly selective, focusing on specific criteria.
PSA-Graded Cards Only
GameStop has explicitly stated that they will only purchase and sell Pokémon cards that have been graded by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) at a condition of 8, 9, or 10. This means that the cards must be in near-mint or better condition, with only minor imperfections allowed.
Value Restrictions
Interestingly, GameStop has set a maximum limit on the value of cards they will accept. Any PSA-graded Pokémon card valued at over $500 will not be eligible for trade-in or purchase. This restriction effectively excludes the rarest and most sought-after cards from GameStop’s collectible offerings.
Beyond Pokémon
While Pokémon cards are the primary focus of GameStop’s new venture, they are also willing to consider other graded cards. However, it remains unclear whether this includes other types of collectible cards or will extend to other categories.
In-Store Availability
GameStop will reportedly offer a limited selection of graded cards for purchase in their stores, but these will not necessarily be the same high-value cards that they buy from customers. The retailer is expected to stock more affordable singles that cater to casual collectors.
Ambiguous Rollout Timeline
The exact timeline for the rollout of this new program is uncertain. While some reports suggest it will begin as early as next week, others have indicated a July timeframe. It appears that GameStop is initially testing the program in a limited number of stores before expanding it more widely.
A Calculated Strategy
GameStop’s selective approach to buying and selling Pokémon cards suggests a calculated business decision. By focusing on high-quality, graded cards and avoiding the most expensive ones, the company aims to minimize risk while capitalizing on the high demand for collectibles.
also read:What new games are included in GameStop’s Buy 2 Get 1 Free deal for 2024?
Divya