Video game retail store GameStop is reportedly preparing to launch a new trade-in program for its customers.
As part of the program, customers can trade in their old gaming consoles, accessories and games for in-store credit at selected GameStop branches, IGN reported.
According to a representative from the company, the program will begin on April 25 of this year. Owners of the SEGA Dreamcast, SEGA Genesis, NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64 and the first PlayStation model can bring in the retro consoles along with their accessories and games.
The 250 GameStop stores that will be participating in the program are those located in New York City and Birmingham. The systems and their accessories will be checked and appraised by store employees based on their conditions. Owners of the consoles will then be given in-store credit which they can use to purchase other items from the store.
If the trade-in program is a success, then GameStop will move forward with its other markets and launch it again to cover its other branches in the U.S.
A representative from the company explained that GameStop plans to repair and restore the consoles to quality working conditions for about two months after the program begins.
"We will bring all of the product back through the Refurbishment Operations Center for inspection, testing and repair," the GameStop spokesperson told IGN.
The company will then resell these to consumers who are looking to buy vintage gaming devices. These restored products will be given the same warranty coverage as GameStop's other used items, according to Cinema Blend.
Through the future re-sale program, GameStop is aiming increase its in-store stock by around 5,000 game units.
However, customers will not be able to see the gaming systems displayed on GameStop's shelves. Instead, the company will resell the retro consoles and games online through its website. Doing so will enable the company to sell more products to consumers without cluttering their branches.
