You’ve probably heard of GameStop—whether from its Wall Street buzz, meme stock saga, or as the go-to store for all things gaming. But what if we told you that you can actually make money with GameStop?
From flipping games and consoles to reselling collectibles and joining their rewards programs, GameStop offers multiple money-making avenues. Here’s everything you need to know in 2025.
A Quick History of GameStop
GameStop began in 1984 as Babbage’s, eventually becoming a powerhouse in the gaming retail world. By the early 2000s, it became the top destination for new and used video games.
But GameStop isn’t just about consoles and trade-ins anymore. After the Reddit-fueled stock surge in 2021, it reinvented itself with a focus on digital products, NFTs (briefly), online sales, and a growing resell ecosystem.
Now in 2025, GameStop is more than just a store—it’s a platform to profit from gaming culture.
1. Make Money with GameStop’s Trade-In Program
GameStop’s most well-known feature is its trade-in program, allowing you to trade:
- Used video games
- Consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- Controllers and accessories
- Phones, tablets, smartwatches
In return, you get cash or store credit.
How to Maximize Trade-In Value:
- Use PowerUp Rewards Pro to get up to 10% extra on trade-ins.
- Trade during bonus events (often seasonal).
- Bundle items for better offers (console + games).
- Keep original packaging and accessories for higher value.
Example: Trading in a working PS5 in good condition can fetch $300+ in store credit.
2. Resell GameStop Exclusives and Collectibles
GameStop frequently releases exclusive merchandise, such as:
- Limited-edition Funko Pops
- Game-specific statues and bundles
- Retro consoles and accessories
These exclusives can resell on platforms like eBay, Mercari, and Whatnot for a premium—especially if sold out in-store.
Tips:
- Sign up for alerts on upcoming exclusives.
- Buy items with limited production runs.
- Time your resale—launch weeks = best demand.
3. Flip Digital Codes and Gift Cards
GameStop often runs deals where you can:
- Buy discounted game codes (Steam, Xbox, PlayStation)
- Stack promotions or trade credit
- Then resell codes slightly below market price for profit
It’s low-margin but fast turnover if you have an online presence.
💡 Pro Tip: Join Facebook gaming groups or Reddit threads where digital code trading is active.
4. Join the PowerUp Rewards Program
GameStop’s PowerUp Rewards Pro ($25/year) gives you:
- $5 monthly coupon (=$60/year value)
- Early access to sales
- Extra trade-in bonuses
- Double points on purchases
You can buy clearance games using coupons and resell them online for a profit, especially during BOGO (Buy One Get One) deals.
5. Buy Low, Sell High: Game Flipping
Check GameStop’s “Deals” or “Pre-Owned” sections regularly. Occasionally, undervalued games pop up that you can:
- Buy for $5–$10
- Sell for $15–$25 on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace
What to look for:
- Retro or out-of-stock titles
- Bundled editions with extra content
- Games still in demand (Mario, Pokémon, Call of Duty, etc.)
6. Explore GameStop Marketplace (Beta)
In 2023, GameStop launched a web3 NFT marketplace, which was paused later but may return in 2025 with collectibles and digital assets.
If it comes back, there might be:
- NFT game drops
- Limited-run digital collectibles to flip
- Brand collaborations with Web3 games
7. Sell to GameStop, Buy from Clearance & Resell Elsewhere
Here’s a full loop:
- Trade in old items for store credit
- Use store credit during clearance, promo or BOGO
- Sell purchased items on eBay or Amazon
You’re essentially converting unused stuff into profit—plus discounts from reward perks.
8. Keep an Eye on Restocks
GameStop is often among the first to restock consoles and graphics cards. Getting one early lets you:
- Resell it at higher price (especially near holidays)
- Trade for better deals
- Bundle with accessories and upsell
9. Use Affiliate and Referral Links
If you have a content platform (YouTube, TikTok, blog), you can:
- Join GameStop’s affiliate program
- Earn commissions by linking to games, consoles, or merch
- Share exclusive sales and drive traffic to their store
GameStop Money-Making Methods Recap
| Method | Potential Profit | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Trade-In Program | Low to Moderate | Easy |
| Flipping Exclusives | Moderate to High | Medium |
| Reselling Game Codes | Low to Medium | Easy |
| Clearance/BOGO Resell | Moderate | Medium |
| Affiliate Program | Passive | Medium |
| Console Restocks | High (Time-Sensitive) | Hard |
Final Thoughts: Is GameStop Still Worth It in 2025?
Despite many writing off GameStop in the past, it has remained relevant—especially for hustlers who understand gaming culture.
If you stay alert to deals, trade-ins, and exclusive drops, GameStop can be a consistent side hustle. Combine it with online selling skills, and you’ve got a niche resell business.
