Update (March 17): A GameStop representative reached out to PSLS to stress that this appears to be an “isolated incident” and this customer’s experience is not the norm. The statement confirms that a PS4 Pro console with just a power cable and no other accessories would trade in for $28.77 for Pro members and $19.23 for non members.
Original story follows…
A simple PS4 Pro trade in at GameStop took a bizarre turn for one player who was allegedly told that they essentially owed money to the store instead. The gamer wasn’t exchanging their old console for anything else and was merely hoping to make a few bucks, but GameStop reportedly came up with a negative figure for the transaction.
How a PS4 Pro trade in turned into a bizarre exchange at GameStop
A ResetEra user (via MP1st) claimed that they were hoping to earn about $70 for their PS4 Pro and accompanying power cable. The gamer wanted to hang on to their DualShock 4 as they still use it, and kept the HDMI cable as well.
According to GameStop’s reported math, the lack of HDMI cable, and the lack of DualShock 4 and its charging cable coupled with the seller not being a Pro member meant that the sale would result in a negative $5 balance on the customer’s end, which means the customer would owe that amount to GameStop. Had this player tried to sell their PS4 Pro on eBay instead, they would have easily earned some money.
I conducted a quick search on eBay and Facebook marketplace for PS4 Pro consoles without cables and accessories, and found a few listings priced at a minimum of roughly $50.
The ResetEra user claims that they also tried to trade in a base Xbox One console, and was allegedly quoted a negative $20 balance instead. They added that the entire exchange left them and the store assistant amused.
It’s unclear why GameStop didn’t simply decline the transaction upfront citing an incomplete gaming system.
Once known for its preowned business, GameStop has been struggling financially and has failed to keep up with market changes. The embattled retailer recently shut down numerous stores across the U.S. without a warning following closure of its international operations.
