CheapAssGamer forum member xxDOYLExx first spotted the deal at a local store in West Jordan, Utah, taking a picture of this sign promising to match used prices from GameStop and GameCrazy on new games. Indeed, a Best Buy representative confirmed to Joystiq that the deal is real, although it’s only a “local test” at the moment, and not a nationwide offer. It’s unclear whether that means West Jordan, Utah holds the only store in the nation where the test is taking place, or if it’s also occurring in a few other locations.
In fact, there aren’t many more details at all on this intriguing new test promotion, leaving a lot of questions and speculation open. For instance, the main reason the used games market is so lucrative for a retail chain like GameStop is because they accept trade-ins at a relatively low price, turn around and re-sell the same game for a higher price, and the difference is pure profit for the retailer. So… where exactly would the profit come from for Best Buy if they’re selling new games at used prices? Is the idea simply to steal GameStop’s and GameCrazy’s customers? And if so, how will GameStop and GameCrazy counter?