GameStop's Retro Game Vault

[Gamereviewgod]

The Retro Game Vault, where people will spend $430 in store at GameStop to earn a copy of Super Mario Bros. on NES that isn't even guaranteed to work:

http://www.poweruprewards.com/PUR/Index/RetroGameVault

And given how many are sold out, I think many already have.

[Flashback2012]

I saw this in an e-mail the other day. I was curious to know if April Fool's Day had come way early. Some of those point totals are just obscene! I mean, I thought I saw the game 1942 going for 24,500 points. For 500 points more you can get a voucher for $25 off ANY game (new or used) in their store! Somehow a cart only 1942 is essentially worth $25?! @_@

Silly Gamestop. :roll:

[VertigoProcess]

Theyre prob gettin the games of ebay, haha.... gamestop does realize a very small percent of people that shop there dont even own these consoles right? Esp. 2600s...

[Press_Start]

Somehow a cart only 1942 is essentially worth $25?! @_@

I think it's monsterously worse. Let's do a little math:

According to Gamestop (via Power Rewards FAQ)....


10 points rewarded per dollar spent on NEW merchandise.
20 points rewarded per dollar spent on USED merchandise.
10% BONUS for first purchase of the day (So, best case: 22 points per dollar).



So, to reach 24,500 points:

@ 10 points per dollar spent on "NEW" products, or 24,500/ 10 = $2,450.00 in NEW merchandise is needed
@ 20 points per dollar spent on USED products, or 24,500/ 20 = $1,225.00 in USED merchandise is needed
@ 22 points per dollar spent solely on USED products during first purchase or 24,500/ 22 = $1,113.64 in USED merchandize in needed


Yeah, so best case scenario, you gonna have to spend over 1 grand for just one FREE loose copy of 1942 @_@. And I know I'm leaving out trade-in bonuses and what not.....but really? Why not save yourself the trouble and just buy a copy off Ebay.

[Queen Of The Felines]

Oh please let E.T. be worth around 50,000 points.

[Smashed Brother]

I like that you can get a Power Glove with a game but no sensors....thus rendering the Power Glove useless. Listen everybody, I'm starting my own incentive program! Read ahead for details!


For every $10 spent: Demo Disc with just a dusting of rape
For every $20 spent: Vial filled with tears of a child from rural WI
For every $30 spent: A subpar SNES or Genesis game, covered in both dirt and AIDS

Oh...members only, please.

[Gameguy]

So, to reach 24,500 points:

@ 10 points per dollar spent on "NEW" products, or 24,500/ 10 = $2,450.00 in NEW merchandise is needed
@ 20 points per dollar spent on USED products, or 24,500/ 20 = $1,225.00 in USED merchandise is needed
@ 22 points per dollar spent solely on USED products during first purchase or 24,500/ 22 = $1,113.64 in USED merchandize in needed


Yeah, so best case scenario, you gonna have to spend over 1 grand for just one FREE loose copy of 1942 @_@. And I know I'm leaving out trade-in bonuses and what not.....but really? Why not save yourself the trouble and just buy a copy off Ebay.
That's pretty standard for most rewards type programs, I have one where you can redeem points for DVDs but anything good(more than $20 worth) would require $4000+ to get the needed points. Just think of Air Miles, it's usually 1 point for every $20 you spend. You need thousands of points to get anything good. Most rewards programs are pretty worthless unless you'd already be spending money at those stores anyway, I don't tend to spend more just to get more points.

[Berserker]

Don't forget to check out their Retro Game Box and Manual Vault (http://blog.junk-king.com/columbus/files/2011/10/Dumpster.jpg) as well!

[Trebuken]

While this does appear to be a poorly enacted program, and likely a ploy to sucker people out of their point -- I do like that Gamestop is at least paying attention to the older games.

Where are they getting the games? Has anyone seen a store accepting old games?

[Tupin]

God, I remember when they were selling SNES/N64 games for $0.99. Who would buy these when you can get 25% off of a new purchase so much easier? The thought of paying money for E.T. or Pac-Man on the 2600 is just stupidity. Spending money on a Power Glove without sensors is even worse.

The worst thing? Some people have bought some of these.

And no, I've never seen a store around here accepted pre-PS2 games in a while. I haven't seen N64/PS1 games there since 2006. They don't even take in PC games, and that selection is down to a tiny shelf near accessories. A year or two ago, I did see somebody try to trade-in a Dreamcast. They said they don't take it, and recommended they take it to a local store that does. Still plenty of GBA games left, though most of the good titles have been picked over because they haven't accepted them since early last year.

[VertigoProcess]

Don't forget to check out their Retro Game Box and Manual Vault (http://blog.junk-king.com/columbus/files/2011/10/Dumpster.jpg) as well!

BAHAHAHA.... sorry... caught me by surprise... good one...

[Junkyrdsalesman]

Wow GS has really stooped to new lows @_@ I always wondered why they don't just sell retro games in the first place, wouldn't they keep all the profit?

[Robocop2]

The thing about reward points is that really if you're going to spend the money anyways on a game then what's the problem with getting some menial extra points to blow on junk they sell?
Honestly sure its overpriced but they're still somewhat more interesting than most of the crap they have in the reward catalog.

[The 1 2 P]

Where are they getting the games? Has anyone seen a store accepting old games?

I'm guessing most of these are left overs that didn't sell from their final Nes/Snes sales before they stopped selling them in stores. Thats probably why a few are already sold out, because they didn't have many to start with. It's also one of the worse deals ever since I can literally go into Goodwill and find the same games for $3 each or even less than that. But honestly Gamestop doesn't have that many good deals for their Power Up program. I'm still sitting with around 4,000 points that might never get spent.

[Oobgarm]

The thing about reward points is that really if you're going to spend the money anyways on a game then what's the problem with getting some menial extra points to blow on junk they sell?
Honestly sure its overpriced but they're still somewhat more interesting than most of the crap they have in the reward catalog.

If you spend points on these games, then you are an idiot and deserve to have your games and system taken from you, then suffer as you're severely beaten about the head and neck with the console, whipped with the plug end of the controller cords, and pelted from a distance with the games.

At no point in time is this a good idea, unless the games are a couple thousand points apiece.

[G-Boobie]

What the Hell is going on in the world?

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

GameStop's "Retro Game Vault" AKA "We at GameStop honestly couldn't think of any better way to squander any goodwill we might have had left with any member of the gaming public."

[G-Boobie]

GameStop's "Retro Game Vault" AKA "We at GameStop honestly couldn't think of any better way to squander any goodwill we might have had left with any member of the gaming public."

The whole "Recycled Games" thing in Canada certainly doesn't help, either.

FUCK 'EM.

[Zama]

That retro reward program is such a ripoff in terms of value and their current selections @_@

[Robocop2]

If you spend points on these games, then you are an idiot and deserve to have your games and system taken from you, then suffer as you're severely beaten about the head and neck with the console, whipped with the plug end of the controller cords, and pelted from a distance with the games.

At no point in time is this a good idea, unless the games are a couple thousand points apiece.

I dont intend to. All I"m saying is that the points are altogether so useless already that it really isn't that big of a deal. It's not really any different than the tons of smaller game stores that sell copies of Contra for 40.00 is it?

My real point is that arguing that you have to spend whatever amount to get the points necessary to get a "free" retro game from the vault what's the big deal? You got the games you wanted from the store, got points and now instead of blowing them on a stupid hat, you can save them and get an overpriced copy of 1942. Most people outside of us will think its an okay deal, granted its a rip but no bigger of one than one would get at numerous other retro themed retail stores I've been to.

Unless you're spending money at the store to get points it really is just a promo gimmck and if you buy stuff you don't care about just to get points ANYWHERE you're an idiot.

The only rewards programs I care about are Best Buy's and my credit cards.
1. because I'm already going to buy stuff there and the certificats do build over time and 2. I'm going to use my credit card anyways so the points that turn into cash are just a bonus for something I'm already doing.

GameStop does ridiculous things and this is ridiculous but I've got almost 15000 points and I still don't want anyting I qualify for. Truth be told though I'd personally rather save them and get a coupon for store credit.

[Sunnyvale]

And wow... A justified 'Fuck Gamestop' Thread.
Somebody sticky this.

[Oobgarm]

I dont intend to. All I"m saying is that the points are altogether so useless already that it really isn't that big of a deal. It's not really any different than the tons of smaller game stores that sell copies of Contra for 40.00 is it?

My real point is that arguing that you have to spend whatever amount to get the points necessary to get a "free" retro game from the vault what's the big deal? You got the games you wanted from the store, got points and now instead of blowing them on a stupid hat, you can save them and get an overpriced copy of 1942. Most people outside of us will think its an okay deal, granted its a rip but no bigger of one than one would get at numerous other retro themed retail stores I've been to.

Unless you're spending money at the store to get points it really is just a promo gimmck and if you buy stuff you don't care about just to get points ANYWHERE you're an idiot.

The only rewards programs I care about are Best Buy's and my credit cards.
1. because I'm already going to buy stuff there and the certificats do build over time and 2. I'm going to use my credit card anyways so the points that turn into cash are just a bonus for something I'm already doing.

GameStop does ridiculous things and this is ridiculous but I've got almost 15000 points and I still don't want anyting I qualify for. Truth be told though I'd personally rather save them and get a coupon for store credit.

But the thing is, you're getting points trhough BBY to spend in the store on their regularly-priced goods. You're not getting some stupid trinket or grossly-overpriced game. GameStop does does give you that option, and outside of buying a reduced-cost Scribblenauts toy, that's all I've used mine for personally.

I'd like to think that most people would see how many points they'd need to get one of those and realize how much of a waste it really is. I'm sure that's not the case, but still.

I'd also like to think that anyone who's accumulating such a large number of points is pretty big into games and possibly does not have their head planted firmly up their ass. Again, wishful thinking, I know.

[Robocop2]

I'd also like to think that anyone who's accumulating such a large number of points is pretty big into games and possibly does not have their head planted firmly up their ass. Again, wishful thinking, I know.

Yeah but one can hope...Though I doubt that outside of the community as a whole there are very few regular shoppers at GS that even know someone who owns an NES

[Flashback2012]

The only rewards programs I care about are Best Buy's and my credit cards.
1. because I'm already going to buy stuff there and the certificates do build over time and 2. I'm going to use my credit card anyways so the points that turn into cash are just a bonus for something I'm already doing.

GameStop does ridiculous things and this is ridiculous but I've got almost 15000 points and I still don't want anything I qualify for. Truth be told though I'd personally rather save them and get a coupon for store credit.


I'm a member of Best Buy's Reward Zone but I wish it was more...I dunno, rewarding. :p

One thing about their program that irritates me to no end is how long it takes for points to show up/register. Their program takes weeks/months whereas the points from purchases under GS's program takes days at most. I'd probably shop at Best Buy more if I had a faster turnaround on my points/purchases. Additionally, I realize most of the items in their rewards catalog are utterly useless (a lot of it being promo/pre-order swag that was not given out or GS brand accessories), but it's nice that there's an alternative use for the points beyond certificates. I doubt I personally would ever use the points on anything other than certs but I can't say the same for everyone. There might be a Modern Warfare 3 or Batman Arkham Asylum fan out there that just HAS to have the wall print for 10K points, y'know? ;)

[Press_Start]

I'd like to think that most people would see how many points they'd need to get one of those and realize how much of a waste it really is. I'm sure that's not the case, but still.


I wouldn't say the points are worthless, except for those "trying to game" the system, then it's a harrowing investment with horrible returns. If I got the points....nice. If I don't, no skin off my back. It's just not something to be moderately hung up over, for or against. The only reason I'm in the Pro Rewards Program cause I frequently shop at my local GS shop alot (and the clerks are awesome) and they're the only place in town with a far more extensive (and cheaper) selection for niche collectors, like myself, compared to Best Buy, Walmart, and Target. Plus buying Record of Agarest War Zero Deluxe Edition "new" for $25 (after $25 off certificate) is.....nice but nothing to celebrate.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I think I know who came up with this program ...

http://cache.kotaku.com/assets/images/9/2011/08/medium_110812-nes.jpg

[BlastProcessing402]

I'm just not seeing the reason for this to be such an outrage. Is there some other more awesomer use for these points that you're being deprived of by this somehow?

[Gamereviewgod]

I'm just not seeing the reason for this to be such an outrage. Is there some other more awesomer use for these points that you're being deprived of by this somehow?

It's as if they're telling a mass audience that Mario is worth over $2k in merchandise purchases, or treating it as some rare find. That stuff just drives the market in the wrong direction and makes it difficult to acquire even the basics.

It's no different than Pawn Stars paying $200 for a broken Virtual Boy and convincing people it's worth that much.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I'm just not seeing the reason for this to be such an outrage. Is there some other more awesomer use for these points that you're being deprived of by this somehow?

Not necessarily awesomer merchandise, but comparing rewards that they do offer in similar point totals, they're giving those games a cash value of about $40-$60 each.

It's just pretty absurd/insulting to those of us who know the market value of those games.

[substantial_snake]

This is funny.

I can't really hate gamestop for this. No matter how much of a rippoff it is people are apparently buying into it which is exactly what any company should peruse. I would personally be more annoyed by the people buying into this rather then looking into the true value of something then the company taking advantage of their ignorance. Then again I'm not because its just hysterical both that people are buying into this and how upset its making some users here.

I think I have about 22k points built up now and nothing that they promote peaks my interest outside of "X off whatever" coupons so yeah I can totally see why someone would blow unused "credit" on some nostalgic memories.

[joshnickerson]

I think I know who came up with this program ...

http://cache.kotaku.com/assets/images/9/2011/08/medium_110812-nes.jpg

I saw that episode. I laughed my ass off.

[SparTonberry]

I was once stupid enough to not give GameStop $9 for a Stadium Events cart.
I wonder how much that would run me under this program? :D

[dgdgagdae]

I just don't understand to whom this appeals. They're not offering consoles as part of the reward program. So someone either has a console already, and presumably some of these very common games; or someone has to go to eBay or somewhere to buy a console, where he or she will see how inexpensive these games are anyways.

[Emperor Megas]

Don't forget to check out their Retro Game Box and Manual Vault (http://blog.junk-king.com/columbus/files/2011/10/Dumpster.jpg) as well!This is absolutely hilarious!

[retroman]

I agree....What a rip off..

[Oobgarm]

I'm just not seeing the reason for this to be such an outrage. Is there some other more awesomer use for these points that you're being deprived of by this somehow?

If you're spending the amount of money required to accumulate these points at GS, then you'd be better served by exchanging those points for in-store coupons to save money on the stuff you're going to be coming back to purchase.

[old_skoolin_jim]

DIBS ON THE POWER GLOVE W/NO SENSORS!
I'll be so bad when I play Rad Racer!