Gamestop is one of the biggest games and console retailers in the world with a massive 6 billion dollar yearly turnover.
They stock every game’s console going including vintage units in their trade-in section. They also stock a wide variety of games and accessories on pretty much every platform imaginable.
If you’ve purchased a new console from GameStop but it’s not what you expected or perhaps it’s an unwanted gift, then you’ll probably want to know what their returns policy is.
To help you out with that, we’ve examined GameStop’s return policy for consoles in detail to bring you up to speed with what their policy is, whether you need a receipt, how to return your item, and much more.
We’ve covered what the returns policy is for:
- Consoles such as PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and virtual reality headsets like the Quest 2
- Accessories like controllers, racing wheels, and headsets
Keep reading to find out more…
What is Gamestop’s Policy for Consoles and Accessories? The Short Answer
You must return your games console and accessories to GameStop within 30 days of purchase instore or of your receipt if ordered online for either replacement or refund. However, orders shipped from their website worth over $500 cannot be returned in-store.
We’ve covered the policy in a lot more detail below so keep reading to find out more.
How to Return a Console or Accessories to GameStop
To return a games console to GameStop, you can either take it back into the shop and request a refund or replacement there or you can complete the online process.
To complete the online returns process, simply navigate to the returns screen, input your order number and email and complete the returns process.
As above, you can’t return goods worth over $500 purchased online by returning them in-store, you need to complete the online returns process as above.
Do GameStop Returns Include Free Delivery?
No, if you return your console or accessories using the online process, then you’ll need to cover return shipping.
However, GameStop will offer a refund to you for the full cost of the goods and any other additional costs like tax and shipping.
Will I Need a Receipt to Return My Games Console and Accessories?
Yes, to return your goods you will need a GameStop receipt or GameStop.com order number.
The latter should be easy to find if you made the order online as an invoice/receipt will have been emailed to your email address.
If you can’t find your receipt or order number then consult your credit or debit card provider or bank statement to try and find evidence of the purchase on there.
What About Boxes, Packaging and Accessories for my console. Do I Need Those for a Return?
GameStop makes it clear that they will not accept returns of unbroken consoles and other items if they have been opened and used.
Clearly, that must mean that you need to have the packaging to make a return.
In other words, if you get a PS5, open it, play it for a few hours and then decide you don’t want it, GameStop won’t offer you a refund and you’ll be stuck with your console.
However, they will accept returns for opened but defective or broken units not in their original packaging but remember to include all the accessories that come with it, otherwise, you may fall foul of GameStop’s policy and be refused a refund.
How Long Will it Take to Get a Refund for My Console?
If you return your console in-store, expect to receive a refund there and then to the card you purchased it on.
If you paid cash, then you will receive a cash refund or a refund onto your card if you prefer.
For returns made in-store, it usually takes a few days for the funds to appear back in your bank account depending on how quickly your bank can process the transaction.
For returns made online, allow a couple of weeks as GameStop need to await the return and then check the goods to make sure they are eligible for a refund.
Will GameStop Accept My Console Return After 30 Days?
GameStop’s general policy is to not accept returns after this period.
However, we’ve seen several reports online and elsewhere of people saying that there is some flexibility when it comes to this policy.
The best thing to do is to speak to a manager in-store, especially if 30 days has only just expired. In our experience, there’s invariably some leniency when it comes to returns that fall just outside the returns window.
If you’re well outside the 30 day return window and there’s no chance of coming within GameStop’s return policy, then here are some other things you can do:
Warranty
Check the warranty of your console if it’s developed a defect or was received broken and look to claim a refund or replacement that way.
Here’s a breakdown of the warranties provided by the major console manufacturers:
| Console | Warranty Length |
| Sony PS5 | 1 year from purchase |
| MS Xbox | 1 year from purchase |
| Nintendo Switch | 1 year from purchase |
| Meta Quest 2 | 2 years from purchase |
In summary, most of the console manufacturers provide a 12-month guarantee as standard with Meta offering 2 years on its Oculus Quest 2 VR headset.
You should note that to receive a refund or repair this way, you’ll need to contact the manufacturer directly. GameStop won’t deal with this for you outside of the returns policy.
Sell Your Console
Another option is to sell your console online at places like:
- eBay
- Craig’s list
- Online forum
- Facebook Marketplace
You can normally get a good price for consoles, especially the PS5 which has been in short supply due to global chip shortages, and therefore you’ll likely get close to what you paid for it as things currently stand.
Check Your Insurance Policies
You should also check your home insurance and other insurance policies as many policies now come with damage and refund cover.
However, claiming on your policy will likely increase your premium and attract an excess, so bear this in mind if you go down this route.
How Does GameStop Compare to Other Major Retailers?
We thought it would be useful to take a look at the returns policies for other retailers that sell consoles which might be helpful if you’re thinking of buying one but haven’t yet pulled the trigger.
Let’s take a look:
| Retailer | Returns Policy |
| Walmart | 30 days from purchase |
| Best Buy | 90 days from purchase |
| Costco | 90 days from purchase |
| Kroger | 30 days from purchase |
On the basis of this date, it would seem that GameStop is right at the bottom of the pile with Kroger and Walmart when it comes to the generosity of their returns policy for games consoles.
Make of that what you will!
Final Thoughts
In summary, if you’re looking to return your games console or accessories to GamesStop, you’ll have 30 days to do so but you mustn’t have opened the packaging (unless the unit is defective) and you’ll need a receipt.
This is fairly underwhelming returns policy compared to most of GameStop’s competitors and they also charge for return delivery, which is not ideal.
As above, if you’re outside the returns window to return your games console, you still have options open to you and it’s always worth speaking to a manager at GameStop to see if they have any flexibility to extend the window for you.
