GameStop's Exchange Policy for Switch 2 Trade-ins Ignores Stick Drift Issues
New and Improved Take
Hey there, game enthusiasts! If you're eyeing the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, which carries a hefty $450 price tag, you might be on the hunt for ways to reduce the cost during pre-orders starting on April 24. GameStop offers a tempting trade-in deal, but let's dive into the details before you get too excited.
For those planning to trade in their existing Nintendo Switch consoles, the trade-in value depends on the model you're parting ways with. Here’s approximately what you can expect:
- Nintendo Switch OLED Model: up to $175 trade-in credit
- Nintendo Switch (original models): up to $125 trade-in credit
- Nintendo Switch Lite: up to $100 trade-in credit
Remember, these values represent the maximum credit you'll likely receive when trading in a console that's in good condition but not necessarily in mint condition. The actual value could be somewhat lower depending on the device's physical state and functionality.
But, here's the catch. To snag the full trade-in value, you must have everything that came with the original box: the TV dock, Joy-Cons (with wrist straps), Joy-Con Grip, power cord, and original HDMI cable. On top of that, your handheld must be in pristine condition. Any Joy-Con stick drift, a common issue with the handheld since its launch, will significantly lower your trade-in value.
If you’ve upgraded the sticks on your Switch to non-factory standard, you'll miss out on the trade-in bonus. Additionally, if you've owned your Switch for close to eight years, there could be other blemishes that might dim the shine on your Switch 2 purchase.
Now, if you're considering reselling your old Switch on eBay after the Switch 2 launch, don't hold your breath for a high price, especially if you don't plan to sell any physical game cards. Perhaps a GameStop employee won't find anything wrong with your Switch, or maybe the shop could take pity on you and grant you the full trade-in value, even with a funky stick.
Another reason to hold onto your original Switch is the price of Joy-Con 2 controllers, which now cost $95 each. With first-party games set to cost $70, $80, or even $90, the additional Joy-Con costs might pinch your wallet. It's worth noting that the new Joy-Con controllers come with new mouse controls, but it's uncertain how many games will support this feature, at least at launch.
Lastly, the Switch 2 is not compatible with the microSD cards used for the original Switch. The Switch 2 only works with microSD Express cards for expanding its limited internal storage, and these are pricier than the regular non-Express memory cards. If you own any digital Switch games, it might be better to hold onto your console until the Switch 2 is in your hands to confirm the transfer process. Nintendo has said players can swap game progress from original Switch to Switch 2 versions of games. However, some games like Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom may not support cloud saves.
In conclusion, the Switch 2's hefty price tag may require some serious thought before you dive in. Despite the allure of the new toy, it's wise to consider your financial situation and determine if you're ready to invest in a $450 console. But with economic uncertainty on the horizon, you might not want to wait too long. Happy gaming!
- If you're looking for ways to offset the $450 price of the Nintendo Switch 2, consider trading in your current console at Gizmodo-recommended tech retailer, GameStop.
- Be aware that the trade-in value for your current Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED Model, or Switch Lite varies based on the model's condition and included accessories, such as Joy-Cons, TV dock, and original HDMI cable.
- To receive the maximum trade-in value, ensure your handheld is in pristine condition and all original accessories are included, as Joy-Con stick drift and visual blemishes could lower the value.
- If you've upgraded your Joy-Con sticks or own your Switch for almost eight years, you may not qualify for the full trade-in value, but an emulator might be a low-cost alternative for continued gaming practice.
- Consider the additional costs of the new Joy-Con 2 controllers, which are priced at $95 each, and the caveats of switching to the new microSD Express cards for the Switch 2's internal storage expansion, which are more expensive than regular non-Express memory cards.
