Legal Niches

Wal-mart Jumps Into Used Game Biz

By gamepolitics

Prepare for a renewed round of video game industry whining now that Wal-mart has apparently entered the used game business.

Neocrisis reports that the editor's local Wal-mart has installed automated game trade-in machines which exchange credit for used titles. Or should, anyway. Neocrisis reports that the machines at his store were glitchy and couldn't complete his trades. When functional, the machines should accept PS2, PS3, Xbox, Xbox 360 and Wii games:

The machine looks extremely similiar to the Redbox DVD rental machines. When I went to use the machine, however, it still had more than a few bugs that need fixing... But still, if there is one business out there to give Gamespot some competition, it's the giant Wal-Mart.

Kotaku has more, including word that the project is being tested at 77 Wal-marts in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Payment for used games is not in Wal-mart store credit, but rather is handled by a third party, e-play. Money for trades is charged back to the trader's credit card up to three days after the transaction.

Via: CheapyD on Twitter

Full post as published by GamePolitics.com on May 18, 2009 (boomark / email).