Console gamers await the launch of Sony's PlayStation 4 and Microsoft's Xbox 720.
GameStop is best known for selling used games, oftentimes much to the chagrin of game publishers and developers who have had to get creative in order to cash in on aftermarket game sales. But GameStop is also trying to get in on the ground floor of the whole tablet movement, announcing that it now carries a selection of Android slates in more than 1,600 U.S. stores.
A class action lawsuit has put the onus on GameStop, not videogame publishers, to warn buyers of used games that they will be unable to access certain downloadable content (DLC) and online features unless they pony up an additional $15 for an online pass. GameStop could have fought against the measure, but opted for a settlement that requires the world's largest games retailer to post warning signs on shelves where used games are sold in California stores, as well as online, for the next two years.
GameStop's cash cow is its used game business. Sure, you can also buy new titles, game accessories, and even tablets at your local GameStop, and you can't purchase a game without the guy behind the counter pressuring you into pre-ordering half a dozen upcoming titles. But used games are the fuel that makes the company's engine run. You can imagine, then, why GameStop refuses to believe that next generation consoles will try to kill off the used game business model by linking software to your specific hardware. Sounds unfathomable, doesn't it?
We received an email in our inbox yesterday evening from GameStop letting us know that the new and used game trading outlet is officially in the business of selling Android tablets. Not just any Android tablets, mind you, but ones that have been "enhanced by GameStop to include 6 free digital games, a Digital Game Informer link, and the Kongregate Arcade app!" That's one less game than what was originally rumored last week, and at least for now, it appears these will only be sold online.
GameStop is the place you go to for used game trade-ins, new titles, new and used hardware, accessories, and things of the sort, most of which are related to consoles (save for a sad one-sided rack of PC games). But would you buy a $400 or $500 Android tablet at GameStop? The brick-and-mortar chain is going to try to sell you one this coming holiday shopping season, with free games added to sweeten the pot.
Used game vendor GameStop is raring to go with its own-brand gaming tablet the company will refer to as a "GameStop certified gaming platform." GameStop president Tony Bartel told GamesIndustry.biz it has already chosen a specific model of tablet, and that it will run Google's Android operating system, the odds-on favorite if you were to venture a guess beforehand.
GameStop is now accepting trade-ins for your used iPod, iPhone, and iPad devices, and there's only one logical explanation as to why. The used game dealer is planning to sell these gadgets, and according to one media outlet, GameStop announced as much recently at an annual trade show in Las Vegas.
GameStop is in full damage control mode after 
If you’re in the market for a copy of the awesome-looking Deus Ex: Human Revolution, you might want to pick it up pretty much anywhere but GameStop. Square Enix, the publisher of the game, decided to include a coupon in the retail packaging of the PC version that allows you to play Human Revolution for free on Square’s OnLive gaming service. The problem is, GameStop plans on offering its own streaming gaming service soon and already doesn’t take kindly to competitors. The bigger problem is, GameStop began ripping open all the new copies of the game and yanking out the OnLive coupons.
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