Best Trade-In Programs to Save on New Game Releases

10 February 2026

Let's face it—gaming ain't cheap. Between pricey consoles, accessories, and new titles launching every other week, your wallet takes a serious hit if you're a true gamer. But what if I told you there's a smart way to cut costs without giving up your love for fresh game releases?

Welcome to the world of trade-in programs! These little gems can save you real money, free up shelf space, and even let you snag new games on release day without draining your bank account. In this in-depth guide, we’re diving into the best trade-in programs available today that actually help you save big on new game releases.

Why Trade-In Programs Matter for Gamers

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about why trade-ins are such a big deal.

Ever finished a game and watched it sit there collecting dust? Or bought a new title only to be disappointed and wish you could swap it for something else? Trade-in programs are designed exactly for these moments. Rather than letting old games rot or sell for pennies, trade-ins let you turn yesterday’s titles into today’s savings.

Here’s the deal: You give up an old game (or console), and in return, you get credit or discounts toward new purchases. It’s like recycling, but for your gaming passion—and your wallet is gonna thank you.

What Makes a Good Trade-In Program?

Not all trade-in programs are created equal. Some are great, some are meh, and a few... well, they’re just plain shady. When you're evaluating which programs are worth your time, here's what you should look out for:

- Fair value: Are you getting decent credit for your trade-in?
- Flexible options: Can you trade in games, consoles, accessories?
- Ease of use: Is the process simple, online-friendly, or a major hassle?
- Bonus deals: Do they offer extra credit for pre-orders or promotions?
- Store reputation: Are they trustworthy and have good customer service?

Alright, now that we’ve set the stage, let’s check out the top contenders.

1. GameStop Trade-In Program

The OG of Game Trade-Ins

GameStop has been the kingpin of game trade-ins for decades. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, they know how to keep gamers coming back.

- Trade-In Value: It varies a lot, but hey, they offer bonus credit during special events (up to 50% more on trade-ins).
- What You Can Trade: Games, consoles, controllers, and even accessories.
- How It Works: You can check trade-in values online. Just bring in your gear to the store and get store credit or cash.

Pro Tip: If you're a PowerUp Rewards Pro member, you get extra credit, so that $30 trade-in could be worth $33 or more.

Why It’s Great for New Releases

GameStop often runs promos like “Trade two games, get the new release for $9.99." If you time it right, you’ll walk out with a brand-new AAA title for the price of lunch.

2. Best Buy Trade-In Program

For Tech-Savvy and Store Loyalty Fans

Best Buy isn’t just for TVs and laptops. Their trade-in program is surprisingly solid—especially if you’re part of their rewards program.

- Trade-In Value: Mid-range, but more consistent than GameStop.
- What You Can Trade: Games, consoles, smartphones, tablets, and more.
- How It Works: Check values online, get a shipping label, or go to a store. You’ll get a gift card in return.

Bonus Perks

If you’re part of the My Best Buy program, you may get exclusive offers or points that can stack with trade-in credit. Combine that with a pre-order deal? You’ve got a winning recipe.

3. Amazon Trade-In Program

The King of Convenience

If you’re all about avoiding human contact (we’ve all been there), Amazon’s trade-in program is chef’s kiss.

- Trade-In Value: Varies, but they usually offer fair market value.
- What You Can Trade: Games, consoles, and even books, electronics, and more.
- How It Works: Super simple. You find the item, ship it with a prepaid label, and get Amazon credit once it’s approved.

The Secret Weapon

Your Amazon credit gets added to your account and can be used for anything—not just games. That flexibility alone is a win.

Heads Up: It can take a few days to process, so it's not ideal for last-minute pre-orders.

4. Target Trade-In Program

Low-Key but Solid

Target might not be the first name that pops into your head for gaming trade-ins, but don’t sleep on it.

- Trade-In Value: Decent, especially during promo periods.
- What You Can Trade: Games, consoles, phones, and tablets.
- How It Works: Visit the website, get a quote, ship it, and receive a Target gift card.

Great for Frequent Shoppers

If you’re already using Target for other purchases, trading in old games for gift cards can make those store visits even more rewarding.

5. Walmart Trade-In Program

The Underdog with Potential

Walmart’s trade-in program might not have all the bells and whistles, but it’s convenient enough to be worth checking out.

- Trade-In Value: A bit low, but solid during certain promotional windows.
- What You Can Trade: Games, consoles, phones, tablets.
- How It Works: Online only. Get a quote, ship for free, get a Walmart e-gift card.

Not Just for Groceries

While you may not be thinking “Walmart” when it comes to pre-ordering a hot new title, your trade-in credit stacks perfectly for game launches. Worth a look, especially if you live near one.

6. Decluttr

For Gamers Who Like Minimalism and Money

Decluttr flies under the radar, but it’s perfect for trading in a stack of old games all at once.

- Trade-In Value: Surprisingly competitive, better than you'd guess.
- What You Can Trade: Games, tech, DVDs, even LEGOs!
- How It Works: Use their app or website, print a label, ship it for free, and get paid via PayPal or check.

Clean House, Fill Wallet

This one’s ideal if you’re spring cleaning or just Marie Kondo'ing your shelf. Use the payout to pre-order something shiny and new!

7. eBay (Honorable Mention)

The Wild West of Trade-Ins

Okay, so eBay isn’t a traditional trade-in program, but hear me out—it deserves a shout.

- Pros: You set your own prices. Potential to earn more than any other program.
- Cons: Time-consuming, fees, risk of buyers flaking or complaining.

When to Use It

If you’ve got a rare edition or something in perfect condition, selling directly to another gamer might net you $20-$50 more than a store trade-in.

Note: You’ll need to wait for the sale to go through and deal with shipping yourself. Think of it as the garage sale of the internet—but for gamers.

Tips to Maximize Your Trade-In Value

Here are a few golden rules to squeeze every cent from your trade-ins:

1. Keep cases and manuals – Complete items are more valuable.
2. Trade during promos – Look for bonus credit events.
3. Join reward programs – Those give you a little extra juice.
4. Clean your gear – Wipe down consoles and controllers; presentation helps.
5. Compare values – Shop around before committing to one store.

What About Digital Games?

Ah, here's the modern catch: digital games aren't tradable (at least, not in the traditional sense). Once you buy a game digitally, it’s locked to your account forever. This is why physical copies still have a huge following—they hold actual, real-world value.

If you’re someone who likes to trade and upgrade, sticking with disk versions can save you tons over time.

Final Thoughts: Trade Smart, Game Hard

Getting the latest games doesn’t have to mean scraping pennies together or skipping meals (we’ve all been there, right?). With a smart trade-in strategy, you can stay on top of hot releases without going broke.

Each trade-in program has its own flavor: GameStop is great for quick swaps, Amazon offers convenience, and Decluttr helps declutter your space. With the right moves, your old games can fund your future favorites.

So, before you fork over 70 bucks for that next-gen title, ask yourself—what’s on my shelf that I can flip for value?

Happy gaming, and may your backlog always be manageable.