A look at Best Buy's new trade-in kiosk

[Marine Mike]

A look at Best Buy's new trade-in kiosk
by JC Fletcher { Jun 26th 2009 at 3:45PM }

After learning that Best Buy was testing new game trade-in kiosks in some areas of Texas, we visited our local location to find that one of the new stations had just been set up right by the front door. In fact, a nearby employee informed us that we were the first to use it. Shortly after we experimented with it, we watched a group of Best Buy employees gather around the kiosk in quiet awe.

As it turns out, the kiosks aren't just for trading in games for store credit -- you can buy, trade, or even rent used games or movies from the device. The one we looked at had a tiny selection of both games and movies available (less than fifty total offerings), but that's most likely because of the early stage of the program.

We snapped some pictures of the kiosk while we were trying it out. Head into our gallery if you ever wanted to see what a game case deposit slot or a disc dispenser looks like.
Gallery: Best Buy trade-in kiosk

The game trade-in component accepts only PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox, and Xbox 360 titles. In other words, nothing too old, and nothing that doesn't use a normal-size disc (Gamecube, DS, PSP). The DS game we scanned to be extra sure went unrecognized. We went through (most of) the process of trading in a game, stopping only because the kiosk offered just 95 cents of store credit for our copy of Stretch Panic. At least we know the database is complete enough to know semi-obscure PS2 launch titles.

In any case, we can report that the trade-in process is quite simple. You just scan the barcodes of the items you want to trade in, then "check out" on the touch screen when you're ready to finish. The machine instructs you to put the discs into a disc slot (which apparently checks the condition of the discs) under the screen(s), and the cases in a different slot on the right side of the machine. Though cases are required for your games, don't expect a case with a game you purchase from the kiosk. We were informed that purchased games come out in paper sleeves.

Best Buy's CMO said that not all of the machines will have the capability for users to buy or rent products, but the trade-in portion seems like the real focus anyway, and the instant-gratification aspect of receiving store credit immediately for your used games, without having to deal with even a single person, may draw people in.

Click here for the full image gallery.

[pacificvibes]

Now I would have to see what kind of trade in prices they offer.

P.S. I want to know what the offer for .95 cents was

[Batman1980]

I would too, too bad I don't have anymore DVD movies left to sell.

[kpkelley]

Though cases are required for your games, don't expect a case with a game you purchase from the kiosk. We were informed that purchased games come out in paper sleeves.

So you can't purchase a used game from the kiosk, then sell it back when you are done with it.

[pacificvibes]

Im sure there is a little man in there checking the games and movies.

[Marine Mike]

but the trade-in portion seems like the real focus anyway, and the instant-gratification aspect of receiving store credit immediately for your used games, without having to deal with even a single person, may draw people in.

I know that Gamestop reported that they aren't worried about the competition of Best Buy and Wal-Mart doing trade-ins.

I'm starting to wonder how much of their statement was to not to have their customers lose confidence (bs) and actual truth of them not being worried.

[Rike255]

I hate Gamestop/EBGames and would gladly take my games to one of these things over them. I'm gonna give it a try when they come up here and see if they give any worthwhile amount for a trade (EBGames sure doesn't).

[SoCalTiger]

Originally Posted by pacificvibes

Now I would have to see what kind of trade in prices they offer.

P.S. I want to know what the offer for .95 cents was

We went through (most of) the process of trading in a game, stopping only because the kiosk offered just 95 cents of store credit for our copy of Stretch Panic. At least we know the database is complete enough to know semi-obscure PS2 launch titles.

^

[pBLU-RAYs3]

I see positive with this news + 1 more reason to get in my car & take that 14 day road trip to Texas (I kid).

Went to Gamestop today, my experience is much better & I'm wondering if this news played a role. Usually get the wanna subscribe, trade, reserve treatment from the sales associates.

[ShelbyGT500]

This is pretty cool but I think I'll stay with Gamestop as they always have an extra percentage back when you trade in games. Like just the other day I got 30% extra back on trade ins, and I didn't even know they had a promotion going on until I got to the store.

If these machines can offer those percentage back deals it will really take off.

[SlmShdy1]

Hopefully it works better than the kiosks at Walmart. Many games would not scan or aren't in the system.

[Wreck]

Pretty Cool Stuff.

[Darkhawk9587]

This is good. Anyone know if trading in is worth it? Do they offer fairly decent money for trading in older things?

[Shu76]

I would trade in games and movies for store credit...why? cause they give you $5.00 for a game then sell it for $40.00 and the discs are all scratched up,besides, I like brand new stuff.