GameStop to Start Buying Graded Pokemon Cards, Staff Confirms

Last updated: May 16, 2024 1:07 pm

admin

GameStop may soon commence the purchase of graded Pokémon cards at select retail locations, according to store associates. If confirmed, this initiative would position the retailer as one of the largest buyers of graded collectibles in the United States, leveraging its nearly 3,000 retail locations for potential card acquisitions. Initial reports of this development surfaced on Thursday via PokéBeach. Polygon has sought clarification from GameStop’s press representatives.

On Friday, Polygon contacted multiple GameStop stores spread across four states: Arizona, Illinois, Florida, and New York. Stores in three of these states corroborated the information, indicating that their corporate office had communicated the new initiative. Associates familiar with the program outlined that only cards graded by the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) would be eligible for purchase, specifying that these cards must have a grade of eight or higher on PSA’s 10-point scale. Additionally, cards valued at over $500 would not be accepted in-store.

None of the GameStop employees interviewed could confirm if or when these cards might be sold at their retail outlets.

Interest in Pokémon cards, both vintage and new, surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concurrently, several high-profile Pokémon card sales have elevated the visibility and desirability of these collectibles.

However, the impact of GameStop’s entry into the secondary card market on independent retailers remains uncertain. Many local game shops maintain a steady trade in “singles” and graded cards, which continues to be a significant revenue stream amidst an otherwise challenging retail environment.