"Yes, GameStop Is Seriously Giving You $420.69 for Trading In Your Xbox Series X"

Is it just me, or is everyone and their sister generating hype for what we are calling the Nintendo Switch 2? There's definitely some buzz about this new handheld console, and if you're planning to dive into the latest Nintendo adventure, you may want to pay attention! Well, GameStop has implemented a deal that can make that transition a whole lot smoother — and cheaper.

This week only, GameStop is giving a massive $420.69 store credit for trading in your Xbox Series console. Yes, you read that right! That gives you a nice amount of coin, and zinger: it's enough to shell another whole Nintendo Switch 2. Now that’s a great way to upgrade your gaming setup.

At 85% of the Xbox Series X's MSRP, this is an impressive trade-in value. That’s a nice bit of extra cash to get back in your pocket for your current console, especially if you were already thinking about offloading it. Rather than face the hassle of private sales or risk getting a potentially lower offer elsewhere, GameStop is offering a simple and enticing option.

Super Cheap Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrade? Sign Me Up!

The fact this trade-in credit is so close to the anticipated price of the Nintendo Switch 2 is a massive incentive. Just think how nice it would be to score the latest Nintendo handheld for a few extra bucks, or even for free if you have a little extra store credit laying around! That level of entry into the next generation of Nintendo gaming is a marked reduction over the previous incarnation.

Of course, that store credit isn’t solely for pre-ordering the Nintendo Switch 2. You can spend the $420.69 on anything else in stock at GameStop. So the choice is yours if you want to get new games for existing consoles, pick up some accessories or even some cool gaming merch. That flexibility makes the deal that much better.

The Catch? You’re Going to Have to Go to a Store and Be a Pro

Now, like most good deals, there are a few things to consider. In order to take advantage of this increased trade-in value, its required that you go to an in-store location of GameStop to trade in your Xbox Series X, as this offer is not valid on online trade-ins. So you’ll have to visit your local store.

The better trade in rate is also limited to GameStop Pro members, too. If you are not already a member, you will have to join. Normally, the annual membership costs $25 but you can get it for $20 at GameStop right now, if you buy it online before going in-store, $5 less than usual. With so much in the way of a trade-in, the membership could well be covering itself all at once.

A Biting Joke That’s Actually a Wonderful Deal

Hey, it is fun to think that GameStop announced this enticing trade in offer on 4/20 the day known among a certain group as blaze it day. The $420.69 trade-in value appears to be a tongue-in-cheek reference to the date, but the deal itself is no laughing matter. It’s a huge opportunity to save for gamers.

But if you hope to score on this promotion, then you’d better hurry. The increased trade-in value is available only until April 26th. Now you have a few days to deliberate about whether you feel like they’ll be breaking up with your Xbox Series X and could apply that credit toward a shiny new Nintendo Switch 2 or whatever else is at GameStop that your gaming heart desires.

Why This Deal Is Important to Gamers

This trade-in incentive stands out for multiple reasons. For one, it offers a concrete way for gamers to help subsidize the cost of a new console. The Nintendo Switch 2 is hotly anticipated, and being able to cash in an older console to get a solid credit makes an upgrade far more affordable.

Second, it is a genius move on GameStop’s part. And by providing a trade-in value for something that the customer may no longer want or need, they are trying to encourage more foot traffic through their physical stores and increase its trade-in stock. This is a win-win for both the retailer and gamers.

And as discussions over potential future tariffs on video games consoles continue (they’re topical, too), trading your old console in might be the very definition of being financially savvy. If you really want a new console this summer but also don’t mind giving your Xbox Series X away for basically nothing, you’d get nearly the same value now (in store credit) than you would later, whether if you were trading in or selling it for a flat price.

The Xbox Series X remains an excellent console

Note, however, that the Xbox Series X is still a beast of a gaming console. CNET expert Dan Ackerman called it out as offering high resolution and easy setup as well as a robust gaming ecosystem, praising the value found on Xbox Game Pass in particular. The Series X is still a top-tier gaming option, newly well-stocked with exciting games.

If you do opt to trade in your Xbox Series X, you'll likely want to grab some new accessories for your next consoles or use the game in credit to grow your library. You can find several controllers, storage options and other peripherals that can take your gaming experience to the next level at GameStop.

Conclusion: It Really Is a Golden Opportunity for Switch Fans

So overall, the deal of $420.69 for Xbox Series X trade in, courtesy of GameStop, is a legit no-brainer if you're currently looking forward to buying the new Nintendo Switch 2. The fact that the promotion covers basically the entire price of a Switch 2, the fact you can spend the credit on anything, and the limited-time nature of the deal makes this worth considering. Just note the caveats: you must be a GameStop Pro member and you have to do the trade-in in person, and before April 26th.

So, if you've been hesitant about swapping your Nintendo Switch 2 for an Xbox Series X that you've previously been keeping unused about and finally want to make a change, now could be a good opportunity. If so, this deal could be your ticket to the latest Nintendo gaming experience, and it won’t even break the bank. Head over to your local GameStop and discover how to make your old console your new console!