The Blockbuster/Gamerush Thread

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Welcome to the Official CAG Blockbuster/Gamerush video game deal thread.

First and foremost, please check out the
GameRush Trade-In Prices Wiki.

SPECIAL NOTE:

For those looking to transfer credit from Blockbuster to Gamestop the current extra $10 for 2 games deal at Gamestop (Wii, 360, PS3 only) provides the following options:

Game: BB price -> GS price with Edge+bonus

:360:
Beautiful Katamari: $9.99 -> $11.60
Bionicle Heroes $9.99 -> $7.20 (only good if B1G1 happens)
Bullet Witch: $9.99 -> $9.40
Cars: $9.99 -> $9.40
Chromehounds: $9.99? -> $8.30
Earth Defense Force: $9.99 -> $10.50
King Kong $9.99 -> $7.75 (only good if B1G1 happens)
Meet The Robinsons: $6.99 -> $10.50
Ninety-Nine Nights $14.99 -> $13.80
PSU $9.99 -> $10.50
Rumble Roses $9.99 -> $8.30
Spiderman 3: $9.99 -> $10.50
Spiderman Friend or Foe $12.99 -> $13.80
Table Tennis $9.99 -> $7.75
Tomb Raider Legend $9.99 -> $9.80
Top Spin 2: $9.99 -> $9.40
Virtua Tennis 3 $9.99 -> $11.60
WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2007 (360) | 9.99 -> 9.40

:wii:
Alien Syndrome $9.99 -> $10.50
Meet The Robinsons $9.99 -> $11.60
Sonic Secret Rings $14.99 -> $14.90
Super Monkey Ball $14.99 -> $11.60 (only good if B1G1 happens)
Tony Hawk Downhill Jam $14.99 -> $11.60 (only good if B1G1 happens)

:ps3:
NBA Street Homecourt $14.99 -> ??
Virtua Fighter 5 $14.99 -> $13.80

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ALERT: Preorders available for a few select games at most Blockbuster stores

Most regular Blockbuster locations (in addition to Gamerush stores of course) are taking preorders for Guitar Hero Aerosmith, Star Wars Force Unleashed, and possibly a few other games (YMMV on the cashier knowing about it). $5 is required for a deposit.

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What is this thread for?
The primary function of this thread is to discuss current trade-in and sale promos and to post any trade-in values you have obtained. Please post trade-in values with the date of the trade (or quote) and system. One of the CAG Wiki editors will then add them to the Wiki.

It is also permissible to discuss system availability, credit issues, etc. As long as it is related to game trades or sales at Blockbuster it is generally OK to discuss it here.

Unlike more tightly focused clearance threads, it is OK to discuss more general Gamerush/Blockbuster issues here as well as trade requests as long as they are kept to a minimum (and usually just during specific deals).

Due to the questionable stability of the Gamerush brand, it is also permissible to discuss ways of converting credit from Blockbuster to other stores (ie, which games may be used for trading in to other stores such as Gamecrazy or EB/GS). As of right now, we have no indication of Gamerush's imminent demise, but given Blockbuster's ongoing financial difficulties we need to be aware of the possibility.

What is this thread NOT for?
Please do not discuss the flipping of games from one Gamerush store to another should another such opportunity arise (through trade-in deals which we haven't had recently anyway). It is one thing to "play the market" with trade-in values from one chain to another (GR to GC to EB) - free market buy low/sell high and all that. But taking advantage of loopholes in a single store's policies/promos is frowned upon and has, in the past, led to trade-in bans from GR.

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General Info
- Trade-in credit can be placed onto your store account or onto a "Value" card
- Credit on store accounts can only be used at that one store
- However, credit can be transferred from the store account to a card at any time
- Value cards can be used at any location
- Gamerush stores often do not get new game stock until the Friday of the release week, thus a few days later than most retailers

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Gamerush vs. regular Blockbusters
All Blockbuster game-related discussion belongs here. Most threads created in the Deals forum will be merged in to here. There seems to be the impression by many CAGs that if they don't have a Gamerush store near them then this thread does not apply to them. However, regular (non-GR) Blockbuster stores often run the same promos and generally have the same trade-in values.

The key differences:
- Only Gamerush stores sell used video game hardware and generally have a much wider selection of new hardware. Many regular BB stores had a PS3 bundle available over Christmas and since then they have expanded their hardware sales. As of right now (Spring/Summer 2008) most Blockbuster stores are now selling PS3's, Xbox 360's, and Wii's. Most still do not sell handheld systems (a few apparently sell the DS but I've never seen them there). As a result of not selling used hardware, regular Blockbuster stores will not take hardware in for trades.

- Only Gamerush stores allow for preorders of your choice of new games (though, it seems, some stores have stopped taking preorders). On the other hand, some regular Blockbuster stores take preorders for a few select mega-release titles (recent examples: Halo 3, SSBB, Mario Kart, GTA IV).

- While many Gamerush stores have cut back on their new game stock, some regular (non-GR) Blockbusters have started selling new games. They usually have a very limited selection of top-selling new 360, PS3, and Wii games. I will be maintaining a list below here for those with Blockbuster credit but no access to a GR store.

- Trade-in values are controlled centrally and are uniform across all Gamerush and Blockbuster locations EXCEPT if the Blockbuster is a franchise location. You can tell from the receipt if your store is a franchise store. All Gamerush stores are corporate-owned so they will have uniform pricing.

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New games that may be available for purchase at select non-GR Blockbusters
For those with access to only regular Blockbuster stores but wanting to take advantage of the decent trade-in values Blockbuster offers, this is the list of new games being sold by some regular Blockbuster locations. Note that they will generally not get new games on the release date. They will most likely have them a few days to weeks later. Stock is usually very limited and they do not seem to get restocks of most games. So once something is sold out they will most likely not get it back. Many of the "older "new games in the list below may be hard to find at this point.

:ds:
Legend of Zelda Phantom Hourglass

:psp:
God of War Chains of Olympus

:360:
Army of Two
Bioshock
Blue Dragon
Bully
Burnout Paradise
Call of Duty 4
Guitar Hero III
Halo 3
Ironman
Lego Star Wars TCS
Lost Odyssey
Mass Effect
Narnia
NBA Live 08
NBA 2K8
Project Gotham Racing 4
Rock Band Bundle
The Orange Box
Turok
Viking Battle for Asgard

:ps2:
Guitar Hero III
Spiderman Friend or Foe

:ps3:
80GB PS3 bundle for $600 (PS3, Surf's Up Blu-Ray, HDMI cable, 20-week rental card)
40GB PS3 ala carte (no bundle)
Army of Two
Assassin's Creed
Burnout Paradise
Lego Star Wars TCS
NBA Live 08
Rainbow Six Vegas 2
Ratchet & Clank Tools of Destruction
Rock Band bundle
Turok
Uncharted
Viking Battle for Asgard

:wii:
Battle of the Bands
Boom Blox
Dragon Quest Swords
Guitar Hero III
Houses of the Dead 2 & 3
Link's Crossbow Training
Mario Kart
Mario Party 8
Mario Strikers Charged
NBA Live 08
Ninja Reflex
Sega Superstar Tennis
Super Mario Galaxy
Super Smash Brothers Brawl
We Ski

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Current Trade-In Deals

There are no trade-in deals at this time. The trade 3 get an extra $5 per game is still in affect at some (very select) locations.

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Reported Trade-In Prices

Trade-In Price Wiki
 
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[quote name='h2dk']My experience (w/ Endless Ocean and MLB 08 The Show) has been getting them at $5 off. Endless Ocean was $24.99, The Show was $54.99. Seems as though they rang up as the used price.[/quote]



I think you're right. All of the stores around me killed the promo where you'd get the rental amount deducted from the game if you chose to keep it more than a year ago. I remember they had a message that would print out on the receipts and a big sign on the door saying "EFFECTIVE XX/XX/XX RENTAL FEES WILL NO LONGER BE DEDUCTED FROM THE PURCHASE PRICE"

I thought it was a pretty good idea when it was running.
 
Well, I just had a fun situation happen at my local Blockbuster. They do have GTA IV Xbox 360 & PS3 for Pre-order but when I asked about the Special Edition they told me that they weren't suppose to be getting it in so this might be a very limited run. It's in their system for you to pre-order either the Regular or Special Edition but I have to check back to see if they change to getting the Special Edition between today & April 29 when it comes out.

Also, found out if you do try to pre-order make sure if you are paying the whole thing off at one time that they don't state you are making a deposit otherwise they can't charge you the whole price at that time because now when I go to pick the game up I have to pay a $1.00 to pick it up but if they would have said no when prompted to it being a deposit my credit would have paid off the whole thing unless they change the shipment to actually get the Special Edition then I would have to add 30 more to it.

Here are some TIV for the Wiki as of 3/16/08:

Mass Effect Xbox 360 $35
Bioshock Xbox 360 $22
Tetris Evolution $8
 
[quote name='cdeener']Well, I just had a fun situation happen at my local Blockbuster. They do have GTA IV Xbox 360 & PS3 for Pre-order but when I asked about the Special Edition they told me that they weren't suppose to be getting it in so this might be a very limited run. It's in their system for you to pre-order either the Regular or Special Edition but I have to check back to see if they change to getting the Special Edition between today & April 29 when it comes out.

Also, found out if you do try to pre-order make sure if you are paying the whole thing off at one time that they don't state you are making a deposit otherwise they can't charge you the whole price at that time because now when I go to pick the game up I have to pay a $1.00 to pick it up but if they would have said no when prompted to it being a deposit my credit would have paid off the whole thing unless they change the shipment to actually get the Special Edition then I would have to add 30 more to it.

Here are some TIV for the Wiki as of 3/16/08:

Mass Effect Xbox 360 $35
Bioshock Xbox 360 $22
Tetris Evolution $8[/QUOTE]
When I preordered mine, they told me I could switch to the SE at any time.
 
Talked to my local GR insider and he confirmed (as has already been) that the B1G1 ($14.99 or less) sale does start Tuesday. However, the news that he gave me was that they were NOT marking up any 360/Wii/PS3 games that are currently $14.99 (even he said that was "dirty" last time they did that). So cheaper "nextgen" games should be fair game.
 
I cant wait for the B1G1 sale, we actually just marked down a ton of games today at my store to 14.99, so actually the opposite of the dirty tactics of old.
 
So can anyone just list the best flips right now?

I know Avatar is one, but could I get an at least partially comprehensive list of the best flips?

Thanks
 
[quote name='Worldcup08']So can anyone just list the best flips right now?

I know Avatar is one, but could I get an at least partially comprehensive list of the best flips?

Thanks[/quote]

These are the best ones I can think of off hand at the moment:

Avatar: $14.98 - $22
NHL 2K8 $14.98 - $22
Superman Returns (Sears): $1.97 - $12
Eragon (Sears)
Star Trek Legacy (Sears)
Blue Dragon: $14.98 - $22
 
Does anybody know yet how long the B1G1 will last? I'm going out of town tomorrow, hoping I can find some good stuff where I'm going, and hoping a few things are still around at my local stores when I get back.
 
[quote name='JJSP']When I preordered mine, they told me I could switch to the SE at any time.[/QUOTE]

When they looked at the screen they told me at this time they weren't getting any SE in. That's why I have to check back but I think what I'm going to do is wait until the other manager that works there is in so she can switch it.
 
[quote name='jmiller']What xbox 360 or ps3 games are 14.99 or less worth getting ?[/QUOTE]

Last I saw, Earth Defense Force 2017 for 360 was $14.99. I've heard decent things about it but never played it.
 
[quote name='Chitown021']These are the best ones I can think of off hand at the moment:

Avatar: $14.98 - $22
NHL 2K8 $14.98 - $22
Superman Returns (Sears): $1.97 - $12
Eragon (Sears)
Star Trek Legacy (Sears)
Blue Dragon: $14.98 - $22[/quote]

Well for me, Avatar+Bee Movie+Spiderman FoF (all 360) are 12.48 at target and trade for 22, also with the 5 dollar off 25 dollar purchase it makes it a pretty solid flip.

Ah can't wait for the b1g1, hopefully can find something to use my 300 in store credit on :).
 
[quote name='Chitown021']Are most stores going to move the $14.99 games to a certain place or are they just going to be scattered throughout the games section?[/QUOTE]

Most stores won't have a clue the deal is happening, as usual :D

Anyway, for the employees who posted they marked games down to $14.99 and $9.99, can you tell us some titles, any notable games on the list? (i.e. not 2K6/7 sports games etc!)

And I know FIFA 07 was on the Circuit City clearance list, I'm not sure if it was $8.96 or $16.96 though, obviously it'd be a good flip if its $8.96!
 
Anyone know if they have dropped the used price on Rainbow Six Vegas (360) yet? I was hoping the price would take a nosedive when the new one comes out and I could pick it up for about $20ish.
 
Found:

Tony Hawks Proving Ground - 7.86
Bleach: Shattered Blade - 14.99

Trade In Value = 53

Dont know if I want to trade into blockbuster or sell on ebay!
 
Well, after racking up those 1000 points in 2 minutes, I decided to trade in my copy of Avatar TBE. I got $22 for it from Gamecrazy (via Blockbuster price match). I preordered Persona 3 FES with it - getting most of it paid for with that copy of Avatar. So Blockbuster continues to have some use for me ;) (good luck getting THAT game at GR even!). Then later I went to a Target I hadn't been to in a while and they had about 20 copies of Avatar. The other stores I hit up last week only had 1 or 2 copies (I bought 2 originally). It was very tempting to buy more but even with the $5 off coupon at Target it isn't that great of a flip for me considering the trouble I have to go through to trade them in. Regardless, if the value holds this week I will probably trade 1 at the "good" Blockbuster (meaning I'll have traded all of 1 copy at Blockbuster). I may actually keep a copy too as my son enjoyed playing the game (after getting the 1000 points himself).

Has anyone seen Dragon Quest Swords (Wii) or Spiderwick Chronicles (360) for rent at their Blockbuster? I was at a fairly large Hollywood today (when I went to Gamecrazy of course) and they had neither much to my surprise.
 
I stopped by my GameRush last night and they had already changed the prices on some games. But what was said earlier about no markups being done on next-gen games that were $14.99 -- it isn't entirely true. I saw some Wii games that were $14.99 prior to yesterday that are now $16.99. There aren't many $14.99 Wii games to begin with but I remember Red Steel was one of them and some movie tie in (Ant Bully?). Both were marked up.

The 360 games previously $14.99 seemed to all still be the same - a few were even marked down. Chromehounds and Kameo, for instance, were now $9.99.

Well, we'll see tomorrow.
 
We just marked Kameo, Chromehounds, and Earth Defense Force 2017 to 9.99 for 360. Can't really remember anything else off the top of my head.
 
I know we marked all of the ones cribb mentioned along with Prey, Perfect Dark, Tomb Raider: Legends and Some of last yearts Sports titles.
 
What's the latest TIVs on:

PS3 Folklore
PS3 Jericho
360 Blue Dragon
360 The Bee Movie Game
360 Juiced 2
360 Spiderman: Friend or Foe

Thanks!
 
[quote name='halusha']What's the latest TIVs on:

PS3 Folklore
PS3 Jericho
360 Blue Dragon
360 The Bee Movie Game
360 Juiced 2
360 Spiderman: Friend or Foe

Thanks![/quote]

All of those prices have been listed over the past couple of pages.
 
[quote name='io']Well, after racking up those 1000 points in 2 minutes, I decided to trade in my copy of Avatar TBE. I got $22 for it from Gamecrazy (via Blockbuster price match). I preordered Persona 3 FES with it - getting most of it paid for with that copy of Avatar. So Blockbuster continues to have some use for me ;) (good luck getting THAT game at GR even!). Then later I went to a Target I hadn't been to in a while and they had about 20 copies of Avatar. The other stores I hit up last week only had 1 or 2 copies (I bought 2 originally). It was very tempting to buy more but even with the $5 off coupon at Target it isn't that great of a flip for me considering the trouble I have to go through to trade them in. Regardless, if the value holds this week I will probably trade 1 at the "good" Blockbuster (meaning I'll have traded all of 1 copy at Blockbuster). I may actually keep a copy too as my son enjoyed playing the game (after getting the 1000 points himself).

Has anyone seen Dragon Quest Swords (Wii) or Spiderwick Chronicles (360) for rent at their Blockbuster? I was at a fairly large Hollywood today (when I went to Gamecrazy of course) and they had neither much to my surprise.[/quote]

How exactly do you do the pricematch with Blockbuster? This would be great due to the games/system availabe in Gamecrazy...Do they just call Blockbuster or do have Blockbuster right down the prices? If an employee refuses what should i say to them?
 
Add Spiderman 3 and GT Racing Series(?) for Wii to the list of titles that were RAISED from $14.99 to $16.99 presumably due to the sale. I also saw a PS3 title (I think it was a 2007 sports title) oddly priced at $16.99 so maybe only be the 360 that got off the hook with no raises on $14.99 games. I think it's total BS that they do crap like this.
 
[quote name='awp']I think it's total BS that they do crap like this.[/quote]

I agree to a point. They could have just made the deal exclude PS3 / Wii / 360 games -- probably would have saved their employees a lot of effort marking up games only to mark them back down again after the promotion.
 
[quote name='rcaido']How exactly do you do the pricematch with Blockbuster? This would be great due to the games/system availabe in Gamecrazy...Do they just call Blockbuster or do have Blockbuster right down the prices? If an employee refuses what should i say to them?[/quote]Last time I pricematched a BB/GR TIV to GC, I just walked in and told them I heard they would pricematch comptetitors TIVs. They verified that this was the case and said it was corporate policy to guarantee the highest TIV for anything. I asked them to PM the BB/GR TIV for Hour of Victory (360) back when the TIV was $32. No problem. They called a local BB/GR to verify (on speakerphone, also policy, so you hear the TIV as well). Better than the $6 credit GC would have given me otherwise...

From their website: "We WILL give you the best deals on trades. It's a guarantee." http://www.gamecrazy.com/difference/

If an employee refuses, I'd mention that it's their policy. If that doesn't work, and you think it's worth your time, take it up the ladder.

They will refuse you on one single specific condition, however...and that's if they already have too many copies of the game...say, like Forza 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance for the 360.
 
[quote name='cribbs542']We just marked Kameo, Chromehounds, and Earth Defense Force 2017 to 9.99 for 360. Can't really remember anything else off the top of my head.[/QUOTE]

I noticed that X-Men: The Official Game (360) was marked down to $10 on my last visit.:puke:
 
Anyone know if GS renewed the next-gen "trade 2 get extra $10" deal? (it still says it ends 3/16 on their site)? If so, the BOGO sale might be a good flipping opportunity (say a few $10 games get $3 in GS tiv, turn $10 into $16!)
 
[quote name='mkernan']Does anybody know yet how long the B1G1 will last?[/QUOTE]

According to the GR I was in for lunch, it is listed as lasting until 3/31.

Now, whether it really ends that day or just happens to be the end of the advisory window she looked at, I have no idea. Either way, you have at least two weeks.
 
[quote name='rcaido']How exactly do you do the pricematch with Blockbuster? This would be great due to the games/system availabe in Gamecrazy...Do they just call Blockbuster or do have Blockbuster right down the prices? If an employee refuses what should i say to them?[/QUOTE]

eugaet pretty much covered it, but let me just relate my varied experiences at GC - as they can be as YMMV as anything I've ever seen. At one store they told me they used to have this policy but not any more (when I tried to price match a Beowulf trade-in). No amount of arguing on my part would change their mind. I went to the next closest GC and had no trouble with it. Then I tried at another and they called a Blockbuster to verify only to be put on hold for 10 minutes and then told they were too busy to give trade-in prices. So I was told to come back later :roll:. At another store the guy said he'd be surprised if anyone else gave a better trade-in price because GC is the best! So, I said, "will you price match this BB receipt I have here?". His response: "Well, I have to look up the trade-in value to see but probably". My counter-response: "Either you have a trade-in price match guarantee or you don't". Him: "Then I guess we don't". So I go to the closest Blockbuster and trade my Beowulf in there which leads to my ongoing problems at this particular store (and all the other ones nearby). If only the GC bastard knew his own store's policies I would have been saved a lot of trouble :lol:. He also told me he'd love to give me the higher value but he'd get in trouble with his manager for changing prices. Uh, that is exactly what they do at the stores that know about their own policy - manually adjust them. It seems to be standard procedure, so I don't know what he's on about. Then, finally, to end on a positive note, at my closest GC they know me pretty well and they take my word for the BB trade-in prices and don't even call to verify. Note that I do this very sparingly though - just did the 1 Avatar yesterday after not trading anything for at least a month.

OH, and FWIW, the regular trade-in value of Avatar TBE at GC is $12 ($13.20 with MVP).
 
[quote name='nietzsche74']Anyone know if GS renewed the next-gen "trade 2 get extra $10" deal? (it still says it ends 3/16 on their site)? If so, the BOGO sale might be a good flipping opportunity (say a few $10 games get $3 in GS tiv, turn $10 into $16!)[/QUOTE]

No. And it is very unfortunate that there was no overlap there (and yet so close - just 2 days :wall:). I would have loved to transfer more BB credit to GS at a profit as those opportunities come along so rarely.
 
Some updated prices for everybody.

PSP
---
Gun Showdown - 10.00
Lemmings - 3.00

X360
Dynasty Warriors 5: Empires - 19.00
Avatar - 22.00 (but some are no longer taking them)
Fifa 2007 - 25.00
Bionicle Heroes - 12.00
Stranglehold 28.50 (Some are no longer taking it)

Ps2
----
Arthur and the Invisibles - 1.25

PS3
----
Folklore - 36.00
 
Doesnt look like my bb trades in jericho anymore. I got a price quote of 26 which was awesome, got to the store and the barcode wouldn't scan! Bummer...
 
Jericho (PS3) can be looked up manually under "Clive Barker's"-- had to do that today.

I had a rough trading day today. One BB(nonGR) told me my account was frozen because I've "exceeded my trade limit." She told me I'd have to call "store support" to get it reactivated. This was kind of upsetting because I'd been careful not to trade in any duplicates at this store in particular. Then I took my games to another location where the clerk scanned them and told me that the store didn't need any of the titles. (WTF?) Finally the third location was more than helpful (even looking up Jericho for me as described above). All this being said, I think I my flipping days may be coming to a close. There are less and less good flips and more and more tightening of the BB asses, which is probably for their own good.
 
Alright CAGers. I have enough credit for ps3 should I waint for dual shock ? When is BB/GR going to carry these ? Whats the new bundle this month, is it with 40 GB or 80 GB and whats the price ?
Help me make the right choice
TIV Folklore 36
Fantastic 4 (wii) 30
 
[quote name='jmiller']Alright CAGers. I have enough credit for ps3 should I waint for dual shock ? When is BB/GR going to carry these ? Whats the new bundle this month, is it with 40 GB or 80 GB and whats the price ?
Help me make the right choice
TIV Folklore 36
Fantastic 4 (wii) 30[/quote]

My worry is that this new bundle that everyone's getting in will be another BB-special, but 40gig this time.
 
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