The (old) GameRush/Blockbuster Thread

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

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

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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, of which there are none currently).

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?
There will be absolutely NO DISCUSSION of the recent doctored coupon. Do not discuss what you bought, what you traded it for, or anything else - all such posts will be deleted. Any discussion of that should be done here.

Also, it is bad form to discuss the flipping of games from one Gamerush store to another should another such opportunity arrive (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 new and used video game hardware, with the exception of the occasional new controller/memory card spotted at regular stores. (Edit - Some recent exceptions have cropped up: many regular BB stores had a PS3 bundle available over Christmas and a few stores have been reported to sell DS Lites).

- Only Gamerush stores allow for preorders of new games (though, it seems, many of those have even stopped taking preorders).

- 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.

:ds:
Legend of Zelda Phantom Hourglass

:360:
Bioshock
Blue Dragon
Call of Duty 4
Guitar Hero III
Halo 3
Lego Star Wars TCS
Mass Effect
NBA Live 08
The Orange Box

: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)
Assassin's Creed
Lego Star Wars TCS
NBA Live 08
Ratchet & Clank Tools of Destruction
Rock Band bundle
Uncharted

:wii:
Guitar Hero III
NBA Live 08
Mario Party 8
Mario Strikers Charged
Super Mario Galaxy

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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='Bezerker']All non franchise Blockbusters sell DS Lites & PS3's.
[/QUOTE]

Others have covered it, but WTF?? I've never seen a DS of any kind for sale in a regular BB. And all they have is that craptacular PS3 bundle in the stores near me. Those do still seem to be available - or at least they haven't taken the signs down yet ;).
 
Well I just got banned from the Northridge GR. I asked why, but couldn't get anything specific. To me it seemed more likely to be a store level decision than a corporate one. They pulled down the $5 bonus poster they had up since I started trading there. I apologize to anyone who may have gotten in trouble over my antics, though like I said I don't know anything about what happened.

No big deal, since the bonus doesn't apply to Wii/PS3 games which will become the majority credit builders in the coming months. Still sad, since I'd been going to that store for months following (for the most part) the established rules. I know I overkilled it a few times. Still. I'm going to miss the employees, too. Good times, good times.
 
[quote name='sav2880']Remind me of something cause I'm rusty ... can you trade in to any Blockbuster?

My current area doesn't have Game Rush stores (Columbus) ... my old hometown where the family is has a ton of 'em (Cincy), and I don't recall the store I at least stopped into (Fort Wright) having any.

BTW ... seems a BUNCH of Northern KY stores have 60 gig PS3's and they will be $450 new tomorrow. Going to get one.[/quote]

Is the $450 60G PS3 available at regular Blockbuster, or you are referring only to GameRush? Since i really want to get one but i have only Blockbuster in my area :=(
 
[quote name='goengland']Is the $450 60G PS3 available at regular Blockbuster, or you are referring only to GameRush? Since i really want to get one but i have only Blockbuster in my area :=([/QUOTE]

I think they only stock the $599 80 gig PS3 bundle at regular blockbusters that i've seen. Gamerushes seem to carry the 40Gig, 60Gig, and 80Gig.

Speaking of the 60 Gig PS3 I walked into my Gamerush today with my reciept and unopened ps3 and asked if I could get a credit of $53.25 back since the 60Gig just dropped in price and was $449 in Kentucky. The young guy there was like "hmmm, yah stores can set there own prices so its just that store." I refrained from saying BS and just mentioned two stores in KY had that price so I think its a chain wide price drop.

The girl working was like "let me scan it to see what it rings up at." Of course it rings up at $449.99. I then ask if I can return/rebuy it since I just bought it two days ago and its still sealed. She denies me again and says the store manager would have to decide whether or not I can do it or not.

Damn Frustrating!
 
got some quotes today:

Wii
Avatar: The Burning Earth $30
Donkey Kong Barrel Blast $30
Manhunt 2 $23

360
NHL 2K8 $35
 
[quote name='x_fiddle']The girl working was like "let me scan it to see what it rings up at." Of course it rings up at $449.99. I then ask if I can return/rebuy it since I just bought it two days ago and its still sealed. She denies me again and says the store manager would have to decide whether or not I can do it or not.

Damn Frustrating![/QUOTE]

Yeah, doing ANY sort of return at a Gamerush has always been a hit or miss experience. They don't seem set up for that sort of thing and it seems the employee/store/manager is punished in some way for too many returns. They have said as much to me in the past. So they are very reluctant to do it - especially on a $500 item I would imagine. So I understand her booting it up to the store manager. You may have an easier time just getting them to give you the difference in credit as opposed to doing the return/rebuy. But then that has it's own host of issues... (employees giving out free credit can draw the ire of the DM).

h2dk - is there a cheap source for those games? Or are those the old Amazon Christmas deal ones?
 
just went to a local blockbuster... traded in....

Monster Madness (2x)-$28.50($57)
Madden 08-$32
Two Worlds (2x)-$32 ($64)
MUAForza2 (2x) - $15 & $32 x2=$94
got tax back-$20.70

total: $267.70

i thought the value traded in MM?! i was suprised to see the prices when i looked @ the receipt. and this was @ 7:37pm EST
 
[quote name='x_fiddle']I then ask if I can return/rebuy it since I just bought it two days ago and its still sealed. She denies me again and says the store manager would have to decide whether or not I can do it or not.

Damn Frustrating![/QUOTE]

Same here- I have to go back tomorrow morning to get the manager to refund and resell it.
 
[quote name='io']Others have covered it, but WTF?? I've never seen a DS of any kind for sale in a regular BB. And all they have is that craptacular PS3 bundle in the stores near me. Those do still seem to be available - or at least they haven't taken the signs down yet ;).[/quote]

Of the 5 BBs that I visited this weekend, two carry DS Lites (Crimson non-bundle) and both stores also carry controllers for various systems, wii/xbox point cards, etc. whereas the other stores only carry the PS3 bundle. The DS Lites also come with DS-rental cards--One DS game a week for 4 weeks. I have two of those now. The DS I bought yesterday has already sold on craigslist and the DS I bought today is still awaiting a buyer.

First flipping experience.
 
[quote name='kevlar51']I just called one of my locals and MM is still $28.50[/quote]
I have a question about this, i have never flipped before but I don't have any corperate BB around me and there are no game crazys within 100miles. All i have a re Gs/EB and Play n Trade is Offically opening tomorrow, are the trade in value not as good as GC/BB?

Thanks
 
[quote name='kevlar51']Of the 5 BBs that I visited this weekend, two carry DS Lites (Crimson non-bundle) and both stores also carry controllers for various systems, wii/xbox point cards, etc. whereas the other stores only carry the PS3 bundle. The DS Lites also come with DS-rental cards--One DS game a week for 4 weeks. I have two of those now. The DS I bought yesterday has already sold on craigslist and the DS I bought today is still awaiting a buyer.

First flipping experience.[/QUOTE]

Wait, they RENT DS games? What kind of alternate universe do you live in? :lol:
Even my old GR store didn't do that! Well, they did at first but they made a corporate decision to back the PSP a few years back (there was much discussion in the GR thread about it - nearly all stores converted their DS rental stock to used games). My local (non-GR) store still rents PSP but not DS games... I could see them going back to it with the popularity of the DS. Certainly it makes no sense to rent PSP and not DS, but then BB never makes much sense :roll:.

And aea414, flipping at EB/GS is possible but very rare and requires a unique set of circumstances. The last time I was able to do it (besides the Halo 3 transfer from Blockbuster which was more just a matter of an even exchange) was when they had the trade any 2 Wii games get a new one free. I used clearance games from CC that I got for $16.96 or less (some as low as $12 after coupons) to preorder games like Super Mario Galaxy and SSBB. It wasn't the amazing 3x/4x type of thing you can get with Blockbuster, but at least it resulted in a real game and not worthless credit ;).

There have been times in the past when they've had trade-in bonus promos (like $5 extra per game) that when combined with something like the Kmart clearance games meant you could make a bit on the trade-ins. In general, though, you will find EB/GS trade-in prices to be 1/2 to 1/3 what Blockbuster gives. Gamecrazy is generally somewhere in the middle but with less deals to exploit.
 
[quote name='io']Yeah, doing ANY sort of return at a Gamerush has always been a hit or miss experience. They don't seem set up for that sort of thing and it seems the employee/store/manager is punished in some way for too many returns. They have said as much to me in the past. So they are very reluctant to do it - especially on a $500 item I would imagine. So I understand her booting it up to the store manager. You may have an easier time just getting them to give you the difference in credit as opposed to doing the return/rebuy. But then that has it's own host of issues... (employees giving out free credit can draw the ire of the DM).[/quote]

I had to do a return this week for some new DVDs that were damaged in the package, and they made it difficult, of course. It took two trips to get my refund, because I had to come back and plead my case to the store manager when he was working. The whole process made me feel like I was doing something wrong by returning the DVDs.

I was told that BB/GR doesn't normally accept returns at all on new merchandise, but that I was granted an exception due to the circumstances. I like getting things cheap with store credit, but shopping there is too much of a hassle sometimes. I'd rather just buy someplace like Best Buy, where I know I can take something right back to the store without a fight if there's a problem. I never thought I'd be more comfortable shopping at Best Buy of all places.
 
So I'm on the fence, is it really worth shelling out 450 for the 60 gig PS3 vs getting the cheaper 40 gig model. I'm really only interested in it as a BluRay player, as I have little interest in most PS2/3 games. Whats the pro's/cons ?
 
[quote name='io']

And aea414, flipping at EB/GS is possible but very rare and requires a unique set of circumstances. The last time I was able to do it (besides the Halo 3 transfer from Blockbuster which was more just a matter of an even exchange) was when they had the trade any 2 Wii games get a new one free. I used clearance games from CC that I got for $16.96 or less (some as low as $12 after coupons) to preorder games like Super Mario Galaxy and SSBB. It wasn't the amazing 3x/4x type of thing you can get with Blockbuster, but at least it resulted in a real game and not worthless credit ;).

There have been times in the past when they've had trade-in bonus promos (like $5 extra per game) that when combined with something like the Kmart clearance games meant you could make a bit on the trade-ins. In general, though, you will find EB/GS trade-in prices to be 1/2 to 1/3 what Blockbuster gives. Gamecrazy is generally somewhere in the middle but with less deals to exploit.[/quote]

I see, I know it is a newer company but does anyone have any experience with Trade N Play(they are opening their doors tomorrow) I like their business plan of "Try before you buy, where you can play the game in store to see if you like it"
 
[quote name='stoned99']So I'm on the fence, is it really worth shelling out 450 for the 60 gig PS3 vs getting the cheaper 40 gig model. I'm really only interested in it as a BluRay player, as I have little interest in most PS2/3 games. Whats the pro's/cons ?[/quote]

60GB has 100% backwards compatiblity, 4 usb ports and memory card slots(i don't think the 40GB has that)
 
[quote name='io']Wait, they RENT DS games? What kind of alternate universe do you live in? :lol:
Even my old GR store didn't do that! Well, they did at first but they made a corporate decision to back the PSP a few years back (there was much discussion in the GR thread about it - nearly all stores converted their DS rental stock to used games). My local (non-GR) store still rents PSP but not DS games... I could see them going back to it with the popularity of the DS. Certainly it makes no sense to rent PSP and not DS, but then BB never makes much sense :roll:.
[/quote]

I was just as shocked as you. Only the stores that rented the games sold the DS Lites. And actually, one of those BBs didn't have the systems out in front for all to see, they had the boxes mixed amongst the rental games. Very odd, but it ensured there were 5 left, while the other store only had 1.
 
Re: $10 giftcards at BB.

Yes it's true (as confirmed by someone else). BB sent out a communication to all CA stores regarding the policy. So, assuming the managers actually read their e-mails (hah!), you should be able to get them cashed in. The stores won't offer to do it though, so you'll have to ask. Also, realize that if you just walk in and ask them to cash it in for you, you'll probably be given the run around as noone will want to (they're lazy and will probably suspect you of stealing it or something). However, if you use it to buy something and then ask for the remainder amount back in cash, they'll probably do it without much of a second thought (although it does require a manager in order to do it). Also, there was no differentiation between value cards and giftcards in the communication so it sounds like you should be able to cash in either one just the same.
 
[quote name='aea414']I see, I know it is a newer company but does anyone have any experience with Trade N Play(they are opening their doors tomorrow) I like their business plan of "Try before you buy, where you can play the game in store to see if you like it"[/quote]

Does GS/EB or GC still do that? I know for a while they all did that. Last I checked you had to express "serious interest" in buying it first, but that was 4 years ago.
 
[quote name='Warner1281']Source/link??? Not that I doubt you in particular, but as a rule of thumb I don't trust the interwebs unless I've something a little more solid than one person on a gaming forum. I would like this, not only to use it, but if it's true I need to inform my boss so we can figure out how to update the store's computer system for this.[/QUOTE]


Calling me a liar? Yeah, I would not have believed it too until I saw it listed as one of the new laws that went into effect as of January 1st 2008.
 
File under slightly naughty, but I picked up a Forza2\MUA bundle at EB and managed to "acquire" a regular MUA cover by being sneaky and slipping it behind the bundle cover. I've done the same sort of things for manuals on occasion, but never for cover art (which requires a bit more speed and subtlety.) Traded the MUA in a spare case at GR for $15 without incident (I bought the bundle mainly for Forza.) A good solution for those whose stores require covers for trade-ins!:twisted:
 
[quote name='nietzsche74']File under slightly naughty, but I picked up a Forza2\MUA bundle at EB and managed to "acquire" a regular MUA cover by being sneaky and slipping it behind the bundle cover. I've done the same sort of things for manuals on occasion, but never for cover art (which requires a bit more speed and subtlety.) Traded the MUA in a spare case at GR for $15 without incident (I bought the bundle mainly for Forza.) A good solution for those whose stores require covers for trade-ins!:twisted:[/QUOTE]

Or you could just print out the cover from various sources online :rolleyes:
 
Wonderful news about Monster Madness. I had an extra copy I didn't get to trade, and was going to keep it if it dropped to $9. Hearing it's still at $28 is awesome.
 
Anyone get anything good at Circuit city 8.96 clearance sale going on now to flip?
Itching for Best Buy event tomorrow, big price drop on a lot of games, will go down the street to see if Circuit has anything left afterwards.
 
[quote name='stone1061']Anyone get anything good at Circuit city 8.96 clearance sale going on now to flip?
Itching for Best Buy event tomorrow, big price drop on a lot of games, will go down the street to see if Circuit has anything left afterwards.[/QUOTE]

what best buy event? and price drop on which games?
 
[quote name='pogipinoy27']what best buy event? and price drop on which games?[/quote]

Check the forum. Nobody is exactly sure which games yet, but there are several hundred dropping tomorrow.
 
[quote name='aea414']I have a question about this, i have never flipped before but I don't have any corperate BB around me and there are no game crazys within 100miles. All i have a re Gs/EB and Play n Trade is Offically opening tomorrow, are the trade in value not as good as GC/BB?

Thanks[/quote]

The great thing about PnT is that most of the time they will 'price match' trade in values of other stores. usually their own trade values are pretty good.
 
[quote name='Dhuk']The great thing about PnT is that most of the time they will 'price match' trade in values of other stores. usually their own trade values are pretty good.[/quote]

Sounds just like GameCrazy. Let's hope their management is superior...
 
Trade in value for the following this past weekend:


:360: The Darkness $32.00
:360: Rainbow Six Vegas $19.00
:360: Oblivion $15.00
 
Man, I hope my Two Worlds get here soon.

BTW, anyone in San Jose, CA?
If so, any opinions on any of the lcoations?
 
Now that we all have seen Novito Sanchez' posts, I think it's fairly clear how kunai was able to do as much as he has. Poor guy doesn't speak our language. :lol:

[quote name='djkunai']California Senate Bill 250:

http://www.consumercal.org/actions/actionontwobills/

Wow. This has some potential...[/quote]Do us a favor, buddy? Don't put single stores or districts or the entire BB chain out of business. It's fighting to stay alive as it is.


[quote name='stone1061']What's all this talk about guilt?
Does Blockbuster feel guilty for charging $8 to rent a game? or $5 to rent a kids movie that cost $10 to buy? Did they feel guilty for increasing my online rental agreement by $2 a month?
[/quote]Time to face facts, kiddo. They're in business to make money. Not just for the corporation, for their stockholders as well. They pay their bills, they provide jobs.

You don't like what they charge, shop elsewhere.
 
Trade in Today:

360
Forza 2: 32
Rainbow Six Vegas CE 35
Fusion Frenzy 2 - 8

PS2
Rugby 06 - 6.50

GC
One Peice -2.50


Also I noticed that they had The Adventures of BIlly & Mandy for the Wii in the case where they keep the games that sell for 40 and up.

It was selling for 39.99, anyone know the Trade-In? It could be a good flipper.
 
[quote name='calum93']Can someone tell me what the trade in value for two worlds CE is?[/QUOTE]

Probably 35, as that's their highest trade-in price, and its what the Rainbow six Vegas CE gets.
 
Last week, an idiot at BB lied to me saying that the MM trade-in value was $9.

Today I traded it in anyways and it was $28.50.

I should of accepted it just to see if he was lying.
 
Today I got a successful price adjustment for my December 26th purchased 60 gb PS3. No hassle from the manager, fortunately. $53 for me!
 
[quote name='ave1']Today I got a successful price adjustment for my December 26th purchased 60 gb PS3. No hassle from the manager, fortunately. $53 for me![/QUOTE]
Hm I wonder if I can do that. I purchased my 60GB PS3 back on 12/16/07.
 
[quote name='unforeseen']Last week, an idiot at BB lied to me saying that the MM trade-in value was $9.

Today I traded it in anyways and it was $28.50.

I should of accepted it just to see if he was lying.[/QUOTE]
Did the same today, and was glad to see that the trade value held at $28.50.
 
[quote name='unforeseen']That is strange.
BTW, a new law is in effect in California where gift cards $10 or less can be redeemed for cash (at the choice of the customer).[/QUOTE]


Build a Bear recently gave my daughter back a card with 4 cents on it
 
[quote name='jlarlee']Build a Bear recently gave my daughter back a card with 4 cents on it[/quote]

Teddy bastards.
 
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