How Much Does GameStop PowerUp Cost? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer to the question, “How much does GameStop PowerUp cost?” is that the membership is now called GameStop Pro and it costs $25 per year, plus applicable taxes. This marks a shift from the previous PowerUp Rewards program, which cost $14.99 annually. The price increase reflects revisions in key benefits and the addition of a digital Game Informer subscription. While there was a brief window to lock in the old price, the current standard cost for a GameStop Pro membership is $25. This article dives deep into what the membership entails, its value, and answers frequently asked questions to give you a complete understanding.
What Does a GameStop Pro Membership Include?
The GameStop Pro membership is designed for gamers who frequently shop at GameStop. Here’s what you get for your $25 annual fee:
- Monthly $5 Pro Reward: Members receive a $5 reward each month, which can be used on a variety of GameStop products. This alone can recoup a good portion of the annual fee if used regularly.
- 10,000 Welcome Points: New members receive 10,000 points upon joining. These points can be redeemed for rewards, including gift cards.
- Digital Game Informer Subscription: Included with your membership is access to a digital subscription to Game Informer magazine, a benefit for gamers who want the latest news and reviews in the gaming world.
- Extra Value on Trades: Pro members get 10% more value when trading in games, consoles, and accessories. This can significantly increase your trade-in earnings over time.
- Exclusive Deals and Savings: Pro members get access to exclusive deals and discounts throughout the year, including during Pro Week events.
- Points on Purchases: Members accumulate points for every purchase made at GameStop, whether online or in-store. These points can be redeemed for various rewards.
The Value of a GameStop Pro Membership
While the cost has increased, many gamers find the GameStop Pro membership provides substantial value. For instance, if you use the $5 monthly rewards consistently, that alone provides $60 in value over a year. Adding in the initial 10,000 welcome points, which are worth at least $10, gives you a potential $70 return. The added benefits like extra trade-in value, exclusive deals, and the digital Game Informer subscription sweeten the deal.
Furthermore, the frequent Pro Week events provide additional opportunities to save and earn more rewards, making the annual membership worthwhile for regular GameStop shoppers.
Understanding GameStop Points
How Many Points Do You Need for a Reward?
One thousand (1,000) GameStop points can be redeemed for a $1 Reward Certificate. You can also use points towards renewing your Pro membership.
How To Use Your Points
You can redeem points at the checkout in any GameStop store. You can also redeem points for a variety of rewards, including GameStop gift cards, merchandise and experiences. Points can be used to renew your GameStop Pro membership.
Automatic Renewal of Your Membership
GameStop Pro memberships are automatically renewed annually through an Auto-renew Program, using the payment information GameStop has on file. This ensures continued access to all member benefits. The auto renewal cost is still the same $25 annual fee, plus taxes.
GameStop Pro Membership Price Increase
The transition from PowerUp Rewards to GameStop Pro included a price increase from $14.99 to $24.99 per year (now $25). This change is accompanied by enhanced benefits, including a digital Game Informer subscription, and a continuation of the monthly $5 reward. Although the increase might seem significant, the overall package aims to offer greater value to loyal customers.
Is the GameStop Pro Membership Worth the Price?
Whether the GameStop Pro membership is worth the price depends largely on how frequently you shop and trade at GameStop. If you take advantage of the $5 monthly rewards, trade-in games, and are interested in digital Game Informer magazine, the $25 annual fee can easily pay for itself. However, if you only shop at GameStop occasionally, it might not provide the same level of benefit. Ultimately, it’s a cost-benefit analysis based on your gaming and shopping habits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much is 10,000 GameStop points worth?
According to GameStop’s example, 10,000 points are worth approximately $10 in rewards. This is based on the welcome bonus members receive upon joining.
2. Can I buy a PS5 at GameStop without a Pro membership?
Yes, you can purchase a PlayStation 5 (PS5) at GameStop without being a Pro member. A membership is not required for buying products in the store or online. However, Pro members do get extra value on used products and can sometimes have access to exclusive bundles.
3. Does GameStop price match with other retailers?
Yes, GameStop may price match with Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. The item must be new, full-priced, sold directly by those companies (not third-party sellers), and in stock at the physical GameStop location where you are requesting the match.
4. How often does GameStop get new PS5 stock?
GameStop typically restocks the PS5 once a month, often on a weekend. They often sell the consoles in bundles, which include games and accessories.
5. How do I redeem my GameStop points?
You can redeem your GameStop points at checkout in any GameStop store. You can also use them to purchase gift cards, merchandise, gaming gear and towards your GameStop Pro membership.
6. Can I return games to GameStop?
Yes, unopened new products, including new software, hardware, accessories, collectibles, and unworn apparel (with tags attached) are returnable within 15 days of purchase. Unopened “special” or “collector” editions of video game software and hardware are returnable within 7 days of purchase.
7. Do GameStop gift cards expire?
No, GameStop gift cards do not expire. However, they cannot be redeemed for cash, except where required by law.
8. How often is GameStop Pro Week?
GameStop Pro Week typically happens at least four times a year, offering enhanced savings and deals for Pro members.
9. Does GameStop keep records of my purchases?
Yes, if you used a credit or debit card, GameStop can usually look up your past purchases and print a new receipt. They can also check for console purchases even if you paid with cash.
10. Why are PS5s sometimes more expensive at GameStop?
GameStop often sells the PS5 as part of bundles with games and accessories. While these are more expensive than buying the console alone, the bundles may include items you were planning on buying anyway.
11. What is the difference between GameStop Pro and regular member value?
GameStop Pro Members get 10% extra value on most items, along with the monthly rewards, welcome points, and exclusive deals. Regular members get fewer benefits and don’t get the monthly reward.
12. What happens if I forget to renew my GameStop Pro membership?
If you do not wish to renew, it is best to turn off the auto renewal in your account settings. If not auto-renewal will continue using the payment method on file. Failure to renew would mean the loss of benefits until you renew your Pro membership.
13. How many PowerUp Rewards members does GameStop have?
As of January 28, 2023, GameStop had approximately 56.7 million PowerUp Rewards members in the U.S., with around 5.6 million being Pro members.
14. Can I use my points to get a free game?
Yes, you can use your GameStop points towards the purchase of games or any other products GameStop offers. Points can also be converted to gift cards and used towards purchases.
15. What if I have more questions about GameStop Pro?
If you have more questions, you can talk to a store associate at any GameStop store. They can provide more information about PowerUp Rewards and how you can redeem your points.