GameStop jokingly called the PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii U and Xbox 360 “retro” in a March 2026 announcement tied to a temporary trade-in bonus. The reported extra trade credit offer has expired; GameStop’s current trade program still lists consoles and retro gaming, but acceptance and value depend on the product, its condition and participating store.
Why did GameStop call these consoles retro?
In a statement dated March 16, 2026, GameStop described the PS3, Wii U and Xbox 360 as “for all practical purposes, now officially retro consoles,” according to Time Extension. The post joked about component cables, the systems’ age and the absence of Fortnite. It also reassured owners that the consoles were “still very cool” and that anyone who owned one at launch was “absolutely not old.”
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
PlayStation 3 160GB System | $129.79 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Sony PlayStation 3 250GB Console - Black | $179.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed) | $184.22 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
PlayStation 3 Slim Console 120GB (Old Model) (Renewed) | $160.33 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
PlayStation 3 120GB System | $139.50 | Buy on Amazon |
That was GameStop’s humorous retailer framing for a promotion, not an industry-wide or technical standard. It does not change the consoles’ status outside GameStop or guarantee that a store will take any particular model.
What was the trade-in perk?
GameStop’s announcement included a reported extra 10% in trade credit for qualifying consoles, games or accessories. Time Extension reported that defective retro consoles would also be accepted if they powered on. Those details describe the limited-time 2026 promotion, not a standing policy.
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#1 Best Overall
- IBM Cell processor and a co-developed NVIDIA graphics processor
- Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1
- PlayStation 3 utilizes the Blu-ray disc media format
- The Dualshock 3 wireless controller(one controller) included with The PlayStation 3
- HDMI + Bravia Synch functionality
Contemporaneous reports disagree about when the offer ended: Time Extension reported March 21, 2026, while Nintendo Everything reported March 31, 2026. The exact end date is unresolved, but either date is in the past. The extra-credit offer is no longer available.
Can you trade a PS3, Wii U or Xbox 360 at GameStop now?
GameStop’s current trade page lists consoles and retro gaming among its trade categories. That does not establish that every PS3, Wii U or Xbox 360 model is currently eligible, or set a value for any of them. GameStop’s terms restrict the program to select products at select stores in the United States and Guam; condition and trade value are determined by GameStop at its discretion.
Rank #2
- This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, and may arrive in a generic box
- Check the specific item with GameStop rather than assuming a console qualifies.
- Confirm that your local store participates.
- Ask what components are required and what value the store will offer after assessing the item.
- Remember that trades are final under GameStop’s terms.
The general terms say products must be in good condition and include necessary components to receive the highest value. The promotion’s reported exception for defective consoles that powered on should not be read as a current promise that a broken console will be accepted.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to know before taking in an old console
Check the item and store before making a trip: GameStop reserves the right to change or suspend trades without notice, and acceptance is not guaranteed by the company’s broad listing of retro gaming. Its trade terms also state that handing over a product releases GameStop from claims involving the product or its contents and data. Remove personal information and check the terms carefully before trading hardware that may contain data.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- HDMI + Bravia Sync functionality that provides both 1080p output resolution.
- A new 33% slimmer, 36% lighter PlayStation 3 entertainment system that is also more energy efficient.
- Includes a Dualshock 3 wireless controller and a built-in 120GB HDD for storing games, music, videos, and photos.
- Built-in Wi-Fi for connectivity anywhere and multiple media format compatibility.
- Free membership and access to all the events, as well as game, movie, TV and other media content available on the PlayStation Network (PSN).
Rank #4
- HDMI + Bravia Sync functionality that provides both 1080p output resolution.
- A new 33% slimmer, 36% lighter PlayStation 3 entertainment system that is also more energy efficient.
- Includes a Dualshock 3 wireless controller and a built-in 120GB HDD for storing games, music, videos, and photos.
- Built-in Wi-Fi for connectivity anywhere and multiple media format compatibility.
- Free membership and access to all the events, as well as game, movie, TV and other media content available on the PlayStation Network (PSN).
Rank #3
- Internet Ready With Built-in Wi-Fi with a Cell Broadband Engine Advanced Microprocessor
- When starting up the system for the first time, hold the power button until a "screen display" message shows up on screen. Select the desired output, and the system will startup normally.
- 160GB system
- Blu-ray player to give you pristine picture quality
- The best high-definition viewing experience available
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
