Retail
Ongoing coverage on Retail.
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Former PlayStation Store boss says retail price is "set directly by the publisher" as digital draws ire for being more costly than the physical discs Sony is killing
A former head of the PlayStation Store, Gordon Thornton, stated that publishers, not Sony, set the recommended retail prices for games on the platform. This comes amid concerns that digital game prices are higher than physical copies and that Sony's move away from physical discs in 2028 will exacerbate this issue. Thornton's comments contrast with previous legal claims where Sony suggested it set retail prices under a wholesale model.
Where to pre-order GTA 6 in Australia: bundles, discounts, and how to find pre-load friendly delivery times
This guide details where to pre-order Grand Theft Auto 6 in Australia, focusing on retailers offering bundles and discounts. It also provides advice on securing pre-load friendly delivery times for the game.
Business and Finance
A retailer has warned of potential stock shortages for Grand Theft Auto consoles. The article also questions the continued presence of Russian propaganda on the Steam platform, highlighting business and industry concerns.
Some Retailers Are Refusing to Sell GTA 6 Due to the Lack of a Disc
Two retailers have announced they will not sell Grand Theft Auto 6 because it will not be released on physical disc. This decision highlights ongoing shifts in game distribution models.
Some Retailers Are Refusing To Carry GTA 6’s Physical Release
Two retailers, Video Games Plus and Loot Box Gaming, have announced they will not carry Grand Theft Auto 6 due to its lack of a traditional physical disc release, opting instead for a code-in-a-box format. Both companies cited policies against selling games with only digital codes and emphasized their commitment to game preservation. While these retailers are small, their stance highlights a growing concern about the decline of physical media in the gaming industry.
Walmart seems to be selling Star Fox a day early
Retailer Walmart has reportedly begun selling the Nintendo Switch version of Star Fox a day before its official release date. Images circulating on social media show customers securing physical copies of the game prior to its scheduled Thursday launch.
Copies of Sonic Frontiers Definitive Edition apparently go on sale 23rd June
Copies of Sonic Frontiers Definitive Edition have reportedly appeared at retailers ahead of its official release date. Customers have been informed that the game cannot be sold until June 23rd, which coincides with Sonic the Hedgehog's 35th birthday.
Valve won't let retailers stock physical Steam gift cards anymore because "scammers have adapted" to whatever security measures they've tried
Valve has decided to discontinue the sale of physical Steam gift cards in retail stores due to ongoing issues with scammers adapting to security measures. While digital gift cards will remain available, the cessation of physical cards means an end to using trade-in credit for gift cards and limits options for purchasing Steam currency. Valve expects existing stock to be depleted by the end of 2026.
GameStop Just Posted Its Highest Profit In History, Going Back Decades
Video game retailer GameStop has reported its highest-ever quarterly profit of $389.6 million for its fiscal Q1, a significant increase from $44.8 million in the same period last year. Revenue also rose to $835.3 million, while the company continued to cut costs. CEO Ryan Cohen is reportedly exploring a hostile takeover of eBay, having secured $20 billion in financing.
Crunchyroll announces anime retail pop-up in Los Angeles — MP3s & NPCs
Crunchyroll is launching a retail pop-up experience called The Loop at Westfield Topanga Mall in Los Angeles, featuring exclusive merchandise and immersive activations for anime series like Solo Leveling. The event will offer free general admission, with Crunchyroll subscribers receiving early access and a special pin pack available for purchase that also acts as a skip-the-line pass.
Google is opening its first flagship store outside of the US
Google announced it will open its first flagship store outside of the United States in Tokyo this summer. This marks a significant expansion of Google's retail presence into the international market.
June 2026 Target Pokemon Merchandise Drop Detailed
Target has detailed its upcoming second drop of Pokemon merchandise, set to launch on June 6, 2026, both in-store and online. The collection includes new Starter pullover jackets, shirts, puzzles, balls, and an Instant Print Digital Camera featuring Eevee. Some items from the first drop, like the Kanto Pokemon Starter Jacket, will also be restocked online on June 7, 2026.
Florida Man Accused of Using Chainsaw to Steal $12,000 of Pokémon Cards
A Florida man was arrested for allegedly stealing $12,000 worth of Pokémon cards from a store using a chainsaw. The incident involved a break-in where the cards were taken.
First Nintendo Authorized Store Opens to the Public in the Philippines - GameHaunt
Nintendo has opened its first authorized retail store in the Philippines at SM Makati, Manila, on November 28, 2024. The store offers official Nintendo hardware, software, and exclusive merchandise, featuring interactive demo stations and local warranty support. This marks a significant expansion for Nintendo into the Philippine market, moving away from grey-market imports.
Confused Retailers Receive Mysterious Shipments Containing One of the PS4's Rarest Games, Poop Slinger
Several independent video game retailers have received unexpected shipments of Poop Slinger, a rare title for the PlayStation 4. The nature of these mysterious deliveries is currently unknown.
My Nintendo Store will rebrand to Nintendo Store at the end of May
Nintendo announced that its online retail platform, My Nintendo Store, will be rebranded to Nintendo Store at the end of May. The company stated that this name change will not affect any existing services or products offered to customers.
GameStop (CEO) Ryan Cohen lashes out at eBay's insiders and lists things for auction
GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen is publicly criticizing eBay's leadership and has listed items for auction. The article highlights escalating rhetoric from Cohen against the e-commerce platform's executives.
GameStop is trying to buy eBay for £40 billion to rival Amazon
GameStop has made an unsolicited offer of over £40 billion to acquire eBay, aiming to create a rival to Amazon. CEO Ryan Cohen proposed a bid of $125 per share in cash and stock, with plans for significant cost-saving measures and potential job cuts. While GameStop has limited cash reserves, it has secured financing commitments and plans to approach eBay shareholders directly if the initial offer is rejected.
Gamestop confirms plans to buy eBay
GameStop has confirmed plans to acquire eBay for $125.00 per share in cash and stock, a significant premium over eBay's current valuation. The proposed strategy involves utilizing GameStop's physical stores for authentication, intake, and fulfillment, integrating a physical presence into eBay's online-only model. GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen will lead the combined entity without salary or bonuses, with compensation tied to performance. The acquisition is expected to result in substantial cost-cutting measures, including significant job losses.
Philippines to Welcome Its First Nintendo Authorized Store in May 2026 - GameHaunt
The Philippines will open its first official Nintendo Authorized Store at SM Makati in May 2025, marking Nintendo's direct retail entry into Southeast Asia. The 150-square-meter store will feature the Nintendo Switch 2, Switch OLED, games, amiibo figures, and exclusive merchandise, offering an experiential hub for Filipino gamers.
