GameStop’s First 'Trade Anything Day' Is Dec. 6 — What To Bring (And What Not To)

GameStop's First 'Trade Anything Day' — What You Need To Know

GameStop will host its inaugural Trade Anything Day on Saturday, Dec. 6, expanding its usual trade-in program to accept a much wider range of items for store credit, the company told USA TODAY. Customers may bring a single item that fits inside a 20×20×20-inch box; accepted items will be exchanged for GameStop store credit.

How It Works

Each customer may trade in one item that meets the size requirement. Anyone who brings an item to trade on Dec. 6 will also receive a $5 trade card that can be used that day or saved for a future purchase, according to GameStop's website. If you bring an item that is already covered by GameStop’s normal trade program—like games, consoles, or eligible accessories—it will be handled under the retailer’s standard valuation and processing procedures.

What You Can (And Can’t) Trade

On Trade Anything Day, GameStop is open to a broad variety of items that fit the 20×20×20-inch limit, including handmade crafts (crochet, knit, sculpture, etc.). However, the company provided a clear list of items that are strictly ineligible and must not be brought to stores:

• Hazardous waste, hazardous materials, chemicals or liquids
• Lithium-ion batteries or items containing lithium-ion batteries
• Weapons and ammunition
• Live animals and dead animals (taxidermied animals are an exception)
• Alcohol, tobacco, drugs or pharmaceuticals (legal or illegal)
• Most computers (some MacBooks may still be accepted under normal trade rules)
• Large or miscellaneous machines (document scanners, printers, 3D printers, label printers, digital picture frames)
• Small electronics such as portable music players, VCRs, DVD players, DVRs, digital converter boxes, cable/satellite receivers and projectors
• Gift cards
• Sexual or explicit items
• Anything resembling body parts

GameStop also notes that store employees retain final discretion to reject any item they judge unsuitable or unsafe for trade-in.

A Reminder About Value

Trades are paid in store credit (not cash). Values for items that fall under GameStop’s standard trade program will be determined using the retailer’s usual valuation system. For unusual or one-off items accepted on Trade Anything Day, valuation is at the store’s discretion after inspection and verification.

Record Trade Example

To show how valuable a trade-in can be, GameStop reported a recent high-value transaction: on Dec. 1 a customer in Grapevine, Texas, sold a fully authenticated PSA Grade 10 Holo Gengar card. The card had a fair-market valuation of about $33,883; after inspection and compliance checks, the store paid the seller $30,494. GameStop described that sale as the most valuable single trade-in in company history.

Tips Before You Go

• Verify your item fits the 20×20×20-inch limit before you travel to the store.
• Bring any authentication or documentation for collectible items to help with valuation.
• Check your local GameStop’s hours and any store-specific rules on the company website.

If you’re considering a trade, use GameStop’s official site or contact your local store for the latest details and any updates to policy ahead of Dec. 6.