UK Retailer GAME to End In-Store Sales of Physical Games and Hardware

UK retailer GAME is reportedly ending in-store sales of physical games and hardware, shifting to a 'pre-order only' policy. Customers will need to pre-order titles like "The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom" and "Metroid Prime 4: Beyond" for in-store pickup. This decision follows the termination of trade-ins, pre-owned stock, and the GAME Reward scheme. The move aligns with a broader strategy to operate within concession units in stores owned by the Frasers Group, such as Sports Direct.

This shift comes at a critical time for Nintendo, which is expected to reveal the successor to the Switch within the current fiscal year. Additionally, most of GAME's staff, except for store managers, have been transitioned to zero-hour contracts, and redundancies have been reported. The changes reflect a decline in physical game sales, as digital media becomes more prevalent. GAME's store space is increasingly focused on toys and collectibles, potentially signaling a significant transformation in the retailer's business model.