GameStop Fixes Nintendo Switch 2 'Infinite Money Glitch'

A viral video exposed a bizarre financial anomaly within GameStop's trade-in system, allowing customers to generate profit from a Nintendo Switch 2 transaction. The exploit, dubbed the "GameStop Infinite Money Glitch," briefly turned the retailer's promotional logic on its head. It created a scenario where the trade-in value of a pre-owned console exceeded the cost of purchasing a brand-new one.

GameStop has since acknowledged the error and implemented a fix. The company confirmed that the loophole was real but short-lived, affecting a narrow window of transactions. While the incident highlights a system glitch, it also underscores the retailer's ongoing battle with public perception regarding trade-in values.

The exploit was demonstrated by YouTuber RJCmedia, who detailed the specific arithmetic required to trigger the glitch. The process involved a precise sequence of events at the point of sale. By purchasing a Nintendo Switch 2 for $414.99 and immediately trading it back in alongside a pre-owned game, a promotional bonus was triggered.

This bonus increased the trade credit for the Switch 2 to $472.50. The math resulted in a net gain of over $50 in store credit per transaction. Because the system allowed this cycle to be repeated, it effectively created an endless revenue stream for the customer.

"In short, our system briefly valued the pre-owned trade more than the new retail cost of the console itself, creating a narrow window where customers could repeat this transaction over and over to amass infinite trade credit."

The glitch was specific to the interaction between the new console purchase and the pre-owned game trade-in. It did not apply to standard trade-ins without the accompanying purchase, limiting the scope of the exploit to those who followed the exact steps outlined in the video.

GameStop moved quickly to address the issue after being alerted to the video. A company spokesperson confirmed that an anonymous individual sent an email exposing the loophole to an "irrelevant inbox," which the retailer then verified. This proactive monitoring allowed GameStop to patch the glitch before it could be widely exploited.

The company emphasized that the exploit was not widespread. Outside of the original video by RJCmedia, there is little evidence that the method was put into practice by a significant number of customers. GameStop issued a statement confirming the fix:

"Effective immediately, the glitch has been patched. Trade promotions have been updated to ensure customers can no longer convert basic arithmetic into an endless revenue stream, and balance has been restored."

The spokesperson also noted the irony of the situation, given that the internet frequently criticizes the retailer for offering poor trade-in values. The incident serves as a rare public admission of a system error that temporarily favored the customer.

This incident is not the first time GameStop has turned a potential PR headache into a viral moment. The retailer has a history of leaning into internet memes and mishaps with a sense of humor. Previously, the company addressed a viral incident involving a Switch 2 stapler by joking about it and hosting a related auction.

The current situation also plays into the ongoing narrative that GameStop offers poor trade-in values. The retailer recently capitalized on this meme with its "Trade Anything Day" promotion, widely publicized as a bit of fun. By acknowledging the glitch openly, GameStop attempts to control the narrative, framing the error as a temporary system hiccup rather than a fundamental flaw.

• Previous viral stapler incident turned into a marketing opportunity.
• Recent "Trade Anything Day" promotion embraced the poor-value meme.
• Current glitch addressed with transparency and a quick fix.

However, the timing of this news is notable. It comes just days after reports emerged that GameStop plans to close approximately 400 stores nationwide. The juxtaposition of a financial glitch against a backdrop of layoffs and store closures adds a layer of complexity to the retailer's public relations efforts.

GameStop has successfully closed the window on the "Infinite Money Glitch," ensuring that trade-in values no longer exceed the retail price of new hardware. The retailer's swift response highlights its commitment to maintaining a sustainable pricing structure, even if it meant correcting an error that temporarily benefited the consumer.

While the exploit was limited in scope and duration, it serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in managing trade-in promotions. As GameStop navigates a shifting retail landscape and store closures, the company continues to balance its public image with the operational realities of the gaming market.