Expert Reviews

Honest Gamestop PowerUp Pro Membership Review

Deanna Balestra

March 30, 2021

2 comments

It’s no secret in the gaming world that digital gaming has taken a toll on used-game outlets like Gamestop. More and more gaming is done without a physical copy of the game. Gamestop still has its palace, though, for those with older series or retro gaming equipment and for people who like to shop for collectibles. 

With trade-ins and used game sales on the decline, Gamestop needed to revamp their pro membership program to make it more profitable. This article will give an honest rundown of the new benefits and see if the Power Up Pro membership is still worth it. 

How The Latest Gamestop PowerUp Pro Membership Works

Gamestop offers a free loyalty program called Power Up Rewards. You’ll earn points for every dollar you spend, a birthday gift, and special offers. However, you can choose to pay a yearly fee to upgrade to the Pro Membership. 

Pro membership offers enhanced benefits such as double the points, special deal days, welcome gifts, extra trade-in credit, and a $5 cash benefit each month. With the Pro Membership, you’ll also receive the coveted Game Informer magazine. Many people opt-into the pro membership just to get the magazine. 

The Pro Membership costs $14.99 a year for digital access to Game Informer and $19.99 a year if you want a physical copy of the magazine. 

What Changes Did Gamestop Make to the Pro Membership In 2020 And Why?

One of the most popular features of the old pro membership was removed and replaced, causing quite a stir in the pre-owned gaming community. Under the previous plan, a pro membership would grant you 10% off all used game purchases. This was a massive benefit if you routinely purchased pre-owned games, which was once the main staple of Gamestop. 

Due to the decline in used-game sales and several other factors, including profitability overall, Gamestop removed the 10% discount on pre-owned games and replaced it with a monthly $5 credit. Some people welcomed the change, while others saw it as a reduced benefit. 

Pros and Cons Of The Gamestop Power Up Pro $5 Credit 

Change is never easy, and you can’t make everyone happy all the time. Here are some pros and cons to the $5 credit:

First, let’s list the possible cons, or negatives, to the change:

• If you purchased many used games, the 10% discount ended up being a lot larger savings than $5 per month.

• The $5 per month is not stackable and doesn’t rollover. This means you use it or lose it each month.

• Not much you really want costs $5, so that means a monthly purchase has to be made to redeem the savings. 

Now, let’s list the pros, or positives, to the change:

• Used game sales are on the decline, signaling that Gamestop shoppers might rather have a more flexible benefit. The $5 can be used on new games, collectibles, and other merchandise. 

• You can use your $5 credit for Nintendo e-shop credit, which can add up over time. 

Obviously, Gamestop is trying to get people to come into their physical stores more often, hoping it will lead to more sales and impulse buys. While people that buy mostly pre-owned games might not be coming out ahead, Gamestop is looking to appeal to a broader range of shoppers. 

Gamestop PowerUp Pro Reward Points System Overview 

There are additional ways to earn reward points other than simply shopping. This gives you a variety of cheap or free ways to rack up some additional points. Here are the ways you can earn reward points at Gamestop:

• Making purchases (10 points per dollar for the free plan, 20 points per dollar for the pro membership)
• Trading in your old games and equipment at Gamestop
• Checking in at stores on the Gamestop App
• Completing an online profile
• Completing occasional surveys 

You also have several choices in how you redeem your points for rewards. You can use your banked rewards for:

• Reward certificates (they work like gift cards)
• Online coupons
• Apply points towards the cost of next year’s pro membership
• Donate reward points to charity

Gamestop Pro Membership FAQs

How Long Will Gamestop Survive as a Video Game Retailer? 

For years now, Gamestop has been taking a slow march towards its inevitable death. Eventually, what is right now the largest video game retailer in the country, will succumb to the same fate that befell Blockbuster video stores. Their use is simply being phased-out. It won’t be sudden; experts think they have at least 10 years left as some popular game systems are still being made with disks. The future is certainly digital. 

Gamestop has tried to keep up, they had a failed attempt at getting into the smartphone market, but that didn’t work out. Their attempt to go mobile drained their bank accounts and took on heavy debt. The company laid off many employees and closed stores around the country in order to survive. 

Right now, they are suffering from a stock plummet from an already low $15 per share to under $5 per share. This is certainly a signal that investors do not think Gamestop will be around for the long haul. 

Since the Gamestop Powerup Pro Membership is an annual program, you can still use it now and get your money’s worth from it while you can. 

Wrapping Up, Is A Gamestop Power Up Pro Membership Worth The Cost?

The potential savings of the pro membership lies in how you intend to use it. Many gamers upgrade to pro simply to get the Game Informer magazine and find that to be justification enough for the membership’s cost. If you are a frequent shopper at Gamestop, then the $5 monthly credit can help you save money. 

The membership only costs $15-$20 dollars, and the savings is $60 in monthly rewards, not including the fact that you earn reward credit and have access to special deals. From a simple cost-analysis perspective, this membership pays for itself quickly, as long as you use it to the fullest.