GameStop slams the brakes on its used game rental service
GameStop PowerPass isn't quite ready for showtime.
The video game retailer's $60 subscription program has been placed on an indefinite hold just a few weeks after it was announced. The reason is unclear, but it sounds like a technical issue.
"We are working through some of the program limitations we have identified to ensure the PowerPass subscription service delivers an exceptional experience for our customers," a spokesperson said in an email.
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The program, as it was originally revealed, works like this: For $60 you get a 6-month rental subscription that allows you to visit any GameStop store and "rent" one of the used games in stock. There's no additional charge on each rental, but you can only have one game checked out at a time. At the end of each 6-month subscription, you get to choose one used game to keep as your own.
The subscription is only available for GameStop Power-Up Rewards members, but that's not much of a stumbling block: While there are paid tiers that offer additional benefits, there's also a free base tier.
Technically, the PowerPass program had already kicked off by the time GameStop made the decision to temporarily shut it down. And while your subscription is technically now over if you're one of those who signed up, it's not all bad news.
"For those guests who have already purchased the service, we are allowing them to bring the pass and video game they have checked out, back to receive a full refund," our GameStop spokesperson said. "In addition, we are allowing them to pick out any Pre-Owned video game for free."
Not a bad deal, right? There's no timing yet for the rental program's return, but it doesn't sound like GameStop has any intention of making the temporary hold more permanent.
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Topics Gaming
Adam Rosenberg is a Senior Games Reporter for Mashable, where he plays all the games. Every single one. From AAA blockbusters to indie darlings to mobile favorites and browser-based oddities, he consumes as much as he can, whenever he can.Adam brings more than a decade of experience working in the space to the Mashable Games team. He previously headed up all games coverage at Digital Trends, and prior to that was a long-time, full-time freelancer, writing for a diverse lineup of outlets that includes Rolling Stone, MTV, G4, Joystiq, IGN, Official Xbox Magazine, EGM, 1UP, UGO and others.Born and raised in the beautiful suburbs of New York, Adam has spent his life in and around the city. He's a New York University graduate with a double major in Journalism and Cinema Studios. He's also a certified audio engineer. Currently, Adam resides in Crown Heights with his dog and his partner's two cats. He's a lover of fine food, adorable animals, video games, all things geeky and shiny gadgets.
