For as much as I've complained about the trade-in program at Gamestop, lately things have been looking up. Their new program, I feel, is definitely a step in the right direction. I don't know if they're using the term "beta" as a gimmicky term to draw more people in, but I'd say so far so good. It's cool that my purchases are tracked and that the points actually translate into deals and offers.
The real reason that i'm writing though is that, occasionally, having a used games specialty chain really comes in handy. Most of the really rare recent-old-gen games that I've looked for I've found reasonably priced at Gamestop. If I don't wanna pay 200 bucks for a copy of Tactics Ogre on ebay, I have an option. That option was to send the only copy for 100 miles from across the state to a local GS where I picked it up for less than 10 dollars. I'd call that a win. Recently, I've scored copies of Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia, Advance Wars Dual Strike, and Contact for cheap. Again. WIn.
No need to seek out garage sales, craigslist, ebay, anything sketchy.
I'm currently giving the "pickup@store" thing a try. More on that as it develops. The game in question is Castelvania Dawn of Sorrow- which, since its disonctinuation has become exceedingly rare. I will say that I wish the stock info was updated more regularly.