Just two weeks after introducing its PowerPass program to the public, video game retailer GameStop has decided to suspend its used games program.
“We have elected to temporarily pause the roll out of the new PowerPass subscription service, based on a few program limitations we have identified. We feel this is the right thing to do for now to ensure we are able to provide our guests an exceptional service,” a GameStop spokesperson confirmed.
Sourcing two GameStop staff members, Kotaku reports the retailer told employees yesterday to remove all signage for the program and store it in their backrooms. It's unclear why GameStop is freezing the program, but employees speculate that the company's antiquated computer system isn't equipped to handle it.
GameStop's PowerPass is a new subscription program that allows participants unlimited access to a store's used games catalog for a 6-month period for just $60. So for $10 a month, you can essentially "rent" one pre-owned game at a time, keep it and play it for as long as you want, return it, and take out another one. At the end of the six month period, members are allowed to keep one pre-owned game.
It's unclear how popular the PowerPass program has been for the retailer, which likely implemented it to combat sluggish store sales. The good news is that this seems to only be a temporary pause, and PowerPass will presumably resume once these "limitations" are solved. If you have already signed up for this service, GameStop will make it up to you with a free pre-owned game.
“For those guests who have already purchased the service, we will allow them to bring the pass, and video game they have checked-out, back to receive a full refund,” the spokesperson said.
“In addition, we will allow them to pick out any Pre-Owned game for free.”
Do you plan on signing up for GameStop's PowerPass once it returns?