Have you been sitting on a mountain of old, beat-up video game controllers? Then you should have checked out GameStop’s recent trade-in promotion. For one TikToker, a reviewer and game collector known as EverythingDRC, the promotion helped him make inroads toward his goal of getting a Switch 2. He successfully traded in a variety of controllers to build a large credit to snag the console. He then took to TikTok to share what worked and what didn’t with his viewers. Per GameRant, GameStop offered to accept broken or non-functional game controllers and provide the full trade-in credit value of a working unit. This was reportedly a limited-time offer designed to help customers get value out of busted peripherals. The catch, per the outlet, is that the offer was specifically limited to first-party controllers from the current console generation. Retro gear like Xbox 360 or PS3 hardware didn’t qualify. However, it played out a little differently in person. A diverse collection with high hopes In his first video, EverythingDRC documented all the controllers, old and new, that he was taking to the store. His massive haul included Joy-Cons with stick drift, Xbox Series X controllers, and even much older hardware just to see where the line was drawn. He noted, “A part of the promotion says that even if it has Stick Drift, it doesn’t matter. They give you full value trading credit. That is why I’m trading these in.” After the dust settled, the results were pretty impressive. In his follow-up video, EverythingDRC told TikTok, “I took 25 controllers to GameStop for their trade-in promotion. They took 17 of the controllers, and the total value for the trade-in was two hundred and forty-two dollars and fifty cents.” He was very happy with the trade, especially since some of the hardware was malfunctioning or damaged. @everythingdrc Here are all of the controllers I am trading in to GameStop during their trade in promotion! #gamestop #collector #physicalmedia #playstation #nintendo ♬ original sound – EverythingDRC EverythingDRC happily noted that he even managed to trade in a Nintendo 64 controller that had a frayed wire. However, it wasn’t a total win across the board. The store staff did reject some items, including a GameCube controller with a wonky thumbstick, several non-functional Wii Remotes, and a few dirty PS2 controllers. Of course, one TikToker recently showed the community how to fix Xbox controller stick drift, so you can probably fix it rather than trade it in. EverythingDRC told his community that his status as a Pro member likely helped boost his final credit total, but he was quick to remind his followers that consistency isn’t guaranteed. He noted, “Every GameStop is different, your results may vary.” His audience was quick to engage with a variety of similar success stories. One user mentioned, “I brought in two PS5 controllers and received $31.00 in cash. If I had chosen credit, I would have received $44.00.” Another user shared a more frustrating experience, stating, “They tried giving me $13 store credit for my fully functioning ps4 controller or $9 cash.” It seems the experience really does depend on which store you visit and who is working behind the counter. One user even suggested, “Take the ones they didn’t take to a different GameStop, and try your luck.” Many noted that the staff took different approaches. Some noted that some branches tested the controllers, while others noted that the staff only gave the controllers a cursory inspection. @everythingdrc The result of my controller trade ins to GameStop for their trade in promotion! #gamestop #physicalmedia #controller #tradein #videogames ♬ original sound – EverythingDRC The sheer disparity in how these trades are handled is part of what makes the whole process feel so unpredictable. When one user pointed out the irony of GameStop selling those same pre-owned controllers for $50 to $70 each, EverythingDRC kept it real with his response: “It’s crazy but that’s how they keep the doors open.” This promotion highlights an ongoing tension between gamers and the store. While GameRant notes that trade-in offers have often been the subject of criticism and jokes from the gaming community, these deals remain a primary way for retailers to move inventory. The outlet reported that the company is currently navigating an industry shift. GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen is shifting focus away from game software sales toward other revenue streams like trading cards. Recently, he even made a bid to buy eBay, but couldn’t explain where the money was coming from. If you’re looking to replicate EverythingDRC’s success, the best advice is to keep your eye open for GameStop to repeat the offer. Until then, you can check your local store’s policies for any local options and keep your expectations realistic. Whether you walk away with enough for a new console or just a little extra store credit for a new game, it’s a fascinating look at how the secondary market for gaming gear operates today.