Why is GameStop charging $90 for Xenoblade? Because that's in line with the marketplace, they say.


Yesterday, we reported that GameStop had restocked copies of the critically-acclaimed Wii RPG and was selling them pre-owned for $90 a pop. We reached out to GameStop for comment, and they got back to us this afternoon with the following statement:

GameStop regularly receives feedback from our PowerUp members regarding old titles they would us like to bring back, such as vintage games like Xenoblade Chronicles. We were recently able to source a limited number of copies of this title to carry in our stores and online. In fact, we have sourced several more vintage titles that we will be hitting stores in the coming months, including Metroid Prime Trilogy. As always, our pricing for these games is competitive and is based on current market value driven by supply and demand. PowerUp Pro members always receive a 10% discount and earn PUR points on pre-owned purchases.


They're right: $90 is around the market value for Xenoblade, which can be found on eBay for much higher. But GameStop is the only retailer that can sell Xenoblade—their publishing deal with Nintendo ensured that. So the supply is driven by them. Make of that what you will.

Nintendo has declined to comment on this story.