GameStop defends trade-in values after customer swaps Pokemon card for record $30K

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GameStop is defending itself against recent criticism after a customer exchanged a valuable Pokémon card for more than $30,000 – the largest single trade-in the company has ever processed.

A rare Pokémon card – a perfect-condition Holo Gengar from the Skyridge set – was recently traded at a GameStop in Grapevine, Texas, on December 1st. The card is worth an estimated $33,883, and GameStop paid $30,494.70 for it through their Power Packs Buyback Program.

The company states that the payment was made only after completing all necessary checks and ensuring everything met the required standards.

GameStop hits out at “trolls” after $30K Pokemon card trade

The recent surge in GameStop trading is connected to its Power Packs program, where customers buy digital mystery boxes linked to actual Pokémon cards.

GameStop now opens trading card packs for customers, professionally grades valuable cards with PSA, and then sells them online. Customers create a Stripe account, choose a pack, and find out what card they receive.

A Statement from GameStop

— GameStop (@gamestop) December 1, 2025

Although individual cards usually cost less than a new pack, GameStop points to this $30,000 payout as proof that their trade-in values aren’t as low as online jokes claim.

The company even took a shot at its long-time critics.

GameStop officially stated that claims about low trade-in values are false. They also announced that any previous complaints about their trade-in values are unfounded and inaccurate.

It’s no accident this is happening now. GameStop is preparing for its “Trade Anything Day,” letting customers exchange almost any item for store credit. Weapons, alcohol, and live animals are the only things they won’t accept—stuffed animals (taxidermy) are okay, though.

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2025-12-02 19:19