GameStop CEO says their focus is no longer on games. Trading cards like Pokemon are the future now

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At the 2025 annual shareholder meeting, CEO Ryan Cohen announced that GameStop is planning to reorient its business strategy, moving away from conventional video games and placing greater emphasis on trading cards. Cohen referred to this change as a “logical continuation of GameStop’s historical roots.” This isn’t about jumping into Pokémon cards overnight, but rather a thoughtful adjustment in the company’s focus.

GameStop finds profit in trading cards, not games

Ryan Cohen believes that trading cards, such as Pokémon, sports cards, or other collectibles, align perfectly with GameStop’s existing trade-in process. These are tangible items with a good opportunity for profit, making them an ideal fit for the company’s retail operations. However, it’s important to note that GameStop’s hands-on approach can sometimes lead to peculiar situations, like the time when a store attached receipts directly onto Nintendo Switch 2 boxes.

It seems as though Pokemon cards are experiencing a resurgence, but in reality, they’ve consistently been popular. Granted, there has been a significant increase in interest recently, particularly following the popularity of Pokemon TCG Pocket at the end of last year. However, this is typical with Pokemon; it continually attracts new enthusiasts.

It’s clear that Pokémon GO remains popular even after nearly a decade, thanks to regular updates, monthly events, and the continuous introduction of new Pokémon. As for the physical cards, some are quite valuable. Given its enduring appeal, it’s no wonder GameStop sees a lucrative opportunity in this trend – they’re making a significant investment in a phenomenon that has already demonstrated its ability to withstand the test of time.

At the June 12 shareholders gathering, Cohen highlighted that GameStop had achieved a profit in Q1 2025, marking the first time such success had been seen since 2019. However, this revival wasn’t just luck-driven; it was the result of strategic moves such as reducing expenses, managing excess stock, reducing workforce, closing underperforming outlets, and prioritizing core business principles.

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2025-06-13 12:32