Video game retailer GameStop has confirmed that it is extending its hours nationwide through the end of 2026. GameStop has had its ups and downs over the years. The increasing focus on digital games over physical has put GameStop in an awkward position, but the company has pivoted to selling all kinds of merchandise and retro games to compensate.
GameStop’s increased focus on retro game sales comes at a time when it’s harder than ever to get brand-new games physically. Various Switch 2 games come on Game-Key Cards that are not true physical releases, while various PS5 and Xbox Series X/S games skip physical releases or only have physical copies available in very limited supply. Sony has gone as far as to say that it is ending disc production in January 2028, meaning that there will be no PlayStation 6 games to sell to GameStop customers whenever that new console releases — at least, not in disc form, anyway.
What Are the New GameStop Store Hours?
- Monday – Thursday: 10:00am – 9:00pm
- Friday – Saturday: 9:00am – 10:00pm
- Sunday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Despite these challenges, GameStop has continued soldiering on, and the latest development is actually an encouraging one. With the holiday season approaching, GameStop has announced its intention to increase store hours at most of its “strip center stores” (aka the ones at strip malls) through the end of the year. The new GameStop hours are 10:00am – 9:00pm local time Monday through Thursday, and 9:00am – 10:00pm local time Friday through Saturday. On Sundays, GameStop will be open from 10:00am – 7:00pm. These new hours will be in effect starting Sunday, September 27. Of course, hours may vary by store, and so shoppers should definitely call and check with their local GameStop to be sure.
It makes sense for GameStop to increase its store hours now, with the holiday season fast-approaching. While there are no next-gen game consoles set to launch soon, GameStop will presumably have hot-ticket items like the Zelda-themed Switch 2 and the associated 40th Anniversary accessories available. Plus, the fall gaming rush is in full swing and so there are plenty of new games set to release between now and the end of the year, even if most of them are skipping physical releases.
Of course, the biggest release of the year is Grand Theft Auto 6, and now GameStop customers will have a much easier time buying it. GTA 6 will not have a disc, but there will still be a physical box sold on store shelves that comes with a download code. While not ideal, some would argue that it’s still preferable to no physical box of the game ever being released.
Only at GameStop can you walk in with $20 and walk out with the Nintendo DS classic Cory in the House.
Personally, I have found myself visiting my local GameStop more often thanks to its growing selection of retro games. GameStop has caused me some serious headaches in the past, but it’s the only place near me where I can still walk in and buy used DS games off the shelf. The retro push definitely makes GameStop more appealing, and it will be interesting to see how that, combined with the expanded hours and fall gaming rush, impact the company’s bottom line.
