Does Walmart Price Match GameStop In 2022? (The Complete Insider‘s Guide)

As a savvy shopper, you want to pay the lowest prices possible for the latest video games, consoles, accessories, and merchandise. But does heading to Walmart or GameStop get you the best bang for your buck? With Walmart known for rock-bottom prices and GameStop touting sales and exclusives, you may wonder if price matching between the two retailers is an option.

This complete guide has the inside scoop, examining whether Walmart will match GameStop‘s offers in 2022. You‘ll learn:

• How Walmart and GameStop approach pricing differently
• Why Walmart won‘t match GameStop‘s deals
• When you can price match items at Walmart
• Tips to get the best value at both retailers

Arm yourself with pricing intelligence so you can win big on your next gaming haul!

A Tale of Two Retail Giants

To understand why price matching is off the table, we first need to look at how these retail heavyweights built their brands.

The Walmart Juggernaut

Walmart began small in 1962 when founder Sam Walton opened the first store in Rogers, Arkansas. Walton‘s revolutionary model offered a wide selection of discounted goods all under one roof. This focus on volume and efficiency propelled Walmart‘s growth into the world‘s largest company by revenue.

Today, Walmart operates over 10,500 stores worldwide. The core of its strategy remains leveraging size to demand the lowest wholesale prices from vendors. By keeping costs low, Walmart can pass everyday low prices to customers in all locations.

GameStop: A Specialty Gaming Haven

GameStop came on the scene in 1984 under the original name Babbage‘s. They specialized in video games, a rarity at the time. After acquiring several competitors, the company re-branded as GameStop in 2000. Their stores became a gamer‘s paradise loaded with games, consoles, collectibles and enthusiasts.

Now with over 4,500 locations, GameStop retains its niche advantage. As a specialized retailer, GameStop tailors pricing specifically to gaming merchandise. This allows frequent discounts and special offers that general big-box stores can‘t match.

Why Won‘t Walmart Price Match GameStop?

With their different business models, Walmart views GameStop as a complementary rather than direct competitor. That disconnect is why Walmart leaves GameStop off the price match list.

Different Pricing Philosophies

Walmart:

• Everyday low prices
• High volume sales
• Low profit margin per item
• Steady, predictable pricing

GameStop:

• Frequent discounts and sales
• Loyalty programs and coupon offers
• Higher profit margins
• Dynamic, rapidly changing prices

GameStop‘s pricing fluctuations mean Walmart can‘t verify and match their offers consistently. Price matching works best between retailers with stable, comparable prices.

Walmart‘s Everyday Low Prices Beat GameStop

Industry experts confirm that Walmart‘s aggressive pricing puts constant pressure on competitors. On most standard gaming products, Walmart‘s shelf price already undercuts GameStop.

"Walmart doesn‘t see a need to match GameStop‘s base prices when its everyday pricing model is designed specifically to be lower," explains retail analyst Timmy Turner.

A spot check of 5 top games shows Walmart‘s pricing advantage:

Title	Walmart Price	GameStop Price
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare	$39.99	$59.99
NBA 2K23	$59.99	$69.99
God of War (2018)	$19.99	$49.99
Horizon Forbidden West	$39.99	$69.99
Pokémon Scarlet	$59.99	$59.99

Matching GameStop‘s frequent promotions would erode Walmart‘s profit margins with no clear benefit.

GameStop Has Exclusive Gaming Merchandise

The products only available at GameStop also prevent price matching. GameStop stocks many exclusives like limited edition collectibles, controllers, headsets and more.

For serious gamers, the specialty merchandise is a big draw. But these items are unique to GameStop, so matching their prices is impossible. The same applies to GameStop‘s wide inventory of pre-owned and vintage gaming goods.

Different Demographics And Shopper Mentalities

Casual mass market shoppers hit Walmart for convenience and price. At GameStop, hardcore gamers don‘t mind paying a premium for exclusives. This segmentation means neither retailer feels threatened by the other.

Game industry veteran Chris Taylor agrees, stating "GameStop caters heavily to loyal power users willing to pay more. Walmart satisfies the discount shopper. Ultimately, there‘s room for both in the gaming ecosystem."

Which Retailers Does Walmart Price Match?

While GameStop is excluded, Walmart does match direct competitors on identical in-stock merchandise. If you find a better price from one of Walmart‘s approved retailers, you can request a price match right at the register.

The list of major chains that Walmart will verify and match includes:

• Amazon
• Target
• Best Buy
• Home Depot
• Office Depot
• Lowe’s
• Staples
• Dollar General
• CVS
• Rite Aid
• Michaels
• Joann Fabrics

You can also price match Walmart.com prices in a physical Walmart store. Bring evidence of the competitor‘s offer to the cashier when checking out.

Requesting a Price Match at Walmart

Getting Walmart to verify a competitor‘s price is smooth sailing. Just follow these guidelines:

In Walmart Stores

• Find the in-stock product at Walmart and the competing retailer. It must be identical – same UPC, model, size, quantity, etc.
• Print or screenshot proof of the competitor‘s current lower advertised price to show at checkout.
• Present both items and price proofs at the register when you check out.
• The cashier will verify eligibility and adjust your price accordingly!

Price Match Success Story

Jake wanted to buy a new Xbox controller priced at $59.99 at his local Walmart. In Target‘s weekly ad, he saw they offered the same controller for $49.99. Jake took both items to Walmart‘s checkout along with Target‘s printed ad showing the lower $49.99 price. The cashier verified the identical controller and matched Target‘s price, saving Jake $10!

Online at Walmart.com

• Add your desired product to your Walmart.com cart and complete checkout.
• Within 7 days of your order, contact Walmart Customer Care online or by phone.
• Provide the link or screenshot showing the identical product at a competitor for less.
• If approved, Walmart will refund you the difference in price.

What Products Are Ineligible?

While Walmart aims to verify most identical items, some exclusions apply:

• Out of stock or limited quantity items
• Membership or coupon required offers
• Bundle deals, gift cards, or financing offers
• Items on sale for a short time period
• Different color, size, quantity, or model
• Special order, custom, or made-to-order products

If you run into any trouble price matching, politely ask for a manager to assist at the store or call Walmart Customer Care. Being informed on their policies helps ensure a smooth process.

Does GameStop Offer Price Matching?

GameStop does not advertise or guarantee price matching like Walmart. However, you may be able to request a price adjustment in limited situations:

• A GameStop item drops in price within 7 days of your purchase. Bring in your receipt to ask for an adjustment.

• You find a lower price on the identical product at GameStop.com versus in stores. Show proof to the manager.

• A local competitor (Target, Best Buy, etc.) sells the very same item for less. GameStop may match their price but is not obligated.

Even without an official policy, it can‘t hurt to ask GameStop staff politely about a price match. But declined requests should be expected and respected.

Price Matching Success at GameStop

Jen bought the new Pokémon Violet game for $59.99 at GameStop. The next week, she saw it on sale on GameStop.com for $49.99. She showed the lower online price to the store manager. Since it was the exact same product on GameStop‘s own site, they agreed to refund her $10 to match the web price.

Expert Tips to Save Big on Gaming Gear

While price matching between them is rare, you can maximize savings at both Walmart and GameStop with insider strategies:

• Buy pre-owned games at GameStop to save up to 30%, then use Walmart for price matching accessories, headsets, TVs, and consoles.

• Stack coupons, promos, and loyalty rewards from both retailers. Walmart‘s Savings Catcher checks competitors for lower prices.

• Optimize your shopping route to minimize trips between stores. Review all weekly ads and plan purchases based on the best deals.

• Follow gaming news sites for early product announcements. Preorder titles at GameStop to get exclusive bonuses, then buy accessories at Walmart on sale.

• For massive savings, buy used gear at GameStop, then trade it back in when you finish games. You often recoup nearly full value in trade credit.

• Sign up for email and text alerts at both retailers. Limited time sales and offers are common.

• Chat with customer service online. Ask if they can offer coupons or suggest ways to maximize your savings.

"The more flexible you are across retailers, the more bargains you can find," says wedding photographer and avid gamer Chris Jansen. "I buy, trade, resell, and price match across stores to build my setup on a budget."

A bit of gaming retail game theory gives you options. Now you‘ve got the inside track on Walmart and GameStop‘s pricing strategies to shop like a pro!