For decades, GameStop has been synonymous with physical video game shopping. However, recent revelations indicate that the giant retail chain is now generating more revenue from selling Pokémon cards and collectibles than from video game discs themselves.
GameStop's Surprising Shift
This surprising shift in profit sources was highlighted by GameStop's CEO, Ryan Cohen, who made a controversial statement claiming that sales of physical game discs have become nearly irrelevant to the company's overall business model.
Declining Physical Game Sales
In a recent interview, Cohen elaborated on the declining relevance of physical game sales, revealing that these now account for less than 12 percent of GameStop's total revenue. This decline reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry, where digital downloads are becoming increasingly dominant.
Collectibles Drive Revenue
Cohen disclosed that the sales of collectibles and trading cards have become the main profit drivers for GameStop, contributing around 41 percent of its revenue. Among these products, Pokémon cards have emerged as the best-selling item, attracting a significant number of buyers to their stores.
Record Earnings and Industry Trends
This strategic pivot has proven highly lucrative for GameStop, leading to record operational earnings in the first quarter of 2026, reaching a remarkable USD 143 million. This shift aligns with global gaming industry trends, which are increasingly moving away from physical formats.
Despite some gamers expressing disappointment and urging retailers like GameStop to advocate for the legacy of physical discs, the data shows that the rise of digital downloads is now unstoppable. Recent developments, including clarifications from European authorities, further emphasize the end of the era for physical game collections.
Source: https://inet.detik.com/games-news/d-8580298/toko-game-ini-lebih-cuan-jualan-kartu-pokemon-dibanding-game
