GameStop now sells Android tablets in 25 percent of its stores

By Jeffrey Van Camp May 29, 2012

We knew that GameStop had started dealing in non-gaming electronics, but it looks like the retailer is moving ahead in full steam. More than 1,600 GameStop stores now sell Android tablets from Toshiba, Asus, and Acer, and other mobile device manufacturers. If you’re counting, that’s about a quarter of its 6,614 stores worldwide.

The move is a sign of the times, and will likely only accelerate as GameStop seeks to (smartly) re-identify itself as more than a place where people buy video games because, unfortunately, in the years ahead, people are going to slowly stop buying physical games at all. Without games, what is GameStop? Well, it appears that it might become an electronics store for gamers. After all, people still need to buy consoles, controllers, and other devices on which to play games.

Though it looks like the next round of video game consoles will still use physical media, Nintendo and Sony have already pledged to increase their online game store offerings with their upcoming Wii U and PlayStation 4 consoles, and Microsoft is likely to follow suit with the next Xbox. As of today’s trends, when possible, many console gamers choose to purchase games online rather than in stores. Used games are still a big business, but digital downloads may ultimately displace this market as well.

This move is also smart because, though tablets and phones are quickly becoming the gaming systems of choice for millions of people, GameStop is completely cut out of the loop. By selling tablets, GameStop is helping manufacturers highlight the gaming capabilities of their tablets and making a strong bid for relevance in the digital world ahead. Many locations also now accept used iPods, iPhones, or iPads.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Android

Jeffrey Van Camp

Former Digital Trends Contributor

As DT's Deputy Editor, Jeff helps oversee editorial operations at Digital Trends. Previously, he ran the site's…

Mobile

How to get Fortnite on your Android phone or tablet

Fortnite Android version running on a smartphone.

Though Fortnite has been missing from the Google Play Store for quite some time, that doesn't mean it's impossible to enjoy the game on your smartphone or tablet. With just a few quick steps, it's possible to download the real Fortnite game (not one of its many imitations on Google Play) and get back to enjoying the chaotic battle royale.

Mobile

How to root Android phones and tablets (and unroot them)

galaxy s9 Plus hands-on review front full

Android rooting is the ideal way to get more control over your smartphone, opening up a world of unknown possibilities, but it’s important to approach it with caution. Rooting isn’t without its risks -- and if something goes wrong, it can void your warranty, leave you with a broken smartphone or tablet, or worse.
Before proceeding, it is important to understand that rooting is not always a straightforward process, and you may encounter hiccups along the way. If you decide that you absolutely need to root your Android device, continue below, but know that it isn't for the faint of heart or technology-inexperienced.
Manufacturers and carriers will dissuade you from rooting, and they aren't just scaremongering. If you don't follow instructions properly, the worst-case scenario can irreparably damage your device, but many people feel that the potential benefits are well worth it. With a rooted phone, you can remove bloatware, speed up your processor, and customize every element of your phone software's appearance.
This guide on how to root Android phones will walk you through the steps to root your device. While we can root some phones in minutes, others are going to take a little more research. But one thing is clear: rooting your phone is one of the best ways to tap into your Android device’s true potential.
See more

Best root apps for rooted Android phones and tablets
Best Android Phones
Best Android 10 tips and tricks

Mobile

Is this the best cheap Android tablet of CES 2024?

Someone holding the Lenovo Tab M11.

Lenovo is adding a new Android tablet to its tablet portfolio, and this one is targeted at content consumption and classrooms. Dubbed the "Tab M11" and announced at CES 2024, the midrange tablet features an 11-inch screen with a Full HD resolution (1920 x 1200 pixels). Notably, Lenovo has put a 90Hz refresh rate screen on its budget tablet, which is a neat addition given its appeal as a reading and scribbling device.

The company is offering the Tab M11 in a trio of configurations, and once again, they play to the core use-case scenario for each buyer. The base variant combines 4GB of RAM with either 64GB or 128GB of onboard storage, which is not too shabby if you are predominantly into streaming videos.