GameStop has officially ended a viral issue known as the infinite money trade exploit after it spread quickly across social media. The glitch allowed some customers to earn more store credit than the actual cost of their purchase by repeating a trade-in process. Once the issue was widely shared online, GameStop stepped in and fixed the problem to protect its trade-in system.
Even in today’s digital world, GameStop continues to perform well as a physical video game retailer. The company frequently attracts customers with creative promotions, trade-in bonuses, and discounts on pre-owned games. However, one recent offer unintentionally created a loophole that went far beyond its original purpose.
How the Infinite Money Trade Exploit Was Discovered
The exploit was linked to a promotion that offered a 25% bonus on trade-in value for pre-owned items. The idea was simple: reward customers who trade in games and consoles. But some shoppers quickly realized the system could be manipulated.
Customers would purchase a Nintendo Switch 2 priced at $414.99, along with a very cheap pre-owned game costing less than $1. When both items were traded in together, the bonus increased the total trade credit to $472.50. This meant customers gained $57.51 in extra store credit each time they completed the process.
Since the system did not limit how often the transaction could be repeated, customers could loop the same steps again and again. A popular YouTuber later revealed that they made hundreds of dollars in trade credit and were even able to repurchase the same console at a lower pre-owned price.
Comparison: Trade System Before and After the Fix
| Detail | Before the Fix | After the Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Trade credit value | Higher than retail price | Matches fair market value |
| Bonus application | Unlimited repeats | Strictly controlled |
| Customer advantage | Exploitable | Balanced for all users |
| Promotion safety | Vulnerable | Secure and monitored |
GameStop’s Response to the Viral Exploit
GameStop confirmed it was aware of the GameStop infinite money trade exploit soon after it went viral. The company explained that its system briefly valued the trade-in higher than the console’s retail price, which caused the imbalance.
According to GameStop, the glitch has now been patched and trade promotions have been updated. While the company acknowledged the creativity of customers who discovered the loophole, it made it clear that its stores are not designed to operate as unlimited money generators.
What This Means for Customers Going Forward
The end of the exploit does not mean GameStop is stopping promotions. The company has reassured customers that trade-in bonuses and special offers will continue. The key change is that future promotions will be better balanced to prevent misuse.
For regular shoppers, this update ensures a fairer system. Trade-in values will remain competitive, but no longer open to repeated exploitation that could impact pricing and availability for others.
Final Thoughts
The decision that GameStop ends infinite money trade exploit after viral discovery highlights how quickly promotional loopholes can spread online. By acting fast, GameStop protected its business while keeping customer rewards intact. The glitch may be gone, but it serves as a reminder that even small system errors can have big consequences when they go viral.
