GameStop now considers Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 retro: the change marks the step into a new era

The well-known store chain officially classifies these consoles within the retro category.

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The passage of time in the world of video games moves quickly, and sometimes it’s hard to accept. Consoles that for years represented an entire generation of players are now becoming part of the industry’s history. This is what has just happened with Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, two systems that have been officially labeled as retro hardware by GameStop.

The well-known retail chain has confirmed that both consoles, along with Nintendo Wii U, are now part of their new retro products category. With this decision, GameStop acknowledges that these systems belong to an earlier era of gaming and places them on the same level as other classic platforms in their catalog.

GameStop classifies Xbox 360 and PS3 as retro consoles

The announcement was made through a social media post, where GameStop explained that the decision is based on several factors related to the technological and cultural evolution of the industry.

Among the examples mentioned by the company are curious details that reflect the generational change. According to the retailer, these consoles belong to an era when component cables were common, Fortnite didn’t exist yet, and they were released when George W. Bush was President of the United States.

Beyond the anecdotal tone, the change has already been officially applied on GameStop’s website, where Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii U appear in the retro category, sharing space with historic systems like Sega Saturn or Nintendo DS.

To accompany the announcement, the company has also launched a temporary promotion. Until March 21, customers can receive an additional 10% store credit when trading in used consoles or accessories. Even damaged devices are accepted, as long as they still work.

The decision reflects how the industry is starting to look back on the Xbox 360 generation, a console that marked an era with titles like Halo 3, Gears of War, or Forza Motorsport, and which now officially enters the category that for years was reserved for much older systems.