Gaming gear retailers GameStop has been accepting trade-ins of iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch devices in a number of its locations for a few months, but now it looks like the company might be getting into the business of selling iOS devices, potentially making the gaming retailer another retail partner in Apple’s still-expanding ecosystem. According to a report in 9to5Mac, GameStop announced to dealers this week that it would be selling iPads, iPhones, and iPods at their retail stores. Although no timeline was given, it’s likely the company wants to have the Apple products in stock for the end-of-year holiday buying season.
GameStop made a name for itself catering to serious gamers, offering high-end console and PC gaming gear and titles, as well as holding midnight launches for significant new titles and hardware. Getting deeper in to iOS offerings is likely an acknowledgment that mobile and tablet-based gaming is a growing demographics: instead of opting for a handheld gaming system like a PSP or Nintendo 3DS, many gamers are turning to their smartphones and tablets for entertainment: not only can they handle many casual and popular games, but they can also handle email, Web surfing, and those all important social networking status updates.
Earlier this year, GameStop president Tony Bartel revealed that the company was considering offering its own gaming tablet, as well as getting into online game distribution.
GameStop did not immediately respond to a request for comment on 9to5Mac’s report.
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