Over the past few days there has been a few rumors hitting the web about potential Xbox 360 trade-in prices increasing over at EB Games and Gamestop for the launch of the Elite. Well, we got in touch with a few Gamestop managers and it's true. The promotion started today and dramatically increases the trade-in value for original Xboxes, Xbox 360 Cores, and Xbox 360 Premiums.If you trade in a Premium 360 they'll give you $250 in-store credit, $200 in-store credit for a 360 Core, and $50 for an original Xbox. These trade-in price have increased pretty dramatically, because last week Gamestop was only paying $190 for an Xbox 360 Premium, now upped by $60. Both Gamestop managers also said that the new trade-in credit does not have to go towards an Xbox 360 Elite, but what other reason would you have for selling your 360? There you have it all wrapped up and confirmed. More trade-in cash for your old Xbox 360 to buy yourself a black Elite if you so choose.
Update 1: We're thinking there may be a little confusion in Gamestop's head. We just got word from Kevin (who works at Gamestop) that the trade-in program uses coupons that are not valid until April 29th. Kevin says that the only way to increase the trade-in value is to use these coupons and the only way to get these coupons is to buy an Elite. So, according to him, you need to buy an Elite to get the increased trade in value. But, we double checked with our local Gamestop managers and they still are saying we could come in today and they'll pay us $250 for a Premium 360. Maybe all the stores just aren't on the same page ... silly Gamestop.
Update 2: Even more details have emerged.
According to Evil Avatar, GameStop and EB Games will not be taking pre-orders for the upcoming 
Canadian residents and professional NHL 2K7 gamers, listen up. You have a chance to win a trip to Canada's mecca of all sporting events ... the Stanley Cup playoffs. To win, you'll have to be a skilled NHL 2K7 player and have luck on your side. Starting March 11th in Montreal and running through April 8th, various EB Games locations will be holding NHL 2K7 tournaments where the winner from each store will be entered into the grand prize drawing. Full list of EB Games stores and dates are listed after the jump. Brush up on your hockey skills and sign up, because you have a religious sports journey to embark upon where winner takes all.
According to SportsGamer.com, MLB 2K7 appears to be releasing a week earlier to compete with the Playstation's MLB 07: The Show. Gamestop changed the shipping date for MLB 2K7 to 2/26/07 which is the same release date as MLB 07: The Show. 2K Sports wants their MLB gem to be a success and maybe by moving the release date up a week will help deter possible MLB 07: The Show purchases. Cross your fingers and watch for the release of MLB 2K7 towards the end of the month.
Over at Retail-Sucks.com AndrewDB posted an account of his experience working for EB Games and dealing with a crazed mother. The quick and dirty version of the story is an overly aggressive mother stormed into their store and demanded a Mario game for the Xbox 360. We know what you're thinking, but don't worry, her eleven year old son told her that the Mario game was available for his Xbox. In the end she throws a fit when they calmly tell her Mario is only available for Nintendo systems, extrudes a bunch of curse words, calls up corporate, throws her Razr, and acts like a nine year old child. Retail, the one job where you have to put on a friendly smile when dealing with unruly customers. We know there are a lot of fanboy readers who work at video game stores or other retailers that sells games, do you have a crazy customer story to tell?
