GameStop Temporarily Halts Launch of New PowerPass System

This week was supposed to mark the soft launch of GameStop's latest service, called "PowerPass," which would allow subscribers to take home a single pre-owned game of their choice, to play at their leisure, during a six-month period. At the end of that six months, PowerPass subscribers would be able to keep the last game they took home forever. So basically, for $60, you get half a year of unlimited pre-owned game rentals, and you get to keep your favorite when it's all said and done. We're excited to see the system roll out, but it sounds like we'll be waiting a little bit longer.

Kotaku reports that, according to multiple sources at GameStop, store associates were instructed to take down PowerPass promotional material and store it in the back rooms for the time being. While an official cause for this delay hasn't been offered, those same sources have speculated that it's due to some stores' outdated point-of-sale systems and computers, which aren't currently equipped to handle the new PowerPass system.

"We have elected to temporarily pause the roll out of the new PowerPass subscription service, based on a few program limitations we have identified. We feel this is the right thing to do for now to ensure we are able to provide our guests an exceptional service," GameStop said in a statement to Kotaku. "For those guests who have already purchased the service, we will allow them to bring the pass, and video game they have checked-out, back to receive a full refund. In addition, we will allow them to pick out any Pre-Owned game for free."

It seems like all is right in the world. Early investors are getting their money back (and a free game!), and GameStop is making the necessary adjustments to its systems in order to ensure a successful launch. We have a good feeling about PowerPass, so we're okay with GameStop taking some extra time to make sure its ducks are in a row. As soon as we're able to determine an official, revised launch date for the the PowerPass service, we'll update you straight away. Stay tuned!