Micromania is making a major strategic shift by launching Retromania, a new offer dedicated to pre-owned retro games and consoles. After years of focusing on current-gen, the French retailer is now opening the door to buying back PS1, PS2, PS3, GameCube, Wii, the original Xbox, and many other iconic platforms.

As reported by Xboxygen, the offer is now available across the entire Micromania network, both online and in stores, with more than 700 pre-owned retro games already listed. The system covers a wide range of old-gen platforms.

Eligible platforms

The range of accepted systems is impressive:

• Sony: PS1, PS2, PS3, PSP, and PS Vita
• Nintendo: GameCube, Wii, Wii U, DS, and 3DS
• Microsoft: Original Xbox and Xbox 360

For now, the offer is limited to these platforms, but the retailer does not rule out expanding it later on. Note that retro console trade-ins are not yet available, though changes appear to be on the way.

Strict trade-in conditions

Trade-ins are only accepted if games are sold in their original box with manual, in complete condition. Buybacks are primarily offered as store credit, with a 25% reduction applied for cash payments. Games must be in good condition, and Micromania reserves the right to refuse any product that does not meet its criteria.

A pricing model that needs refining?

While some welcome the initiative, the pricing of games is already stirring controversy within the community. Some titles are bought back at very low prices despite having a high market value.

Conversely, some rare games seem fairly priced. Rule of Rose on PS2 is bought back at 195 euros, a coherent price given its current second-hand market value (150 to 200 euros on eBay). The Micromania teams are still fine-tuning the offer, and prices were recently updated.

A clearly assumed strategic change

For Micromania, this shift toward retro gaming follows a dual logic: on one hand, profit margins on new games are collapsing due to online competition and the rise of digital-only releases. On the other hand, the retro gaming market is booming, with growing demand for games and consoles from previous generations.

The initiative is also an opportunity for players who want to free up space and give a second life to their dormant games. To check trade-in prices, visit Micromania’s dedicated page.

After turning its back on retro gaming for years, this return to its roots marks a strategic turning point. Time will tell whether Micromania can strike the right balance between profitability and fair pricing to win over the collector community in the long run.