Gamestop CEO Ryan Cohen called physical video game software sales “completely irrelevant” and dismissed the notion that a shift toward digital exclusivity by companies like Sony would have a significant impact on the gaming retailer's bottom line. The GameStop CEO's controversial words came after PlayStation announced that it would end physical disc production for games released after January 2028.
Cohen's statement came a day after GameStop announced a new partnership with UberEats that offers same-day delivery of gaming products and collectibles across the US. GameStop joined other retailers in offering delivery through the UberEats app. However, deliveries made through UberEats will incur an additional fee and can only be made by users who live near a GameStop retail location. The partnership with UberEats will not affect GameStop's current method of shipping games directly to consumers across the country.
GameStop CEO touts importance of physical video game sales
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Image via GameStop -
Image via GameStop -
Although PlayStation has been criticized for moving away from physical game releases starting in 2028, GameStop's chief executive dismissed the notion that this would cause any meaningful harm to the gaming retailer. In a Bloomberg interview, Cohen said that the move away from physical disc releases of console gaming will make no difference to GameStop's current revenue stream. In short, Cohen said, “It's completely, completely irrelevant.” Cohen then claimed that GameStop's software sales make up less than 12% of the retailer's current business, while collectibles make up more than half of that. The GameStop executive added that, while software sales have been important to GameStop in the past, the move toward digital exclusivity won't affect GameStop's bottom line because of the retailer's focus on collectibles.
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Some of the collectibles that make up GameStop's current revenue stream include: Pokemon trading card game Packs and expansion sets. However, GameStop has come under fire for the offer Pokemon TCG Products priced above MSRP. something Pokemon Fans called on The Pokemon Company to look into GameStop's prices Pokemon TCG: 30th Celebration Expansion set. However, the Pokemon Company and various retailers in Japan have taken drastic measures to prevent scaling Pokemon cards and other collectibles, it's unclear whether the company will take similar steps in the U.S. and other nations going forward.
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Image via Nintendo -
Image via Xbox -
Image via Sony
Rather than talking about physical game sales or upcoming launches Grand Theft Auto 6Cohen wanted to talk about GameStop's ongoing efforts to acquire the popular auction site eBay. In May 2026, GameStop made a $55.5 billion bid to buy eBay using a mix of stock and cash. However, eBay rejected GameStop's offer outright, calling it “neither credible nor attractive”. After the rejection notice from eBay, Cohen reportedly offered a $35 billion performance bonus as part of GameStop's ongoing effort to buy eBay. Cohen claimed that, if GameStop succeeded in acquiring eBay, it would create a $1 trillion company focused on selling physical collectibles.
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Despite the setbacks GameStop has faced in its acquisition efforts, Cohen asserted that GameStop will acquire eBay “one way or another.” Although a hostile takeover of eBay is a possible option for GameStop, gamers will just have to wait and see what happens.
