GameStop CEO Reveals Bold Bitcoin Strategy: Crypto Payments Coming Soon?

GameStop's CEO just dropped a bombshell—Bitcoin isn't just on their radar, it's part of their playbook. The retail giant's flirting with crypto payments, and Wall Street's already sweating.

Why This Matters

GameStop's pivot to crypto could rewrite the rules for mainstream retail adoption. Forget mooning memecoins—this is about real-world utility.

The Fine Print

No concrete timeline yet (classic corporate crypto 'soon'), but insiders hint at infrastructure testing. Meanwhile, hedge funds are scrambling to price in the volatility—because nothing terrifies traditional finance like actual innovation.

Bottom Line: When meme-stock culture collides with Bitcoin maximalism, hold onto your private keys. The only thing more unpredictable than GameStop's stock chart? Their next crypto move.

TLDR

• GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen confirms the company’s $500 million Bitcoin investment serves as hedge against inflation
• GameStop exploring crypto payments for trading cards and collectibles, considering all cryptocurrencies
• Cohen states GameStop won’t copy MicroStrategy’s approach, will follow unique strategy with $9 billion cash balance
• Company previously shut down NFT marketplace and crypto wallet in 2023-2024 due to regulatory uncertainty
• GameStop stock showed minimal reaction to crypto payment announcement, down 2% on Tuesday

GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen revealed new details about the company’s Bitcoin strategy and potential cryptocurrency payment options during a Tuesday interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box. The video game retailer purchased 4,710 Bitcoin worth over $500 million in May 2025.

Cohen explained that GameStop’s Bitcoin investment functions as a hedge against inflation and global money printing. The CEO emphasized that the company won’t follow the same path as other Bitcoin treasury companies like MicroStrategy.

The gaming retailer has shifted focus toward trading cards and collectibles under Cohen’s leadership. This strategic pivot aims to reduce reliance on hardware sales as costs continue rising.

Cohen disclosed that GameStop is exploring cryptocurrency payments for trading card purchases. The company hasn’t selected specific cryptocurrencies yet but plans to evaluate all options.

“There’s an opportunity to buy trading cards and to do so using cryptocurrency,” Cohen stated. “We’ll see how much there is on the actual demand side for that kind of product.”

The CEO noted that GameStop will examine all cryptocurrencies when implementing payment systems. This approach differs from companies that focus on single digital assets.

Previous Crypto Ventures

GameStop previously operated an NFT marketplace that closed in January 2024. The company also launched a crypto wallet that shut down in November 2023.

Both ventures ended due to regulatory uncertainty in the United States. Cohen cited these concerns as primary factors in the closures.

The company’s current bitcoin strategy represents a return to crypto after these setbacks. Cohen’s meeting with MicroStrategy’s Michael Saylor in March sparked initial speculation about GameStop’s Bitcoin plans.

GameStop recently increased its fundraising target to $2.7 billion through convertible notes. The company could use these funds for additional Bitcoin purchases under its investment strategy.

Cohen emphasized that GameStop maintains a strong balance sheet with over $9 billion in cash and marketable securities. The company will deploy capital responsibly and seek opportunities with limited downside risk.

Market Response

GameStop shares closed down 2% at $23.22 on Tuesday following Cohen’s crypto payment announcement. The stock saw minimal after-hours movement, gaining just 0.30% to $23.29.

The muted market reaction contrasts with February’s 18% stock jump when crypto investment speculation first emerged. GameStop shares have experienced volatility throughout 2025.

The stock climbed 30% in the 30 days before the May Bitcoin purchase announcement. However, shares dropped 22% in June after the company announced expanded fundraising plans.

Cohen’s comments suggest GameStop will take a measured approach to future crypto investments. The company plans to remain opportunistic while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

GameStop’s Bitcoin treasury strategy continues evolving as the company explores additional cryptocurrency applications. The trading card payment system represents the next potential step in this digital asset integration.