People have been confused by the presence of pre-owned Nintendo 3DS handsets in GAME stores and there appears to be a rather sinister explanation.

eurogamer has blown the lid on a very dodgy practice from video game retailer GAME. Apparently the chain have been sending people into Supermarket Tesco to purchase the handheld console Nintendo 3DS, which was released last week, as the price of the unit is only “£175 when bought with any 3DS game for £34.90″ with GAME repackaging the unit as “a 3DS and game for £209.90″.

A document was discovered which encouraged staff “Whilst we are unable to competitively match this offer in terms of a mint price, it offers a great opportunity to gain 3DS consoles and games for your store’s pre-owned stock.” Apparently £1049.50 was authorised for removal per trip to Tesco – which equates to five bundles. “Your store can do this trip multiple times,” the document offered.

It should be noted that the potentially corrupt actions were not to boost the price of the 3DS in their own store but to “make up shortfall” due to the console’s popularity.

Tags: Games, Nintendo 3DS