GameStop is partnering with Vizio to sell the technology manufacturer's new lineup of smart TVs and soundbars. Vizio’s new TVs come with 4K playback support and several other high-tech features that make them ready to take advantage of the new generation of consoles.
GameStop will carry 26 of Vizio's new TV and soundbar products per the new deal. The products range from the smaller, bedroom-friendly D-series to the mid-size M-Series Quantum and the massive 85-inch P-series Quantum X. Most of the new models support features that are designed for the new generation of consoles, such as support for Low Latency Mode (ALLM), variable refresh rate (VRR), and AMD Free Sync.
The deal was announced just in time for GameStop’s Black Friday specials, which feature sales on the new TVs. Customers who order a Vizio TV through GameStop’s website will receive a $50 GameStop gift card. This gift card is enough to net consumers a new game or two through GameStop’s Black Friday specials, which include sales on various Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One games.
Vizio’s new TVs are geared more toward the Xbox Series X than the PS5. Unlike the Xbox Series X, the PS5 is currently not compatible with the new Vizio line’s flashier features such VRR and Free Sync. The features help games run smoother by preventing frame rate drops. Sony is expected to add VRR support to the PS5 in the future, but until then, PS5 players have less of an incentive to shell out the extra money for a new Vizio.
The deal announcement arrives just after one of GameStop’s major investors sent a letter to the company’s board of directors requesting for more stores to be closed. The investor also asked that GameStop create a plan to evolve its brand into a “technology company” that offers digital products. It is no secret that GameStop has lost billions in revenue over the last few years due to the rise of online stores and downloadable content.
The company was also recently scrutinized for promoting a Tik Tok dance competition among its employees that offered increased labor hours as a reward. Many found the Tik Tok competition odd enough, but what drew criticism was promising 10 additional labor hours during the week of Black Friday, one of the company's busiest weeks. It was GameStop’s most recent controversy of the year, as it was also criticized earlier in 2020 for asking employees to wear plastic bags around their hands as a means to protect against contracting Covid-19.
Source: NotebookCheck