Video games are feeling the pinch of the poor economy as sales for hardware and software slump. The market for casual games is much larger than the market for more hardcore video games and GameStop is making a grab for some of the casual market.

GameStop announced a new casual digital download store for games powered by RealNetworks. GameStop says that customers will be offered money-saving deals, free trials, and a streamlined search along with a checkout capability.

We have talked about the coming Tony Hawk: Ride video game that includes the skateboard controller. I’m not much for real skateboarding, but I might check out the video game. The controller looks pretty slick, assuming it is easier than say controlling a skateboard on a Wii game using the balance board.

GameStop has announced the ship date for the game if you are looking forward to getting your own copy. The game and the skateboard controller will ship on October 13. The big drawback is the bundle is very expensive.

You’re probably getting mighty sick of that all-black DualShock 3 controller. Colorware is one option, but who wants to lay out that much money just to paint a controller? Luckily for you GameStop has your back. Assuming you like silver.

Today, the website has a listing for a silver version of the wireless SIXAXIS controller. It’s actually been available on the Japanese market forever, but those of us in North America can finally have a crack at it now.

This story has been three years in the making. Video game retailer GameStop finally has enough Nintendo Wii consoles for everyone, and it only took about three years for it to happen. In an interview with Gamasutra, GameStop’s senior VP of merchandising Bob McKenzie says that the company’s supply of Nintendo Wii consoles has finally caught up with demand.

“You know, three years later, we finally have enough inventory on the shelf, and we’ve got a couple of weeks in supply of this. That’s good because we can finally determine and gauge it before we get into the fourth holiday season.”

If you’re like me, you don’t like spending $50 on a game only to beat it in a few hours and have it sit on the shelf forever. That’s why I resell games or trade them in, so you can get more for your money. Sadly Gamestop’s trade in prices often suck. Well, good news.

According to Webware, Amazon will now buy back used games for more money than Gamestop. Amazon launched the service today, and they currently accept over 1500 titles across platforms. Webware compared some of the bigger, recent releases, and it looks like Amazon offers $2-$3 more for games on average. Shipping is even free. Thanks Amazon. Thank you for caring about my wallet.

Each time a new Halo game launches sales records are set. In fact, the last time a Halo game launched the title went on to make more money than many of the year’s biggest movies. I still can’t believe that they pulled the plug on the Halo feature film… dumb asses.

GameStop announced that it would be hosting midnight launch events at many of its locations around the country. The festivities will kick off at most locations at 10pm on Monday March 2 and will include Halo 3 tournaments, Warthog races, character dress up contests and trivia challenges.

Those of you wanting to preorder the Nintendo DSi before the April 5th US date can now do so as Amazon and GameStop are both accepting preorders. We’re talking $169 for the base system from both retailers, but GameStop has no problem upping the price with some bundled accessories.

Try to contain yourself as you decide which of it’s two colors to choose. Why they would limit the colors for it’s release is anybody’s guess, but I don’t like blue and black damnit! The question of the day is this. Will the limited color choice influence whether you will buy one or not?

This one is a few years late and about a hundred pokemon short, but look what finally showed up in the U.S. No wonder Pikachu is acting all weird. This first appeared in Japan almost two years ago and this pic was apparently snapped at a gamestop store in the U.S.

Looks like there’s no game bundled with it, but you do get a matching carrying case, 22-minute Pokemon Mystery Dungeon DVD, a Grovyle poster, and a Pokemon t-shirt. So, if you’ve got to catch them all, rush out and find one for $129.99 as soon as you can. That’s about all the info we have on this one.

Maybe it isn’t a marketing scheme and Nintendo really is having trouble keeping up with production for the Nintendo Wii game console. Nintendo is offering hope for some of those still looking for Wii this holiday season, although opening a present with a piece of paper promising a Wii in a month just might not be the same as the real thing.

In a telephone press conference today Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime said they the company is working with GameStop to give out “rain checks” to those looking for an Wii this year with a deliver time frame in January of next year.