GameStop: Xbox One, PS4 will be less expensive at launch than past consoles

The Xbox One and PlayStation 4 will be less expensive at launch than their predecessors, according to comments from GameStop chief financial officer Rob Lloyd.

Speaking today in a post-earnings financial call, Lloyd said GameStop does not have official pricing information from Microsoft or Sony, but expects a "lower opening price point than they did last cycle."

The Xbox 360 launched in 2005 for $300/$400, while the PlayStation 3 debuted in 2006 for $500/600.

In addition, GameStop said it expects to be a leading retailer for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. The company explained that because of the trade credits it can offer consumers through its buy-sell-trade model, gamers will be able to pick up next-gen systems at GameStop for less than anywhere else.

GameStop management also dodged a question regarding the reports that the Xbox One will require gamers to pay a fee to play secondhand titles, a move that could impact the company's business.

The retailer declined to comment on its talks with Microsoft, instead saying it will allow the Xbox maker to lead the discussion about this topic.