Management of major gaming retailer GameStop expects price cuts to PlayStation 3 and Wii consoles in 2009, while some strong fall and holiday season game releases should help to return the overall industry to positive growth.

Meanwhile, the company downplayed the potential growth in the digital distribution arena, claiming that cost, equipment, and market size issues will keep the segment from significantly threatening retail in the near term.

The projections were reported by analyst Arvind Bhatia of Sterne Agee, in a research note based on a meeting with four key GameStop executives.

Management continued on to say that they were already in talks with several board game companies, expecting a new version of Mouse Trap (Mouse Trap Plus, which works with actual pests to help with the adult market) to take on hand-held gaming. Stern Agee also added, "And we're putting in a whole line of dreidels, those seem to be consistent sellers."

And you know, I think they're right one the spot. Because, as a gamer myself, I really love going to the mall to walk into a GameStop, and instead of getting the game I want, having some used crap foisted on me. Variety's the spice, and why should I download content if I have the luxury of going into a store where I get treated right: as an obvious non-shoplifter.

they never expect me, hahaha!