Target and Best Buy both announced expanded used game trade-in services this week, just in time for major developers to start making a profit off pre-owned games with online codes and subscription models. But I’m sure that’s just a coincidence.

Best Buy will officially launch used game trade-ins in 600 stores this week, with the promise of more to follow soon. Games can be traded for Best Buy gift cards, which can be used instantly in the store. There is no mention of a cash trade-in option – it looks like Best Buy is following in the footsteps of great aristocrats worldwide and keeping it in the family.

Target’s new Electronics Trade-In service packages cell phone and iPod trades with video games, and should be in over 850 stores nationwide by 2011. Trade-ins receive Target credit of up to $200, but that amount would probably only be for a 4G iPhone at this point.

Best Buy will sell back used games “soon,” while Target does not specifically mention direct sale of any used games.

Both stores will offer online options for trade-ins, Target through a partnership with electronics recycling site NextWorth, and Best Buy through their own online system that will appraise games, accept them through the mail and send out gift cards 7-14 days later.

What does the mainstream trade-in service mean for our used game consumer future, or that of gaming in general? Leave us your thoughts in the comments!