GameStop's stock price closed lower by $US1.30 -- a 5 per cent loss overall -- after word this morning that Sony had applied for a patent on technology that could restrict how used games are played on its next console.

A patent application published today resurrects the rumour that Sony's next gaming console will suppress the playing of used games and outlines how such a scheme would be accomplished without the use of an always-on internet connection for verification. In short, an RFID ID stamped onto the new discs would track their usage history and restrict them to one console.

Used games: you love them, need them and want to marry them. Publishers and developers blame the second-hand market for lack of innovation, saying the money they don't see from used games would let them be more creative.