This is not a new debate by any stretch, there always was a slice of gamers that didn't rely on any specific shop, got their info through magazines/events etc.

This is not a new debate by any stretch, there always was a slice of gamers that didn't rely on any specific shop, got their info through magazines/events etc. and didn't need any support outside of returns and repairs. But as in the olden days, store staff have a role in solving "I wish I knew X or Y" kind of issues: basically the less verse a user is in the field the more the store can step in and help. There's recommendations, but there also will be small info that is not obvious, like Switch's dock needing special USB chargers, or how language switch works, or what kind of violence there actually is in a game etc. All that info is available somewhere online, but for people who didn't/don't want to spend the time to get up to speed, knowledgeable staff is a boon.