Bitcoin Price Forecast: BTC Reaches $88K as BIP-110 Implementation and GameStop Ignite a Critical Phase

Bitcoin is currently trading around $88,700 as the market assesses a retreat from $97K in light of increasing regulatory clarity in the US, ongoing internal network discussions, and changing technical momentum. Legislative reforms in the Senate regarding cryptocurrency, the rising acceptance of BIP-110, and speculation surrounding GameStop’s BTC transfer have contributed to the noise, yet price movements indicate consolidation rather than a breakdown. The $88K level is now identified as the crucial pivot point for Bitcoin’s next directional shift.

Bitcoin Governance Discussion Reemerges as BIP-110 Node Adoption Grows

The longstanding governance discussion within Bitcoin has reemerged as the adoption of Bitcoin Improvement Proposal 110 (BIP-110) continues to rise. Approximately 2.38% of Bitcoin nodes are now operating with BIP-110, a temporary soft fork aimed at restricting non-monetary data, or “spam,” included in transactions.

This proposal reinstates limits on OP_RETURN data and output sizes that were relaxed in more recent Bitcoin Core updates.

Enabling Spam contradicts Bitcoin’s mission of providing sound money through decentralization.
Enabling Spam increases the cost and complexity of using Bitcoin in a self-sovereign way compared to what it would be without Spam.
Activate BIP-110 immediately.
Filters up. https://t.co/6czRByhKLb

— ₿itcoin ₿ombadil (@BitcoinBombadil) January 24, 2026

The topic has split the community. Detractors claim that permitting excessive arbitrary data could transform Bitcoin into a data-storage network, increasing the costs for nodes and marginalizing smaller, independent operators, which may lead to greater centralization. Proponents argue that usage should not be artificially constrained and that current spam filters are ineffective.

While the discourse may generate short-term distractions, it has minimal direct influence on prices. Over time, initiatives like BIP-110 bolster Bitcoin’s decentralization, enhancing its reputation as resilient, trust-minimized currency.

GameStop Transfers 4,700 BTC to Coinbase Prime, Sparking Sale Speculation

GameStop has transferred its entire Bitcoin reserve, approximately 4,710 BTC valued at over $420 million, to Coinbase Prime, igniting speculation that a sale could be forthcoming. As per CryptoQuant, the company acquired its Bitcoin at an average price close to $107,900, indicating that a full exit at current prices around $90,800 would result in an unrealized loss of about $76 million.

Is GameStop giving up?
Their on-chain wallets have just moved all BTC holdings to Coinbase Prime, likely in preparation to sell.
Between May 14–23, 2025, they purchased 4,710 BTC at an average price of $107.9K, investing around $504M.
Now selling for approximately $90.8K, potentially realizing about… pic.twitter.com/Bp7MwRVQ43

— CryptoQuant.com (@cryptoquant_com) January 23, 2026

Significant transfers to institutional trading platforms frequently precede sales, but this move alone does not confirm liquidation. GameStop has not made any public comment, leaving the interpretation of intent to the market.

The broader impact on Bitcoin seems limited. More than 190 publicly traded companies currently hold Bitcoin on their balance sheets, highlighting ongoing institutional involvement.

Even if GameStop were to divest, it would represent a singular corporate choice rather than a shift in overall institutional confidence. Short-term fluctuations are feasible, but long-term demand remains strong.

Bitcoin Price Forecast: BTC Tests $88K Support as Breakout Pressure Accumulates

The Bitcoin price forecast is bearish as BTC trades around $88,600, entering a corrective phase after failing to maintain the $97,300 swing high earlier this month. On the 4-hour chart, the price has retraced into a rising channel that guided the movement from the $83,800 low.

The rejection at channel resistance indicated a momentum shift, reinforced by long upper wicks and a bearish engulfing candle that breached short-term support.

Bitcoin Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

BTC is presently testing a crucial confluence zone between $88,000 and $87,300, aligning with previous demand and the lower boundary of the ascending channel. Recent candles exhibit smaller bodies with lower wicks, indicating that selling pressure is subsiding rather than escalating. Nevertheless, the price remains below the 50-EMA and 100-EMA, while the 200-EMA around $91,200 continues to limit rebounds, maintaining a cautious near-term outlook.

The RSI has bounced back from oversold levels near 30 and is stabilizing around 40–42, indicating equilibrium but not strength. The structure resembles a descending flag within a broader uptrend. If $87,300 holds, reclaiming $90,000 could lead to targets of $92,400–$94,500. A decisive break below risks a drop to $85,600.

Bitcoin (BTC/USD) Trade Setup: Buy $87,500–$88,000, target $94,000, stop below $85,500.

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The post Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC at $88K as BIP-110 Adoption and GameStop Fuel a Make-or-Break Zone appeared first on Cryptonews.