As an avid gamer, you know how expensive it can be to keep up with the latest releases and build your library of games. Between purchasing consoles, accessories, and individual game titles, the costs add up quickly. However, with some savvy shopping techniques, you can save a significant amount of money on your gaming hobby. Whether you prefer to buy physical disks or download digital copies, there are deals and discounts to be found if you know where and how to look. By following a few simple tips, you'll be gaming on a budget in no time and keeping more of your hard-earned cash in your wallet where it belongs. Read on to discover how you can save money on games through sales, bundles, trade-ins, and more. With the right strategies, you'll be paying less and playing more.
Buy During Seasonal Sales
To save money on the latest games, the best strategy is to shop seasonal sales. Many retailers offer major discounts on games during holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas.
•Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) and Cyber Monday (the Monday after Black Friday) see some of the biggest price drops of the year for games. Check major retailers like GameStop, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart for doorbuster deals and flash sales. You can often find new releases marked down 30-50% or more.
•Christmas and year-end sales also mean big savings on games. Retailers want to clear out inventory before the new year, so look for promo codes and coupons to stack on top of already reduced prices. Some stores like Steam and the PlayStation Store run digital game sales with up to 90% off select titles.
•Used game retailers like GameFly and Decluttr frequently run sales with price cuts on pre-owned games. You can find used copies of recent hits for $20 or less. Check sites like Slickdeals to spot the best offers.
•Price tracking sites can help you snag a game at the lowest price. Add games to your wish list on sites like Deku Deals, and they’ll send you an alert when it goes on sale at major retailers. That way you can swoop in and buy at the best discount.
With some patience and savvy shopping, you can build your game library without breaking the bank. Keep an eye out for big seasonal sales, used game deals, price drops on digital stores, and alerts from price tracking services. Follow these tips, and you’ll be enjoying the latest hits for a fraction of the cost.
Check Deal-of-the-Day Websites
To save money on the latest games, check deal-of-the-day websites like Slickdeals, DealCatcher, and Bargainist. These sites aggregate the best daily deals from major retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Newegg, and GameStop. You'll often find discounts of up to 75% off or more on games for PC, console, and mobile.
Set up deal alerts for the games and platforms you're interested in so you never miss a price drop. You can get notifications via email, text, or app.
Check the sites frequently, as many deals are only live for 24 hours. Some last-minute deals may sell out quickly, so act fast if there's a game you really want.
Look for coupon codes and promo codes that can be stacked on top of the already discounted prices. You may be able to find additional 5-20% off codes to apply at checkout.
See if the deal is available for in-store pickup to avoid shipping fees. Some retailers like Best Buy and Walmart offer free in-store pickup for online orders.
Compare prices across sites to make sure you're getting the absolute lowest price. Sometimes deals vary between retailers or one site may have an even steeper discount.
By regularly checking major deal sites and comparing offers, you can discover deep discounts on popular games and save a significant amount of money over time. With a little patience and persistence, you'll be enjoying the latest blockbuster games without paying full price. Keep hunting those deals and your wallet will thank you!
Buy Used Games
Check Online Marketplaces
Some of the best deals on used games can be found on major online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. Sellers on these platforms are often individuals looking to unload used games from their personal collection. You can frequently find used games for 30-50% off retail prices, especially if you buy bundles of multiple games at once. Make sure to check the condition and read reviews from other buyers before purchasing.
Visit Local Game Stores
Independent game stores in your area are also great for finding used games at a discount. These stores buy and sell used games, and they need to price them competitively to move inventory. You can often negotiate the best prices in person, and you have the advantage of inspecting the exact item you’re buying. Some stores also offer loyalty programs and bundle deals for frequent shoppers.
Check Library Sales
Public libraries frequently hold used book sales to raise funds, and many libraries also sell used games, movies, and other media that have been donated. These sales typically have very low prices, sometimes as little as $1-$5 per game. The selection may be limited, but with some digging you can uncover some gems. Ask your local library about their schedule of upcoming sales.
Buy in Bundles
You can frequently get the best deals on used games by purchasing bundles of multiple games at once. Sellers are often willing to provide a bulk discount when bundling several used games together. Look for bundles that contain games from the same genre or console to maximize your savings. Make sure you’re still interested in playing most of the games in the bundle—there’s no real savings if you end up with a stack of games you don’t actually want to play!
Buying used games is an easy way to save money on your gaming hobby. With some patience and the right techniques, you can build your library and play more games for less. Check all available options, compare prices, and be ready to negotiate for the best deals. Your wallet will thank you, and you’ll have more left in your budget for even more games!
Look for Coupon Codes and Promo Offers
To save money on video games, look for available coupon codes and promo offers from retailers. Many stores frequently run sales and discounts on games, especially older titles.
Check the Retailer’s Website
Visit the website of stores that sell games like GameStop, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. They often list current coupon codes and promo codes on their site. Some may require you to sign up for their newsletter or rewards program to access the best offers. It only takes a minute to sign up and can save you a lot of money.
Search for “coupons” or “promo codes” on the site to find available discounts for games.
See if they offer price matching for competitors’ deals. Many major retailers will match a lower price from another store.
Search Online for Coupon Codes
Do a web search for the store name followed by “coupon code” or “promo code.” You'll find sites like RetailMeNot, Slickdeals, and Bargainist that compile lists of current discount offers for many retailers.
Check sites that specialize in gaming deals like GameDealsDaily and CheapAssGamer.
See if any codes are available for free shipping or a percentage off your total order.
Check Social Media
Follow your favorite gaming stores on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They will frequently announce flash sales, coupon codes, and other special offers there.
Turn on notifications from the retailers so you never miss a deal.
Share and like their posts to increase visibility which may lead to even better offers and exclusives.
Using available coupon codes and promo offers is an easy way to save a significant amount of money on your gaming purchases. Be sure to also look for bundle deals, used game sales, and take advantage of reward and loyalty programs to maximize your savings. With some searching, you can find the best value and lowest price on the games you want.
Wait for Price Drops
Wait for Price Drops
One of the most effective ways to save money on video games is simply waiting for prices to drop. New games are almost always at their highest price point when first released, often $60 or more for major titles. However, with some patience, you can score the same games for a fraction of the cost.
Check Price Trackers
Use a website like PriceSpy, CamelCamelCamel, or Honey to view the price history of a game you're interested in. See how much the price has dropped over time to determine the optimal waiting period. Many games decrease in price by 50-75% within 6-12 months of release. If you can wait, the savings will be substantial.
Look for Sales and Promotions
Keep an eye out for seasonal sales like summer sales, holiday sales, and publisher-specific promotions. Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Live, and Nintendo eShop frequently run sales with discounts up to 90% off. Check sites like Slickdeals, Wario64 on Twitter, and r/GameDeals to find the latest offers.
Buy Used Physical Copies
For console games, buying a used physical copy is a great way to save. Check sites like GameStop, eBay, and Craigslist for used copies of the game you want. Make sure the disk is in good, working condition and you can often find games for $10-$30 within a few months of release.
Be Flexible in What You Buy
Consider being open to buying a game that has been out for a while, rather than insisting on the latest release. The longer a game has been on the market, the more likely you'll find it at a steep discount. You may discover a new favorite game for a fraction of the cost. With some patience and flexibility, you'll be enjoying video games without paying full price.
Conclusion
In conclusion, with some time and effort, you can build an impressive library of games without breaking the bank. Check sites regularly for the best deals, set price alerts, buy bundles, trade or resell, and take advantage of loyalty programs. While the latest blockbuster titles may still command full price at launch, staying patient and hunting for bargains will pay off. With all the options available today to score discounts and deals, paying full price for games should become a thing of the past. With the money you save, you'll be able to afford even more games to enjoy. Staying on a budget has never been so fun. Happy hunting and happy gaming!
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