Gaming consoles can be a pricey investment, especially with the latest releases and high demand during the holiday season. However, with a bit of planning and smart shopping strategies, you can save money and find great discounts on consoles. Here’s a guide to help you score discounts on gaming consoles this season and get the best deals possible.
1. Watch for Holiday Sales and Events
The holiday season is one of the best times to find discounts on gaming consoles, with major sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas sales. Many retailers, both online and in-store, offer markdowns, bundle deals, or promotional discounts during these peak shopping days. Keep an eye on sales in November and December, as these are when consoles are most likely to be discounted or bundled with extras.
Tips for Holiday Shopping:
- Sign Up for Newsletters: Retailers often send exclusive discounts and early access to sales via email.
- Monitor Flash Sales: Some retailers, especially online, offer limited-time flash sales or doorbusters on consoles during the holidays.
- Set Up Alerts: Many online stores and apps (like Honey, Rakuten, and CamelCamelCamel) allow you to set price alerts, so you get notified when prices drop on specific consoles.
2. Consider Buying Bundles for Extra Value
Console bundles, which often include games, controllers, or accessories, are common during the holiday season and can be a fantastic way to get more for your money. While the bundle price may be higher than the console alone, the combined value is often significantly better than buying each item separately.
Types of Bundles:
- Game Bundles: Bundles that come with popular games allow you to start gaming right away and save on game purchases.
- Controller Bundles: Some bundles include extra controllers, which can save you $50-$60.
- Subscription Bundles: Look for bundles that come with subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Nintendo Switch Online, which provide access to games and online multiplayer.
Bundled deals are especially common during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales and can offer significant savings over buying everything separately.
3. Check Refurbished and Certified Pre-Owned Consoles
Refurbished or certified pre-owned consoles can be a budget-friendly way to get a gaming console without paying full price. Retailers like GameStop, Best Buy, and even Amazon offer certified refurbished consoles that are inspected, cleaned, and tested for quality. These options often come with warranties, making them a reliable way to buy a console at a discount.
Where to Buy Refurbished Consoles:
- GameStop: Known for a large inventory of pre-owned consoles, often with a 30-day warranty.
- Best Buy: Offers certified refurbished consoles with Geek Squad protection plans available.
- Amazon Renewed: Provides refurbished consoles inspected by certified suppliers, often with a 90-day guarantee.
Opting for refurbished can save you up to 20-30% compared to new models, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
4. Use Price Comparison Tools
With so many retailers offering gaming consoles, prices can vary significantly across stores. Use price comparison tools to find the best deals and compare prices in real time.
Best Price Comparison Tools:
- Google Shopping: A quick way to compare prices across various retailers.
- CamelCamelCamel: Tracks Amazon prices over time and lets you see historical price trends.
- ShopSavvy: A mobile app with a barcode scanner that lets you compare prices across multiple stores when shopping in-store.
- PriceGrabber: Allows you to compare console prices across a range of online retailers, with links to the best deals.
By using these tools, you can avoid overpaying and find the best available price on your chosen console.
5. Look for Retailer Membership Perks and Rewards Programs
Some retailers offer membership or rewards programs that can help you save on purchases, including gaming consoles. Programs like Target Circle, Best Buy’s My Best Buy, or Amazon Prime often provide exclusive discounts, early access to sales, and reward points that can lead to future savings.
Retailer Programs Worth Exploring:
- Target Circle: Provides exclusive offers, including discounts and points for future rewards.
- My Best Buy: Members often receive early access to sales, discounts on open-box items, and rewards points on purchases.
- Amazon Prime: Prime members get access to exclusive deals during events like Prime Day and have access to fast, free shipping, making it easier to secure deals quickly.
Taking advantage of these programs can give you early access to deals or additional discounts, maximizing your savings potential.
6. Consider Older Console Models
While the latest consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X offer incredible performance, previous-generation consoles are still powerful options, especially for casual gamers or those with a tight budget. Older models, like the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, are often discounted heavily when newer models are in high demand.
Benefits of Buying Older Models:
- Price Drops: Older consoles usually see price drops after new releases, making them affordable for those who don’t need the latest technology.
- Large Game Libraries: Older consoles have vast game libraries, many of which are still supported and receive new releases.
- Accessory Compatibility: Accessories for older models, like controllers and headsets, are generally less expensive and easier to find.
Check for sales on previous-generation consoles, especially during holiday promotions, to find great deals on still-capable gaming systems.
7. Use Cash-Back Apps and Credit Card Rewards
Cash-back apps and credit cards with rewards programs can help reduce the effective cost of a gaming console. Apps like Rakuten and Dosh offer cash-back rewards for shopping at participating retailers, while certain credit cards provide cash-back or points on specific purchases.
Top Cash-Back and Rewards Options:
- Rakuten: Offers cash-back deals for online shopping at major retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and GameStop.
- Dosh: Provides automatic cash back at participating stores when you link your card to the app.
- Credit Card Rewards: Many credit cards offer cash-back or points on electronics purchases. Check your card’s benefits to see if you can get additional savings or rewards.
Using these apps and programs can save you anywhere from 1% to 10% or more, which can add up significantly, especially for high-ticket items like consoles.
8. Time Your Purchase Wisely
If you’re not in a rush, timing your purchase can make a big difference. Prices on consoles tend to fluctuate based on demand, so waiting for the right time to buy can help you secure a better deal. Avoid buying immediately after a new release, as demand often keeps prices high. Instead, look for discounts several months after the initial release, especially during key sale seasons.
Best Times to Buy:
- End of Year: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday sales in December are great for discounts.
- January: Post-holiday sales often include electronics, as retailers clear out inventory.
- Mid-Year: Look for deals around summer sales events and Amazon Prime Day.
By timing your purchase, you can often get the best value without compromising on the console you want.
9. Follow Retailers and Brands on Social Media
Retailers and brands frequently announce flash sales, special promotions, or limited-time deals on social media channels. Following your favorite stores or console brands on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook can give you a heads-up about upcoming discounts.
How to Use Social Media for Deals:
- Enable Notifications: Follow and turn on notifications for brands and retailers to receive updates on flash sales or promotions.
- Join Retailer Loyalty Programs: Some stores, like Best Buy, announce early access deals to loyalty members on social media.
- Engage with Promotions: Occasionally, brands or retailers run contests or offer additional discounts to followers.
Social media can be a valuable tool for finding exclusive deals or last-minute promotions, especially during high-demand times like the holiday season.
10. Consider Price Matching Policies
Many retailers offer price-matching policies, which allow you to get the best price if you find a lower price for the same item at a different store. Major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy typically match prices on consoles, either through their own website or with select competitors.
Tips for Price Matching:
- Research Before You Shop: Check the price-matching policies at different retailers before you buy.
- Present Proof: Bring a screenshot or show the lower price on your phone at checkout.
- Ask for Price Adjustments: If a store you bought from drops the price shortly after purchase, many will honor a price adjustment within a certain period.
Using price matching can give you peace of mind knowing you’re getting the best possible price on your gaming console.
With so many options for scoring discounts, getting a deal on a gaming console this season is more attainable than ever. By taking advantage of holiday sales, using price-tracking tools, exploring bundle deals, and timing your purchase, you can find a gaming console that fits your budget. Shopping smart with these tips not only helps you save money but also makes the buying experience more enjoyable, so you can focus on what really matters—getting ready to game. Happy saving!
