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Black Friday Is Coming: Tips for Saving on Video Games and Gaming Accessories

Aandal Khan
Tips-for-Saving-on-Video-Games-and-Gaming-Accessories

I hope this finds you well and maybe even in the middle of an epic gaming session. I wanted to take a break from my own recent life changes (more on that another time – let’s just say I’ve become an expert at one-handed gaming while holding a baby) to chat about something exciting coming up: Black Friday 2024.

Mark your calendars, folks – November 29, 2024, is the day when wallets tremble and wishlists come to life. It’s like Christmas came early, but instead of Santa, it’s major retailers sliding down our chimneys with ridiculous deals on all things gaming.

Are you as pumped as I am to potentially snag that game you’ve been eyeing all year at a price that won’t have you eating ramen for a month? Or maybe you’re in the market for a new controller that doesn’t have that mysterious sticky spot from that one time you spilled… well, let’s not get into that.

I know gaming can be an expensive hobby, depending on what type of gamer you are. Hardcore gamers tend to spend more than casual ones because they have to spend money on gaming PCs, consoles, and games that often cost upwards of $70 when they’re first released. Given the expenses associated with gaming, it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that most gamers are on the lookout for ways to save. 

Black Friday is our chance to upgrade our setups, expand our libraries, and maybe even justify that purchase we’ve been trying to explain to our significant others for months. (“But honey, it was 70% off! I’m basically saving us money!”). If you know where to look, you can save significant money on video games and accessories. Knowing about sales events and employing strategic shopping tactics are just a couple of ways gamers can get the titles and gear they want at reasonable prices. In this article, we look at the different strategies gamers can use to make their gaming hobby more affordable.

First Things First, Level Up Your Wishlist: What to Look Out For

Making a wishlist is super important if you want to get the best deals. Trust me, when those sales hit, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and end up buying stuff you don’t really want. So here’s what I do:

  1. Grab a notebook or open a note app on your phone.
  2. Write down all the games you’ve been wanting to play this year.
  3. Add any gaming gear you need – maybe a new controller or headset.
  4. Put a star next to the must-haves. These are your priority items.
  5. Look up the current prices for everything on your list.
  6. Write down how much you’re willing to pay for each item.

Having this list ready makes Black Friday shopping way easier. You won’t get distracted by flashy deals on games you don’t really want. Plus, knowing the original prices helps you spot the real bargains. I keep my list on my phone so I can check it quickly while I’m shopping. It’s saved me from some impulse buys, let me tell you!

Use Price Tracking Tools

As great as seasonal sales can be, there are going to be other times of the year when you’ll want to stock up on games and accessories. During those times, a price tracking tool can help you find the best deals. These tools keep track of price fluctuations across multiple retailers and notify you when prices drop.

Want to make sure you’re getting the best deal? Price tracking tools are your secret weapon. Here’s how to use them:

  1. Install a Chrome extension like Price Tracker 2.0 or Keepa. Just go to the Chrome Web Store, search for the extension, and click “Add to Chrome.”
  2. Once installed, you’ll see a new icon in your browser. Click it when you’re on a product page.
  3. These tools show you the price history of the item. You can see if the current “deal” is really a good price or just marketing hype.
  4. Set up alerts. Tell the tool to notify you when the price drops below a certain amount. It’s like having a personal shopper working 24/7.
  5. Compare prices across sites. Some tools, like PriceGrabber or Google Shopping, let you see prices from different stores all at once.

Websites like GG.deals, let you track the games you’re interested in and compare how their prices change over time, making it easier to buy what you want at the best time. 

One of the things that makes these platforms work so well is the historical data they use that lets users see how prices have changed over time, which makes it easier to predict when discounts might occur in the future. If you use one of these tools, you’ll have a better chance of getting the games and accessories you want when they’re on sale or at their lowest price. 

Remember, the goal is to pay the lowest price, not just to buy on Black Friday. Sometimes, the best deal might come before or after the big day.

Wait for November Deals – (No To October Shopping)

If you’re thinking about buying a game in October, hold off for a bit. As soon as November hits, you’ll start seeing some crazy discounts. I’ve seen it happen year after year. You buy a game in October, feeling pretty good about a 20% discount. Then bam! November rolls around, and that same game is suddenly 50% off. It’s like a punch to the gut, right?

Here’s what I’ve learned: most stores start their Black Friday sales early in November. They’re not waiting for the actual Black Friday anymore. So if you can be patient for just a few more weeks, you could save a ton of cash. This is especially true for big AAA games that came out earlier in the year. They’re usually the ones that get the biggest price cuts. So hang tight, keep an eye on those game prices, and get ready to pounce when November sales start popping up.

The Pre-Game: Pre-Black Friday Deals

As soon November starts you would see that deals floating on gaming sites, so don’t wait until Black Friday to start looking for deals. A lot of stores do “Pre-Black Friday” sales now. These can be just as good as the main event, sometimes even better. Here’s what you need to know:

Don’t Forget Coupon Codes

Black Friday’s started, and you’re seeing price cuts everywhere. But don’t stop there! Coupon codes can save you even more. Here’s what to do:

  1. Before you checkout, always do a quick search for “[Store Name] coupon code.”
  2. Check sites like RetailMeNot or Honey. They collect coupon codes from across the internet.
  3. Install the Honey extension on Chrome. It automatically finds and applies coupon codes for you at checkout.
  4. Sign up for email newsletters from your favorite gaming stores. They often send exclusive coupon codes to subscribers.
  5. Check social media. Some stores post special codes on their Facebook or Twitter accounts.
  6. Don’t be afraid to stack deals. Sometimes you can use a coupon code on top of a sale price for extra savings.

Remember, even a 15% off coupon can save you a good chunk of change on expensive gaming gear.

Look for Bundle Deals

Another great way to save on video games and accessories is to take advantage of bundle deals, which package multiple games and accessories together at a discounted rate. You’ll find bundle deals at many retailers, both online and offline. These bundles often include a combination of popular games or gaming gear, so you can add to your collection at a fraction of the cost you’d pay if you bought the items individually. Keep an eye out for these bundles during major sales events, when retailers often package consoles, accessories, and games together and offer them at a significant discount. These console bundles are a great deal for new gamers looking to upgrade their setup. 

Smart Shopping on a Limited Budget

Got just $100 to spend? You can still score big. Here’s how to stretch your gaming budget:

  1. Skip the new releases. That $69.99 for the latest Call of Duty might seem tempting, but think about this: for the same price, you could get several awesome games that are just a year or two old.
  2. Look for “Game of the Year” editions. These often include all the DLC and are cheaper than the original release.
  3. Check out sites like Green Man Gaming, Fanatical, or Humble Bundle. They often have deep discounts on slightly older games.
  4. Don’t ignore the indie games. They’re usually cheaper and often just as fun as big-budget titles.
  5. Consider subscription services like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Now. For less than $100, you could get access to hundreds of games for several months.

Here’s an example of what you could get for about $100 during a good Black Friday sale:

That’s six great games for the price of one new release. And let’s be honest, it’ll probably take you months to finish all of these.

If you really want that new Call of Duty, wait six months. By then, you’ll probably find it on sites like CDKeys, G2A or Kinguin for around $40. Plus, by that time, any launch issues will be patched, and you’ll get a better experience.

Plan Your Attack: Making a Black Friday Battle Plan

Black Friday can be chaotic. Here’s how to prepare:

  1. Make a list of the games and gear you want. Prioritize them.
  2. Research the normal prices so you know if a deal is actually good.
  3. Find out when each store’s sale starts. Some begin days before Black Friday.
  4. For online shopping, create accounts on store websites in advance. Add your shipping info and payment details. This saves precious time when deals go live.
  5. For in-store shopping, know the store layout. Big items like consoles are often at the back.
  6. Set a budget and stick to it. It’s easy to overspend in the heat of the moment.

Don’t Forget Digital Sales

Physical stores aren’t the only place to find deals. Digital storefronts often have amazing sales:

  1. Check Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store for PC games.
  2. Look at PlayStation Network and Xbox Live for console digital games.
  3. Nintendo eShop often has deals on Switch games.
  4. Some of these sales start before Black Friday and run through Cyber Monday.
  5. Digital games don’t sell out, so there’s less pressure to buy immediately.

Consider Refurbished or Open-Box Items

Want to save even more? Look for refurbished or open-box items:

  1. These are often significantly cheaper than new items.
  2. Many come with warranties, so you’re protected if something goes wrong.
  3. Check the store’s return policy. A good policy means you can return it if you’re not satisfied.
  4. Refurbished consoles can be a great way to enter a new gaming ecosystem without breaking the bank.
  5. Be careful with refurbished controllers or headsets. These get a lot of wear and tear.

Take Advantage of Seasonal Sales

Saving on video games is often all about timing. If you missed Black Friday, don’t worry! There are plenty of other opportunities throughout the year to score great deals on games and gaming accessories. Here’s a breakdown of the major sales events and where to find them:

Cyber Monday

Often offering deals just as good as Black Friday, Cyber Monday is your second chance at major savings.

Where to look:

December Holiday Sales

Many stores run sales throughout December for holiday shoppers.

Key places to check:

After Christmas Sales

These can be a goldmine for discounts as retailers try to clear out holiday stock.

Don’t miss:

January Clearance Sales

January often sees price drops as stores clear out holiday stock.

Check out:

Summer Sales

If you can wait, many games see big discounts during summer sales.

Don’t miss these major events:

At The End:

As gaming has increasingly moved online in recent years, many platforms have begun offering seasonal sales to reward loyal players and attract new ones. Whether you’re a dedicated Fortnite player or online poker is more your speed, seasonal deals are often available that coincide with what brick-and-mortar retailers offer. Let’s take online poker, for example. New players who aren’t familiar with the popular card game and want to learn poker rules and strategies can review free online tutorials to learn how to play. In contrast, veteran players can find out about tournament schedules and the variety of poker variations available. Along with this information, players can also learn about the welcome bonuses and seasonal specials these virtual platforms offer, making it possible for them to take advantage of a range of discounts and promotions. 

It’s not just online poker; almost all video game platforms have some type of seasonal promotion. If you’re a PC gamer, you won’t want to miss the Steam Summer Sale, where you can find discounts as high as 90% on digital PC games, including many AAA titles. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are also some of the best times of the year to find deep discounts on all types of games and accessories like gaming keyboards, making them a must for gamers who want to make the most of their money. 

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