Best Times to Buy Video Games: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Holiday Deals

For gamers and gift-givers alike, timing can make all the difference when shopping for video games. While video games often come with a high price tag, waiting for the right sale season can score you the latest titles or favorite classics at a fraction of the price. In this guide, we’ll explore the best times to buy video games, focusing on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday deals.

Why Timing Matters in Video Game Purchases

Video game prices fluctuate throughout the year, and retailers often reserve their biggest discounts for certain periods. Whether you’re looking for physical copies, digital downloads, or even subscriptions, knowing when to buy can save you significant money.

Black Friday: The Best Deals of the Year

Black Friday is arguably the best time of year to purchase video games. Traditionally taking place the Friday after Thanksgiving in the U.S., Black Friday has evolved into a global shopping event where retailers offer steep discounts on popular titles, gaming consoles, and accessories.

1. Newly Released Titles: Black Friday is one of the few times you can find discounts on games released that year. Retailers like GameStop, Best Buy, and Amazon often slash prices on recent titles, making it a great time to grab games that were released in the months leading up to November.
2. Bundles: Console and game bundles are a hallmark of Black Friday. Whether you’re looking for a PS5, Xbox Series X, or Nintendo Switch, bundles that include additional controllers or popular games can offer excellent value.
3. Discounted Gaming Accessories: Black Friday also sees great deals on controllers, headsets, and storage drives. Accessories are often paired with games or consoles, so you may find value-packed bundles.
4. Subscription Services: Gaming subscription services like PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass, and Nintendo Switch Online are also frequently discounted during Black Friday, making it an ideal time to buy or renew a subscription.

Tip: To stay on top of Black Friday deals and price comparisons, check out Slickdeals, which keeps an updated list of the latest sales from various retailers.

Cyber Monday: The Online Shopping Day for Gamers

Following Black Friday, Cyber Monday provides another round of deals for gamers. This day was originally dedicated to online shopping but has grown to feature discounts across most major retail and digital platforms. Here’s why Cyber Monday is an excellent time to buy video games:

1. Digital-Only Deals: Cyber Monday is especially beneficial for those who prefer digital downloads over physical copies. Digital storefronts like the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Steam, and Epic Games Store typically have massive discounts on digital games, expansions, and downloadable content (DLC).
2. Exclusive Online Discounts: While many Black Friday deals carry over to Cyber Monday, some retailers offer unique online-only discounts on popular titles. Make sure to check both console and PC game storefronts to find the best digital discounts.
3. PC Gaming Sales: Cyber Monday is a particularly big day for PC gamers, with platforms like Steam offering discounted titles, and PC parts suppliers providing deals on hardware like graphics cards, keyboards, and gaming mice.
4. Extended Deals: Many retailers use Cyber Monday as an extension of their Black Friday deals, meaning you have a second chance to grab that game or accessory you missed over the weekend.

Holiday Deals: December Savings for Last-Minute Shoppers

If you miss the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, don’t worry—Holiday deals in December offer a third opportunity to find great video game discounts.

1. Pre-Christmas Sales: In early December, major retailers start rolling out holiday sales to attract last-minute shoppers. This is a good time to find discounts on popular games, especially family-friendly titles and party games that are in demand during the holiday season.
2. Christmas and New Year’s Discounts: Digital game stores like the Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and PC platforms often hold special sales around Christmas and New Year’s. These promotions include “Winter Sales” and “Holiday Sales,” where you can find markdowns on games released throughout the year.
3. End-of-Year Clearance: Some retailers clear out their stock to make room for new inventory in the New Year. This means you can find excellent deals on older games, as well as hardware and accessories that may be updated in the coming year.
4. Gift Card Promotions: During the holiday season, many stores offer discounts on gift cards for game stores or consoles. These can be a strategic way to save money on games by purchasing discounted gift cards, which you can then use in online stores.

Pro Tips for Scoring the Best Video Game Deals

• Sign Up for Store Newsletters: Retailers often send early notifications or exclusive promo codes to subscribers, giving you a head start on deals.
• Compare Prices Across Stores: Use price comparison websites or apps to ensure you’re getting the lowest price. Platforms like CamelCamelCamel can track Amazon price changes and help you decide when to buy.
• Take Advantage of Cashback Offers: Many cashback apps or credit card providers offer extra rewards during shopping events, which can stack with discounts for even more savings.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for the latest releases or planning to stock up on games you missed, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and December holiday deals are your best opportunities to save. Plan your purchases around these shopping days, and with a little research, you’ll score fantastic savings on all the video games and gear you want.

Shopping smart during these sales can help you maximize your gaming budget and get the best deals all year round. Remember to set reminders, check price trackers, and enjoy the thrill of finding the perfect game at an unbeatable price!

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