As food prices rise around the world, it’s more important than ever to save money on games. There are a few things you may not consider, which we’ll dive into right now.
Check your local library
This might be a shock to you, but there are libraries that let you rent out video games for free. While I was living inEdmonton, I used the library so much because of this. While it took a long time to get new releases (around a month typically), I was able to catch up on franchises likeResident EvilandFire Emblembecause of the library near me.
Look at the deal-searching websites and Reddit groups
If you want to find the best video game deals, you should check out the information available on websites likeCheap Ass GamerandGame Deals Canada. They can compile great gaming deals for you, especially during Black Friday. There are some Reddit groups, including r/Game Dealsand r/NintendoSwitchDealsthat provide up-to-date sales info as well.
Facebook Marketplace is fantastic for saving money
You can find some awesome deals on Facebook Marketplace if you’re fast enough. New releases can be cheaper used from regular people rather than GameStop. For example, I foundFinal Fantasy XVIandArmored Core VI Fires of Rubiconfor $60 Canadian ($45 US) each from one seller a few months after release.
Game bundles can be fantastic
PC gamers might be familiar with Humble Bundle, a retailer that packs a bunch of games together and allows you to save money on awesome games, often while supporting a good cause. During October 2023, there was the Laugh Till You Die: Multiplayer Mayhem charity bundle, including popular games likePlateUp!andUltimate Chicken Horsein a pack of seven. It also costs around $10;PlateUp!alone costs $19.99 USD usually.
Fanatical is another great option. It offers cheap bundles, and for some, you may actually select what you want. For example, theBuild Your Own Play As You Go bundlein October hadWolfenstein 2: The New Colossus, Doom, The Walking Dead: The TellTale Series The Final Season, andThe Ascent,among other high quality games. If you bought three, it would be around $10, but if you get 7, it would total about $20, saving you cash.
Ask a friend to lend you a game
The best way to save money on games is to ask a friend to lend their titles. If you want to check outCall of Duty Modern Warfare 3and see a friend who has it playingDiablo 4instead, perhaps ask if you could borrow their copy of the latestCOD.They might say yes. Just ensure you schedule a time to return the game with your pal.
Check out the thrift stores and pawn shops
Pawn shops are a fantastic way to get modern titles. For example, I saw the often expensiveMario Tennis Acesfor $35 CAD ($25 USD) at a pawn shop the other week. If you’re lucky, you can also find some retro gems in thrift stores. I found a few rare PS2 games available, including the valuable PS2 port ofHarry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
attempt to read the weekly flyers when you can. They offer some surprising deals at times. In Canada, they’re still around often, but I found them difficult to find with some American brands, at least online.
Thankfully, you can check the deals sections of these retailers. For example, onWalmart, I found thatYoshi’s Crafted Worldwas $10 off, andThe Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakeningwas $20 off on a random October night.
Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus Extra are the best ways to save money on games
Both subscription services Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus Extra offer a wealth of titles to check out for less than $20 a month. Xbox Game Pass is arguably the better of the two with new games likeStarfieldandLies of Plaunching on the platform day one. You can also play the entirety of theHaloandGears of Warseries on the service. There are some other standouts likeDisney Dreamlight Valleyand indies such asCelesteandInsideon Xbox Game Pass.
However, PlayStation Plus Extra has an impressive suite of titles too, such asRatchet & Clank Rift Apart, Demon’s Souls(PS5),andMarvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. you’re able to catch up on the games you’ve missed as well. For example, I never caught up withNieR Replicant, and now it’s available on PlayStation Plus Extra.
Use Bing to get gift cards on Xbox
This might sound like a joke to you, but I use Bing for the majority of my searches rather than Google. Why? Because I can get points towards gift cards on Xbox and other rewards. After a month of searches, this number can increase dramatically, letting you redeem them for a $5 gift card code. You can also answer fun quizzes to get some points. If you’re anOverwatchorLeague of Legendsfan, you can get in-game currency with your points too. It’s been very helpful for me, and I’ve probably saved $50 or more with this method.
PlayStation Stars offers up money too
PlayStation Stars can also get you some cash on the PlayStation Store. You’ll get points back from your purchases and finishing tasks on the PlayStation App. you may then redeem them for digital gift cards or actual games likeCuphead. Some of these tasks include playing games from the PlayStation Plus lineup that month or checking out new titles in the Store.
The Nintendo eShop also gives you back some cash on your purchases too in the form of gold coins. You’ll typically get $4 back on every $80 game you buy, according toMy Nintendo. However, there are no additional tasks you complete for more currency.
