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Reading Time: 6 minutesIn 2020, it feels like video games have never been more accessible. However, there is one major accessibility issue—games, consoles and accessories cost a ton of money… unless you know how to play the game.
GameStop is a major hub for finding deals on the latest releases, used titles, apparel and other video game merchandise. Like any other retailer, you can shop the sales and use coupon codes to unlock impressive deals and discounts on gaming consoles, retro gaming devices, Nintendo ephemera and accessories. Whether you’re playing on PlayStation, Xbox or Switch, you’re bound to find something you like at GameStop for less than full price.
On top of that, you can always employ these handy GameStop-specific tips and tricks during your next shopping trip.
1. Look Out For Bundle Deals
Credit: Gamestop
Bundles are the bread and butter of GameStop’s operation. Exclusive merchandise, console bundles and mix-and-match offers might be the deciding factor between a standalone game or digital copy from another retailer, so it’s important to keep those benefits in mind.
There are many different types of bundles, ranging from collectibles to console accessories and all things in between. Even at full price, you are likely to save money compared to purchasing each item separately (but you should still double check MSRPs and price history ahead of time to make sure). Here are a few current bundle discounts to help you get started.
- PlayStation 4 Essentials Blast from the Past GameStop Premium Refurbished System Bundle – Sale Price: $299.99 | Reg. Price: $3226.95
- Pokemon Plush, Vulpix, Mew, and Gengar Bundle – Sale Price: $75 | Reg. Price: $94.97
- Guild Series PC Holiday Bundle – Sale Price: $49.99 | Reg. Price: $99.99
2. Shop the GameStop Gift Hub
If you’re trying to save on your holiday shopping, the GameStop Gift Hub is invaluable for non-gamers searching for the perfect nerdy gift. Current offers are broken down by price point, age group, franchise and console, streamlining the deal finding process so you don’t miss out on the perfect discount.
3. Check the Deals Page on Slickdeals Often
Credit: Gamestop
Outside of the holiday shopping season, our GameStop Deals page is a one-stop shop for current and upcoming promotions. If you are deal hunting strategically and want to make sure that you have your dates right, all of that information is available on this page.
Shop Holiday Deals at GameStop
A few highlights from GameStop’s last-minute holiday promotion:
- Sony DUALSHOCK 4 Back Button Attachment – Sale Price: $19.99 | Reg. Price: $29.99
- Madden NFL 2020 for the PS4 – Sale Price: $27.99 | Reg. Price: $37.99
- Mario Plus Rabbids Kingdom Battle – Sale Price: $18.99 | Reg. Price: $49.99
The Deal of the Day page boasts flash sales on new titles, controllers, apparel and toys. These offers change daily, so it’s worth bookmarking this page and visiting often if you value a hot deal over finding a specific item.
4. Build Your Used Game Library
While players who trade in video games may complain about buy-back rates, customers shopping for pre-owned games often benefit from the trade. If you’re lucky, you can even score a slight discount on relatively new titles like Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla (25% off list price) and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (nearly 15% off list price).
5. Sign Up For the PowerUp Rewards Program
Credit: Gamestop
The PowerUp Rewards program is a particularly polarizing topic in the wider GameStop community. Many feel that the PowerUp Rewards Pro loyalty program doesn’t deliver enough to justify its $19.99/year subscription fee, but it ultimately boils down to your shopping habits and gaming style.
Pretty much anyone who shops at GameStop benefits from signing up for the free PowerUp Rewards Player tier, which offers:
- 10 points per $1 spent
- A birthday gift
- Early access to offers and upcoming sale information
If you buy and trade games frequently or follow GameInformer, the Pro membership might be worth your while. Pro subscribers enjoy Player benefits, as well as:
- 20 points per $1 spent
- $5 Welcome Certificate
- $5 Monthly Reward Certificate
- 10% in extra trade credit
- Pro-only sales and events
- GameInformer subscription
Not interested in trading or buying games often? Stick to the Player level and spend that $19.99 on a few used games!
6. Subscribe to the GameStop Email Newsletter
Given the recent trend of sold out consoles and scarce in-store selections, the importance of “the early bird gets the worm” cannot be understated. By signing up for GameStop’s email newsletter, you can rest assured that you’ll be prepared when the game you’ve been waiting for finally hits the shelves. Even if you aren’t trying to keep ahead of the pack, who can say no to GameStop discount codes, special offers and flash sale updates?
7. Visit Your Local Store Before Shopping Online
iStock.com/NicolasMcComber
Online shopping is undoubtedly safer and easier under quarantine, but there are still many cases for shopping in-store during normal times. The benefit of leaving the store with a game in hand, helpful input from GameStop employees and store-specific used titles are just a few reasons to visit a GameStop retail store before heading to the website.
8. Wait For Trade-In Events
Regular trade-in offers might be disappointing, but it’s worth stockpiling your underused games until a trade-in event pops up. You can view current incentives on the Trades page. The terms vary depending on the offer, but popular offers include a 10 to 20% bonus in trade credit when you shop during the event, GameStop credit for smart phones as well as an extra 30% in trade credit when you apply it towards the purchase of a specific new game.
9. Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store
Save on shipping costs and the excruciating wait for your brand new game by opting for GameStop’s “buy online, pick up in-store” option. The process is straightforward — shop as you normally would on the GameStop website or on the GameStop app, but select the “Pick Up At Store” option instead of entering your shipping information. Once you receive your “Ready for Pick Up” email, your purchase will be held for up to seven days.
iStock.com/EKKAPHAN CHIMPALEE
10. Score Discounted Gift Cards
Every so often, GameStop offers virtual currency and game subscription gift cards at a discount. These types of deals are more popular on third party sites; right now, you can purchase $10 in Roblox credit for $8.50 and a $40 credit for $34. Both of these gift cards come with an exclusive bundled item, the gift that keeps on giving.
11. Shop the Liquidation Sales
If your personal GameStop is among the 1,000 stores slated to close by April 2021, allow yourself a brief moment of grief and sentimentality. Now that you’ve gotten that out of your system, it’s time to start developing a plan of action for the inevitable liquidation sale. According to The Krazy Koupon Lady, you can expect discounts anywhere from 10 to 60% off, with the exception of new consoles. Call your local store to find out about liquidation pricing and when the clearance promotion goes live. Did you know that the best way to get over the loss of your local GameStop is to get into a new game… or five?
While you’ve got game deals on your mind, why not set up a Deal Alert? We will let you know when your game, console or accessory of choice goes on sale within your preferred price range.
Read Next: How to Get the Best Deals at Best Buy
Oliver Pretl-Drummond
Oliver Pretl-Drummond is a copywriter, memoirist and Scorpio living in Baltimore, MD. Primed by years of recreational research spirals, they've helped Slickdeals document hundreds of arcane store policies and hidden coupon tricks for the greater good of deal hunters everywhere. They spend their days seeking and sharing killer deals on budget travel, sound systems, home goods and tech. By night, their free time is reserved for making bass music while consuming exotic caffeinated beverages with their partner and growing family of yucca plants.