Funding your video game and app habit is expensive! You may be tempted to ask your parents to give you money, or send you money using a money transfer service, to get the latest game, but it isn’t just kids who love video games.
If you’re an adult who loves video games, but you don’t want to drain your own bank account every time a new game comes around, there’s good news. You really can save money on video games!
Don’t Buy as Soon as a Game Is Released
It’s true that video games should actually be more expensive than they are, but that doesn’t change the fact that they’re expensive enough already. Chances are, you’ll spend over $60 on a new game, not to mention, in-game DLC and micro-transactions will have you spending even more.
If you can stand to go without that new game for at least a few weeks, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover that it may have decreased in price. You could save $10, $20, or more on a game simply by waiting until it isn’t new anymore.
Don’t Link Your Bank Account Information
Micro-transactions can really get you. They are a little easier to avoid on gaming systems, but if you like to play apps on a mobile device, it is especially important that you don’t link your bank account.
It’s easy to download an app or mod, only to find out it costs after the purchase has already been made. By not linking your bank account, there’s no way for you to make a purchase until you have the chance to really think it through.
Know Where and How to Get the Best Deals
There are some games that you just have to buy when they first come out. In these cases, it’s a good idea to know where and how to get the best deals.
A few ways to get good deals on brand-new video games include:
- Buying games on sale from a digital storefront, like Xbox Live
- Checking sales and coupons from local retailers, especially around the holidays
- Using Amazon Prime to get a percentage off pre-released video games
- Pre-ordering games at video game stores to get a discount
Rent and Borrow
There’s nothing worse than spending money on a video game, only to discover you don’t like it. Make sure that game is worth the money by renting it. For just a couple of dollars, you can play a video game you aren’t sure about before spending the money on it.
Borrowing games from friends can work too. Split the cost of a new game with a friend, then take turns playing it. You may not be able to play online together, but you’ll save a ton of money.
Feeding a video game habit doesn’t mean you have to be poor! With the tips on this list, you can get those games for less without having to give up the hobby you love because you can’t afford it.