How to Preorder Games Without Paying Full Price

We've all been there—anticipating the release of a highly-anticipated game, but hesitating because that new-release price tag feels steep. You want the exclusive skins, cool bonuses, and bragging rights, but paying full retail price just doesn't seem practical.

Fortunately, there's a smarter way. You don't have to break your gaming budget every time a new game is released. Let's explore how you can score great preorder deals and still enjoy all the perks of an early adopter.

Why Preorder Games?

Preordering games isn't just about securing a copy; there's a lot more value hidden in those early orders. Here’s why preordering can be rewarding for gamers:

Access to Exclusive Content and Bonuses

One of the biggest draws of preordering a game is the exclusive content developers offer to early buyers. These incentives usually include unique character skins, limited-time weapons, special missions, or in-game currency.

For instance, when Elden Ring was announced for preorder, early adopters got immediate access to exclusive digital items unavailable post-release. Not only do these bonuses add more fun to the gameplay, but they also enhance your gaming experience by making each playthrough feel special and personalized.

Limited Edition Merchandise

Physical collectors have another strong reason to preorder. Gaming studios often release collector’s editions that bundle luxurious physical goods like statues, art books, maps, or even wearable gadgets.

I remember preordering The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to secure the special map and soundtrack CD. Today, those items are cherished collectibles displayed proudly on my shelf. Limited edition merch won’t last long, so preordering ensures you don’t miss out on these irreplaceable items.

Ways to Preorder Games Without Paying Full Price

Let’s dive into some smart and practical methods of cutting down the costs without losing the preorder benefits.

Utilize Discounts and Promotions

Keep an eye on promotions from major retailers and digital stores like Amazon, Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, or Epic Games Store. Special preorder discount codes often pop up weeks before the release date.

If you're an Amazon Prime member, you'll sometimes get 10% off new game preorders. Similarly, digital platforms like Steam often run seasonal sales and promotions for games set to launch soon. Set alerts or join gaming deals communities on Reddit or Discord, and you'll easily catch these timely deals.

Wait for Sales or Bundles

You might think preordering means you'll always pay full price, but this isn't the case. Retailers often feature preorder bundles or promotional weekend sales aimed at driving brand-new sales.

For example, publishers like Ubisoft often announce special preorder bundles that combine the upcoming title with earlier games in the series at a discounted rate. You not only get the upcoming game cheaper, but also snag additional titles to play while you wait.

Trade-in Old Games For Credit

Trading in games you no longer play is a surprisingly effective way of reducing preorder costs. Major retailers like GameStop and online marketplaces offer store credit in exchange for your gently used games or consoles.

Recently, I traded in my older PlayStation games—which had been collecting dust—and earned enough store credit to preorder both Spider-Man 2 and the latest Final Fantasy, significantly reducing my out-of-pocket cost. It's an eco-friendly way to declutter and make your next gaming experience more affordable.

Preorder vs. Wait for Release: The Comparison

This decision isn't always straightforward, so let's weigh the pros and cons of preordering against waiting until the actual release date.

Early Access to Beta Versions and Demos

Preordering grants you early access to beta tests or demo versions, helping you test-drive the game before the wider public. For instance, gamers who preordered Call of Duty: Modern Warfare were invited to early beta weekends long before anyone else.

This perk helps you make informed decisions about investing your gaming hours. You also have a chance to provide feedback, making you feel like a valuable part of the game's community and evolution.

Risk of Preordering Unfinished or Disappointing Games

On the flip side, preordering always carries some risk. Remember the launch day disappointment of Cyberpunk 2077? Players who preordered faced numerous technical challenges, bugs, and poor optimization initially, making many gamers regret their decision.

To mitigate this risk, consider checking early demo plays on YouTube, developer transparency, and review impressions from beta testers before finalizing that preorder. Taking these steps means you can reduce your chances of buyer’s remorse and make preordering a safer bet.

FAQs: Common Questions Gamers Have About Preordering

To help you even further, here are some common preorder questions from gamers:

Most retailers offer easy cancellation or refund options before the game's launch date. Always double-check the retailer’s refund policy before placing your preorder.

Digital copies rarely sell out, but limited physical or collector’s editions can and often do. If you’re eyeing special merchandise, preordering early is wise.

Occasionally, publishers make preorder bonuses available later as paid DLC, but many remain genuinely exclusive. It varies significantly by publisher and game.

What Real Gamers Say:

"Preordering for me isn’t about day-one hype—it’s about getting the unique collectibles and experiences. I always check discount codes first and usually get games at least 10% cheaper." —Amanda, console gamer & collector

Final Thoughts

Preordering doesn’t have to drain your wallet if you're strategic about it. By leveraging discounts, promotional events, trade-ins, and careful timing, you can make the most out of preorders without overspending.

But remember, balance enthusiasm with caution—do thorough research before investing. That way, you'll always confidently embark on your next gaming adventure, ready to enjoy all those preorder perks without the full-price regret.

Got your own preorder tips or experiences? Share them with us in the comments below—we'd love to hear from you!